Top Ten Things To Do In Nevada County

By Mark Winkler

The much-revered American playwright Tennessee Williams once observed that “all great things tend to have a ten in them.” As a man of letters, I would love to properly acknowledge the progenitor of the “Top Ten List” but its origin is just too elusive. So we will proceed with our “Top Ten” list as though we invented it because these are activities that simply must be called to your attention. We don’t want anyone leaving Nevada County with regrets. Here are some things to do before you “check out.” Perhaps you can put this list in a metaphorical bucket, which is an image that just came to me out of nowhere.

OUR TOP TENDENCIES

10. Swim Freely

Dive in and enjoy our beautiful natural waters. From the Yuba River at the Old Highway 49 Bridge, Edwards Crossing, Purdon Crossing and Bridgeport (best for families), to the Truckee River, Rollins Lake, Scott's Flat Lake and Donner Lake to name just a few, you will find clear water, deep pools, massive granite boulders and great mountain lakes. 

9. Music in the Mountains

Enjoy outstanding performances of predominantly classical music from this great organization, presented in the newly renovated Amaral Family Festival Center at the Nevada County Fairgrounds - or during the summer, picnic style seating amid the pine trees on the picturesque lawns at the Nevada County fairgrounds. Prepare to be transported.

8. Get Downtown

We have great old downtowns that really have a “there” there. You’ll find terrific historic buildings, beautifully cared for, in Truckee, Grass Valley and Nevada City. Gold Rush era attributes and architecture abound and if you love Art Deco, take in the Courthouse in Nevada City and the Del Oro Theatre in Grass Valley. And that’s just for starters.

7. Take a Powder

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 great and we sometimes get to start the season early or ski until June. Too many great resorts and runs to pick just one. Grab a snowboard- there are conditions perfect for anyone, beginner to Olympian, and lessons if you’re just getting started.

6. Pack Up Your Cares

For backpacking, the high Sierra Nevada Mountains offer world-class scenery and some of the most beautiful granite your boots will ever make their way across. There are whole clusters of mountain lakes where you can wet a line, refresh with a swim and partake of deep serenity. To pick just one, try Penner Lake, for five-star camping, superlative swimming, and picture-postcard scenery. And there are oh-so-many more.

5. Fair Weather Friends

The Nevada County Fairgrounds has been described by more than one publication as “California's Most Beautiful Fairgrounds.” Well, 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 very well cared for, with lots of grass instead of the dirt and asphalt you'll find at most fairgrounds. Whatever it is, everybody has a great time here - come for the fair in August and eat your way down “Treat Street” or come in September for the Draft Horse Classic and see some of the most powerfully amazing equines in the world. Oh, heck, do both.

4. Bulging Veins

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 and it is now starting to make a comeback. 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?

3. 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. There are organized winery tours you can sign up for or you can create your own tour. What you will find are wine makers and sellers with a great attitude about enjoyment without the unnecessary pretense. And delightful country roads that take you to them. Don’t miss the downtown tasting rooms as well!

2. Donner Go There

Beautiful Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the eastern side and part of the southern shore of Donner Lake and offers all of the great camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing and hiking a warm-weather visitor could hope for. In winter there is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on picturesque trails. For the cannibalism-curiousness in all of us, visit the Emigrant Trail Museum. It depicts the history of the area and the people who came into this part of the Sierra, including local Native Americans, the Donner Party, and the builders of the transcontinental railroad. It’s a great place for family-friendly fun and plenty to talk about with the kids. And the number one thing to do in Nevada County is:

1. Eat, Take a Hike and Go to an Art Opening

It’s always dangerous to try to cheat in gold country but I’m going to see if I can get away with this. There are so many terrific restaurants it’s crazy to name just one but have a power breakfast at Tofanelli’s anyway – maybe try the Sonora- followed by a stroll around downtown Grass Valley to loosen up. Then drive down through Penn Valley to Bridgeport at the South Yuba River State Park. Cross the lovely covered bridge and head upstream on the hiking trail. Let’s say it is springtime and the wild flowers are gorgeous but it is also warm enough to make your way down for a dip in an emerald pool. After drying off on a warm rock that hits your spine just right, head back to town to clean up and put on your new shirt because tonight is the opening of the “Nevada County Plein Air Painters” show at The Center for the Arts. While you are there, try to decide between buying tickets for Terry Riley’s performance or The Robert Cray Band. Deciding to do both may be, as usual, the right call. We refer to this as “solving the Nevada County dilemma.” Enjoy!
 

Mark Winkler is a long-time friend of Nevada County Gold who keeps insisting that his byline should read, "Norm DePlume." He is a former resident of Nevada County who now lives in Mendocino County (ingrate!). For that matter he is also a former resident of Butte County, Yavapai County and Humboldt County. He says he's not dissatisfied, just curious. His business card describes him as a "Cheaplance Writer" and as a "Jack of All Ceremonies, Master of Some." Mr. Winkler claims to be interested in all clarifications and corrections, be they factual, spiritual or otherwise. And he welcomes potential writing assignments, as long as they are not too hard. You may contact him via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by postcard at: 1280 Road M, Redwood Valley, CA, 95470.