Nevada County Things To Do

Local favorites in and around Nevada City

Posted on May 11, 2017June 12, 2020

Our totally biased collection of local eateries and trails. From Burgee Dave’s in Camptonville, to The Willo (voted Sacramento Magazine’s “Favorite Roadhouse”), we hope you enjoy our collection of local favorites.

Local Eats

The Willo Steakhouse

A traditional California roadhouse with just plain, good, hearty American food. The Willo was established 1969. Voted best steak year after year by the readers of The Union. Also named favorite roadhouse by Sacramento Magazine. Their steaks are hand cut daily and grilled to your specification. You can watch your meal being cooked by their expert grill masters or cook your own. Ribeyes are served on Fridays and Saturdays. Cook off style St. Louis cut racks of ribs smoked there daily. Steakburgers are available every Monday.

http://www.thewillo.com/

Jernigan’s Tap House & Grill

A local favorite that always has 13 craft beers on tap, including root beer, people come to Jernigan’s for the wonderful atmosphere. You can enjoy a great meal, see a game or raise a glass. They serve Niman Ranch Chuck Beef, Niman Ranch Pork, Mary’s Free Range Chicken, and Beeler’s Uncured Thick-Cut Bacon. They get seasonal produce from local farms as often as possible and all of their bread is from Truckee Sourdough Company. Most everything, from dressings and Aiolis to beer batter, is made in-house. Check out our Wednesday Pint Nights from 5:30pm to closing.

http://www.jernigansgrill.com/

Burgee Dave’s

Located on Highway 49 in Camptonville, Burgee Dave’s is a destination. A hidden gem tucked away in mountains, it offers excellent food and an even better relaxed environment. There is both indoor seating and picnic tables outside. Known as “The Home of the Ultimate Bloody Mary,” it certainly will not disappoint. When you request their specialty drink, they ring a bell and yell out your order. It’s a party in a mason jar, complete with three bamboo skewers of toppings. I am not joking, it’s insane. In total there are 16 different snacks resting on your glass, along with a few mermaids and a nice fat straw to drink it all up. Open Thursday – Sunday, serving Lunch and Dinner.

http://www.burgeedaves.com/

Diego’s

Diego’s in Grass Valley serves Chilean inspired South American food in an eclectic and relaxing setting. Just on the edge of the downtown area, it’s a local’s favorite. Diego’s features fresh ingredients, professional, quality dishes, generous portions and friendly, attentive service. From the warm, house-made Chilean bread rolls and fresh Latin-style crêpes to the decadent desserts and weekend specials, you will lose yourself in the incredible Latin flavors of the Lower Americas.

http://diegosrestaurant.com/

The Northridge

Northridge is great example of traditional old style Nevada County. They are tucked away at the top of Nevada Street, out of stumbling distance from downtown Nevada City. With the lots of booths, a pool table, and kids in Little League uniforms, it’s an obvious local’s favorite. Favorite menu items include their pizzas, sandwiches, and hearty salads. If you decide to show up on a Friday or Saturday night, come early! This place is popular.

http://www.northridgerestaurant.com/

FoxHound Espresso & Coffee Broaster

Nevada City’s newest coffee roaster is FoxHound Espresso, and Coffee Broaster. Owned and operated by Steffen Snell, a lone survivor of the year 2000 Cyber Cafe Cyber Wars. He offers passionately served & compassionately crafted, made to order, hand roasted coffee with a strong emphasis on home brewing education and cultural development. We recommend trying one of his locally broasted, locally brewed to perfection coffees (served in a hand-crafted Pickle Pottery mug)!

http://coffeebroaster.com/

Treats Ice Cream

Amazing ice cream! Sometimes the line is out the door, but it’s worth the wait. They rotate flavors, often depending on the seasons, but some classic favorites are always around. They also offer gelato, sorbet, and vegan options. You can sample the flavors before you choose.

http://treatsnevadacity.com/

Getting Outdoors

Cross the Suspension Bridge Over Deer Creek

For a beautiful walk and a gorgeous view, try the Suspension Bridge Trail. Start at the Miners Foundry. To the right of the building, you’ll see a street that runs around the back. Once you are on this street, turn right on Factory Street. This road will take you to the Deer Creek Environs Trail and across the Suspension Bridge over Deer Creek.

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’re mapping it on your 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.

