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

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!

ikes cherry tree

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

faeries 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

psychic fair nevada city

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

crystal rainbow rock shop

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

 

‘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

vic xmas night

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

the christmas card
christmas-card-showtimes
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

nevada city methodist

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

national hotel

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

nevada city classic cafe

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

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.

Bistro 221


bistro
I was honored to be invited to a “friends and family” dinner at Bistro 221. It’s the newest eatery in downtown Nevada City located at the old Lefty’s site.

Melissa, the owner, along with her wonderful staff and chef, Christian, presented a fabulous feast! They serve down home, comfort food…like your mother’s, only better! The staff is like one big happy family, most having worked together over the years at Cirinio’s.

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We were generously served samples from their menu starting off with creamy Deviled Eggs, a delicious Clam Chowder in a warm bread bowl, a Wedge Salad and a Caesar Salad. Next up was Mac n Cheese with Chitlins, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Herbed Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Short Ribs with Goat Cheese Polenta, and a Bacon Avocado Burger. My head was spinning from all the great taste sensations! Of course, dinner would not be complete without dessert which included a Lemon Curd Tart, Flourless Chocolate Ganache, Crème Brulee and German Apple Cake.  Choosing a favorite would be impossible…maybe they should offer a dessert sampler on their menu!

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Bistro 221 opens this Friday so be sure to drop in! You won’t be disappointed and you will most certainly leave with a warm heart and a full belly!

Nevada City Events in January 2013

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Poster 2013

Happy New Year! We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2013!

Nevada City’s premier January event is the 11th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! This world class event is hosted by  SYRCL, the South Yuba Citizen’s League. This year, the three-day environmental film festival is on January  11, 12, and 13 in and around Nevada City. Each year, the Festival draws in top filmmakers, celebrities, leading activists, social innovators and well-known world adventurers to the largest film festival of it’s kind. The films show all over Nevada City, including the Miners Foundry, the Nevada Theatre, the Veterans Hall, and many more locations (almost all are walking distance, too!). This is one of Nevada City’s biggest events and is worth going to! If you plan on coming next year, make your reservations as soon as possible. Accommodations fill up as far as one year in advance. We hope you can join us for this fabulous, one-of-a-kind festival!

In addition to over 120 incredible films, there will be live music, workshops, performance,  art, parties and so much more! Don’t miss this festival weekend! For more information, click here!

Off Broadstreet Theater will be presenting Knockoffs at the Pina Colada, a new musical comedy By John Driscoll & Jan Kopp. This performance runs from Jan 11th Through Feb 16th, and Sunday January 27th. All Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. and some Sundays at 2:00pm.

The Miners Foundry Cultural Center presents local treasure and master Scottish fiddler, Alasdair Fraser with the 5th annual Community Workshop & Gathering on Saturday, January 5, 2013. For more information click here.

Attention chocolate lovers! Taste delectable chocolate creations from chocolatiers and chefs, savor delicious local wines, and enjoy Ludi Hinrichs on piano from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Chocolate Infusion, an afternoon of chocolate, wine, & jazz on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at the Miners Foundry.

The Gold Country Celtic Society will be hosting the 22nd Annual Robert Burns Celebration Dinner and Concert on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the Miners Foundry. Doors open at 4:00, dinner at 5:30.

If you’re planning to wed in 2013, be sure to check out An Affair For All SeasonsJanuary 27 from 11am to 4pm at the Miners Foundry. On this special day, the Miners Foundry will be transformed into seasonal rooms showcasing some of the top wedding and event vendors in Nevada County.

The Curly Wolf Espresso House in Nevada City

Nevada City local, Joshua Henry, has opened Curly Wolf Espresso House, a fun new coffee shop on Broad Street, near Lefty’s Grill and the National Hotel. They got the name “curly wolf” from old miner slang for a tough or rugged man. The general manager, Stephen, is an experienced barista. He takes much pride in their beautiful Slayer espresso machine, hand built by a two-man crew in Seattle.

