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Travel Guide to Folsom, California - Family-Friendly Things To Do

Historical Folsom Hotel on Sutter Street.

The small historical gold rush town of Folsom is one of those California hidden gems that make for an excellent day trip from Sacramento or a weekend trip from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Folsom is a popular travel destination because it’s filled with historical charm, lots of shopping spots and tons of outdoor water and nature recreation for weekend warriors.

Our family lives in the city of Sacramento which is a short 30 minute drive from Folsom. Over the years we’ve visited Folsom more times than I can count and each time we discover something new and fun.

This Folsom guide will cover over 25 family-friendly things to do. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an action packed vacation, there’s something for everyone in Folsom.

Folsom Historic District on Sutter Street.

Folsom Police Mounted Patrol Officers.

Family stroller walks down the Folsom Historic District on Sutter Street.

Angel wings mural on Sutter Street in the  Folsom Historic District.

Folsom Historical District

The Folsom Historical District is considered the main hub of Folsom and is most likely the first place you’ll visit when spending time in Folsom. You’ll find the charming main drag on Sutter Street between Scott Street and Sibley Street. This grid of blocks have old preserved historical buildings dating back to the 1850’s and inside you’ll find shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking to take leisurely strolls, eat some good food and do some light boutique shopping then the Folsom Historical District is the place to be. Large portion of this neighborhood are blocked off to traffic so pedestrians can easily explore the area on foot.

We like to take the kids to eat lunch or dinner on Sutter Street and then grab ice cream afterwards. Scroll through this blog post to see lots of photos from our most recent visit to the Folsom Historical District.

Boutique Shops & Restaurants on Sutter Street in the Folsom Historic District

Emily’s antique corner.

Emily’s Antique Corner is located right at the Sutter St and Wool St intersection. This shop is filled to the brim with vintage treasures from many different eras. Any antiques fan is sure to find a new addition to their collection.

Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe

Inside Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe they celebrate the holiday season every day of the year. They’ve got thousands of ornaments which are organized into themes. You’d be hard-pressed to not find an ornament that commemorates your hobby, favorite food or even favorite sports team.

BrainyZoo Toys

Brainyzoo Toys has two locations in Folsom. One on Sutter Street and another inside the outlet mall. They carry a high quality toy collection including wooden toys, montessori toys, hands on learning toys, imagination play and more. It’s hard to get my kids out of this store!

Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones

During our visits to Folsom we like to walk up and down the Historic District and then grab an ice cream. Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones makes these unique twisted funnel cones to pair with their ice cream. They are located in the heart of Sutter Street.

Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory

Another popular sweet shop in Folsom’s Historic District is Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory. They serve Sacramento’s famous Gunther’s Ice Cream and Fruit Freezes.

Sutter Smokehouse Inside the Folsom Hotel

The Folsom Hotel is a grand historical landmark located on Sutter Street. Inside you’ll find the Gastropub Sutter Smokehouse which serves handcrafted and homestyle BBQ every day of the week. In the daytime families can enjoy.a meal on the patio and at night it turns into a bar for nightlife.

Scarlet’s Saloon

When you’re walking around downtown Folsom you’re sure to notice the bright colors and lights from Scarlet’s Saloon. This is not a kid-friendly place, more like a rowdy bar scene. If parents with childcare (or non parents) want to enjoy a night out on the town this is a hotspot.

Family walks down the Folsom Historic District on Sutter Street.

Emily’s Antique Corner located on the corner of Sutter St and Wool St in the Folsom Historic District.

Pit stop for ice cream from Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones on Sutter Street.

Historical storefront buildings on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Where to Eat in Folsom

Folsom is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with a historical and charming backdrop, but still has so many modern and updates places to hangout. Here’s some additional popular places for visitors to eat.

Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten

Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten brings you the best of Northern California. They have crafted beers that go along with their made from scratch American food. The ambiance is trendy modern rustic. Out on the patio they have fire pits and twinkle lights.