Click to view larger image

Rent a Bike at Tour of Nevada City

If you’re visiting Nevada City and want to try out some of the local roads and trails, you can rent a bike at Tour of Nevada City. They carry full suspension mountain bikes, quality road bikes, bike racks, and Trail-a-bikes. Weekly (10% off) and group rates available. Helmets are no extra charge. Get a free water bottle with the first day rental of any bike!

http://www.tourofnevadacity.com/

7 magical and outdoorsy things to do this Spring in Nevada City!

Posted on March 23, 2017March 23, 2017

Spring. A time of growth and renewal. A time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also a time of new beginnings, and healing… and a little bit of magic! Here are 7 things you can do this Spring in Nevada City. From faeries and crystals to tulip gardens and cherry blossoms… Nevada City has it all.

Eat under the cherry tree at Ike’s, now to early April!

Spring is the perfect time for breakfast or lunch at Ike’s. Sitting outside under the huge, gorgeous cherry tree is truly magical. Ike’s has many options for everyone, including vegan and gluten free items.

For more information visit ikesquartercafe.com

Take a walk in downtown Nevada City and see the dogwoods blooming

With many Victorian homes sporting pink and white dogwoods, it’s hard to find a single dull area in Nevada City. The trees are definitely hard to miss! Wander through the downtown neighborhoods to see the dogwoods blooming in mid-March through April.

For maps and more information visit nevadacitychamber.com

See Wildflowers on the Buttermilk Bend trail now through early May

wildflower walk at south yuba river state park — © Herb Lindberg | South Yuba River State Park

Each Spring, from mid March to the first weekend in May, docents lead wildflower walks on Saturday and Sunday. Meet at the trailhead at 11 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for this easy hour and a half walk. This trail starts across the river from the Visitors Center just on the opposite side of the modern Pleasant Valley Road bridge and winds up the river. The trail follows the route of the old 1877 Caleb Cooley water ditch, so is mildly sloped and has been made wide enough for wheelchair accessibility. An upper trail from the parking lot with no severe climbs has been added recently by constructing two new bridges across river tributaries. Buttermilk Bend trail offers spectacular views of the river and is a showcase of color during Spring wildflower season.

For more information visit: southyubariverstatepark.org

Learn about Faeries on April 1st & 2nd at Haalo in Nevada City

On April first and second, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., we will study faeries with Matthew Wood and Sean Donahue, two of the most alternative herbalists on the continent. Bring your microscopes! Wear your best faery finery. We will discuss the herbs, smudges, and smokes that the faeries like, or have taught us about, or that are traditionally associated with them. Cost $300.

For more information or to register visit haalo.org

Visit the Tulip Garden at Ananda in April

spring tulips at ananda nevada city — © Photographer Photo Kent licensed under Creative Commons

The gardens, set against the backdrop of the Tahoe National Forest and the Yuba River Canyon, are beautiful and inspiring year round. April visits for Springtime at Ananda are magical with thousands of vibrant tulips mixing with the complementary colors of cherry trees, wisteria, dogwood, azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies and pansies, just to name a few. The summer garden peaks in late July and August. In the cooler fall season, many flowers still bloom among the radiance of brilliant fall foliage. While every visit to the garden may be different, it is always wonderfully peaceful and uplifting. The upper gardens are open by donation every day 9am to 5pm. The lower gardens are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and by appointment. All donations directly help maintain the gardens as a special place for visitors.

For more information visit: anandavillage.org

Attend the Psychic Fair on April 28th & 29th at the Foundry

Nevada City’s 28th Annual Psychic Fair returns to the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, Saturday and Sunday, April 8 & 9, 2017. The Psychic Fair is considered Northern California’s largest gathering of metaphysical teachers, seers, crafters and readers. The Psychic Fair is open on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5. Tickets are available online, at the Miners Foundry Box Office, or at the door. This year’s Psychic Fair offers attendees an array of vendors including psychics, medical intuitives, acupuncturists, massage therapists, herbalists, and alchemists. Take in a lecture or workshop and gain information and knowledge, re-kindle a past fascination, or discover a new interest. The Psychic Fair marketplace also features one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry, clothes, and accessories, natural skincare products, gem essences, crystals, and much more.

For more information visit: minersfoundry.org

Visit the Crystal Rainbow Rock Shop in downtown Nevada City

When a small rock shop on Commercial Street was put on the market roughly eight years ago, Mimi Musgrave saw it as an opportunity to continue to sell her jewelry and immerse herself into another of her lifelong passions: rocks. Today, Mimi’s Crystal Rainbow Rock Shop is known for its rare, extremely hard-to-find gems and minerals from all over the world. Each year, Musgrave travels to large gem and mineral shows, where she can buy from dealers from all over the globe. Unlike large scale mining – such as what is being done for gold and silver — mineral mining has a minimal impact on the planet, because it is just scraping away at the surface, speeding up the inevitable erosion process. Musgrave hopes that having an appreciation for rocks and minerals will encourage people to take better care of the earth. She makes an effort to buy from small miners. Her purpose, she says, is to spread beauty and bring gifts to people, hoping her stones’ energy will be of help.

