Picnicking in the Foothills

When it’s time to break out a picnic basket and head to the area’s parks, wineries, rivers and lakes, here are some of our favorite places to go. In some cases you can enjoy free outdoor music or movies.

OUR FAVORITE STORES FOR GOURMET supplies include Dedrick’s Cheese in Nevada City (530-265-6564), Backporch Market in Grass Valley (530-271-7111), Florian’s in Truckee (530-550-0802) and Newcastle Produce in Newcastle (916-663- 2016). Our favorite picnic spots are below.

AUBURN STATE RECREATION AREA
The 20-mile-long park on two forks of the American River is situated south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax. The main access is from Auburn, either on Hwy. 49 or the Auburn- Foresthill Rd.530-885-4527

COMMONS BEACH, LAKE TAHOE
Across Hwy. 28 from downtown Tahoe City.
Free outdoor concerts on Sundays, and free movies on Wednesdays. 530-583-3348

EMPIRE MINE STATE HISTORIC PARK
10791 E. Empire St., Grass Valley
Tours of historic facility, and picnic area outside grounds. 530-273-8522

MEMORIAL PARK
Colfax Hwy., Grass Valley
Swimming, barbeques, tennis, playground and picnicking. 530-274-4390

PIONEER PARK
Nimrod Ave., Nevada City
Swimming, bandshell, playground, tennis, barbeques and picnic tables. Free outdoor concert on July 26 and Aug. 23 from 5-7 p.m. 530-265-5302

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE
23333 Scotts Flat Rd., Nevada City
Swimming, fishing, hiking, beach, play- ground and picnicking. 530-265-5302

SOUTH YUBA RIVER STATE PARK
17660 Pleasant Valley Rd., Penn Valley
Swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking and a nature museum. 530-432-2546

TRUCKEE RIVER REGIONAL PARK
Hwy. 267 south of Truckee
Eighty acre site with picnic and barbeque area, playground and volleyball. Free out- door concerts Wednesdays. 530-582-7720

PILOT PEAK WINERY
12888 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley
Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. for music and tasting, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. for tasting. 530-432-3321

SIERRA STARR VINEYARD
11179 Gibson Dr., Grass Valley
530-477-8277

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