Summer fun with your pup in folsom

History, a vibrant dining scene and outdoor recreation options galore beckon in this gateway to California Gold Country. Folsom’s nucleus is its handsomely revitalized Old Town district, centered on Sutter Street and great for an anytime stroll or sit-down with your four-legged friend.

Stop at a dog-friendly patio restaurant or watering hole (Sutter Street Grill, Fat Rabbit Public House and nearby Karen’s Bakery and Café are good choices) and watch the world go by in an atmosphere that becomes very animated on weekends.

Then, put on your hiking shoes and start exploring a network of 50-plus miles of paved paths shared by cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers. New on the scene is the 2.5-mile Johnny Cash Trail, named for the singer who brought Folsom into America’s consciousness back in 1968 (yes, the trail passes right by the prison where the Man In Black played his newly minted song for inmates). On hot summer days, there are many places to get wet, including spots along the American River Parkway or at nearby Lake Natoma and adjacent Folsom Lake, both part of the 30.5-square-mile Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

If your pup simply needs to run off steam, take her to Fido Field (also known as Folsom Dog Park), unclip and watch her go. When it comes time to put paws to dog bed, choices include the Residence Inn by Marriott, Staybridge Suites, and Larkspur Landing.