 

They brew Caffé Vita coffee, a dark roast from a small company also from Seattle. At Caffé Vita, the coffee is roasted by hand in small batches on a 1930s Probat cast metal roaster The coffee is freshly ground cup-by-cup in a Mahlkönig coffee grinder. The German company founded in 1924 specializes in high-quality grinders that concentrate on emphasizing the natural flavors of the coffee.

 

This new coffee shop has a very comfortable and elegant atmosphere, with couches and window seat, perfect for reading a book or catching up with friends. Curly Wolf is set apart from the rest of the cafés in town by staying open late until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. They hope to eventually stay open 24 hours in the summer. Curly Wolf will be a great place for locals and tourists to go after a late dinner or a movie. Check out more photos on our Flickr HERE.

 

The coffee shop held a soft opening tonight with live music at 7:30 with a $5 cover.

You can find Curly Wolf Espresso House at 217 Broad Street, Nevada City, California.

The Curly Wolf on Urbanspoon

April 2012 Events

Come see over 10,000 tulips at the Crystal Hermitage Gardens Tulip Open House. The  dates this year are April 7 & 8 and April 14 & 15 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. This is a free event with live music, refreshments and gardening questions and answers. The Crystal Hermitage Gardens are located in the Ananda Village, just 15 miles from the Broad Street Inn. It is also possible to see the tulips on self-guided tours throughout the month of April between 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Check out our pictures of the tulips from last year on Flickr!

Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) opens its 18th season with The Teahouse of the August Moon. This Tony Award winning play was first adapted by the 1951 novel, then opened on Broadway in 1953, and later MGM produced a movie in 1956. This comedy takes place in a tiny Okinawa village from 1945 to 1952. It is a clash of cultures as Captain Fisby begins the process of “Americanization”. The play runs from April 12 through May 5 at the Nevada Theatre. Show times and tickets are available HERE. (You may have seen CATS’ incredible production of The King and I last year.)

Take a hike! Docent guided Wild Flower Walks will be held every weekend beginning March 17 through May 13 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the South Yuba River State Park. Bring a lunch, snacks, good walking shoes and a camera. Take in the flowers and views of the South Yuba River on the Buttermilk Bend Trail. For more information call the Park Visitor Center at 530-432-2546 or visit their website at www.southyubariverstatepark.org. This is a fun, family event and you can support our local park by donating a suggested $3.

For a new way to see Nevada City, go on a food tour! We highly recommend Local Roots Food Tours for a fun and interesting way to discover Nevada City for first-time tourists or return visitors. Read our blog on our food tour experience by clicking on the blog tab above or clicking HERE.

Once a month, join local bird expert Bill Cortright on a birding expedition along the South Fork of the Yuba River. The 2012 schedule is posted on the South Yuba River State Park website or click HERE.

Local Roots Food Tours

Looking for a way to learn about Nevada City? Whether you’re a local, a first time visitor, or a regular in town, a food tour is a great way to learn about the history of Nevada City, try the different restaurants, and feel truly immersed in the town. Eric and Lisa have a food tour business, Local Roots Food Tours, where they take patrons on a tour of the town, while incorporating food and history. Eric and Lisa are locals who live in Grass Valley and started doing food tours in Sacramento. They saw how successful it was down there, that they decided to expand their business to Nevada City.

I joined in on Eric’s tour last weekend and learned so much about the place I call my hometown! The tour meets at Calahan Park, then heads over to Cafe Mekka. Cory, the owner, gave each person on the tour a taste of three of his favorite coffees. He also talked about where he gets his coffee, which is from Temple Coffee Roasters out of Sacramento, (we buy our coffee from him, so if you stay with us, you can taste some of the delicious Temple coffee!) and why he prefers it over other roasters.

