Three reasons to visit Woodland’s Main Street

Over 10,000 “Main Streets” pepper America, but our Sacramento Valley is home to a special one.  Woodland’s Main Street is a trip down memory lane complete with delicious food, great entertainment and eye candy galore.  Here are three reasons to wander over to Woodland. 

Food

As old school as it gets!  Taking cash only, the Chicago Cafe is a tiny Chinese food restaurant that has been in operation for over 100 years.  Vinyl swivel chairs belly up to the bar and you can enter through the back kitchen or the front door.  Authentic Chinese food plus American favorites like chicken fried steak draw visitors from all over the Sacramento Valley.   

Location:  411 Main Street

Ludy’s

Go for the ribs, stay for the ambiance.  Checkered tablecloths, western décor and live music Friday and Saturday nights makes Ludy’s BBQ another Main Street must. 

Location:  667 Main Street

Morgan’s on Main

Elegant and upscale, Morgan’s on Main is a newbie on the street.  The menu relies on the agricultural bounty surrounding Woodland and the greater Sacramento Valley.    

Location:  614 Main Street

Timothy’s Bakery

For a sweet treat, try this delicious bakery.  Old-fashioned cookies mingle with elegant champagne cakes and down-home doughnuts. 

Location:  422 Main Street

Arts

The Woodland Opera House, built in 1885, and re-built after it burned to the ground in 1892, is a show stopper.  From its velvet seats to its fantastic shows, this is the shining star of Main Street.  I’ve been to a handful of performances, which often feature both adult and children.  The tickets are worth the price of admission, and then some. 

Location:  340 2^nd Street, accessible along Main Street

History

Corner Drug Co. , the local drug store, open since 1897, is part modern pharmacy, part museum.  A treasure trove of unique gifts and history, you can see old medicines and prescriptions that were sold decades ago. 

Location: 602 Main Street

While technically not on Main Street, a trip to Woodland is not complete without a drive by or tour of  Reiff’s Gas Station Museum.  This place pays homage to the 1950’s and 60’s car culture.  Vintage gas pumps, old-fashioned cars plunging into buildings and even a Bob’s Big Boy figurine greet you as you drive by. 

Location:  52 Jefferson Street

Visit historic downtown Woodland. This town is another example of what makes the Sacramento Valley so unique!