The Waffle Experience

The Waffle Experience is a dedicated breakfast and lunch spot in Folsom. Their waffles come in both traditional sweet and herb infused savory waffles. They also have a build-your-own brunch with 16 options to choose from!

Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse

Rudy’s Hideaway Lobsterhouse is considered a Northern California landmark because it’s been around since 1972. The decor is whimsical nautical and the food is authentic seafood. They are known for their famous for lobster, slow roasted Prime Rib and clam chowder.

Flock Pizza

Flock takes our favorite comfort food up a notch with artisan inspired pizzas. Unique pizza toppings include parmesan cream, broccolini, pecorino, taleggio, scallions, hot honey and goat cheese. The modern interiors are warm and comforting. Great food and a welcoming atmosphere!

Plank Craft Kitchen & Bar

Plank takes American classic foods and adds a modern and elevated spin on them. Although they are a bit on the fancier side, they do have a kid’s menu so little ones are welcome. But they do have adult alcoholic cocktails for happy parents!

Umami Ramen

There was quite a buzz when Umami Ramen opened up in March 2022. Previously there hadn’t been a ton of food diversity in Folsom and many had to drive to Sacramento to get their ramen fix. Umami serves traditional large ramen bowls in a bright and modern space.

Inside Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones on Sutter Street.

Ice cream cones from Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones on Sutter Street.

Ice cream from Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones on Sutter Street.

Where to Go Shopping in Folsom

Although Folsom is not a big city, many consider it to be a shopping destination because of their big shopping malls with well known brands. They also have excellent mom and pop boutiques and small business shopping in Historical Old Town Folsom.

Folsom Premium Outlet Mall

There are die-hard outlet mall shoppers who love all the big name designer brands that can be found and discount prices. I have been to the Folsom outlet mall several times and I have a few tips for first time visitors. Parking can be tricky at this mall so I suggest going early when it first opens. Secondly, they don’t have good food options at this mall. So eat before you go or plan to eat afterwards.

Finally, I have to be honest and say that you shouldn’t expect any major discounts at these stores. In many cases the popular products are still full price. Our favorite stores at the Folsom Outlet Mall are BrainyZoo Toy Store , Vans , LOFT , Coach , Banana Republic and Carter’s .

The Palladio Shopping Mall

The Palladio is a very big premium outdoor mall in Folsom. It has everything you can come to expect from fancy shopping centers including restaurants and popular fashion and home brands. On a day with nice weather it’s really a lovely stroll through The Palladio.

The perfect family afternoon for us at The Palladio includes stroller walks and then grabbing a healthy lunch at the Whole Foods buffet followed by gelato. With a full belly I like to hit up some of my favorite stores including H&M , Nordstrom Rack , Victoria’s Secret and MAC Cosmetics .

I also really enjoy shopping the local trendy boho fashion boutiques Apricot Lane and Button Up which are located inside The Palladio too.

Best Outdoor Recreation Areas in Folsom

Folsom is also known for their very well maintained and vast nature parks for outdoor recreation. Because the city sits adjacent to Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake, there’s plenty of lakeside shores, water sports and hiking trails for weekend warriors to enjoy.

Johnny Cash Trail

The historic Johnny Cash Trail is a very scenic pedestrian and biking path that loops around Folsom State Prison. It runs for 2.5 miles and connects the Folsom Historic District to the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail. Walking along this trail you’ll see rolling hills with wildflowers and views of the American River and Folsom Lake.

Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

My husband and I have been to the lakeside park known as Black Miners Bar twice. The first time we went kayaking in the summer and the second time we took the kids for a picnic. This area is very easily accessible with a staircase and paved trails. There’s picnic tables and a restroom.

*An update on the name - the city of Folsom changed the name from Negro Bar to Black Miners Bar in 2022.

American River and Folsom Trail Loop

While the American River and Folsom Loop Trail is considered to be an easy level for hiking, it does runs for over 10 miles and takes about 4 hours to complete via walking. You’ll follow along the American River and even head into historic downtown Folsom for a bit. This trail is dog-friendly, pedestrian and bike friendly.

