Visit Grass Valley: A postcard-perfect Gold Rush town

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF the Sierra Foothills, Grass Valley is a postcard-perfect historic Gold Rush town. It offers a window into the past while featuring the best of the present: unique stores, wine and beer tasting, art galleries and top- notch restaurants and entertainment.

The central streets are Mill and Main, anchored by the iconic spire of the Art Deco-style Del Oro Theatre. A host of new shops are opening, joining family-owned stalwarts such as Tess’ Kitchen Store, Yuba Blue, Mill St. Clothing, Stucki Jewelers and Foothill Flowers, among others.

His. A Gentleman’s Sundry, which opened last fall at 202 West Main St., features men’s casual wear and gifts in a store designed just for men.

Like His, The Olive Groove is a store that reflects the revitalized retailing scene in Grass Valley. The Olive Groove provides the freshest extra virgin and in- fused olive oils and balsamic vinegars available.

Further down Mill Street, Stucki Jewelers has opened Phoenix Humidor, the biggest walk-in cigar humidor in the foothills.

The dining scene in Grass Valley is among the most vibrant in the foothills. New foodie businesses range from Watershed at the Owl to Cake, a bakery at the newly refurbished Nevada County Bank building.

Entertainment abounds. The Center for the Arts is undergoing a $4.3 million renovation that includes increased seating capacity, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a flexible stage and floor plan.

The Del Oro Theatre, built in 1940 by United Artists, also pro- vides a nostalgic movie theater experience for visitors and locals.

Downtown Grass Valley also has become a center for wine and beer tasting, often in restored Gold Rush-era buildings. The award-winning winery tasting rooms include Sierra Starr, Lucchesi and Avanguardia.

The downtown is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, such as the Thirsty Barrel Taphouse & Grille and Grass Valley Brewing Co.

Grass Valley’s art scene includes Art Works Gallery in a restored Gold Rush-era building on Mill Street, featuring the work of over 30 local artists.

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