Visit the Rock Shop at 310 Commercial St., Nevada City. For more information call (530) 265-3784

Visit Nevada City & Grass Valley in January for an exciting month of films & theater!

Posted on January 9, 2017January 12, 2017

If you love films and live theater, January is the month to visit! The Wild & Scenic Film Festival takes place January 12-16th. Following that, the Nugget Fringe Festival starts on January 19th and runs for 10-days, through the 29th. On January 22nd, the film “The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened” shows at the Nevada Theater. And, Nevada Union Drama’s “The Addams Family Musical” plays the last weekend in January, and the first weekend of February. That’s a lot of good theater and film in the month of January!

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

January 12-16, 2017

This January, SYRCL’s (South Yuba River Citizens League) Wild & Scenic® Film Festival returns with another incredible selection of films to change your world. Each year, the Wild & Scenic® Film Festival draws top filmmakers, celebrities, leading activists, social innovators and well-known world adventurers to the historic downtown of Nevada City, California.

Considered the largest film festival of its kind, the films combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation. Festival-goers can expect to see Award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and indigenous cultures.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival informs, inspires and ignites solutions, and creates positive probabilities to restore the earth and human communities. Now known as “the next Sundance” the Wild and Scenic experience proves the power of film and passion.

For more information visit: www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org

Free Events Open to the Public during the Film Festival

If you aren’t attending the film festival, there are still loads of things to do throughout the weekend. Here are some events that are free and open to the public!

Festival Street Events
All weekend long Robinson Plaza in downtown Nevada City will be full of live music, the Enviro Fair and much more! Come on out and join the party! (Will be moved to the National Hotel if raining)

Opening Art Reception
A special artist reception is open before the 3D film session at the Del Oro Theatre.
151 Union Square, Grass Valley
Thursday, January 12, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Virtual Reality Lounge at KVMR
Dive into the world of Virtual Reality with four environmental-themed experiences, including one world premiere experience of our very own Yuba River, filmed by the students of the Connected Communities Academy.
KVMR Radio
120 Bridge Street, Nevada City
Friday, January 13, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, January 14, 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm
Sunday, January 15, 11am-2pm

Media Lounge
Meet filmmakers and activists in the Wild & Scenic Media Lounge hosted by Elisa Parker of See Jane Do, a social change multi-media organization. Enjoy free WiFi and a comfortable setting to meet, connect, and network. (And enjoy a glass of our local wine!)
Media Lounge at Nevada City Winery
321 Spring Street, Nevada City
Friday, January 13, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, January 14, 9am-5pm
Sunday, January 15, 9am-1pm

Opening Reception – Presented by Earthjustice
Start the festival off with light hors d’oeuvres, local wine, beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. & Barefoot bubbly. You’ll be sure to run in to filmmakers, special guests and locals.
Nevada City Winery
321 Spring Street, Nevada City
Friday, January 13 4pm – 7pm

Enviro Fair
Be sure to visit our Enviro Fair on Commercial Street for more information about the organizations mentioned in many of the films and how to get involved.
Robinson Plaza, Downtown Nevada City
Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15

Activist Workshops
10 special workshops & presentations hosted in Nevada City throughout the Film Festival weekend. Learn more about the issues and what you can do, get filmmaking tips from pros, and much more.
Activist Center in City Hall
317 Broad Street, Nevada City
Saturday, January 14, 9:30am – 5pm
Sunday, January 15, 9:30am – 4:15pm

Yoga
Donation-based yoga all weekend for festival attendees.
The Golden Mandala
417 Broad Street, Suite B, Nevada City
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday,
9 – 10:15 am & 3 – 4:15 pm

Coffee Talk: Bringing Salmon Back from the Brink
Join Earthjustice Wildlands Campaigner Rebecca Bowe in a conversation about the once-in-a-lifetime chance to restore iconic salmon populations.
Three Forks Bakery & Brewery
211 Commercial Street, Nevada City
Saturday, January 14, 8:30am

