The Village of the Chickens

Little Fair Oaks Village may not have intended it to be so, but the roosters and their hens rule the roost in the quaint little community oddly just east of Sunrise Boulevard and south of Winding Way in the midst of Sacramento suburbia. The roosters crow and strut, making a pleasant background and creating the illusion of stepping into a time long gone.

Saturday morning found me exploring this dreamy little hamlet and happy as a middle-level adventurer could be. Middle-level you ask? Yes, I find myself truly enjoying discoveries rather than exertions. I doubt I’ll ever be found on a rock face climbing to its peaks, but I do find escapades into unfamiliar territories exciting.

So, on instructions from my sister, who lives in Fair Oaks but not in the village area, I wandered around until I happened on the two-block Main Street, which is actually Fair Oaks Blvd. On my way out, I found an easy route; take California Avenue off of Sunrise just south of Winding Way. Just up and down a tiny hill, and you’ll find yourself smack in the middle of old Fair Oaks.

There are several places to eat, but I chose the Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli, pictured here, and had an inexpensive breakfast sandwich and small coffee. I soaked up the atmosphere while I sipped my coffee and noted that interior chotchkes add interest and color. The service was extremely friendly – Michelle Sanford, who was working the counter, shared lots of information with me - and I enjoyed watching the locals wander in for what was obviously their regular fare. It was a bit too chilly to enjoy a table outside, but they are umbrella-ed for when the weather is more cooperative.


I wandered the sidewalks peering into windows and admiring the charm, when I stumbled upon what can only be called an “accessory shop” – The HART Collection. Inside, I found Carla Martin, who runs the place with her family that produces about half the jewelry to be found inside – and that’s no small amount.

An entire wall is dedicated to their creations and other pieces, from earrings to necklaces and even hair ornaments. There is another section devoted to the ladies of the Red Hat Society, larger and more diverse than I’ve ever run into before.

This little shop is a treasure; reasonable prices, a glorious selection of items ranging from hats to party purses to any kind of fun jewelry you can imagine.

If you are an antique aficionado or perhaps enjoy artistic quilts, you’re also in luck in Fair Oaks. Additionally, when it warms up, you may want to experience one of the performances at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, home of the Fair Oaks Theater Festival.

Old Fair Oaks is a walk back in time, but unlike some of the little town in the Gold Country, this feels more like the 1940s or 50s. I highly recommend setting aside a couple of hours to explore this tiny burg. I’ll be returning myself, as soon as I can, to further uncover the riches I missed this weekend.