Nevada County Life

Luckily the wines were better than the weather for the Sierra Vintners Wine Trail over the weekend of May 28th and 29th. Ominously the weather forecast had worsened the previous week and it was right on the mark as showers at Saturday lunchtime turned to downpours by 4pm!

Sunday was a better day, with a few showers at noon, clearing to an afternoon of sunshine, albeit with a sneaky cool breeze. Those who visited the Lucchesi vineyard on Sunday were treated to a grand view of the rolling foothills dappled with spots of sunshine under a threatening sky.

The weather might have put off a few people, but those who did brave the elements were treated to some excellent wines, some very pleasant food pairings, and some really awesome discounts on local wines (50% off at some wineries!).

Most of the wineries stated that business had not been brisk, but that it was steady over the 2 days.

One October 29th 2010 downtown Grass Valley will be hosting the safe trick or treat for pre school age children. Mill Street is closed to traffic between 10am and 1pm allowing children and adults to enjoy this annual tradition in safety.

Merchants on Mill St and Main St dress up and hand out candy to the children.

Come and take part in this Halloween event in downtown Grass Valley, and see the Halloween window displays in the shops. Remember, only Mill St is closed to traffic, so take care when visiting the merchants on Main st.

On May 16th, the AMGEN tour of California will start in Nevada City, and roll through downtown Grass Valley before heading out past Alta Sierra on the way to Auburn and Sacramento.

Nevada City will also see the 50th running of the Nevada City Classic cycle race in 2010.   In 2009 the race was won by none other than Tour Def France winner Lance Armstrong!

The 27th Annual Sierra Festival of the Arts takes place on Sunday May24th in Grass Valley, California.  From 10am to 5pm on Mill Street there will be fine arts and crafts on display, tasty food, live entertainment, and special booths for children.

Driving around Grass Valley and Nevada City a few days ago I could not help but feel that the building outline lights in downtown Nevada City were so much brighter and more festive than those in Grass Valley, which seemed dim and uninspired in comparison.  I’d first noticed this during the Cornish Christmas evenings but it was really apparent the other night when things were a little quieter in the streets.  Is it just me?