Grass Valley: Revitalizing the historic downtown

NOWHERE IS THE THEME “what’s old is new again” more prevalent than in Grass Valley, the Gold Rush town nestled in the foothills. The Center for the Arts and historic Holbrooke Hotel are undergoing major renovations. Another historic building, the Nevada County Bank Building, is being transformed into a retail center, and new businesses are […]

Below the snow belt: Satellite ski towns

“SATELLITE SKI COMMUNITIES ARE THE new dream,” according to Powder magazine Though a little farther from the ski slopes, so-called satellite ski towns still have easy access, a vibrant cultural scene, and are more affordable. The foothills is blessed with an abundance of them: AUBURN ExploreAuburnCa.com Auburn helped bring skiing to the Sierra. The Auburn […]

Hotels & Wineries Double as Art Galleries

Grass Valley Courtyard Suites is becoming an “art hotel.” Embracing the recent state Cultural District designation, the owners plan to display local artwork throughout the hotel, including at its 1,300-square- foot event center. Each month, the hotel will feature a different artist or collaboration of artists. It also will host artist receptions. “We’re thrilled to […]

Below the ski belt: Satellite ski towns

“Unless you have a family inheritance, or somehow snagged one of the few affordable rentals, living in a traditional ski town is a less viable option than ever,” observes Powder Magazine. “Unable to afford the old ones, young, adventurous people are making new ones.” Though a little farther from the ski slopes, so-called satellite ski […]

“A Walk Through Autumn” in the foothills and Sierra

Our region is one of the best places in California to view fall foliage, earning it the name “New England of the West.” Here are some suggestions: HISTORIC HIGHWAY 40 Weather permitting, take an old-fashioned Sunday drive along Old Hwy. 40 from Rocklin to Donner Pass and Truckee instead of Interstate 80. The fall colors […]

Grass Valley hosts Foothills Celebration for food and wine tasting on March 5

NOW IN ITS 15TH YEAR, the Foothills Celebration in downtown Grass Valley is one of the region’s premier wine and food tasting events. Participants gather on Saturday, March 5, from 1-4 p.m., to sip wine from more than 20 foothills’ wineries while sampling delicacies from local restaurants, including favorite nibbles from their menus. One of […]

Nevada County draws prestigious statewide conference

Editor’s note: We were asked to distribute our FoodWineArt magazine at the CALAFCO conference in Squaw Valley last fall, and we look forward to doing it again. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO- http://www.calafco.org/) has announced it will hold its annual staff conference in Nevada County next year, April 15-17, 2015. The […]

Après Ski in the Foothills

THOUGH MOUNTAIN RESORTS ARE APPEALING, some people would rather stay out of the snow and take day-trips to the slopes. Après Ski Denver now has a following. Here’s a locals’ secret in the Sierra foothills— Nevada City, Grass Valley and Auburn are “snowless” escapes—but only a one-hour drive to Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge […]

Grass Valley: Winning Praise from Star Performers

HISTORIC GRASS VALLEY draws outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, food and wine lovers—and increasingly, huge stars in music and entertainment. Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Judy Collins and others all have performed in our foothills town, thanks to The Center for the Arts, a regional hub for performing arts. Audiences love the shows, but the feeling is […]

Visit Sierra Vintners: Taste among the barrels

SIERRA VINTNERS IS A CLUSTER of wineries in scenic Nevada County. They are nestled in the foothills around historic Nevada City and Grass Valley, just north of I-80, between Reno and Sacramento. It’s a personal, unhurried wine tasting experience along “roads less traveled.” Nevada County is a rising star in Northern California wine country. The […]

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