Need some retail therapy? Let’s go!
Whether you’re looking for mom-and-pop boutiques, big-box retail, or bargain outlets, Folsom has something for you. Most new shopping areas are along East Bidwell St near Highway 50. This was an intentional move by city planners, allowing visitors, along with residents from surrounding communities, to come in and shop, with easy freeway access and minimal impact on city traffic.
Much but not all of Folsom’s major shopping can be found along the East Bidwell Corridor including:
Located just off of Highway 50 at the corner of East Bidewell, Folsom Gateway features several Big Box retailers, including, Best Buy, REI, Pestmart, Sam’s Club, Ulta Cosmetics, DSW, as well as other retail, restaurants and businesses.
Steve’s tip: Fat’s Asia Bistro is a beautiful restaurant, perfect for upscale dining with creative drink menu. Great happy hour, too.
Located just across the street from Folsom Gateway, Palladio describes itself as a sophisticated, landscaped shopping center with national retailers, dining & movie theaters.
The center features public art pieces, fountains, and plenty of space to relax.
More than that, Palladio hosts many events throughout the year, including the popular free Summer Concert series, seasonal events such as the Tree Lighting and Easter Ceremonies, the Foothill Wine Festival and more. You might also find live music on the plaza in front of the Palladio 16 movie theaters.
Speaking of movies, it’s easy to make a dinner-and-a-movie date, as the theater is located between the Back Bistro and Buckhorn Grill, and there are greek, sushi, ramen, yogurt and ramen shops within 100 feet.
You can also do dinner and a movie in the same place at the Luxe Restaurant, also in Palladio.
Steve’s Tip: If people-watching is your thing, grab a window seat at Back Bistro and enjoy a glass from their extensive wine list or whiskey selection, and watch the world go by.
Continuing north along East Bidwell, across Broadstone Blvd isBroadstone Plaza Shopping Center. There you’ll find familiar retailers such as Home Depot, Michaels, Ross, Total Wine & More, Old Navy and more.
Steve’s Tip: Tucked away in the southeast corner is Ttobongee Korean Fried Chicken. It is fabulous.
Cross East Bidwell and you’re in Broadstone Plaza. Anchored by Bel Air Supermarket, the center also features CVS and Party City. There are about a dozen restaurants, including Land Ocean, Thai Paradise, and Visconti’s, a Folsom institution.
Steve’s tip: The Green Curry at Thai Paradise is pretty close to what I’ve experienced in Thailand. I order it with tofu and brown rice.
Follow East Bidwell another mile or two and across Blue Ravine, on your left you’ll find Willow Creek Town Center. Anchored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, also featuring a CVS, and Wing Mahal an Indian-inspired chicken wing joint. Sprouts market is located behind Dicks.
Steve’s Tip: University of Beer, opening in the former IHOP location this fall.
Across East Bidwell you’ll find the center anchored by Target, and also featuring Home Goods and Joanne’s Fabrics.
Steve’s Tip: For arguably the best burger in Folsom, and a great beer selection, head to Manderes. Bonus tip: Two doors away is Bacchus House, an elegant little restaurant with over-the-top decorations for every season and holiday. Check it out.
As you make your way down East Bidwell, you’ll find grocery stores and more, with Trader Joe’s and Lowe’s on your right, Sprouts, Raley’s, and Grocery Outlet on your left.
Steve’s Tip: Pho ABC has a huge variety of authentic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Outstanding Vietnamese coffee, too.
You’ll come to the end of East Bidwell Street at Coloma, in front of Sutter Middle School, but not before passing Handley’s Western and Work Wear. Celebrating over 60 years in Folsom, Handley’s features a wide selection of cowboy hats, boots, jeans and more.
Steve’s Tip: Be sure to stop in at BJ Cinnamon, named ‘Best Bakery in California’ by Buzzfeed.
Other shopping centers include:
Walmart Supercenter
Located at Glenn and Riley, one block south of East Bidwell, this center also has several small shops and restaurants, including Rock-N-Fire Pizza,
Burgers and Wings.
Across Riley you’ll find Khol’s and That Dam Place.
Steve’s Tip: Co-owner and Folsom City Councilwoman Kerri Howell is from New England, so the menu HAS to have a Lobster Roll. It is fabulous.
At Iron Point Road and Folsom Blvd, the Folsom Premium Outlets features name-brand discount shops from Tommy Hilfiger, Chico’s, Coach, Banana Republic and more. As well as a handful of great coffee shops.
Steve’s Tip: Go to their ‘Deals’ page where you can find current specials and sign up for their VIP Club, offering discounts at nearly every store.
