‘Tis the Season for Victorian Christmas & “The Christmas Card” in Nevada City

Victorian Christmas 2016

Sundays – Dec 4, 11 & 18 from 1:30 – 6pm
Wednesdays – Dec 14 & 21 from 5 – 9pm

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Experience the magic of Nevada City first hand at Victorian Christmas. This annual, family tradition takes place in December and features: carriage rides, savory yuletide treats, roasted chestnuts. Wander the lamp-lit streets and shop for hand-crafted candy, jewelry, pottery, perfume, dolls, and handmade Christmas gifts. Victorian singers, bagpipers, brass bands and strolling minstrels provide warm Christmas music. Nevada City’s famous Walking Christmas Tree and a living nativity scene can be found, along with horse drawn carriage rides.

For information, contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692 or visit NevadaCityChamber.com.


“The Christmas Card” filmed in Nevada City

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2016 Showtimes of “The Christmas Card”

“The Christmas Card,” filmed in Nevada City, tells the story of a soldier, Cody Cullen, with no family who, while serving in Afghanistan, receives an anonymous holiday card that touches him deeply. While on leave back home, he travels to Nevada City, California, the picturesque town from which the card was sent. Once there, Cody meets and falls in love with beautiful Faith Spelman, who sent the card, and quickly becomes a cherished member of the Spelman family. Yet romance for Cody and Faith seems out of the question, because she has a boyfriend and is about to become engaged.

For more information about “The Christmas Card” and to check air times, please visit Hallmark Channel’s Website.


Visit “The Christmas Card” film locations

If you visit Nevada City, you can walk through downtown and see the film locations:

Methodist Church

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The church in the movie is Nevada City Methodist at the top of Broad Street. It is an active church and hosts an annual Christmas Craft Faire.

National Hotel

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When Cody arrives in Nevada City he checks in at the National Hotel. The National is the oldest, continually operational hotel and saloon in the west. The National Hotel is registered historical landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Nevada City Classic Cafe

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The cafe is known as Curly Fries in the film. Normally, it’s Nevada City Classic Cafe. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, and a festive Friday night crepe night.

The Christmas Tree Lot

The Christmas Card Tree Lot
The location of the Christmas Tree lot doesn’t really exist, but you can visit the spot at the corner of Commercial & Main Street in downtown Nevada City.

Outside of town, you can visit:

49 Crossing of the South Yuba River

Photo by Bob White

At the end of the movie Cody visits a Veteran’s Memorial (which doesn’t exist in real life). Faith finds Cody here, as he is leaving town, and the couple kisses down by the river.

Kubich Lumber

The lumber mill in the film is Kubich Lumber Company in Grass Valley, an active working mill. It’s located on a private road. Please contact them directly if you’re interested in visiting.


“SCROOGE” at the Nevada Theatre

Plays through December 24th

LeGacy Presents is proud to present SCROOGE as their annual holiday production at the Nevada Theatre. Directed by Sue LeGate Halford, choreographed by Dinah Smith, with musical direction by Beverly Marks, SCROOGE is a must see this Christmas season! With Rodger Hoopman in the title role for his 38th year, SCROOGE makes its debut at the Nevada Theatre this holiday season opening November 25 and playing through December 24th. Performances are Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 ( with exception of December 24th, which is a 2 pm matinee ) Thursday December 8th & 22nd at 7pm, Sunday December 4th and 18th at 2pm.

Tickets for SCROOGE are only $20 in advance, available at The Bookseller, Harmony Books, online at LeGacypresents.com or by calling (530) 268-5419

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Winners 2016

Announcing the winners from this year’s film festival!

People’s Choice winner was “Unbranded,” a film about four cowboys who ride 16 Mustangs 3,000 miles through the wildest terrain in the American West to inspire conservation efforts and prove the worth of 50,000 wild horses and burros living in holding pens.

