ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
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FAIR THEE WELL
The Nevada County Fairgrounds has been described as “ California ’ s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds ” by the California Assembly . We wouldn ' t disagree – it might be the towering pines or the marigold-lined paths or maybe the fact that it ' s clean and shady and well-maintained . You might come for the county fair in August and eat your way down “ Treat Street ” or visit in September for the Draft Horse Classic and see some of the most amazing equines in the world . Oh , heck , do both . Events happen year-round so check the calendar when you ’ re in town .
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SNOW REASONS TO GET EXCITED
From a home base in Truckee you can enjoy some of the best snow on Earth for skiing downhill or cross-country . Winter is always a treat here and there are conditions perfect for anyone , beginner to Olympian , plus available lessons if you ’ re just getting started .
11 MARCHING PRESIDENTS & HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS
Experience some of the liveliest American history presentations you ’ ve ever seen during the Constitution Weekend Celebration , every September in glorious Nevada City . The weekend is packed with living history and when you see the famous Marching Presidents coming down Broad Street as part of the parade , you ’ ll know you ’ re in the best of company .
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DIG INTO MALAKOFF DIGGINS
Malakoff Diggins State Park is the site of California ' s largest " hydraulic " mine and the visually impressive cliffs carved by mighty streams of water that were used to wash away entire mountains to get the gold . The park is about a 50-minute drive north of Nevada City and features a visitor center , museum and town site tours . You can also “ self-guide ” your way around this testament to the power of precious metal .
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GET DOWNIEVILLE & HIGHER
Speaking of nice day trips , Downieville is a classic for that little-changed , rural Sierra Nevada feeling . And if you love these mountains , how can you get more Sierra than Sierra City and Sierraville ? For fishing , leaf or wildlife watching ,
Downieville Downtown snow-play , hiking , river-dipping and mountain relaxation , spend some time in this region , which has great things to offer in any season .
14 FLOAT YOUR BOAT !
A float down the lazy Truckee River is a tradition for anyone spending some warm-weather time in the eastern county area . Professional raft trip companies are ready to show your group the ropes if you aren ’ t experienced enough to pull it off safely on your own . When we ’ ve had our share of rain and snow like this year , it makes for a bit of exciting whitewater !
15 IN VINO VERITAS
It ’ s been growing gradually for over forty years but the Sierra Nevada Foothill wine regions now have a reputation that can stand with the “ big boys ” in California wine . Our terroirs are terrific and our appellations appealing – Nevada County wine has come of age . You can create your own tour , from the Truckee region to our western border . You ’ ll find wine makers and sellers with an attitude of enjoyment without any off-putting pretense and delightful country roads that take you to them . Don ’ t miss the Truckee , Grass Valley and Nevada City downtown tasting rooms as well .
16 TEST YOUR METAL
When it came to veins of gold , Nevada County had some of the richest ever discovered anywhere . The mining industry dominated commerce in our area from 1850 to 1950 . At Empire Mine State Park you can tour one of the oldest and largest gold mines in the state- one that produced 5.6 million ounces of gold . It ’ s a great way to imagine those days and there is also fine picnicking , hiking and biking available . Add in a trip to the Northstar Mine Museum , also in Grass Valley , and you ’ ll automatically earn your gold star . Who else had enough gold to skip the Great Depression ?
Floating the Truckee River
17 ARTS IN THE BULLSEYE
The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley had turned into a real powerhouse for regional arts and entertainment , from displays of local talent to attracting performances by some of the top-notch musicians and spoken-word artists in the world . A look at this year ’ s calendar sends the imagination soaring through jazz , rock , folk , zydeco and “ world ” music with touchstone artists along the way , such as Jackie Greene , Cat Power and The Seeds ! You could also spend an October evening with Garrison Keillor , in case your soul needs some soothing reassurance .
18 SPEAKING VOLUMES
If you love a good book you ’ ll be thrilled with the number of places to browse in Nevada County , especially in Nevada City and Grass Valley , which have jointly gained a reputation as the “ Gold Cities Booktown ” of the foothills . A variety of locations featuring new books , used books , local history , specialty and rare books , bookseller co-ops and readers ’ accessories will keep you happily busy for hours . We ’ re a reading county and we boast an unusually high percentage of writers in our midst as well , so plan to include some quality time with the written word in your next visit .
BOB WHITE
NEVADACOUNTYGOLD . com 69