These amazing truffles arrived at my desk at the Outside Inn with an informational sheet about the DeGroot Truffle selection at the Truffle Shop in downtown Nevada City.  Folks, I think my blogging project is finally starting to pay off!  I took my trusty helpers down to investigate further, because we don’t want to say that we’re shamelessly accepting bribes for blogging posts do we?  The Truffle Shop is located in the New York Hotel on Broad St, just look for the sign that says “Chocolate Truffles & Cakes” and you know you’re close.

Rudy Udarbe, who’s been with The Truffle Shop since they opened 25 years ago, thinks of his little slice of chocolate heaven as a Nevada City destination.  The popular Nevada City Iced Cappuccino is a hit in the warmer months, while the amazing selection of DeGroot truffles and … Read More »

Living Wild: Gardening, Cooking and Healing with Native Plants of the Sierra Nevada by Alicia Funk and Karin Kaufman had a well attended book signing event at Mowen Solinksy Gallery last week.  The local authors were on hand to answer questions, sign books and sample some of the delicious goodies from a few select recipes from the book.  My personal favorite was the gourmet sorbet, hand crafted by the good folks at Treats, with Douglass Fir tips.  If you’re curious to learn more about this book, you can either order a copy online or stop by the Outside Inn and purchase a book.  100% of the profits from Living Wild will be donated to environmental and cultural preservation in the Sierra Nevada.

Nevada City has been on the wine lovers pit stop list for some time with Nevada City Winery, Indian Springs Vineyard and Clavey Wines.  Click here to read my post on those tasting rooms from earlier this year.  But, my list was not complete, so with a little help from my helpers, I went to visit the new tasting room for Szabo Vineyards and the fun and forward thinking BYOB.

Szabo Vineyards opened their tasting room on Broad Street just last week and while winemaker Alex Szabo has been growing wines out on his Bitney Springs property since 2003, he felt it was time to move into town to provide a better outlet for his award winning wines.  He jokes that “the foot traffic on Broad Street is a bit better then Bitney Springs.”  He’s proud … Read More »

It’s that time of year when people start thinking of chocolate.  If you’re looking for some Easter sweets there are two great places to check out.

Dorado Chocolates in downtown Grass Valley is known for its artisan chocolates.  The counters are stocked with decadent looking treats to satisfy any chocolate lover.  Check out their fabulous Easter goodies in stock now.  They are located at 104 E. Main Street, open 11am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sundays.

If you’re in Nevada City and need a sweet treat check out the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe.  In addition to a large selection of yummy treats they also sell ice cream by the scoop.  Don’t miss their happy hour special on Tuesdays and Thursdays, $1 a scoop from 5-7pm. If you’re looking for some Easter treats check out the personalized eggs, just the perfect item for an Easter … Read More »

The Davis Bike Club didn’t drive to Nevada City to do some of our great bike rides, instead they rode the 94 miles to get here. With the assistance of one support van, 15 riders from the cycling club climbed the uphill route from the valley to the foothills, leaving Friday morning at 7:15am and arriving at the Outside Inn at 4:30 in the afternoon. The crew all had huge grins on their faces when they rolled into the inn’s driveway. Once the bikes were safely put in their individual rooms, the friendly group sat around the landscaped water feature and toasted their ride with beer and wine. Many of the riders are in training for this year’s Davis Double, which takes place on May 21st. When I asked the group what they liked best about the … Read More »

Downtown Grass Valley is quickly becoming a wine lover’s hot spot, within a two block distance in historic downtown there are 5 different tasting rooms representing a diverse selection of locally grown wines. Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you’re heading to Nevada County and want a fun, affordable outing.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery is family owned and has a cozy tasting room on the corner of Mill and Neal Street (right next to the Del Oro Theater entrance). The warm and welcoming staff will make you feel right at home within minutes of stepping through the doors. Mario and Linda Clough began planting the family owned winery in 1999 and opened for business in 2002. Stop by Lucchesi to sample one of their many wines; Pinot Grigio, White Port, Syrah or Tempranillo … Read More »

Buttermilk Bend trail at Bridgeport on the South Yuba River is covered with wildflowers and worth a visit.  Docent led wildflower walks are held every weekend at 11am between now and early May.  The walk is suitable for all ages.

The Grass Valley Wine Company is a collection of 3 local wineries, Pilot Peak, Bent Metal and Solune Winegrowers.  Their brand new tasting room in downtown Grass Valley just opened and it’s worth a visit. The tasting room is open Thursday through Mondays noon to 5:30 and open late Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. The tasting room offers a few free tastings, a flight of 6 wines for $5 or wines by the glass.  With over 30 local wines available, there’s something for everyone.  The 40 foot poured concrete bar has room for everyone, stop by on a Wednesday night for Winemaker Wednesday and chat with one of the owners, or bring a friend and have a seat at one of the tables in the windows.  Grass Valley Wine Company is offering a special Facebook special for the month of April, on your … Read More »

Ike’s Quarter Cafe is a place not to be missed in Nevada City.  The restaurant is known for its New Orleans style menu, and just about everything on the menu is mouth watering.  They’ve got vegan, vegetarian and gulten free options on many of their dishes. Now is a great time to sit outside in their patio area because the cherry tree is in full bloom.  Ike’s does a great job of supporting local farmers, they day I went for lunch they had ingredients from Riverhill Farms, Dinner Bell Farms, Grass Valley Grains, Backbracken Acres and the James Ranch.  Closed on Tuesdays, but open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Monday and dinner on Friday and Saturday, definitely stop by next time you’re in town.  My children especially loved the bookshelf full of kids books, so bring the little ones … Read More »

Spring is in the air in Nevada City.  The lupine, brodia and daffodils are along the South Yuba river canyon.  The tulips are from downtown Nevada City, but will soon be sprouting up at the Outside Inn, which is a treat because tulips are unusual in California because they only return each year if there is a freeze.