Youth-Driven Change: An Interactive Workshop
Join Synergia Learning Ventures’ youth staff, and community organizer Chad Nicholson (from the film, We the People 2.0) in an interactive workshop for those who care and those who are curious. We will look at the powerful force of film and storytelling, then at what youth can do to assert your rights to make the decisions that affect you, your community, and nature.
Geared toward youth, appropriate for all ages. Youth receives priority seating if venue is full.
Center for the Arts, Grass Valley
Saturday, January 14, 1pm-3pm

Fireside Chat with Jordan Fisher Smith
Jordan Fisher Smith discusses his new book, Engineering Eden, over craft cocktails. Engineering Eden has been nominated for the 2017 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, and the Wall Street Journal calls it “intensely reported, rousingly readable, and ambitiously envisioned.” Book signing to follow.
Saturday, January 14, 3:30pm
The Golden Era, 309 Broad St, Nevada City

Book Signing with Jordan Fisher Smith
The Golden Era
309 Broad St, Nevada City
Saturday, January 14, 3:30pm

Book Signing with Gary Snyder and Tom Killion
Meet this year’s special guests, Gary Snyder and Tom Killion, for an art reception and book signing. Killion’s artwork will be on display all weekend long. Snyder and Killion will also be giving a special multi-media presentation on Saturday Evening at the Del Oro Theatre, showcasing Snyder’s poetry and Killion’s art.
The Alexander Gallery
225 Broad Street, Nevada City
Sunday, January 15, 11 am – 1 pm

Coffee Talk: Moving Beyond Mind
Explore the heart’s wisdom and connection to nature as a gateway to unlimited creativity. Join river activist Mark Dubois and his wife, Clare, Treesisters.org founder, for an intimate search of the ‘through line’ through today’s whitewater.
Three Forks Bakery & Brewery
211 Commercial Street, Nevada City
Sunday, January 15, 8:30am

Fireside Chat with Chad Nicholson
Join Chad Nicholson, community organizer with CELDF, the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, if you are ready to engage a different kind of activism.
The Golden Era, 309 Broad St, Nevada City
Sunday, January 15, 3pm

Eco Tours
Join Bear Yuba Land Trust for this three-mile Sunday morning stroll exploring Hirschman Trail and Pond. Located a mile from the heart of downtown Nevada City, this lovely trail tells the story of environmentally damaging Gold Rush hydraulic mining and how nature heals itself over time.
Trailhead on Cement Hill Road; on the right just up from the intersection with Hwy 49.
Sunday, January 15, 11am

The 3rd Annual Nugget Fringe Theater Festival

January 19-29, 2017

The Nugget Fringe Festival brings you music, performance art, talks, burlesque and theater from some of the most daring artists from the local area, as well as seasoned fringe artists from around the country. One of this year’s artists has been invited to perform all over the world!

This Year’s Shows:

Gold Fever
Inaugural Open Mic
The 3 Hour Plays
An Intimate Evening with Death, Herself
Based On Actual Events
Bodies Unbound
Eclectigoria Originals
Eclectigoria- The Monologue Show
A Feebleminded Dictator
The Good Body – by Eve Ensler
Hey, Hey, LBJ!
Law Dude
The Last Wolf
Let’s Misbehave – A Burlesque Experience
Live Chewed Sculptures
Locally Conceived
Man and the Moon
A Matter Of Minutes
NuJazz Alternative Virtual Orchestra/ Relaxing the Giant
Poetry Out Loud
The Sam and Adele Show
Seat-Down Stand-Up
A Sentence is Inside Itself
The Sierra 3
SierraCapella
Sketchy Ladies
Something about the French Open
Swing Time Jazz Combo
Tales of a Sexual Tomboy
That’s Inappropriate
Time Out: Don’t bring up gender, OK?
We’re All N.U.T.S.
What’s Your Nugget?
The Zoo Story by Edward Albee

Presented at 7 Venues in Downtown Grass Valley

Venues 1, 2, and 3
Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains
246 South Church Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Venue 4
Smith Vineyard Tasting Room
142 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 9594

Venue 5
151 Union Square Event Center
151 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Venue 6
The Iron Door@The Holbrooke
212 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Venue 7
Off Center Stage
315 Richardson Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945

The Magic Theatre

Elle

January 13- 19, 2017

2 Hours, 10 Minutes | R |

Directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Isabelle Huppert. Michèle seems indestructible. Head of a successful video game company, she brings the same ruthless attitude to her love life as to business. Being attacked in her home by an unknown assailant changes Michèle’s life forever. When she resolutely tracks the man down, they are both drawn into a curious and thrilling game-a game that may, at any moment, spiral out of control.