The Best of Festival was “The Burden.” At the Sunday night “Best Of” film series in the Nevada Theatre, Melinda Booth, Wild & Scenic Film Festival Director, introduced the film and shared the comments from the jury about their choice. Long-time juror Chuck Jaffee called it the most important filmed to ever be shown at the festival. It’s a ground-breaking environmental film that puts both Republicans and Democrats on the same side. Watch it, and share! It’s important.

If you missed the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, you can still watch the films. SYRCL has a lending library where members can check out the films, and many of the films can be found on Netflix, YouTube, and Vimeo.

2016 Film Fest Winners

People’s Choice
Unbranded

Best of Festival
The Burden

Spirit of Activism
The Accidental Environmentalist

Most Inspiring Adventure Film
Unbranded

Best in Theme
INHABIT: A Permaculture Perspective

Best Short
Denali

Jury Awards
The Important Places

Sonic Sea

Student Filmmaker Award
Won’t Pipe Down


John de Graaf Environmental Filmmaking Award

Sonic Sea

Honorable Mentions

Skateboarding in Pine Ridge

Deep Time

Voyagers Without Trace

Kids Jury

Best Film: Worse Than Poop!

Honorable Mention: Distress Call

 

Nevada City Uncorked

The Broad Street Inn Partners With Solune Winegrowers and The Pleasant Valley Grill

Nevada City Uncorked, a walk-about-town wine event that takes place on Saturday, August 29, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., includes 21 different venues throughout downtown Nevada City. Each location, whether it is a retail shop, restaurant, winery tasting room, or B&B will include wine or beer tasting, and food sampling.

19 wineries from Nevada and Placer Counties, as well as two local breweries will be pouring their favorite wines and beers. Additionally all the wineries will be featuring their newest releases in celebration of the upcoming harvest.

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This year enjoy the Victorian charm and quaint elegance of The Broad Street Inn. The tranquil and lovely ambience of their backyard offers a perfect spot to enjoy some great wine and delicious food.

The Pleasant Valley Grill will be at showcasing their culinary talents serving fried chicken, and assorted cheesecakes. Solune Winegrowers will be pouring their award winning wines including 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 2014 Barbera Dry Rosé, 2011 Barbera and two featured new releases, a Petite Cab and Fleur de Lune.

Nevada City Uncorked is collaboration between the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and the Sierra Vintners Association. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 on the day of the event, or $30 for Wine Club Members of participating wineries. Each ticket includes a wine glass, unlimited wine/beer tasting, and five food tickets. For information, contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at 530-265-2692 or visit www.nevadacitychamber.com. Purchase tickets online at www.sierravintners.com.

Anyone who buys a ticket by August 19 will automatically be entered in a raffle to wine a one-night stay at The Broad Street Inn.

win a night at broad street inn

20 Terrific Reasons to Go to Nevada City Farmers Markets

It’s that time of year. Summer, swimming in the river, sipping lemonade, and relaxing. It’s also the time of year for fresh juicy vegetables and fruits. Head over to our many local markets to satisfy your stomach.

Downtown Nevada City Farmers Market

Saturdays
Nevada City Farmer’s Market
June 13 – November 21, 2015
8:30 am – 1 pm
Between Robinson Plaza & Union St. in historic Downtown Nevada City
ncfarmersmarket.org

Other Local Farmers Markets

Saturdays
Nevada County Certified Grower’s Market at the North Star House
end of April – mid-November
8:00 am -12:30 pm
12075 Auburn Road, Grass Valley

Tuesdays
Nevada County Certified Grower’s Market at the Rood Center
June – October
2:00 – 5:30 pm
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City

Thursdays
Nevada County Certified Grower’s Market at the Seventh Day Adventist Church
June – October
2:00 – 5:30 pm
17645 Penn Valley Drive, Penn Valley

Mill Street Farmers Market
June – First weekend in September
6:00 – 9:00pm
Downtown Grass Valley

There are many markets to chose from but our main market is right in downtown Nevada City. Come every Saturday for live music, fresh food and baked goods, and cold drinks and shop for food proudly grown from local farmers.