John Kemp Community Park

We were recently invited to a 7-year-old’s birthday party at John Kemp Park in Folsom. Our kids had a blast so I decided to add it to this guide. In the park there’s a large play structure, water sprayers during the hot summer months, a big turf soccer field and lot of trees for shade. There’s also a big shaded picnic table area and public restrooms.

Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe storefront on Sutter Street in the Folsom Historic District.

Christmas ornaments from Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe on Sutter Street in the Folsom Historic District.

Christmas tree and ornaments from Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe on Sutter Street in the Folsom Historic District.

Best Places to Take Babies, Toddlers and Children in Folsom

Folsom city zoo sanctuary.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is much smaller than a typical zoo and is more of a sanctuary for wild animals. Children can see tigers, bears, cougars, wolves, monkeys, birds, foxes, reptiles and insects. For more family fun there’s also the Folsom Valley Railway miniature scale live steam train that children can ride.

Steve Miklos Folsom Aquatic Center

One of the top summer kids activities in Folsom is the Aquatic Center. This state of the art water facility has outdoor water play structures and pools. There’s also swim classes and birthday parties available.

Harris Center

Music and theater lovers can see musical concerts, broadway shows, choir and classical music performances at the Harris Center in Folsom. They have shows geared for children and also more sophisticated plays and concerts for adults.

Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Gunther’s Ice Cream from Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Gunther’s Fruit Freeze from Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Gunther’s Ice Cream and Fruit Freeze from Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Historical Folsom Sites Worth Visiting

Folsom state prison museum.

Johnny Cash is a larger than life figure in Folsom due to his song Folsom Prison Blues and performances at the Folsom Prison in the 1960’s. At the Folsom Prison Museum fans can find artifacts and Johnny Cash memorabilia. The museum is actually located next to the real prison in Represa which is a 10 minute drive from the Folsom Historical District.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

The Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park dates back to 1895 and was one of the first alternating current hydroelectric power station in the United States. History and science buffs will appreciate how meticulously this power house has been preserved. There’s also great views of the American River from this park.

Twinkle lights at night on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Scarlet’s Saloon in the Folsom Historic District.

Twinkle lights and the historic Folsom Hotel at night on Sutter St in the Folsom Historic District.

Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Folsom

If you’re planning an extended stay in Folsom and want to take the family on some scenic day trips and road trips, here’s some fun Northern California suggestions.

Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights and Orangevale

Just outside of Folsom to the west are the cities of Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights and Orangevale. Some of our favorite places to frequent in these neighborhoods are Badfish Coffee , Sunrise Shopping Mall , Arcade Creek Park Preserve and Sunrise Rollerland Roller Skate Rink .

Sacramento is a very short drive from Folsom and it’s by far the biggest city in close proximity. We have many Sacramento guides on the blog including where to eat in Sacramento , outdoor places to explore in Sacramento and family-friendly beer gardens .

Roseville is a 30 minute drive from Folsom and they have some major big attractions for families with kids. Golfland Sunsplash is an enormous water and amusement park. There’s also the Westfield Galleria shopping center with big name brand stores. And finally there’s 152 acre Maidu Regional Park for outdoor activities.

Apple Hill is a large collection of family farms throughout El Dorado County. In the fall and holiday season they have wholesome family events such as pumpkin patches, apple picking, cutting down Christmas trees and more. They also have kid-friendly wineries which are open to the public. The Apple Hill visiting center is a 35 minute drive from Folsom.

Auburn is a very similar town to Folsom in that they are both historical gold rush relics and they both have vibrant Old Towns. Auburn is one of the jewels of Placer County with beautiful natural outdoor recreation and excellent food options. My favorite summertime thing to do in Auburn is go swimming at the Yankee Jim Swimming Hole . Auburn is a 30 minute drive from Folsom.