20th Century Women

January 20 – Feb. 2

1 Hour, 58 Minutes | R |

Directed by Mike Mills. Set in Santa Barbara, the film follows Dorothea Fields (Annette Bening), a determined single mother in her mid-50s who is raising her adolescent son, Jamie (newcomer Lucas Jade Zumann, in a breakout performance) at a moment brimming with cultural change and rebellion. Dorothea enlists the help of two younger women in Jamie’s upbringing — via Abbie (Greta Gerwig), a free-spirited punk artist living as a boarder in the Fields’ home, and Julie (Elle Fanning), a savvy and provocative teenage neighbor.

For showtimes visit themagictheatre.com

Nevada Theater Film Series

Winners and Highlights – 2017 – Wild and Scenic Film Festival

Sunday & Monday January 15 & 16, 2017 at 7 p.m.

On Sunday night SYRCL presents a selection of the 2017 Wild & Scenic Film Festival award winning films. In addition, the winner of the People’s Choice award will be announced at this event. Monday’s Program is a “locals appreciation night” featuring 2017 Wild & Scenic award winning films to wind down your holiday weekend. Films will be different than Sunday night’s films screened. Both of these programs are likely to sell out in advance, so purchase early. For Sunday’s program all tickets are $30 and for Monday’s program all tickets are $20. Festival passes do not include entry to this event. Tickets are available at www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org

Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened

Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 7 p.m.

1hr 35 min – Not Rated. One of the truly legendary musicals in the history of Broadway, Stephen Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG opened to enormous fanfare in 1981, and closed after sixteen performances. BEST WORST THING draws back the curtain on the extraordinary drama of that show’s creation –and tells the stories of the hopeful young performers whose lives were transformed by it. Directed by Lonny Price, a member of the original cast, the film is a bittersweet meditation on the choices we all make, and the often unexpected consequences of those choices. Featuring exclusive appearances by Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Jason Alexander, Mandy Patinkin, Adam Guettel, Frank Rich and the original Broadway cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Tickets can be purchased at Sierra Theaters.

The Addams Family Musical

January 26, 27 & 28 | February 2, 3 & 4, 2017. Showtime 7pm

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL”, a musical take on the distinguished cult-classic. General admission seating begins at 6:30pm. Door tickets sales begin at 5:45pm before each performance.

Gomez Addams is about to face every father’s nightmare: his daughter Wednesday, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man… from a respectable Ohio family! And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday has invited Lucas and his parents to dinner, insisting that the Addams act “normal” for just one night. In the resulting (and not altogether unexpected) chaos, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and both families are changed forever, proving once and for all that love conquers all.

Don Baggett Theatre
11761 Ridge Rd
Grass Valley, CA 95945
$12.00/Advance, $15.00/Door
www.nudrama.org

Things to do in and around Nevada City over Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on November 19, 2016November 19, 2016

Nevada City Events

Craft Faire & Sandwiche Shoppe

NC United Methodist Church
433 Broad Street
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
(530) 265-2797 www.nevadacitymethodist.com

Stop by the Nevada City United Methodist Church for soup, sandwiches, pies, and warm drinks. There are plenty of fun crafts for the whole family!

“Artisans Bounty” Show

LeeAnn Brook Fine Art
300 Spring Street
Nov. 25, 26 & 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(530) 265-6817 www.leeannbrookfineart.com

Meet the artists and see demonstrations of their craft at LeeAnn Brook Fine Art with live jazz by Induction. Items from the gallery’s Annual Holiday Gift Table includes work by LeeAnn Brook, Mike Snegg, Victoria Johnston, and John Williamson. The available items by these artists are ceramics, sculpted trees, wood vessels, hand-crafted wood coasters and salad forks, hand-dyed and hand-felted scarves, and paintings.

“Scrooge”

Nevada Theatre
401 Broad Street
Friday & Saturday 7:30–9:30pm
Tickets $22 ($20 in advance)
(530) 268-5419 www.legacypresents.com

“Scrooge” has been performed at the Chatauqua Playhouse in Sacramento since 1978 with Rodger Hoopman as Scrooge. Now Hoopman makes his debut at the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City, along with a stellar holiday cast!! Tickets for Scrooge are only $20 in advance, available at the BookSeller, Harmony Books, online at legacypresents.com or by calling (530) 268 5419.

Grass Valley Events

Country Christmas Faire

Nevada County Fairgrounds
11228 McCourtney Road
Fri & Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 10am-4pm
$4 admission. Age 12 and under Free
(530) 273-6217 www.nevadacountyfair.com

Rated as one of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, the Country Christmas Faire features unique gifts and crafts from top artisans from across the state. At the faire there will be live entertainment, festival foods, the Gingerbread House exhibit, errand elves, wagon rides, and a community bon-fire. Victorian singers and the Sierra Symphony quartet will perform throughout the event. Santa will be available each day until an hour before the event closes. Free babysitting will be offered by Girl Scouts of the Northern Mines Service Unit, so parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping.

