Happy Valentine’s Day from the Outside Inn.  One of the guests who checked out today left us this fabulous postcard/thank you note.

Diego’s restaurant in Grass Valley isn’t some place you would stumble upon on accident, but it’s worth the small detour to discover this unique Latin flavored restaurant near downtown.  We went for some desserts and enjoyed a decadent Fruit Chimi and a fried bananas.  If you’re looking for a restaurant with some individual style and great food, check out Diego’s.

Nevada City is known for it’s cycling, whether it’s the annual Tour of Nevada City bike race, the Amgen Tour of California (which started in Nevada City last year) or one of its many local rides.  Evans Phelps and Wanda Shiotsuka took the 30 mile loop with more then 3000 feet of elevation climbing.  Evans summed it up well when she said it was, “a wonderful activity for a February day.”  She also gave a note of caution that this is not the ride for beginners, but a great “slow and steady climb” for those looking for a challenge with lots of “green hills and cows in the fields.”  This route is very popular with local riders, so next time you’re in Nevada City stop by the Outside Inn for a map.

The Gray Goose is one of those shops that you just have to experience.  If you’re looking for a silly Valentine’s Day present, this is the shop for you.  But, I’m very excited to announce that they have recently launched their own website, www.graygoose.com, so for those of you who can’t pop in to visit Reggie, you can check out all their fun stuff online.  Please tell the crew that the Outside Inn sent you by to say hi.

If you’re looking for a unique greeting card that captures the essence of Nevada City and our natural environment look no further then LeeAnn Brook’s stunning greeting cards.  I had the pleasure of stopping into her Brook Designs Studio last week to get a sneak peek behind the scenes.  Brook Designs has been helping businesses with their branding and graphic design needs for 35 years.   LeeAnn’s greeting card line started out as a small side project, but has grown over the years to over 100 cards and a blooming small business.   The cards are so popular that Kayle Martin has been brought in to help keep up with the demand.  LeeAnn sums it up well when she said “as a graphic designer in the Gold County of the Sierra Foothills for nearly 35 years, I continue to appreciate our local color- in our community, our … Read More »

Cookie and Kevin Gallegos recently stayed at the Outside Inn to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  While here in Nevada City they checked out the local scene, ate some delicious food at California Organics and South Pine Cafe.  But the outdoorsy pair really wanted to go for a hike, and didn’t let the cool February frost stand in their way.  The South Yuba River in Nevada City offers hiking, biking and swimming (in the summer).  Cookie and Kevin chose the trailhead from Edwards and walked downstream, an 8 mile section of the extensive trail network.  They said it was a little chilly at first, but beautiful and definitely a worthwhile hike at this time of the year. Plus the pair enjoyed the fact that they were the only ones down by the river.