ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
9
FAIR THEE WELL
The Nevada County Fairgrounds has been described as“ California’ s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds” by the California Assembly. We wouldn ' t disagree – it might be the towering pines or the marigold-lined paths or maybe the fact that it ' s clean and shady and well-maintained. You might come for the county fair in August and eat your way down“ Treat Street” or visit in September for the Draft Horse Classic and see some of the most amazing equines in the world. Oh, heck, do both. Events happen year-round so check the calendar when you’ re in town.
10
SNOW REASONS TO GET EXCITED
From a home base in Truckee you can enjoy some of the best snow on Earth for skiing downhill or cross-country. Winter is always a treat here and there are conditions perfect for anyone, beginner to Olympian, plus available lessons if you’ re just getting started.
11 MARCHING PRESIDENTS & HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS
Experience some of the liveliest American history presentations you’ ve ever seen during the Constitution Weekend Celebration, every September in glorious Nevada City. The weekend is packed with living history and when you see the famous Marching Presidents coming down Broad Street as part of the parade, you’ ll know you’ re in the best of company.
12
DIG INTO MALAKOFF DIGGINS
Malakoff Diggins State Park is the site of California ' s largest " hydraulic " mine and the visually impressive cliffs carved by mighty streams of water that were used to wash away entire mountains to get the gold. The park is about a 50-minute drive north of Nevada City and features a visitor center, museum and town site tours. You can also“ self-guide” your way around this testament to the power of precious metal.
13
GET DOWNIEVILLE & HIGHER
Speaking of nice day trips, Downieville is a classic for that little-changed, rural Sierra Nevada feeling. And if you love these mountains, how can you get more Sierra than Sierra City and Sierraville? For fishing, leaf or wildlife watching,
Downieville Downtown snow-play, hiking, river-dipping and mountain relaxation, spend some time in this region, which has great things to offer in any season.
14 FLOAT YOUR BOAT!
A float down the lazy Truckee River is a tradition for anyone spending some warm-weather time in the eastern county area. Professional raft trip companies are ready to show your group the ropes if you aren’ t experienced enough to pull it off safely on your own. When we’ ve had our share of rain and snow like this year, it makes for a bit of exciting whitewater!
15 IN VINO VERITAS
It’ s been growing gradually for over forty years but the Sierra Nevada Foothill wine regions now have a reputation that can stand with the“ big boys” in California wine. Our terroirs are terrific and our appellations appealing – Nevada County wine has come of age. You can create your own tour, from the Truckee region to our western border. You’ ll find wine makers and sellers with an attitude of enjoyment without any off-putting pretense and delightful country roads that take you to them. Don’ t miss the Truckee, Grass Valley and Nevada City downtown tasting rooms as well.
16 TEST YOUR METAL
When it came to veins of gold, Nevada County had some of the richest ever discovered anywhere. The mining industry dominated commerce in our area from 1850 to 1950. At Empire Mine State Park you can tour one of the oldest and largest gold mines in the state- one that produced 5.6 million ounces of gold. It’ s a great way to imagine those days and there is also fine picnicking, hiking and biking available. Add in a trip to the Northstar Mine Museum, also in Grass Valley, and you’ ll automatically earn your gold star. Who else had enough gold to skip the Great Depression?
Floating the Truckee River
17 ARTS IN THE BULLSEYE
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley had turned into a real powerhouse for regional arts and entertainment, from displays of local talent to attracting performances by some of the top-notch musicians and spoken-word artists in the world. A look at this year’ s calendar sends the imagination soaring through jazz, rock, folk, zydeco and“ world” music with touchstone artists along the way, such as Jackie Greene, Cat Power and The Seeds! You could also spend an October evening with Garrison Keillor, in case your soul needs some soothing reassurance.
18 SPEAKING VOLUMES
If you love a good book you’ ll be thrilled with the number of places to browse in Nevada County, especially in Nevada City and Grass Valley, which have jointly gained a reputation as the“ Gold Cities Booktown” of the foothills. A variety of locations featuring new books, used books, local history, specialty and rare books, bookseller co-ops and readers’ accessories will keep you happily busy for hours. We’ re a reading county and we boast an unusually high percentage of writers in our midst as well, so plan to include some quality time with the written word in your next visit.
BOB WHITE
NEVADACOUNTYGOLD. com 69