The Barn at Second Wind is located just a 15 minute south of Sacramento, near the hamlet of Freeport. Finding an awesome barn venue so close to downtown Sacramento is a treasure! This rural setting, along the Sacramento River has open fields, hops and grapes, and the sounds of singing birds. You will feel miles away from civilization.
The galvanized metal barn dates back to the 1950’s and was once used to house farming equipment. The present owners(the nicest you’ll ever meet), have developed the surrounding grounds and improved upon the vintage barn. The original cement floor has been polished to a soft gleam, while overhead are wonderful sturdy wood beams. In addition, the ceiling has a gorgeous 1940’s chandelier, wrought iron lanterns, and fans for air circulation. Recent improvement are the mister system and canvas curtains to shade the warmer side of the barn.
Entering from the parking area, check out the impressive Heritage Valley Oak that shades the front of the barn. In fact, the redwood trees and flowering plants create an oasis in the middle of this farmland. The are ceremony options including under the oak tree or in front of the barn doors, you decide! Afterwards, the social hour can be set up on the back side of the barn. There’s a great spot under another shady oak tree for your bar. Also, guests can enjoy the fun built-in bocce ball court, the horseshoe pit, or croquet on the lush lawn. Or they can simply sit around and chat while sipping lemonade from mason jars – heaven!
After a fantastic dinner (you can bring in your own caterer upon licensing approval), dancing and frivolity can be held under the stars. If desiring a quieter activity, roast marshmallows around a large firepit feeling campfire happy (a venue attendant handles all firepit details for an additional fee and so worth it!) The talented venue owner has hand-made sturdy, handsome farm tables for your dinner. These look fabulous inside the barn.
Photo ops are everywhere! For those desiring a unique spot, take a short walk to be photographed along the river on old railroad tracks. Also, another benefit of Second Wind, for those brides wishing to take care of hair and make-up services and getting dressed right on the property, adjacent to the barn space is the bridal changing room in a screened-in back porch with cabana curtains for privacy, lots of comfy seating and you can peek through the curtains to see the set up activities and guest arrival!
We envision the uses for The Barn at Second Wind to be rustic or inspired weddings, birthday celebrations, company picnics or any social where the country life is desired. The owners have collected lots of vintage decorative pieces that can be borrowed for your event. Shop in their Share Shed for wooden crates, mason jars, vases, vintage dressing tables, couches, tables, etc.! Lastly, adjacent to the barn is The Wagon at Second Wind. This is an intimate setting for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or birthday party. More to come on this new spot on the property.
The images in this review have been collected from various photographers. We thank Vixen Vendor Beth, of True Love Photo for joining us recently to re-visit and provide beautiful photos.
~ Vixen Lora
