Nevada City: A mix of old and new

Like other Gold Rush-era towns, “the past is always present” in Nevada City. The entire downtown is registered as a historic landmark.

“Preservation has been the byword in Nevada City, and the town’s commitment to it began as a happy alternative to a threatening civil war between hippies from the Bay Area and the more settled, conservative locals,” as the Los Angeles Times declared in a 1991 feature article that captured the town’s appeal.

Like the Holbrooke in Grass Valley, the historic National Hotel — one of the town’s most visible landmarks — is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation with the same management team.

“We are taking great care to pay our respects to the heart of the original building as we work to update, refresh and revitalize the hotel,” according to the group.

Across town, The Stone House, dating back to 1850, has been revived, thanks to San Francisco entrepreneur Jonathan Rowe. The restaurant offers fresh, local seasonal fare, craft beer and cocktails. The Stone House also features live music and entertainment.

Some new restaurants are being added to the mix, such as One 11 Kitchen & Bar in the building that used to be Matteo’s Public.

For summer dining, Ike’s Quarter Cafe has one of the best patios around, and its Cajun entrees for breakfast and lunch are delicious, ranging from Eggs Sardou to fresh salads and Po’ Boys. Chef Ike Frazee creates innovative dishes, and the menu features fresh food from local farms. We are regulars.

For picnic food, Wheyward Girl Creamery and The Ham Stand are standouts. Wheyward Girl features regional, domestic and imported cheeses, while The Ham Stand has delicious sandwiches with house-cured meats.

Nevada City also is home to some of the area’s best wineries and tasting rooms, including Nevada City Winery, Szabo Vineyards, and Clavey Vineyards & Winery. It also is home to one of the region’s best galleries: LeeAnn Brook Fine Art on Broad Street.

(Photo: Kial James)

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