Johnny Cash may have made Folsom famous with his 1955 song “Folsom Prison Blues” and live performances at the prison in 1968, but there is more to this city than incarceration. A railroad connection to Sacramento — part of the very first railroad in the West — and a hydroelectric power station helped keep it there. Quaint storefronts set against the rugged Sierra foothills make a visit to this tree-shrouded village a bit like stepping back in time. Sutter Street is the heart of Folsom’s historic district, and that is where you’ll find Sutter Street Grill. Known for its biscuits and gravy, this understated and informal spot has no less than 20 omelet options on its menu. After fueling up, take a walk along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, which begins just below the Sacramento Regional Transit Light Rail stop. Cyclists will be better equipped to take advantage of its full 32 miles of length. A less strenuous and more historically edifying experience is visiting the Folsom Powerhouse, off Greenback Lane as you enter town. Though small, the free museum does a nice job of explaining what was then an engineering feat. [...] the 12-acre grounds of this state park are picnic friendly, with a great, rock-lined swimming spot at water’s edge, which just happens to be where native Southern Maidu ground their acorns; the telltale holes are easy to spot. Fed by both the North and South Forks of the American River, Folsom Lake fairly dwarfs its sibling to the south and offers loads of recreation opportunities. Built in 1880 to ease overcrowding at San Quentin, it houses 5,500 inmates. Visiting the Folsom Prison Museum costs two bucks, but don’t let Johnny Cash guilt you into feeling you must. Locals pointed us to the Sutter Street Taqueria, where the carnitas tacos seem to be the most popular item. After lunch, browse the antique and curio stores along Sutter Street and pop into the Folsom History Museum. Cool off with an ice cream cone, shake or float at Snooks Chocolate Factory, a family operation since 1963. If you don’t feel like kayaking, just walk down to the aforementioned spot near the Powerhouse and at least get your feet in the water while you soak up the scenery. By 7 p.m., there’s usually a good-size crowd at the Folsom Hotel Saloon, which has a bit of a Wild West feel to it. The party crowd, especially those looking to dance and hear live music, often end the night (and begin the next day) at the Powerhouse Pub.
