Brews and more in Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova, a suburban community on Highway 50 about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento, is a great jumping-off place for forays into the Sierra foothills, but it’s also a beer-lover’s destination in itself with dog-friendly craft breweries or taprooms and a tap-happy restaurant (Brookfield’s) with dog-friendly patio seating.

A great option for getting started: Fort Rock Brewing Co., located in the Nimbus Winery Village, where DogTrekking visitors can sample house-made beer and also order off appetizer and small-plate menus from the adjacent Old Spaghetti Warehouse and Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (alternatively, you can bring your own food to enjoy on the patio along with your brewski). It’s part of the up-and-coming Barrel District, which encompasses three distilleries as well as the six craft breweries.

Photo Credit: @adventure_rn