Cornish Christmas

Friday of Thanksgiving Weekend
Opening night of Cornish Christmas
Downtown Grass Valley. Hours: 6-9pm
(530) 272-8315 www.historicgrassvalley.com

Recapture the spirit of Christmas past amid the charming surroundings of historic downtown Grass Valley California during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration. Mill and West Main Streets are closed to motorized traffic and filled with the sights and sounds of an old fashioned Christmas; carolers, jugglers, musicians, the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, Tommyknocker Cloggers and of course, Santa Claus. Handmade arts and craft from artists throughout California are displayed on our historic downtown Grass Valley streets. Dine in one of the many world-class restaurants found in downtown Grass Valley. Sample local wines at one of three wine tasting rooms in downtown Grass Valley or just enjoy the simple pleasures of chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

Holidays at the Empire Mine

Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 E. Empire Street
Friday, November 25th & Saturday, November 26th, 2016
Festive activities from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Adults $7; Kids 6-16 $3; 5 and under Free
(530) 273-8522 www.empiremine.org

Celebrate the holidays early 1900s’ style at Holidays at Empire Mine. With old-fashioned decorations, lavish period costumes, and festive live music, Empire Cottage will be brimming with good cheer, including complimentary cookies. Docents will be there to greet you and share insights about Empire’s glory days when it ranked as one of the most prosperous hard-rock gold mines in North American history. A short walk away, in the old Clubhouse, Santa and Mrs. Claus (with the help of local elves) will be listening carefully to Christmas wishes. Outside local vendors will be selling coffee, hot dogs, and other snacks. The Mineyard will be buzzing with activity. Take a peek in the Mine Shaft, the Machine, Wood, and Blacksmith Shops – and imagine what life was like during those days of hard work, grit and glory!

Country Christmas Faire

Nevada County Fairgrounds
Friday, November 25, 2016, 6pm
www.nevadacountyfair.com

Begin your holiday season with a small-town glimpse of Christmas at the annual Country Christmas Faire. Rated as one of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, the Faire features unique gifts from top artisans from across the state. Visitors will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, hay rides, Santa and his elves, and a community bon-fire. Don’t forget to check out the Gingerbread House competition.

Things to do in Nevada City in the Fall

Posted on October 17, 2016October 17, 2016

There are so many things to do during fall in Nevada City! Options range from fall treats, to beautiful colors, to the most charming Halloween you’ve ever seen, and much more. Here are a few examples.

Bierwagen’s Pumpkin Patch

Come to Bierwagen’s to pick pumpkins that are perfect for carving and participate in many other fun activities. Hours are Mon-Fri noon-5pm, Sat/Sun 10am-5pm. On weekends the Snack Shack is available with a full menu. There are savory and sweet treats to satisfy everyone! These include apple fritter nuggets, caramel apples, sandwiches, fries, chili, among other delicious options. There are pumpkins and lots of other fall decorations, tractor-drawn hayrides, fresh apple cider, apples, and winter squash. Parking and admission are free.

For more information visit
https://www.facebook.com/bierwagensfarm/

Victorian California Fall Colors Tour

Some of California’s best fall colors are found in the historic Gold Rush towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and along the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway through Tahoe National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Fall weather conditions at 2,500 feet in the Sierra foothills favor formation of brilliant colors in the landscape. The Victorian California Fall Colors Tour is a 1-2 hour, self-guided tour that makes a partial figure-eight through two of California’s oldest commercial and residential districts, taking you along narrow Victorian streets planted with Maple, Ash, Birch and other beautiful trees.

To learn more about fall colors in Nevada City visit:
http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/fall-colors-in-nevada-city/

To learn more about the Victorian California Fall Colors Tour visit
http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/victorian-california-fall-colors-tour/

Nevada City Area Trails

If you’d like to see a bit more scenery and get in a little exercise, there are lots of trails in and around Nevada City. You can go for a bike ride, walk along the river, see historical landmarks, and much more. With cool temperatures, the trees changing colors, beautiful lighting, and serene nature, you’ll find something amazing on each and every trail.

