Nevada County Life

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?

The day after Thanksgiving saw good crowds at Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley on a clear night with the temperatures in the low 40s F.  While it felt busy, Mill Street felt like it had fewer stalls than usual this year, with a cluster down near the Del Oro and another cluster near Main Street, but isolated stalls in between.  If this is the case then hopefully the good crowd tonight will bring more stall holders out for the remaining evenings before Christmas.

As always we frequented the Frontier Angel handmade soap stall and purchased a good number of soaps to send out as presents.  Feedback on the soaps is always good from friends and family so why mess with a winning formula?  We also enjoyed the bright lights of the stalls in Main Street and some of the Christmas window displays, the one at Foothill Flowers being particularly bright and welcoming.  

If we’d not just enjoyed Turkey Dinner 2, then we’d have probably been tempted by some of the good smelling food on offer from a number of the stalls, and braved the line for the chestnuts too.  Good to see some of our local shops packed out with people too, although navigating with a stroller in Tess’ Kitchen Store is not to be recommended when the store is packed out!  I declined to enter Yuba Blue as it was even busier than Tess’.  Good.

A charming turn-of-the-century setting, the sounds of Cornish Christmas Carolers, Wagon Rides, Jugglers,  Clowns, Cloggers, Christian Rock, Celtic Music, Jazz, Barbershop Quartets, and more highlight this annual Cornish Christmas Celebration in downtown Grass Valley, California. 

Grass Valley’s downtown section (Mill St and Main St) is blocked off to motorized traffic, and you can stroll through the historic gold mining town while taking in the festive atmosphere.  The stores feature illuminated windows and the building silhouettes are picked out with strings of lights.

It also makes an excellent event to pick up unique and/or last minute presents.  Many of the stalls are run by local artisans and if you are lacking ideas for that special someone, then this may be just the place to come for inspiration.

Those feeling a little peckish are also well catered for by the numerous food stalls featuring local fare and snacks.  In addition enjoy hot roasted chestnuts, free courtesy of the Grass Valley Downtown Association.

Cornish Christmas 2008 in Grass Valley is happening on November 28, December 5, 12, & 19 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Call: (530) 272-8315 for more details.