Nevada County Life

Most of us in the Grass Valley and Nevada City area woke up today with a light dusting of snow outside our windows. For us, it was just enough for a snow ball fight in our downtown Grass Valley yard with my 2-year old son. But, get ready for more. The National Weather Service says Tuesday night snow levels at 2500 feet, dropping to 1900 feet on Wednesday before rising again. Friday, and possibly going into Saturday, snow levels of 2700 feet.

So, what should we do this week in Nevada County? If you like the snow, pull out your snow shoes and drive for a few minutes East on Highway 20. White Cloud is only 15 minutes or so outside Nevada City, and has a fun snow play area for sledding or snowman building, and miles of trails for snow-shoeing and cross country skiing. Of course, we’re only 45 minutes from Boreal, the closest resort for downhill skiing and snow boarding.

If you’re not so fond of the snow and rain we’re having this week, look for indoor activities.  The Imaginarium is having their preschool play day on Tuesday, February 10th from 9am-12pm for preschool age, and they are having an Open to the Public day on Saturday, February 21st, from noon-5pm. Or, drop by Summer Thymes on Colfax Avenue in Grass Valley any day for a tasty hot drink to stay warm. You could always take in a movie downtown at the classic Del Oro Theater.

Wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day in Nevada County? This year Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, so that makes for a fun full day or weekend! These are some of my ideas:

Go wine tasting. Tour our local vineyards dotted around the foothills for a tasty day and lovely scenery. Many of them are open to the public for wine tasting on weekends. Visit Northern Sierra Wine Country for information and maps.  Or, like the sound of wine tasting, but wishing to stay in town? The Lucchesi Winery tasting room in downtown Grass Valley is putting on a Valentine’s Day event. There will be wine tasting, music, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate, and flowers! Visit thisisnevadacounty.com for details about this event.

For a romantic outdoor dining adventure, pack a creative picnic and head to the South Yuba River. Or if you prefer to go out to eat… In downtown Nevada City, try the fondue at Friar Tuck’s, Thai at Sopa Thai, or everything is good at the New Moon. In downtown Grass Valley, Italian always has a romantic flair, so go to Villa Venezia.

Whatever you plan to do on Valentine’s Day, there are many local shops with the Valentine’s Day gifts and treats you need. In downtown Grass Valley, stop in Dorado’s for chocolate, Foothill Flowers of course, Sierra Starr Winery for champagne, and Aimee Taylor’s on Mill Street has some unique jewelry, prints, and other gifts.

Why does this rural area of California have so many Victorian homes? Gold and gold mining. To give you an idea of how rich the area was, the Empire Mine in Grass Valley produced 5.8 million ounces of gold between 1850 and 1956, when it closed. It’s currently on record as the oldest, largest and richest gold mine in the state of California.

Nevada City and Grass Valley were boom towns during this period, and many fine houses were built. Although there were a number of fires in both towns, many Victorian houses survived them, and more importantly survived the redevelopment of the towns in the 20th century. Then the end of mining operations in the 1950s ushered in an economic downturn for the area, with some of the Victorian properties falling into disrepair at this time, but the economic revival that has taken place in Nevada County based on tourism and an influx of high technology companies has been accompanied with a new appreciation for these wonderful properties. Many have been renovated and restored, and in turn they provide visitors with one more thing to appreciate in our local area.

The best way to see the Victorians in Grass Valley and Nevada City is to walk through the neighborhoods surrounding the downtown areas.

Are you a horse enthusiast? Have you ever ridden on the horse trails in the Gold Country? We have miles and miles of trails in Nevada County from the rolling hills and open space in the horse country of Penn Valley to the Bureau of Land Management trails winding amongst the majestic trees outside Nevada City. Empire Mine State Park in Grass Valley has some of the best trails around and it’s right in town! There are also some beautiful ranches in the Chicago Park area east of Grass Valley and out McCourtney Road west of Grass Valley.

Neighboring Placer County emphasizes the endurance rides and runs with the spirited Tevis Cup ride and the UltraMarathon run, one the best of the original trails winding through numerous mining camps and ending near the Auburn Ravine.

If you are a horse lover, but you haven’t been for a ride on our Nevada County trails, it’s time for a visit!

Yuba River at Bridgeport

This week we had a nice stroll on the Buttermilk Bend Trail at Bridgeport, part of the South Yuba State Park system. Each season is different at Bridgeport. In a couple of months, the Buttermilk Bend trail will be the most beautiful place to find wildflowers in Nevada County, and the flowers will bloom in waves throughout the Spring. In Summer, there’s nowhere more relaxing to spend a Summer day than at one of the swimming holes along the South Yuba River. For now, Winter at Bridgeport has its own charm. It is quiet with fewer visitors, and all you hear is the sound of the river flowing by and the gentle sound of the wind. The pools in the river are deep emerald green in the Winter light. And if you’re a dog person, you are only allowed to take dogs to Bridgeport October-April, so now is the time. Our dog loves to walk there and take a dip in the water.

So, if you’re looking for a nice place for a Winter hike, hed down to Bridgeport. It’s at a much lower elevation, so you won’t have to worry about snow making the trekking difficult! See more photographs of Bridgeport at thisisnevadacounty.com.