If you’ve been to look at the wildflowers at Bridgeport, but would like a slightly more challenging hike, check out the Point Defiance Loop Trail, which starts at the historic covered bridge and heads downstream.  Not as well known as the Buttermilk Bend Trail, and a little harder trail to walk, this three mile loop goes along the South Yuba River downstream until you reach Lake Englebright.  The hike then winds up to the top of a grassy wooded knoll, which is spectacular and offers a large selection of wildflowers.  Bring a picnic and eat lunch at the picnic tables.  The trail winds down until you reach the parking area for South Yuba State Park.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

Wild for the Yuba at SYRCL’s spring fundraiser is coming to the Grass Valley Vet’s Hall on April 20.   The wine and beer tasting event includes tastings from two dozen wineries and breweries, fine food, live music and mingle with your friends while supporting SYRCL’s work.

Live music by Saul Rayo, Elena Powell, & Jay Ladner and catering by Emily’s Catering & Cakes

Wineries Confirmed for 2013:

Athenee Wine Importers & Distributors, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Clos Saron, Coufos Cellar, Dave the Wine Merchant at Foothill Flowers, Dave Luce, Wine Broker, Fawnridge Winery, Grant-Eddie Winery, Mountain People’s Organic Wines, Nevada City Winery, Pilot Peak Winery, Szabo Vineyards

Breweries Confirmed for 2013

American River Brewing Co, Knee Deep Brewing Co, Mammoth Brewing Co, Ol’ Republic Brewing Co.

Who doesn’t love a fun wine and beer tasting event?  Especially one that helps support the fabulous work of SYRCL, Nevada City wouldn’t be the place it is without the river, so let’s all support … Read More »

If you are looking for a different trail to hike, try the Humbug Trail, a three mile gradually descending trail which goes from Malakoff Diggins down to the South Yuba River.  It is forested with fir, cedar, and black oak as it winds down the creek bed to the river.  About half way down the creek becomes a 100 foot cascading falls which is breath taking.  Picnic tables are placed by the river where you can rest before climbing back up the hill to your car.  Bring your friends and family to see an area that is wild and beautiful and seeped in gold country history.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

The wildflowers are starting to bloom along the Buttermilk Bend trail by Bridgeport, South Yuba River.  The docent led walks start today, Saturday, March 16th at 11am and continue every Saturday and Sunday through May 19th.  The 2 mile walk along the South Yuba River is a great way to experience the beauty and magic of the river.  Bring your camera and look for a variety of California wildflowers including Golden Poppies, Purple Lupine, White Daisy’s, Western Buttercup, Larkspur and Shooting Stars.  The Western Redbud are in full color right now, while the poppies are out, but not quite covering the hillside.  The docent led hikes are $3, and please remember there’s now a $5 parking fee at Bridgeport.  Spring has definitely arrived in Nevada City!

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

Because this winter is so sunny, we got out our hiking shoes and went down to the South Yuba River canyon to hike upstream from Edwards Crossing.  The South Yuba River is a treat regardless of the season.   Starting at the Yuba Campground we hiked 4 miles upstream to Humbug Creek and had a picnic lunch by the river.  Known as the South Yuba Trail East, it is more remote than the trail from Edwards to Purdons, but just as spectacular.  Stop by the Outside Inn’s office for a trail map, if you’re unfamiliar with the trail.  And the winner of the tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Gina T.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

Nevada City is so blessed to have so many beautiful places in and around our community.  The South Yuba River is a great place to enjoy, regardless of the season.  Bring the kids and take a hike along the South Yuba Trail, or pack a picnic and chose a picnic spot.  The river canyon doesn’t get a lot of sun in the winter months, but it’s still a real treat to soak up the natural beauty, just pack a sweater.  If you need directions, feel free to stop by the Outside Inn’s office for one of local trail maps.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

The SYRCL Wild and Scenic Film Festival is probably one of my favorite events in Nevada City.  Our small town is transformed into hub of activity, with amazing films, music, art and workshops.  The energy around town is contagious, people are excited to be here and are passionate about environmental causes and having their stories heard.  Each and every one of us is important and we can make a difference, for inspiration just look at the children!   These photos barely scratch the surface on weekend’s fun, but if you haven’t had a chance to experience the Wild and Scenic Film Festival I would start planning for next year’s festival, an event not to be missed.  Today’s photos include the Mowen Solinsky Gallery opening party, the Salmon Parade, the Del Oro School Program, the Nevada … Read More »

Happy New Year’s Eve…  Before we get to the winner of our Ultimate Nevada City giveaway I thought it would be fun to list my top ten reasons why I love Nevada City.   The comments on the giveaway were fabulous.  I was in awe of the variety of reasons why people loved Nevada City– popular trends were the people, the Outside Inn, the Yuba, Victorian Christmas, the beauty.

Erin’s 10 Ten Reasons Why She Loves Nevada City

Community.  There are so many examples on how our community is great, whether it’s people helping each other (Outside Inn Flooding), or the small town vibe at the Nevada City Farmers Market or if it’s the fact that you can’t go far in Nevada City without bumping into someone you know.

Outdoor Adventures. I love that I can walk out my door step … Read More »

Are you a last minute shopper?  Here are a few suggestions on some gift ideas for someone in Nevada City, or someone who’d like to visit the area.  If you can’t make it to the last Victorian Christmas today, here are a few suggestions, or stop by any number of the downtown merchants.

First up, why not buy a weekend away package?  Buy an Outside Inn gift certificate (we’re more then happy to email you the gift certificate, if you can’t stop by in person).  For the lucky recipient, why not throw in a gift certificate to a dinner out and a wine tasting in downtown Nevada City?  (We’ll throw in the directions to the river, for free).

Do you have a coffee addict in your house?  Stop by the Outside Inn … Read More »

The South Yuba River swelled to 17,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) yesterday after the county was hit with a hard winter storm (click here for photos of the excess water at the Outside Inn).  Crowds gathered at several of the river crossings to witness Mother Nature’s power.  Shana Maziarz, Creative Director of SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival described the experience.   ”Yesterday I joined a crowd of people converging on the old Highway 49 bridge to gawk at the swollen Yuba River.  I felt so grateful to live in a community where so many of us felt that the most interesting and exciting thing to do on a Sunday morning was to stand in the rain to observe the nexus of precipitation and gravity.  As we all stood marveling at the billions of drops going down down down into … Read More »