Our Favorite Things

SWEETLAND POTTERY
We enjoy our Three Forks ceramic coffee mugs, the handiwork of Paul Steege of Sweetland Pottery on the San Juan Ridge. Paul’s fine porcelain pottery also includes cups, bowls, and tea pots (including one with a handsome manzanita twig handle). “I enjoy the challenge of making pots that are pleasing to the eye and hand, and designed for everyday use,” he says. SweetlandPottery.com

FREE JEWELRY IF IT SNOWS!
Now in its 10th year, Stucki Jewelers in Grass Valley offers a chance to win free jewelry. Here’s the basics: buy jewelry Friday, Saturday or Sunday, November 23-25 and if at least one inch of snows falls at the Nevada County Airport during any 24-hour period in December, your purchases are free. Read the rules at FreeIfItSnows.com. 148 Mill St. GV, 530-272-1266

EMILY’S CATERING
A first-rate, full-service caterer with imaginative dishes made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. We also recommend a subscription to Emily’s “Chocolate-of-the-Month” club; new members receive a 10 percent discount during the holidays. Emily’s also offers delicious homemade baked goods, desserts and gift packages at its “pop-up” bakeries: Nov. 19-21 for Thanksgiving and Feb. 13-15 for Valentine’s. 421 Colfax Ave., GV, 530-271- 2253 EmilysCateringandCakes.com

CAROLINES COFFEE ROASTERS GIFT BASKETS
We drink Carolines Coffee each morning: It is fresh roasted, in-house. We also adore their gift baskets. Gourmet items are wrapped in baskets or wooden gift crates, with a festive bow. 128 S. Auburn St., GV, 530-273-6424 CarolinesCoffee.com

MARSHALL’S PASTIES
This shop makes original Cornish pasties from scratch in downtown Grass Valley. They are rolled by hand, seasoned and baked on premises. Enjoy one during the town’s Cornish Christmas celebration or during your holiday shopping. Vegetarian pasties are offered too. 203 Mill St., GV, 530-272-2844

CELLO CHOCOLATE
Handcrafted from bean to bar in Nevada City. Cello purchases Certified Fair Trade and organic beans when available. Its bars are made from single origin beans to showcase each region’s unique character. Sold online and at select retailers. CelloChocolate.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE RAILROAD MUSEUM
For old-fashioned holiday fun, go to the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Nevada City. On December 8, you can ride on a steam-driven train, see toy rail cars in snowy settings, even visit Santa Claus. The gift shop offers railroad-related toys, games, puzzles and books. 5 Kidder Ct., NC, 530-470-0902 NCNGRRMuseum.org