Briar Patch Co-Op has something for everyone, whether its fresh local organic fruits and veggies, local wines, healthy meals to go, amazing fresh criossants, tickets to the latest local performance or bulk foods.  Really, you just need to pop in and check it out yourself.  Their comphrensive website has information on how to get involved, cooking classes, supporting the local food movement or local businesses available at Briar Patch. Located at the round about on Sierra College Drive in Grass Valley.  Stack’d Everyday Napkins has generously offered up a set of napkins to one lucky reader.  Please post a comment here on this blog post about your favorite thing about Briar Patch and I will draw the winner on Monday, May 7th.

It’s spring, time to dust off the bike and hit the trails.  If you’re looking for a community of riders try BONC (Bicyclists of Nevada County) or stop by the Outside Inn for a map of some of our local singletrack rides, you’re bound to find someone else outdoors with the same idea.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps and Dieter King

Hungry?  Head to Jernigan’s Tap House & Grill on Argall Lane, Nevada City and check out their menu of burgers or sandwiches (my vote is the tri-tip sandwich) and wash it down with one of the many beers on tap.  Live music Wednesday/Friday and Saturdays.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City

Wendy Van Wagner’s In the Kitchen offers hands on cooking class, for all ages.  When I asked her for her favorite spring time receipe she replied with, “Did you know that Strawberry Shortcake is really one of the EASIEST desserts to make? The only real cooking/baking is making the shortcakes! The rest is sliced strawberries and whipping cream! I have already made this dessert 3 times for dinner parties and guests, most recently for our annual Easter Sunday Lunch out on the land where we live. I always make Alice water’s recipe, the shortcakes are exceptionally crumbly and delicate. Make sure that you get the ripest strawberries you can find and for an extra special addition to the whipped cream, I add a splash of rose water before whipping!”  For a complete recipe for this yummy dessert check out … Read More »

The opening cermony for Hirschman’s Trial is April 21st, 9am.  I’ve complied a few of my favorite photos from the last year.  If you need directions the Outside Inn office has a free map of the trail.  It’s become a favorite of our guests, due to the proximitiy to town.  If you’d don’t make it out for the ribbon cutting ceremony, definitely check out the trail, either on foot, with your bike or your fishing pole, it’s a great little spot.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City

I’m super excited to announce our winner of the web design and photo shoot contest is Sheila Cameron.  She has won a prize package by John Burnett.  When I asked Sheila her thoughts on winning she replied with the following, ”Thank you so much for running this wonderful contest. I can’t tell you how much this help means to me and I’m grateful to my many friends (virtual and real life) who voted for me and spread the word with savvy and enthusiasm. I had a good year last year, but this will help me increase my business and, hopefully, provide a gateway for other local businesses to  enter the national online stage. As promised, I can’t wait to promote my fellow contestants on my blog and continue to share my love for Nevada County with the world.”

And I’m … Read More »

Today’s post is brought to you by local photographer G Aronow Photography, many thanks to Georgette for these beautiful photographs and write up.  This weekend and possibly next, Ananda is having their Spring celebration at the Crystal Hermitage, which they describe as the “spiritual heart of Ananda”.  The tulips are just starting to bloom and with a few more days of sunshine they will be truly spectacular.  It is a wonderful place to just be, with so much natural beauty as well as the magnificent upper and lower gardens.  They also offered fresh baked treats (yummy scones!) and live music by Ananda musicians.  It is definitely a lovely place to experience springtime!  For additional photos please click here.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by G Aronow Photography

The Outside Inn’s blog has teamed up wtih Carolines Coffee Roasters to help celebrate their 30th birthday celebrations.  Holly provided the coffee and I decorated the goodies.  The fun coffee crate includes 2 coffee mugs, 3 sample packs of coffee, a bookmark and a greeting card.  How can you win?  Stop by the Carolines Coffee Roasters’ Facebook page and look for the post with these goodies.  Make sure you tell them the Outside Inn sent you!  The winner will be announced on their facebook page.  Life is good!

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City

Spring is in bloom at the Outside Inn, all of these beautiful flowers were found around the property, come on by and smell the flowers.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City

Get inspired to paint and draw, take a fine arts class by Ruth Chase at As If Studios in Grass Valley.  Her next class is all about Portrait Drawing, April 14th 10am-1pm.  ”Using traditional exercises with a twist. You will come out of this class not only with drawing skills but also the ability to see creatively,” states Ruth.  Connect with other artistic souls and spend part of a day soaking up the creativity energy, you might be surprised to discover your next passion, all levels invited to participate.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City