You can find information on each specific trail here:
http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/fall-in-love-with-the-season-with-these-nevada-city-area-trails/

Coffee Shops

The moment of stepping out of the cold air and into a nice, cozy coffee shop is one of the most amazing moments you can experience during fall. A few local coffee shops are Java Johns, The Curly Wolf, and The Fox Hound. There’s lots of small town charm in each of these establishments. You can get a wide range of drinks and foods in all three. And for a sweet treat, stop in at the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe for homemade caramel apples and seasonal goodies.

Treats

Treats is an ice cream shop in downtown Nevada City that offers artisan ice cream, baked goods, and warm drinks. This time of the year their pumpkin ice cream is available, so be sure to try it out!

Halloween

Halloween in Nevada City is different from anywhere else. People go all out in decorating their homes, and the combination of mature trees and Victorian homes adds a spooky flare. What really makes Halloween special is how tightly knit our community is. It’s a big social event for the locals. Groups of children hurry from house to house with the streets closed for prime trick-or-treating.

So bundle up and visit Nevada City this October and November. The area has four distinct seasons: snow in the winter, wildflowers in the spring, hot summer nights, and the most scenic season of all…. fall.

Take your kids to the museum this summer in Nevada City

Posted on June 19, 2016June 19, 2016

On those days when your house is hot, your kids are wiggly and you don’t feel like sitting in the sun by the pool… take your kids to one of the local museums!

Firehouse No. 1 Museum

firehouse museum — Photo from Nevada City Chamber of Commerce

Completed in the Spring of 1861, this firehouse was home to Nevada Hose Company No.1 from 1861 to 1938. During those nearly 80 years, horse -drawn fire wagons and handcarts and “modern ” motorized fire engines rolled out the doors.

In 1947 the Nevada City City Council donated the use of the building to the Nevada County Historical Society to house its museum.

The brick building originally had a much simpler façade of the Greek revival style, with a tall bell tower. In the early part of the twentieth century, the facade was replaced by the present Victorian gingerbread front. Today the firehouse has become a symbol of Nevada City. It is probably the most photographed building in Nevada City, as visitors are struck by its victorian grandeur.

Open Tuesday – Sunday 1-4 p.m. (May 1 – October 31, except holidays)

Wally Hagaman, curator
(530) 265-5468
215 Main Street, Nevada City

Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Located in Nevada City, California, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow gauge railroad era.

In addition to the railroad, this Sierra foothills county boasted such turn-of-the 20th century transportation as an electric streetcar line, a steam powered automobile, and the first commercial airport in the United States.

Visitors are offered a docent-led historical tour of the museum, rail yard, and restoration shop. Exhibited in the main gallery is Engine 5, an 1875 Baldwin that began service hauling lumber, then passengers and freight for the NCNGRR, and finally as a movie engine at Universal Studios in Hollywood. The rail yard houses a collection of wooden rail cars, some restored, others awaiting their turn in the restoration shop. The shop is usually a busy place with volunteers doing rolling stock maintenance and other restoration projects. The museum’s Gift Shop offers visitors a choice of many railroad-related items.

Open Friday – Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (May 1 – October 31)
Closed Wednesday and Thursday and Holidays
School and group tours on other days by appointment

Free Admission (Donations always appreciated)

5 Kidder Court, Nevada City

The Searls Historical Library

nevada county historical map — Photo from Nevada County Historical Society

“A Researchers Gold Mine”

The Searls Historical Library is the archive of the Nevada County Historical Society. The original building was donated to the Society by the descendants of one of the earliest attorneys in the area, Niles Searls. Established in 1973, the Searls Library has become one of the premier libraries of materials on the area’s history, people and mines which contributed to the development of this county.

Researchers are welcome to access over 21,000 Nevada County historical photographs, nearly 3,000 printed books on early California and Gold Rush history, and nearly 1,000 maps of the area.

The Searls Library also contains innumerable original documents, including ledgers, diaries, old county records, and letters. The Searls family of attorneys also left their early law case records, many of which are the only copies in existence.

The volunteer staff is happy to help with research. Fees for use of the library are by donation. There are small fees for reproduction of photos, maps, and photo- copies of items.

If you cannot personally come to the Searls, inquiries are accepted by mail and the volunteers will do the research. The charge for this service is $20/hour, plus copying charges. If you are planning a visit, it is recommended that you call during business hours to verify that we will be available to help you.

Open Monday -Saturday, 1pm -4pm or by appointment.

161 Nevada City Hwy. Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-5910

The Northstar Mine Powerhouse & Pelton Wheel Museum

northstar mine museum — Photo from Nevada County Historical Society

An exhibit of hundreds of mining artifacts, including a working Stamp Mill and Cornish Pump, the largest Pelton Wheel ever constructed.