I graduated from Chico State University and I love to go back and visit this bustling college town. Much like Folsom, Chico has great eats, a thriving downtown and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Bidwell Park is one of the largest parks in the nation with 3,670 acres. You can find water holes for swimming, hiking and rock climbing. Chico is 2 hours north of Folsom.

San Francisco

It may surprise you to know that San Francisco is only 2 hours from Folsom. That means you could day trip to the big city, the beach and even see the Golden Gate Bridge all in one day. On the blog we have guides to Fisherman’s Wharf , the Marina District and even a budget-friendly guide to San Francisco .

California Wine Country - Napa and Sonoma

You only have to drive 1.5 hours from Folsom to arrive at the world famous Napa Valley. There’s endless places to explore in both Napa and Sonoma, and believe it or not, there’s kid-friendly places in wine country too. See my guide to picnic spots in Napa and Instagrammable places in Napa Valley .

Black Miners Bar Folsom State Recreation park and picnic area.

Family picnic at Black Miners Bar Folsom State Recreation park.

Dipping our toes in the water at Black Miners Bar Folsom State Recreation park.

Watching the geese swim at Black Miners Bar Folsom State Recreation park.

Lifeguard tower at Black Miners Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Dipping our toes in the water at Black Miner Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Family picnic at Black Miner Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Paved walking trails at Black Miner Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Staircase leading down to the lake shore at Black Miner Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Playing on the lake shore at Black Miner Bar Folsom State Recreation Park.

Shopping with baby Scout at The Palladio Shopping Mall in Folsom.

Shopping spree at The Palladio Mall in Folsom.

Gelato from Whole Foods at The Palladio Mall in Folsom.

Healthy food buffet inside Whole Foods at The Palladio Mall in Folsom.

Kombucha from Whole Foods at The Palladio Mall in Folsom.

Playground at John Kemp Community Park in Folsom.

Steve Miklos Aquatic Center

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Book Your Hotel Stay in Folsom:

Residence Inn by Marriott in Folsom

The rooms at the Residence Inn come with a fully equipped kitchen and are pet-friendly!

Hilton Garden Inn Folsom

The Hilton Garden Inn is centrally located in Folsom right by the outlet mall and just minutes away from Folsom Lake Recreation Area.

Courtyard by Marriott Folsom

The Courtyard Marriott in Folsom has extra large rooms with sofas and king beds. On-site dinning available too.

Shop Family Travel Essentials:

Roll-up Picnic Blankets and Rugs

You can’t underestimate the convenience of a picnic blanket or picnic rug that easily rolls up and can be carried over your shoulder.

Backpack Diaper Bag

Having a diaper bag that can be worn as a backpack means you are hands-free to carry and hold hands with your babies and toddlers.

Travel Busy Kits for Babies & Toddlers

Busy Kits can be a lifesaver when traveling on long airplanes rides or road trips with babies and toddlers. All the toys are new and novel, keeping them entertained for hours.

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Flight Attendants and Pilots Swear by These Top-rated Suitcases and Travel Bags — and They’re Starting at $10

Take advice from the pros and refresh your travel gear with these expert-approved picks.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

As much as accessories like packing cubes and luggage straps make travel a bit easier, they can't perform without a great suitcase. And if you’re in need of a luggage upgrade, you’re in luck because Amazon has massive, wide-spread discounts on some of its top-rated and best-selling carry-ons , weekenders , and checked bags . 

When choosing the perfect bag for your next trip out of the countless deals, brands, and features, the options can feel quite overwhelming. My secret? I turn to flight attendants and pilots for expert advice on the best luggage on the market. With their extensive experience of navigating busy airports and packing for long-haul flights, they have insider knowledge on what works ( and what doesn't ). But if you don’t have a trusty cabin crew member on speed dial, no worries. I’ve curated a list of the best deals on flight attendant- and pilot-approved luggage and travel bags during this limited-time sale (think: Samsonite, Travelpro , and more up to 57 percent off).

