Cheryl Noble’s TV program Sierra Snapshots is a travel show that showcases the Northen Sierra Nevada areas.  This week’s episode is all about dog friendly activities.  Click on the video below to see some of the people and places Cheryl and Carla Bonetti, of Nevada County Escapes, visit and interview.  The Outside Inn is the final stop in their 20 minute program.  Thanks Cheryl and Carla for stopping by and showcasing our dog friendly motel.

There are a number of great choices in Nevada City for breakfast and lunch, but our family decided to go visit the South Pine Cafe in Grass Valley for a change of pace.  Both locations offer the same great menu, whether you’re in the mood for Lobster Benedict or the Southwestern Turkey Grill.  The favorite breakfast choice for the younger crew half of our party is always the mousecakes, pancakes decorated to look like a mouse.  The South Pine Cafe in Grass Valley is located on Richardson Street, open 8am to 3pm every day of the week.  Or you can always stick to the Nevada City restaurant, located on South Pine Street.  But make sure you’re hungry, because who can resist ollaliberry pancakes or a carne asado burrito?

A Christmas Story opened at the Nevada Theatre last night to a festive crowd, brought to local stage by Legacy Productions.  Friday & Saturday night run this weekend through Christmas Eve, with matinees starting next Sunday, to purchase tickets click here.  Go and out support our local theatre, you’re bound to get a few laughs out of the evening.

Looking for a gift idea for the outdoor enthusiast on your Christmas list?  Join the Plaid Friday movement this week and shop local.  (For other great local gift ideas click on my previous gift giving guides, Wine Lovers, Children Gift ideas and Food Lovers).  If the sporty person on your list is a cyclist, stop by the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle shop.  Your options range from small stocker stuffers (like bike bells, socks or books) to larger items like a new Icebreaker cycling top, pedals or even a bike.  If yoga is more their style you can buy them a gift certificate to one of the many local yoga studios, a fun yoga mat at Yuba Blue or a recycled yoga themed bag at The Gray Goose.  If your outdoor enthusiast is a gear guy/gal, check out the selection … Read More »

Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks and appreciating the food on the table and the community that surrounds us, so with those thoughts in mind I thought it would be nice to give a big thanks to the Nevada City community who helped make the Outside Inn Neighbors Vegetable cart such a success this year.  The free cart has been retired for the season, but throughout the summer and early fall the Outside Inn was happy to host the free trade of extra fruits and vegetables (click here, here and here to read a few other Outside Inn blog posts on our fun little cart).  Below are a few photos from this year, for more photos please click here to see our Flickr album.  Some days the fruit and veggies would be gone in a blink of an eye, … Read More »

This week’s gift guide guide is for the food lover on your shopping list.  Nevada City and Grass Valley have so many great local options for the person who either likes to cook, eat or just enjoys reading cookbooks.  Stop by JJ Jackson’s for some amazing choices for the entertainer who needs the perfect tablecloth or serving bowl.  Maiden Lane has a great selection of cookbooks, and they’re always 15% off!  If you’re looking for a eco-friendly gift, stop by Being Green and check out their fun portable Tiffin food carrier or bamboo utensil set.  In Grass Valley both The Wooden Spoon and Tess’ Kitchen Store offer a huge selection of items for the food lovers.  Check out some of the photos below for a few small or big ideas.  Now if you’re food lover already has a fully stocked … Read More »

Looking for casual, family friendly dining in Nevada City, check out the Northridge Restaurant at the top of Nevada Street.  While pizza is always our first choice, you can have a burger, fish ‘n chips, salad or a sandwich.  Stop by to watch a sporting event on the big screen while the kids lose quarters in the game room or check out their to go menu and take it home.

The Artist Workshop celebrated their grand opening in downtown Grass Valley today with a welcome party.  The family friendly studio designed to provide children of all ages a place to create.  In addition to open studio time The Artist Workshop also hosts workshops, camps and birthday parties.  To see a complete list of their schedule click here.  Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a place for your child to work on his or her own art project or perhaps a mom’s group get together, stop by The Artist Studio and check out what they have to offer.  Check out the photos below for a sneak peak inside, or better yet, stop by and visit them (if you stop by before 3pm today they’re giving away Lazy Dog ice cream!).

Looking for some holiday gift ideas for kids, don’t drive to Roseville, check out some of these fun ideas from shops in Nevada City and Grass Valley.  Start your shopping trip with an entertaining trip to Gray Goose, you’ll probably end up with something that’s not kid appropriate.  Stuey Weills, Gray Goose owner, recommends the melamine plates and cups.  A few doors up on Broad Street The Earth Shop has some great educational toys, try a Brain Quest game for the kid who knows all the answers.  On Spring Street in Nevada City Mountain Pastimes has a large selection of toys, puzzles and magic tricks.  Penny Lane on Union Street has a nice range of clothing, books and toys.  Pick up one of Bree’s soft balls, made locally, for an excellent baby present.  JJ Jackson’s toy table has lot of great … Read More »

It’s a beautiful fall day in Nevada City and no better time to go explore some of the vast network of trails.  I went for a quick walk along the Snow Mountain NID trail, easily accessible from downtown Nevada City, just one mile up Highway 20.  Park your car in the turn out with the telephone pole in the center (or look for Steep Hill Road) and walk along the water canal that runs a mile and a half to Willow Valley Road.  Or grab your mountain bike and ride directly from the Outside Inn, the map in the office calls it the “Office Loop” because it’s perfect for an hour long lunch break ride.