October is the month of beautiful fall colors in Nevada City. Every autumn, many trees in town turn bright orange, yellow and red. One of the favorite things to do at the Outside Inn is to  go on a fall colors walk throughout town to see how different trees are changing colors. The trees and colors really become vibrant towards the end of the month and Halloween, but are really nice throughout the month.

We found some old pictures of town taken last year and hope to post more throughout the month. We’d love for others to share pictures they’ve taken too and hope to post more. Also, if you haven’t been to Nevada City, October is a great month. The weather is still very pleasant and the town has quieted down a bit from the hectic summer months.

As we get … Read More »

It seems every where I turn these days someone in Nevada City is talking about their CSA box.  For those of you who haven’t subscribed to one of the many Community Supported Agriculture options in Nevada County, it’s a way to support local farms by subscribing for a certain length for a box of fresh, local, organic vegetables or fruit.  If you need to find the nearest CSA to you, either stop by the Nevada City Farmers Market or the Nevada County Growers Market or check out the Nevada County Grow Farm Guide. The Outside Inn is one of the pick up points for Mountain Bounty Farm and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the amazing variety of vegetables and fruits every week.  Below is a sampling of some of the boxes, you can look through the rest of the photos on … Read More »

Earlier this month Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) organized a gala ride at Forest City. Approximately 60 mountain bikers belonging to various mountain bike clubs including BONC, Forest Trail Alliance, YBONC, FATRAC and the Nevada Union High School mountain bike team descended on Forest City for a great day of exploring, eating dust and great riding.  Good dirty fun was had by all. 

Forest City is an old dilapidated gold mining town located 37 miles north of Nevada City on Highway 49 and east on Ridge Road past Pike. Its picturesque buildings are at the headwaters of Oregon Creek between the north and middle fork of the Yuba River.  Forest City is now the vision of Forest Trails Alliance (FTA) who have worked hard to make it a mountain bike destination by rebuilding old mining trails.  There are plans for more trails … Read More »

Nevada City offers a great variety of shopping, even within a small downtown area.  While I’ll admit that I’m not much of a shopper I think it’s a good idea to pop in and check out some of the great retail options from time to time.  Last week while some family was in town visiting I stopped in to visit Bo Wolfson at Maiden Lane and was amazed by the variety of goodies she carries.  If you’re looking for a cookbook, card, candle, pillow, socks, wallet, clothing, water bottle, Tea Forte goodies, accessories or clothing, definitely stop in and check out the great variety.  Maiden Lane has been in business in Nevada City since 1990, so they’re obviously doing something right.  I think I’m going to ask Santa for one of the Swell bottles, an insulated … Read More »

Congratulations to all the participants of the 17th annual Celebration of Life Triathlon.  The winner of this year’s event was Stephanie Adams, from Nevada City, with a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.  I am extremely proud of my mother, Evans Phelps, founder of the Outside Inn (who retired from the business in January to spend more time with her grandsons).  Not only did she win the 60 plus age category but she also came in 10th overall.  She summed up the event well by saying it’s “an inspiring event because of the community of women and all the volunteers.”  Kurt Stephens, who works at the Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop and Outside Inn, volunteered at the event and said, “It’s my favorite event of the whole year.  I’m in awe of the support for the athletes.”  Over … Read More »

Nevada City’s well known Pioneer Trail is a 30 mile singletrack ride from Nevada City to Lake Spaulding. From there you can ride the little known but spectacularly fun and beautiful 8 mile loop known as the Upper Pioneer Trail.  Trailbuilder Dieter King and his two friends Dan Thiem and Dan Abrams recently rode this swooping singletrack with rocky sections.  ”It’s a great all mountain trail with some awesome downhill singletrack,” said Dan Abrams. “This trail has something for everyone, from sweeping banked turns to technical rocky sections, with a few logs and bridges in between,” says the other Dan. Photos from their ride have been published in the current issue of Dirt Rag Magazine.  Additional information about this ride can be found on Sierra Outdoor Recreation’s website.

Looking for a fun place to catch up with friends in Nevada City?  Stop by Matteo’s Public, open Tuesday through Sunday on the corner of North Pine and Commercial Street.  Check out the Matteo’s events page on their webpage to see if it’s a “Drink and Draw” Tuesday, a community fundraiser or one of the many nights with local artists playing live music.  This month Tom MacDonald, George Souza, Steve Holland and Paul Kamm will be playing, so stop by, pull up a bar stool and check out Nevada City’s local beer & wine pub.

The 45th annual Constitution Day Parade proudly marched through downtown Nevada City today.  The parade, with over 100 entries, ranged from patriotic, musical, entertaining, dead presidents and small town community spirit.  Below are some photos of some of parade participants, but if you’d like to see the full gallery please click here to view the Outside Inn Flickr album.

The hot dog stand on Broad Street across from the Nevada Theatre has been transformed into Elevensies Crepes.  Ariella Daly and Coly Richey are dishing out both sweet and savoury crepes Tuesday through Sunday 11am to 3:30 and soon to be open late nights on weekends. The “Mama’s crepe with lemon curd, blackberry and poppyseed” sweet crepe is a favorite of Broad Street Inn owner Valerie Moberg.  But Paul Jorgensen, the owner of the Magic Carpet, had ordered up the Roman Holiday for his lunch.  The locals are enjoying the mix of crepes, what’s going to be your favorite?

Looking for a unique piece of furniture with some history or piece of art from a foreign country?  Carolyne and Dick Moss have taken their extensive collections from their time abroad and created a new gallery in downtown Nevada City called Foreign Affairs.  The gallery is located at 115 S. Pine St next door to the Nevada City Marketplace.  So after a little world traveling you can wander next door to try fresh sushi or a panini (check out the goat cheese panini).  Nevada City Marketplace offers a selection of eco friendly and local products, including Montoliva Wines, Apollo olive oil, Terranova coffee and Grass Valley Soaps.