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside 20-inch Carry-on

If you’re looking for a suitcase that is not just flight attendant-approved but also loved by Travel + Leisure editors , then this Samsonite carry-on should absolutely be on your radar. According to one flight attendant , its “smooth rolling” wheels and sleek construction “holds up during [their] daily travels.” And with a generous 44 percent discount this week, this deal is simply too good to pass up.

Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside 25-inch Checked-medium Suitcase

On their personal time, flight attendants use this " great quality bag " from Delsey Paris. In fact, it earned a stamp of approval from one cabin member, who said they "consider myself a luggage expert as I have basically been living out of suitcases and hotels for 28 years." Get it for $70 off this weekend during Amazon's flash luggage sale.

AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 20-inch Carry-on Suitcase

Are you a frequent traveler on a quest to find a durable bag to accompany on your adventures?  This flight attendant found themselves on a similar journey — until they discovered the ideal bag: the AmazonBasics Hardside Carry-on . Taking to the review section, they were happy to report that it “rolls with complete ease and is sturdy, too. My arms and back feel absolutely zero stress… It feels like it's floating.” Between its smooth-rolling wheels and lightweight build, it's a must-snag bag, especially while it's only $72.

Ibfun Weekender Bag

Pro tip: If a flight attendant ever deems something perfect, consider that a sign that you need it in your travel repertoire. It just so happens that this lightweight weekender bag has been dubbed “ perfection for frequent travelers ” by flight attendants for its spacious yet compact build that can “easily fit two to three pairs of shoes in the bottom compartment, and enough things to be comfortable on a two-day trip.” As if it couldn’t get any better (aside from its $34 price tag), this bag also comes with a crossbody and toiletry pack, which are super handy for packing all of your additional personal belongings.

Level8 Store Rolling Carry-on 20-inch Suitcase

This sleek suitcase is made with an ultra-durable hardshell, eight silent 360-degree spinning wheels, and spacious compartments. In fact, one pilot said they have “used it for over 100 flights” and absolutely love how it “fits perfectly in the overhead compartment of regular and regional jets, the wheels are solid, and it glides easily through the airport.” If you want to give this pilot-approved suitcase a try for yourself, be sure to clip the on-site coupon for $15 off.

Hanke Multifunctional Hardshell 26-inch Suitcase

Prime members are privy to particularly great deals this weekend, including this Hanke medium-checked suitcase that’s on exclusive sale for $192. Aside from its stellar deal, one flight attendant said that, after “searching for the perfect work bag for years, [they’ve] finally found it.” They also mentioned that this bag “exceeded [their] expectations” and that their “coworkers are now asking where to find this little suitcase.”

Tprc Smart Underseat Carry-on Suitcase

I am absolutely smitten with my underseat carry-on . I traveled with one for the first time this year and was blown away by its seamless transportability, and that it fit perfectly under the airplane seat in front of me. Flight attendants seem to agree, and are especially loving this underseat carry-on from Tprc. Despite its size, the bag is able to fit "sneakers, my service shoes, extra uniform, jeans, two shirts, and yoga pants just in the main compartment," one flight attendant shared , adding, "With the pockets, there's still plenty of room for some toiletries, makeup, and some other essentials.”

U.S. Traveler Store Expandable Carry-on and Duffel Set

This luggage set instantly caught my attention with its remarkable $20 discount and 18,000-plus five-star ratings — many of which are from cabin members. Flight attendants “ absolutely love this luggage set ” and gushed that it's “durable and dependable," and offers "so much room" when they overpack. Even more, one chimed in to share that this two-for-one set is “absolutely great” and hasn’t shown a single sign of wear and tear (which means a lot considering how much flight attendants travel).

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on 21-inch Suitcase

If you’re jet-setting around the world, you'll need a bag that can withstand the stress of travel. This suitcase has been praised as the “ best lightweight suitcase ” by flight attendants for its expandable design and sleek, lightweight exterior. But they aren’t the only ones who love it, as pilots have also raved about its quality and convenience in the review section. One added that “this bag is great quality and just the right size… The rollers are smooth and it is easy to drag through the airport.” And as a treat, it's discounted to $145 today.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Travel Backpack

If you’ve never used a travel backpack in lieu of a carry-on, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. They’re surprisingly spacious — so much so that I routinely pack them for weekend trips — while remaining easy to carry around because of their ergonomic design. One longtime fan raved that they have been using this bag “several times a month" on flights and "never have issues with TSA.” They also mentioned that it’s been approved by their flight attendant friend, who has been using it for the last three years. 

