“These are a few of our favorite things”

These are a few of our favorite things for the holidays:

Foothill Flowers
An institution since 1966, the Johnson’s family-owned shop creates exquisite arrangements with hand-picked flowers from the San Francisco Flower Mart. Foothill also offers a selection of fine wines to compliment your bouquet. The holiday window displays are among the best in the foothills.
102 W. Main St., Grass Valley
530-273-2296 FoothillFlowers.com

Patio Brunch at Tofanelli’s
We like brunch on the patio during an Indian Summer day. The Omelets (101 in all) are outstanding: Fluffy and fresh. Other favorites include Eggs Benedict, and a fresh fruit bowl. A “five star” Bloody Mary (with homemade mix and all the fresh “fixings”).
302 West Main St. Grass Valley
530-272-1468 Tofanellis.com

Wine Clubs of Foothill Wineries
Most foothill wineries offer wine clubs. We belong to several of them. You can be a “Peaker” at Pilot Peak, join Lone Buffalo’s “Bison Waller Club” or Sierra Starr’s “Sirius Sipper” club, among others. Members receive discounts on wine and related merchandise and invitations to special events.
See our wine section. SierraVintners.com

Marshall’s Pasties
This shop makes original Cornish pasties from scratch in the historic downtown. 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., Grass Valley 530-272-2844

Caroline’s Coffee Roasters’ Gift Baskets
We drink Carolines Coffee each morning: It is fresh roasted, in-house. But we also adore their gift baskets—filled with coffee, chocolate-covered espresso beans, waffle mix, real maple syrup, local jams, short-bread, English breakfast teas and more.
The gourmet items are wrapped in baskets or wooden gift crates, with a festive bow.
128 South Auburn St., Grass Valley
530-273-6424 CarolinesCoffee.com

Tess’ Kitchen Store
The ultimate gourmet kitchen store, carrying major brand names in cookware, cutlery and kitchen electrics. Tess’ just expanded to three glorious, well-stocked floors at in downtown Grass Valley. It is our favorite kitchen store, and one of our favorite shops, in the region. Holiday cooking demonstrations, a wedding and gift registry and a “resident” chef to help with menu planning and cooking. On November 10, Tess’ plans to hold an open house, showcasing a new commercial kitchen. Cooking classes will be offered regularly.
115 Mill St., Grass Valley
530-273-6997 TessKitchenStore.com

Bear River Pasta Co.
Fresh pasta and a full shelf of imported Italian products, ranging from olive oils to strained tomatoes. For the holidays, Bear River Pasta carries brightly-wrapped, imported Panettone, the Italian Christmas bread. They also have La Florentine Torrone (a traditional Christmas sweet).
109 Bank St., Grass Valley
530-274-1760 BearRiverPasta.com

Treats of Nevada City
Treats serves a unique blend of traditional artisan ice creams, seasonal sorbets, and vegan and sugar-free selections. Its ice creams include pumpkin for Halloween and peppermint stick for Christmas. Other tasty treats include decadent fresh-baked cookies and European hot chocolate. Gift certificates too.
110 York St., Nevada City
530-913-5819 TreatsNevadaCity.com

Santa, Trains & Toys at
Nevada County Railroad Museum
For old-fashioned holiday fun, go to the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Nevada City. On December 1, you can ride on a steam-driven train, see toy rail cars in snowy settings, even visit Santa Claus. The gift shop is a welcome reprieve from the store chains: It offers railroad- related toys, games, puzzles and books.
5 Kidder Ct., Nevada City
530-470-0902 NCNGRRMuseum.org