Here are 20 great reasons to visit our farmers markets:

It’s environmental
Eating locally saves large amounts of useless packaging and energy used for food shipped around the world.

Live music
Come listen to talented artists in downtown Nevada City.

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Fresh fruits
Farmers markets have a huge variety of fruits from nectarines and peaches to berries to melons all grown with pride and care.

Bakeries and cafes
Many local cafes set up for the downtown market. Stop in for some soft bread or pastries or a cool drink for a hot day.

Vegetables
Our local markets have a huge supply and fresh, ready to eat vegetables.

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Help your Health
Come have a juicy berry basket or apple and treat your body as well as your taste buds.

Support Our Local Farmers
Riverhill, Mountain Bounty Farm, and First Rain Farm are just a few of the many vendors there.

Baskets and bags
Farmers market isn’t all food, come look at our imported woven basket collection and beautiful recycled fabric bags.

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Run into friends
Nevada City is a small town you’re likely to run into someone you know. Spend an afternoon catching up with some cold drinks and live music.

Soaps and lotions
The downtown Nevada City market has some beautiful soaps and amazing smelling lotions.

Ethnic food options
There’s some great ethnic food options at the markets for you to try.

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The people
Every face you see is a smiling one and the vendors are oh so friendly and helpful.

Vitamin D
Help your skin soak in that beautiful sunlight by shopping outdoors at the markets instead of the grocery stores.

Fresh food
These fruits and vegetables are top quality, juicy and utterly delicious.

Face painting
Your little ones can have their face painted at the downtown farmers market. With a variety of colors they can turn into a super hero, butterfly, princess and so much more.

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Learn something
You can learn something new maybe how a fruit is grown or what native herbs are in the area.

Flowers
Our local markets have gorgeous, fresh flowers. Add a splash of color to your home with a bouquet or just a few.

Organic and natural
The fruits and veggies and natural and organic and so very fresh and ready to eat.

Experience the seasons
The food there is freshly picked from what is in season. Shop often and watch how the seasons change.

Enjoy the atmosphere
Enjoy the beauty of Nevada city.

We hope to see you at our local Farmers Markets in Nevada City

The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Nevada City Over the Holidays

The holiday season in Nevada City is one of my favorites. It kicks off over Thanksgiving weekend with The Artisan’s Festival and the Nevada City Methodist Craft Faire. Victorian Christmas starts just after Thanksgiving, and “The Christmas Card” movie, filmed in Nevada City, begins to air then too.

If my best friend came to visit me over the holidays, this is how I would show her my town. Enjoy this selection of completely-biased, local favorites, for the perfect Nevada City holiday weekend.

Friday Night

Dinner at Lefty’s

Start your weekend on Friday night with dinner at Lefty’s. The restaurant has moved from the middle of Broad Street, down to the bottom of Broad on the creek. The views are great, and Friday is their fish & chips night. If you love traditional English fish & chips, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy your dinner with a pint of one of their beers. They have a great beer selection, and you could take one of your beer snob friends here and they wouldn’t complain.

lefty's nevada city
© photo Lefty’s Grill

Entertainment

After dinner you have a lot of entertainment options. There is usually something playing at the Nevada Theatre. Just walk by the box office before dinner to see if there’s a play that night. Also, check the Miners Foundry schedule.

For a complete list of venues offering live music and entertainment in Nevada City, visit the Chamber’s Arts & Entertainment section.

Saturday

Breakfast at South Pine

On Saturday morning go to breakfast at South Pine Cafe. I love the Huevos Rancheros, the breakfast burrito and their breakfast sampler, but all their food is yummy, so you can’t go wrong.

Shopping in Nevada City

abstrakt nevada city

© photo Abstrakt

After breakfast wander around town and do a little Christmas Shopping. First stop at Abstrakt for some bracelets, scarves, comfortable clothes or candles. Abstrakt oozes style, and you are sure to find something for the person who has everything. Next door is Gray Goose, and you’ll want to stay for hours. The owner, Stuey, carries “everything from the sublime to the ridiculous.” You’ll find lots of stocking stuffers for adults here.

Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe

After Gray Goose walk up Broad Street and stop in at the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe for their homemade chocolates, caramel apples, or Nevada City Gold. Then turn right on Pine Street and walk down to J.J. Jackson’s to look through their colorful kitchen items, travel bags (my favorite!), and book selection.

Warm Drinks at Curly Wolf

When you’ve had enough shopping, walk back to Broad Street and head to Curly Wolf for a warm drink. You’ll love the warm interior, sort of a hip Victorian salon, if there is such a thing. I always order the chai tea latte with soy milk, but also can’t resist their hot chocolates and London fog. Their teas are all loose, and they infuse them in your mug with your steamed milk. So good! If they have the butterscotch bars, make sure to try at least one.

Artisans Festival and Craft Faire Over Thanksgiving Weekend

The Miners Foundry Artisans Festival is one of the longest running festivals in Nevada County and is known for showcasing the exceptional work of regional artisans. Enjoy installation art displays, performance art, live music, children’s holiday art activities, and a Wine Bar. The festival takes place Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Nevada City Methodist Craft Faire is held Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (opening at noon on Sunday). There are handmade gifts for all ages, homemade soup and sandwiches, pie, coffee and hot spiced cider.

Note: if you’re visiting over Thanksgiving weekend and attend these festivals, you’ll be out of time to do the walk over the Suspension Bridge, so do this on Sunday afternoon instead.

Cross the New Suspension Bridge Over Deer Creek

After your break at Curly Wolf, head up Broad Street, and then turn left at the Nevada Theater and walk down to Miners Foundry. As you pass Miners Foundry, you’ll see a street that runs around the back of the Foundry (as you look at the Foundry, the street is on the right side of the building). Once you are on this street, you’ll turn right on Factory Street. This road will take you to the Deer Creek Environs Trail and across the new Suspension Bridge over Deer Creek.

deer creek suspension bridge

© photo by Erin Pardini, Livingstone Photography

Saturday Night

Dinner at Sushi-in-the-Raw

Saturday night go to dinner at Sushi-in-the-Raw (make reservations as many weeks in advance as possible, as it’s really hard to get a table). I always have one of their drunken shooters with a scallop (sounds gross, but trust me, it’s delicious and I’m sort of picky). The Susan Roll is also amazing. Their sushi is always fresh.

Off Broadstreet Theatre

After dinner, head down Spring Street and then turn left onto Pine Street. You’ll cross Broad Street, and then you’ll see Friar Tucks on your left. Turn left at Friar Tucks onto Commercial Street and  Off Broadstreet Theatre will be just past it, on your left. They always have something showing on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s lots of singing, and you sit at cafe tables, and enjoy drinks and dessert during the show.

End your night with a walk through town to enjoy the lights, which are so pretty this time of year.

nevada city at night

Sunday

Breakfast at Ike’s

In the morning go to Ike’s Quarter Cafe for breakfast. Their frittatas are amazing, or, for a decadent treat, get the french toast with chocolate chips and cream… yummmm.

Walk the American Hill Loop

During the school week, this is the walk of choice for local moms, after they drop the kids off at school. If you are staying at Broad Street Inn, walk out of the Inn front door, and turn right onto Bennett Street. Depending on the direction you choose, you can either walk up or down the big hill.  If you want to get your heart rate up, turn left off of Bennett onto Monroe. At one point there will be a fork in the trail, stay to the right on Old Downieville Highway. Or, if you’d rather take it easy, keep going on Bennet Street up American Hill. The beginning of American Hill is a little steep, but nothing compared to the hill the other direction. If you have a phone, one landmark you can enter for the halfway point is Queen Lil Place. This road is at the opposite end of the loop from town, and something you can reference to make sure you are on the right path.

american hill loop

Click to view larger image

Get Homemade Ice Cream at Treats

After your walk you’ll be ready for another snack. Directly across from Ike’s Quarter Cafe is Treats. It’s a tiny little shop, and sometimes the line is out the door, but it’s worth the wait. In the winter they have pumpkin and also peppermint ice cream, and you can sample the flavors before you choose.