  

Eric then took us over to the National Hotel where he talked about the history of the hotel and its significance of the town and the Gold Rush. We then went to Lefty’s Grill where we tried their delicious Italian Butcher pizza. Lefty’s has won awards for their Napa Style Pizza, which has a balsamic drizzle over pears, gorgonzola, mozzarella, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Their flat bread pizzas are all grilled in the pizza oven.

  

The tour moved on to Nevada City Winery, and on the way Eric talked about the Powell House which has just been recently remodeled. Each of the patrons on the tour were welcome to try the many different kinds of wine that Nevada City Winery offers. While at the tasting room, we were also offered to try Calolea Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and their Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. (Interested more about the wine at Nevada City Winery? Read my blog about the day I watched them press the grapes HERE.)

   

Once we left Nevada City Winery (which took much coaxing!), Eric talked about the history of the Miners Foundry. We then headed up to Elevensies where we got to try both sweet (Pumpkin Pie) and savory (The Petey Pie) crepes. (Read my blog from when Elevensies first opened, HERE.) While everyone was munching on their crepes, Eric led us up to our place, where everyone got a brief tour of the Broad Street Inn. We headed back downtown and enjoyed some delicious homemade treats from the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe. They gave us samples of their famous Gold Miners’ Delight and a pecan turtle. After everyone finished–and after a few bought some fudge–we headed over to Sopa Thai. They brought out a few of their most popular dishes, which were all big hits.

 
 

We were running short on time so we didn’t go up Coyote Street. We then went to Deer Creek Inn where we were offered yummy homemade cookies. The tour then ended at the Stonehouse. The tour was 3 hours long, but went by very quickly. Patrons leave full of delicious food and a good idea of places they would like to return to. We highly recommend going on this tour whether you know the town like the back of your hand or it’s your first visit to Nevada City! Don’t forget about their food tour in Sacramento too!

For more photos from the tour, check out our Flickr page HERE.

Read their awesome reviews on TripAdvisor or write a review if you loved your tour!

SYRCL's Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Come into town for SYRCL‘s 10th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! The three-day environmental film festival takes place on January 13, 14, and 15 in and around Nevada City. Each year, the Festival draws in top filmmakers, celebrities, leading activists, social innovators and well-known world adventurers to the largest film festival of it’s kind. The films show all over Nevada City, including the Miners Foundry, the Nevada Theatre, the Veterans Hall, and many more locations. This is one of Nevada City’s biggest events and is worth going to! If you plan on coming next year, make your reservations as soon as possible. Accommodations fill up as far as one year in advance. We hope you can join us for this fabulous, one-of-a-kind festival! If you’ve never been to the festival, check out this article “How to Festival” for tips and answers to the most popular questions. Tickets are available online now. Volunteers are always needed at the film festival. If you want a free pass for films and love to help, consider volunteering at the festival! You can register HERE.

SYRCL (South Yuba River Citizens League) has been working hard to protect and restore the Yuba River since 1983. Read more about the organization on their website.

LeGacy Presents… Two Christmas Plays this Season!

Nevada City always goes all out for the holidays. Usually, at least one Christmas play is shown through the month of December. This year, we are so lucky to have two plays (both by LeGacy Presents) which are both fabulous. The first play, A Christmas Story, is playing at the Nevada Theatre. The classic comedy set in the 1930s tells the story of a boy named Ralphie who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. If you loved the movie, you’ll love the play as well. It has a great and energetic cast and a beautiful set. This play is fun for the whole family and tickets run from $15-$30. It shows Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 24. For more information on show times, click HERE.

The second play that LeGacy is putting on this holiday season is David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries. This one man show tells David’s story of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. This hilarious production is perfect for a night away from the kids. LeGacy suggests that this performance is for “mature elves only.” Playing at Off Center Stage in Grass Valley, this show is playing until December 24 as well. Tickets are around $20-$25.

You don’t want to miss either of these productions, so catch them before they leave!