No county in the Gold Country is more intimately connected with all aspects of gold mining than Nevada County. Here some of the earliest placer mining took place, here much of the hydraulic mining was practiced, and here deep quartz mining was started. Today, the placers are all but worked out, hydraulic mining was virtually forbidden in 1884 and the last of the deep quartz mines closed down in 1959. With gold advancing from $34 per ounce to over $400 per ounce, a number of small mines are now in operation. The equipment of the mines was sold or vanished in other ways. But for the efforts of some far-seeing citizens, such as Arthur Dowdell, former assayer of the Empire mine, only the foundations of former buildings from the mines or the immense chasms, left by the hydraulic operations, would remind one of the former great industries of Nevada County.

Arthur Dowdell collected a large number of objects relating to gold mining, which he presented to the Nevada County Historical Society in 1968. These objects formed the nucleus of the first Nevada County Mining Museum, which was opened on Mill Street, Grass Valley in that year.

Open Wednesday – Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-4 (May 1 – October 31)

10933 Allison Ranch Road,
Grass Valley CA 95945
(530)273-4255

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Each year Empire Mine welcome thousands and thousands of visitors from all over the world. Many come to discover the gritty hard-rock mining history, while others are lured by the splendor of Empire Cottage, with its glorious gardens and fountains.

Empire Mine State Historic Park’s close to 850 acres include miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding. Bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy a memorable day at one of the oldest, largest and most prosperous gold mines in North American history.

In the early 1900s, Empire Mine was in its hey days. Stamp mills thundered 24 hours a day. You could set your watch by its haunting whistle that reminded local residents all systems were go at the prosperous Empire Mine.

Open for business from 1850 until its closing in 1956, Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold. Miners from Cornwall, England – and all over the world – left their homes to be part of the action.

Under the auspices of owner William Bourn, Jr. and successful mine manager George Starr, Empire Mine changed local, national and world history forever. Today visitors can walk in their footsteps – and experience what life was like in those heady times.

There’s prestigious Empire Cottage, designed by famed architect William Polk, and the Clubhouse known for its lavish entertaining. You can stroll through the rose gardens, and marvel at the majestic landscape. A visit to the Mineyard reveals the other side of prosperity. Here’s where shirt sleeves were rolled up for hard work, and mules were an essential source of power. The Machine Shop and Blacksmith Shop were the hubs for maintenance and progress.

A visit to Empire Mine State Park is a legacy of vision, hard work, and wondrous wealth. Tours, a film, artifacts, old mining equipment, factual interpretive panels, and a dramatic model all bring our golden history to life.

10791 Empire St.
Grass Valley. CA 95945
(530) 273-8522.

Daily Park Hours & Fees
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed holidays)

Entrance fees:
$7.00 ages 17 & over
$3.00 ages 6 -16
Children under 6 admitted FREE

Tours: Cottage, Mineyard and Grounds & Gardens included with the entrance fee.
Cottage Living History Experience is $2.00 and FREE for children under 6.

NOTE: Although credit cards are accepted in the Gift Shop, entrance fees must be paid in cash or by check.

A Visit to West Coast Falconry

Posted on December 1, 2015

I have been wanting to visit West Coast Falconry for quite some time, and in October finally scheduled a visit. A few of us drove out there (about 45 minutes from Nevada City) and took the Basic Falconry Lesson. In this class the instructors guide you in learning to hold a hawk, cast it from your glove and then call it back again. We got to work with one of their seasoned birds named Cowboy. We also learned about the history of falconry, conservation and the role of our raptors in their natural environment.

Here’s a video of our experience, and also some photos.

Photos by Faye White

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

Posted on November 21, 2014November 25, 2014

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 Fun Things To Do In Nevada County Labor Day Weekend

Posted on August 27, 2014September 9, 2014

A 3-Day Weekend is upon us — Labor Day Weekend and that means there’s lots to do in Nevada County.

With that in mind, here are 5 fun things to do in the area:

1. Hiking

Hiking trails in Nevada County are abundant. Here’s a great list to help you get started.

2. Wine Tasting

Did you know that Nevada County has a wine association? It’s called Sierra Vintners. Check out the list of 18 local wineries right here.

3. Mountain Biking

BONC, Bicyclists Of Nevada County is a very active mountain biking group and super friendly too. Here’s a list of the numerous mountain biking trails near by.

4. Yuba River

The Yuba River is a gem for many to enjoy. Check out SYRCL’S website for the latest info.

5. Farmers’ Market

And of course, our beloved Farmers Market. Check out the many Farmers Markets throughout the area.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!