Victorian Christmas

If you are visiting in December you will be ready to wander around town for the annual Victorian Christmas street festival. This annual, family tradition takes place on two Wednesday evenings and three Sunday afternoons in December (noon to 6 p.m.). The downtown transforms into a genuine Christmas card come to life. It’s a magical setting of hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels and carolers dressed in Victorian attire, and a myriad of visitors sharing holiday cheer and good tidings. For more information go to the Nevada City Chamber’s Victorian Christmas page.

vicxmas-guitar

Sunday Night

Dine at New Moon

Sunday night go to dinner at New Moon for “big city dining with a small town atmosphere.” They use local, natural and organic food. Dining there is always relaxing, and delicious.

See a Movie at the Nevada Theatre

After dinner, walk down York Street towards the Nevada Theatre on Broad Street. Peek at their Sunday Film Series to see what is playing. The Nevada Theatre is California’s longest running theatre (built in 1865). They host a variety of foreign and independent films, and documentaries. Films run every Sunday evening and many weekends.

Or, Watch “The Christmas Card”

This time of year you might get lucky and catch a showing of “The Christmas Card” movie, filmed in Nevada City. To check showtimes, visit the Chamber’s The Christmas Card page. After watching it you’ll walk through town and see it different. The church in the movie is Nevada City Methodist Church, on Broad Street, above the Nevada Theatre. The cafe is Nevada City Classic Cafe, also on Broad Street, which is across from the National Hotel, also in the film. The Christmas Tree Lot doesn’t really exist, but was set up on the corner of Pine and Commercial Street.

Monday

Coffee at Java John’s

Before you leave town, have breakfast at Java John’s. This is a classic, small-town, Nevada City coffee shop. The same crowd is there every morning during the week. You’ll see kids coming in on their way to school, and the table of regulars working on the daily crossword puzzle. Rita and Patrick are always there and often their son Chris. It’s a cozy, family-run cafe, and the perfect way to finish off your Nevada City holiday weekend.

Halloween Parade and Dancing in Nevada City

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Not only will the 2nd annual Halloween parade take place in Nevada City on Friday October 31st, there will also be live bands playing at the Miner’s Foundry afterwards.

Come join us for some ghoulish fun and catch all the wild and creative costumes.

The parade starts at 5 pm on Broad Street in downtown Nevada City. For more information click here. 

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After the parade, head over to the Miner’s Foundry where we will dance the night away to Mumbo Gumbo.

Mumbo Gumbo blends many genres from rock to soul, afro-pop to lush balladry, zydeco to country, into a celebratory, danceable noise, creating something less a specific style than a particular feeling:  The Sound of Sheer Joy.

For more information click here.

See you on the dark side!

Suspension Bridge Is Now Open

The 120 ft long suspension bridge is now open. Walking down from the Miner’s Foundry along a winding path, you approach a newly installed bridge suspended over the tranquil waters of the Deer Creek. This is no ordinary bridge. Walking across feels like you are on a trampoline and  you are suspended quite high over  the river below. The Forest Trails Alliance built this bridge for our community and it is beautiful.

For more information on the trail and how to get there go to:

 

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Friday Artwalk:

The Nevada City First Friday Artwalk is this Friday, October 3rd from 5PM to 10PM. This will be the last Artwalk so come down and enjoy it.

Be sure to pick up your maps from any of the 20+ businesses featuring local artists and performers with receptions, sales and specials. Your favorite jamband MAU, will be playing at the Nevada City Boardwalk. Playing at 6 PM will be 12 year old dubstep wonderboy Nukesickle

Thank you for supporting those businesses and artists who support First Friday Artwalk.

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