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

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

Spring is coming, the daffodils are popping out of the ground, the flowers are blooming.  I can feel that spring is in the air.  I’m always captivated by the beauty of every day life, today’s blog post features a couple local Instagram photos of spring flowers.  Thanks to Lynette, Becky and Amber for sharing some of their recent photos, for my feed click here.  And the winner from last week’s Elixart giveaway is Ruth Chase.

Spring flowers by Lynette Bulick

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Erin Thiem, Lynette Bulick, Becky Boman and Amber Hill

The wildflowers are in season at Bridgeport on the South Yuba River.  Pack a picnic and head to Buttermilk Bend Trail, the level trail follows the river for 1.2 miles and is perfect for all ages and abilities.  Guided walks every Saturday and Sunday at 11am through mid May.  If you’re feeling ambitious ride your bike to Bridgeport.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

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

This past weekend was the 18th annual Garden Tour of Nevada County, presented by the Soroptimist International Society of the Sierra Foothills.  It is always a treat to be able to visit amazing private spaces throughout the county.  The amount of work put into these gardens was amazing, some we envied, some we chuckled at, but all of them gave us ideas for our own yards.  We gave our own personal bonus points for those yards that were the work of the owners and not the hired help.  We gushed over the drop dead beautiful small lake fed by its own year round creek.  We appreciated the yard art and sculptures peaking out of the bushes.  We oohed at the rhododendrons, dogwoods, azaleas, and irises.  We loved the private outdoor spaces etched into every yard. A delightful way to spend the day here in Nevada County.  I am … 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.

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.

Check out our newest flowers!  The Outside Inn has a large collection of fun and interesting yard art around our property, click here for more photos.  Today we added 3 oversized tin flowers to the mix, because we’re all sick of the rain, hail and snow!    The Margaret Taylor flowers are made of reclaimed barn wood and salvaged roof tin.  To add a little color to your yard click here.  Or feel free to stop by the Outside Inn patio and visit our colorful new art pieces.

If you’re looking for a unique greeting card that captures the essence of Nevada City and our natural environment look no further then LeeAnn Brook’s stunning greeting cards.  I had the pleasure of stopping into her Brook Designs Studio last week to get a sneak peek behind the scenes.  Brook Designs has been helping businesses with their branding and graphic design needs for 35 years.   LeeAnn’s greeting card line started out as a small side project, but has grown over the years to over 100 cards and a blooming small business.   The cards are so popular that Kayle Martin has been brought in to help keep up with the demand.  LeeAnn sums it up well when she said “as a graphic designer in the Gold County of the Sierra Foothills for nearly 35 years, I continue to appreciate our local color- in our community, our … Read More »