Post #13174 by tikivixen on Fri, Nov 8, 2002 12:49 PM

That was terrific research, Dean. Don't worry though, I was already depressed.

I did always wonder why Pollardville looked so odd. Now I know.

I also was happy to finally see the Islander!!! Thanks so much. I have a handful of mugs from there that I was lucky enough to find in Vallejo and Stockton thrift stores before tiki went price-crazy.

Went to Minnie's recently and yes, the wonderful velvet paintings are still there. Not only that, they have an haunting series of wahine paintings--oil I think, very classy, beautiful and atmospheric. Really good...at least, in subdued lighting after a couple of drinks!! Fabulous interior overall. I was SO happy. Thank you tiki gods and goddesses, for letting Minnie's survive when so many other wonderful places are long gone...

Not to mention, the old Tropics motel looks marvelous on the OUTSIDE, at least--the tikis are huge and impressive! I once thought Sacto would have some interesting sites left, but that was because I thought it was still a slower-paced, "country" town.

The state capitol status, plus the aggressive expansion outwards of the 'burbs in recent years has killed all that. Sacto is NOT sleepy and charming at all anymore, if it ever was. It is very into "progress." Attracting big biz and yuppies and all that. Pfeh!!!

I used to drive by the Coral Reef Lodge...all sad, boarded-up, graffiti'd and trashed, surrounded by dying palms and garbage. Nope, no tiki spirit left there really, unless you count the "Eastern Empire" on Howe. They DO have great tropical drinks...apparently, the owner collects tiki mugs.

--Lisa