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A trip to the last Blockbuster on Earth

Visiting the bend, ore., store is like stepping back in time.

BEND, Ore. — My family used to go to Blockbuster every Friday. Walking to the store on 19th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan, we’d wander through the aisles of DVDs, negotiating what to rent for our weekly ritual of making pizzas and watching movies, and I’d try to sweet-talk my way into a Nerds Rope or a box of watermelon Sour Patch Kids.

We cycled through countless discs before my parents signed up for Netflix’s DVD service. Our local store closed in 2010 — the year Blockbuster corporate filed for bankruptcy protection — and less than a decade later, almost all of Blockbuster’s 9,000 stores had followed suit.

These days, there’s only one Blockbuster left on Earth . It’s in Bend, Ore., about 820 miles from my home in Los Angeles.

But I’ve traveled farther for stupider reasons.

So I took a trip to Bend with my partner, Reanna (who loves DVDs even more than I do). Our journey there involved an extensive delay that stretched into 13 hours of travel — via cab, bus, plane and rental car — but it all felt worth it when we caught a glimpse of the glowing yellow Blockbuster sign in the distance.

‘A huge movie town’

Most of the tourism in Bend revolves around the city’s outdoor wonders, attracting people who love hiking, skiing, canoeing and exploring the local terrain.

But the city has always been filled with movie lovers, according to Ken Tisher, who owns the Blockbuster on Revere Avenue with his wife, Debbie.

“For those who don’t know, Bend is a huge movie town,” Ken said in the 2020 documentary “ The Last Blockbuster .”

The Tishers opened their first video rental store as Pacific Video in the early 1990s. With business booming, they launched two more locations, but when Blockbuster moved into town they had one option for survival: They made the store on Revere Ave into a Blockbuster franchise in 2000.

As a chain, Blockbuster peaked in 2004, when there were 9,000 locations worldwide. The company has shut down thousands of locations over the years, making the Bend Blockbuster the last Blockbuster in the United States in 2018 (after two stores in Alaska closed), and the only one in the world by April 2019 (after the second-to-last Blockbuster in a suburb of Perth, Australia, shut down).

Sandi Harding, the general manager of the Bend Blockbuster, has been working there since 2004. She watched the franchise’s decline from the front lines, giving countless interviews and figuring out how to keep the store stocked and relevant.

Since there’s no corporate supplier left, Harding buys candy and snacks in bulk from Costco and has figured out how to print and laminate new membership cards. Most of the DVD vendors that they have worked with have closed over the years, and the ones that are still open have minimum orders that are far too big for her store.

“I can’t afford to purchase movies through them, so I’m back to buying 100 percent of everything at Walmart and Target,” Harding told me.

The staff’s DIY efforts pay off: Harding estimates that they still get 500 to 1,000 customers over the course of a weekend.

“It’s all tourism driven now, where before it was all rental driven,” Harding said. “So it’s totally a different experience.”

The last on Earth

We made it to Bend a little before 7:30 p.m., exhausted but relieved that we didn’t miss our chance to indulge in some retro movie magic. It was a sleepy Sunday evening, so the store was nearly empty.

“The winter months used to be our bread and butter, like, that’s when we were the busiest: when people couldn’t go outside or travel,” Harding said. “Now it’s the opposite, the winter is quiet. So this time of year we get lots of projects done. We all take vacations, and we do things, because the summer is when we’re just crazy busy.”

Most of the store is straight out of the early 2000s: The walls are lined with DVDs and VHS tapes to purchase or rent; the location’s original triangular checkout counter has endured the test of time; and the staffers still wear blue and yellow shirts (though they’re not forced to don the retro polos ).

