Winter storms get South Yuba River roaring back to life (video)

This weekend’s winter storms got the South Yuba River roaring back to life. A warm, wet storm, which forecasters described as an “atmospheric river,” drenched the Sierra Foothills and High Sierra. Snow fell at higher elevations — near 8,000 feet. The rushing South Yuba River, visible in both Nevada County, CA, and Placer County, was […]

“New Boomer” Economics

Call them millennials, the iGeneration or “New Boomers.” Though our region is known for attracting retirees, we think this younger generation can also help invigorate the area. The rest of us need to do our part to attract them and retain them—creating more job opportunities, for example. But we offer many attractions to “New Boomers,” […]

Generation Organic: Young farmers in the Sierra Foothills

For decades, the average age of farmers has been rising—to 57 years old, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But American agriculture is benefiting from youthful vigor, at least when it comes to small farms. Here are some examples in our region: BOORINAKIS HARPER RANCH A “little family farm that could,” the Boorinakis Harper […]

Sierra Foothills’ craft breweries draw locals and taproom tourists

DESPITE THE “ZOMBIE economy” in 2011, three craft breweries launched within months of each other: Berryessa Brewing Co. in Winters, Loomis Basin Brewing Co. and ol’ Republic Brewery in Nevada City. Now they are experiencing major growth spurts, epitomizing the boom in craft beer. OL’ REPUBLIC BREWERY is nearly doubling its space for the second […]

Farmers Markets flourishing in the Sierra Foothills and Truckee

OUR AREA OFFERS AN ABUNDANCE OF fresh, local produce from dozens of small farms around Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Loomis and Newcastle. Truckee is served by some in Plumas County, such as Sierra Valley Farms, as well as ones in the foothills. The fresh, local fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and eggs are sold […]

Destination dining in the Sierra Foothills and Truckee-Tahoe

GREAT FOOD IS A PART OF EVERY adventure. In our region, imaginative chefs and restaurateurs are invigorating the dining scene, and a growing number are winning rave reviews—from the James Beard Foundation, OpenTable, respected restaurant critics and food magazines. Farm-to-fork restaurants are a way of life in the foothills, not a fad, thanks to an […]

Finding the perfect cup of coffee in Grass Valley, Nevada City and Truckee-Tahoe

SPECIALTY COFFEE ROASTERS, RETAILERS and coffeehouses are booming in the foothills and Sierra, enhancing our culinary scene, creating new community gathering places and bolstering the region’s economy. Coffeehouses in Grass Valley and Nevada City sell award-winning “third wave” Temple Coffee from Sacramento. On the ski slopes of Northstar at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, Café […]

Sierra Foothills and Truckee wineries score in 2015 S.F. Chronicle tasting competition

After receiving a record 6,417 entries from more than 25 states, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, recognized as the largest competition of American wines, this weekend announced its winners. Here are some winning wineries in the Sierra Foothills and Truckee. The full list of winners is here: Avanguardia Wines: Premiato, silver Due Fiori, bronze […]

Gastropubs thriving in Sierra Foothills

THE BOOMING CRAFT BEER SCENE is contributing to a growing culinary trend called gastropubs. These eateries offer gastronomy, or the art of eating good food, in a bar or pub setting. Besides offering exceptional craft beer, gastropubs often emphasize the use of fresh, local ingredients in their cuisines. Gastropubs originated in Britain in 1990 when […]

Craft beer boom helping to revitalize Sierra Foothills

IN 1848, FRENCHMAN, CLAUDE CHANA, who discovered gold in Auburn Ravine, planted the first grape vines in the region. Besides miners, the Gold Rush brought European winemakers who established larger vineyards. In the 1860s, Placer County had more vineyards and wineries than Sonoma and Napa combined. Along with wine, the Gold Rush ushered in craft […]

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