|
If you want to enjoy
an old fashioned country ride where you can relax
and take in the atmosphere of quiet farmlands, a
mixture of both old Victorian style homes with a
scattering of new homes, and small country towns, then
try the drive on Highway 160 towards Highway 12.
The highway winds its way alongside the
Sacramento River which is host to a variety of boats,
including everything from small fishing and pleasure
boats, to huge freighters lethargically moving from
port to port. Some of the boats traveling the waterways
of the Delta are among the most modern and graceful
vessels in the world. One of the towns worth spending
some time in is Isleton, especially if you are hungry. |
|
| |
|
|
Isleton is a small town
with a population of only 840 and is host to some big
events. The unique history of this town becomes
visible as you walk the streets enjoying its Chinatown,
historic buildings, quaint shops, varied restaurants
and a museum. |
|
| |
|
|
Crawdads Everyone! |
|
|
During Crawdad Festival,
which is held every Father’s Day weekend, the population
of Isleton swells to about 200,000 people who consume
about 22,000 pounds of crawdads, participate in
crawdad eating contests, and crawdad races. The
lively crowd is also entertained by a multitude
of live bands performing on the streets.
|
|
| |
|
|
The “Rodeo on the River
“ every September and the “Asian Festival” celebrating
the Chinese New Year are other highlights in
Isleton. The Asian festivities include a parade
with traditional Lion dancers. Arts and crafts booths
are abundant and when you are ready for a rickshaw
ride, this is the place for you. |
|
| |
|
|
If you want to try some
of those crawdads, otherwise known by Southerners
as “mud bugs” or “crayfish,” then the place to go
is Ernie’s Restaurant and Saloon. The specialty
at Ernie’s is crawdads steamed with Cajun seasonings
and served warm on huge platters. Ernie’s,
a favorite hangout for the locals, serves an
average of 800 pounds of these little local “mud
bugs” a month. Crawdad specialties are served
for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nothing
fancy here, just good food and good people |
|
| |
|
|
Rogelio’s, a very
popular restaurant in Isleton, has an interesting
history that began in 1981 when Rogelio Garcie opened
a Mexican restaurant. Shortly thereafter he
married Mew Ha, a Chinese woman who ate Chinese food
exclusively which prompted him to open a Chinese
restaurant. However, having the two restaurants caused
complications which resulted in Rogelio combining
the two cuisines into one restaurant. For good measure
he added American and Italian food to the menu.
“Rogelio’s Dine and Sleep Inn” today offers their
customers this ethnically varied menu and a small
hotel located over the restaurant. So, no matter
what kind of food you like, or if you want a nice
place to stay, Rogelio’s will not disappoint you. |
|
| |
|
|
Also
in the heart of Isleton is
the Del Rio Hotel. Combining hotel, restaurant and
a small casino, people flock to enjoy the prime rib
chuck wagon served on Friday and Saturday evenings. The
recently opened three table Casino offers a form
of Blackjack, Pai Gow and Texas Hold-Em. |
|
| |
|
|
If you want a donut, pastry
or delicious loaf of bread try Sonny’s! Opened only
six years ago their reputation has spread. Customers
come from all over the Delta area to enjoy the fragrance
of his shop and delicacy of his baked goods. Be
sure and enjoy an apple fritter dripping with frosting
for me. |
|
| |
|
|
A
good old fashioned Chinese menu,
at very reasonable prices, can be found at “Pineapple’s”
located right in the heart of this historical
town, and if it is a great breakfast you
want, try the “Levee Café”, which serves breakfast
and lunch only. |
|
| |
|
|
Come See The Loop! |
|
|
Across Highway 12 is Brannan Island
Road, a 10-mile scenic drive called the “Delta Loop”
where RVers, boaters, fisherman, water sport enthusiasts
and even bird watchers come to enjoy the
uniqueness of the Delta. Marinas and RV Parks are
kept busy all year round. If you are looking for
some delicious food, there are a few restaurants
on the Loop that you may want to visit. |
|
| |
|
|
The Lighthouse Restaurant
and Bar is located right on the waterfront, serves
good food and the view is terrific. Usually filled
with the local island folks, the atmosphere is a
little noisy and a lot of fun. Dining on their outdoor
patio gives you a chance to soak in the sun and
enjoy the River. |
|
| |
|
|
The
Riverboat II is a modern floating
restaurant, right on the bank of the River, which
is designed for both indoor and outdoor dining. While
dining you may feel just the slightest movement
as the wake of a passing boat gently rocks the restaurant.
The Riverboat II is a little more upscale than others
in Isleton. They offer an excellent wine list and
mouth watering food, including seafood, pasta and
prime rib at a medium price. Dining outside on their
large patio area is delightful anytime during the
day or evening. |
|
| |
|
|
Come explore Isleton. You
won’t want to miss the charm, beauty and history
of this lovely little waterfront town. |
|
|
ORDER
EXCERPTS
TRAVEL STORIES
RV TERMS
LINKS
RECIPES
POEMS
 |
|