“The ticket tee that we have out there is the T-shirt we’ve always had here at the store for our employees,” Harding said, referring to the ticket stub design on the shirts that her employees wear. “But on the back of it used to say ‘your ticket to the movies,’ and then it went to ‘last one in America,’ and now it’s ‘last one on the planet.’”

The rentals are still reasonably priced: New releases cost $3.99 and older DVDs are just 99 cents. And these days, nobody complains about late fees.

“Now everybody is like, ‘Aw man, we miss it,’ which is always funny,” Harding said. “You’d be surprised how many people insist on paying their late fees now to support the store.”

Unsurprisingly, rentals and late fees aren’t enough to keep the store afloat. Harding estimates that 80 percent of its business comes from selling merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, postcards, keychains and popcorn-scented candles.

Most of that merch is made by local artisans, since Harding wants to support her fellow Oregonians.

“We’re proud of the fact that we’re able to source as much as we can here in town,” she said. “If we can’t have them made in Bend, we buy them through another small business.”

“People come in and see [the merch] and then I remember why we’ve got it, because people smell the candle or they see the T-shirt and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this so brings me back,’” she added.

A blast from the past

As I browsed the aisles of Blockbuster, it felt like I stepped into a memory. The space was still warm and comforting, the snack and drink options were abundant, and the staff clearly had great taste.

There are a few things in the store that bring visitors back to 2024: Some of Russell Crowe’s costumes — passed along from the closed Anchorage store — sit next to a wall of Blockbuster memorabilia and letters that have been sent to the store. A modest living room occupies one corner, reminiscent of the Airbnb experience the store offered in 2020. The checkout counter also has a guest book, so visitors can sign their names and leave sentimental notes.

“I opened up an account the other day for somebody from Seattle, and she was like, ‘We’re on our way home, but we had to stop and rent a movie. I’m going to mail it back to you.’” — Sandi Harding, general manager of the Bend Blockbuster

“We have almost 30 of those little guest books signed,” Harding said. “I’m actually looking forward to the day when I can sit down and just go through them all.”

The store has welcomed visitors from all six habitable continents, and Harding can rattle off plenty of states and countries that people have traveled from. She tries to be as accommodating as possible for those who are passing through town and want the full rental experience.

“I opened up an account the other day for somebody from Seattle, and she was like, ‘We’re on our way home, but we had to stop and rent a movie. I’m going to mail it back to you,’” Harding said. “Sometimes people just do it and walk around outside and put it back in the drop box, just because they want to have that experience of renting the movie and returning it.”

Reanna and I had one night in Bend at an Airbnb with a DVD player , so we took our time perusing the shelves. Instead of doom scrolling through a streaming app on my TV, or trusting an algorithm to pick something out, I looked at a wall of the staff’s Valentine’s Day picks, feeling a kinship with Santana, who recommended the 2018 remake of “A Star is Born,” and Aidan, whose picks included “Moonlight” and “Knocked Up.”

That sense of connection is really what we’re looking for when we visit an old school video store.

“Video stores and movie theaters have always kind of felt like my church,” Jared Rasic, a local critic, said in “The Last Blockbuster” documentary. “They’ve always felt like the place where I go to feel the most like the calm, normal human being that I’ve always wanted to be.”

Reanna and I eventually settled on renting “Gentlemen Broncos,” a sci-fi comedy directed by the man who made “Napoleon Dynamite,” and “Vanilla Sky,” a thriller starring Tom Cruise. After grabbing some merch, a locally brewed Blockbuster beer and a respectable assortment of candy and microwave popcorn, we were ready to check out.

We also got two membership cards along with our wares; small yellow and blue reminders that sit in our wallets and remind us that we might get the chance to go back one day.

Julia Carmel is a Los Angeles-based writer. You can follow them on X: @julcarm .

A photo caption incorrectly said a visitor was from Cambi, Ore. They are from Canby, Ore. This article has been corrected.

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