Sam's Town Marketplace

USA / California / Cameron Park /
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One-time site of the legendary Sam's Town, a restaurant/amusement complex started by Sam Gordon, the "Hof Brau King of Sacramento", in 1968. This was a classic roadside stop for travelers on the way between Sacramento (as well as surrounding cities throughout the San Joaquin Valley and Bay Area) and Lake Tahoe. Home to classic arcade games, including Skee-Ball lanes, mechanical games, as well as late 1970s to early 1990s video games, as well as a virtual roller coaster attraction at one time. Peanuts were served at the bar and restaurant, and patrons were encouraged to drop their peanut shells on the floor. Featured near the front entrance of the property was a cage used as a prop in the original "Planet Of The Apes" film.

Sam's Town closed around 2000, briefly reopened, then closed for good around 2001. The property was acquired for the current shopping center, named Sam's Town Marketplace, currently anchored by a Food 4 Less warehouse-class supermarket, also featuring Applebee's bar & grill, Starbucks Coffee, a Cingular retail store, Subway Sandwiches, Great Clips for Hair, and a Taco Del Mar restaurant.
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Coordinates:   38°39'26"N   120°58'20"W

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This article was last modified 12 years ago