The Center for the Arts in downtown Grass Valley has a full roster of past, current and upcoming shows.  Tonight they brought in singer, songwriter and fiddle play Sara Watkins to perform.  The audience was treated to an opening act by Kris Orloski and then a set by Sara with songs from her two solo albums since a extended hiatus from Nickle Creek.  Thanks Sara for treating us to such an amazing show.  The Center for the Arts is having a membership drive this month, click here to join or renew and continue to support live music in Nevada County.

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The Top Drawer on Mill Street in Grass Valley offers lingerie, sleepwear and gifts.  A perfect place to host a girls night out, call today to set up a private evening for a bridal party or special celebration.  Their claim to fame is a bra “for every body,” stop by and have one of the staff members help you find the right option for you.  With Mother’s Day coming up, stop in and buy the special Mom in your life a treat.  And to help you with your shopping the Top Drawer has offered one lucky Outside Inn blog reader a $20 gift certificate.  Please post a comment on this blog post, tell us your favorite Mother’s Day tradition, Bridal Party story or why you love the Top Drawer.  And for a second chance at the … Read More »

There’s a new shop in Grass Valley called Green Light that specializes in recycled and repurposed furniture, lighting and accessories.  All of the items in the shops are upcycled, ranging from Further bath products (recycled glycerin from biofuel distillation process) to unique light fixtures made from scraps destined for the landfill.  Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for news on their grand opening.  Green Light is open 12-6 every day but Wednesday and located at 257 Colfax Ave in the old gas station building.

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Have you been to visit Smith Vineyard’s downtown Grass Valley tasting room?  The local winery took over the location of the bar Bunce’s a number of years ago and gave the space a whole new look and feel.  Now you can sit in either in the indoor or outdoor bar and sample organically locally grown wine.  Check out their events calendar for upcoming local music or art display.  Margie Miller’s art will be on display for a few more days, stop by and check out the colorful display.  The tasting room is open 12-6  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays and open till 7 on Saturdays.  Chris, of Smith Vineyards, has generously offered up 2 free tickets to their upcoming picnic and concert in the vineyard, coming up on Sunday, May 26th.  Please post a comment on this … Read More »

Contributed by Katy Spoto

Here are my top five things to do with kids in Nevada County on a sunny day.  First up, pull on your cowboy boots and gallop over to Purpose Ranch.  Wranglers welcome visitors to make friends with 26 rescued horses. Call for best time to visit.

Get on your bike and ride at Nevada County Fairgrounds.  Hilltown living makes learning to ride a bike challenging; but, the benefits extend into your child’s problem-solving abilities. Enter at gate four and bring a helmet.

Commune with nature on Rock Creek Nature Trail. Strap on baby and peace out on this ¾ mile loop of forested bliss.

Be a tourist at the Empire Mine. Take in the century-old gardens while kids toddle along paths. Listen for frogs at the reflecting pool, explore machinery and find the moon rock in the mineral exhibit.

All aboard the NCNG … Read More »

A girl’s night out at Kane’s Restaurant in downtown Grass Valley, great company, lively atmosphere, excellent drinks.  They’re expanding, keep an eye out for their upcoming renvoation, featuring a larger bar, more seating, lounge and 1000 square foot patio.

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Tess’ Kitchen cooking classes range from desserts, to pizza, to Thai food.  For those of you who missed out on the recent cast iron cooking class, Tess’ Kitchen has just added another one to their busy cooking class schedule, click here to sign up online.  Roberta walked us through some techniques for cast iron skillets, while cooking a delicious meal (which I’m happy to report we cooked for dinner guests shortly after taking the class).  So, for those of you who are looking to expand your culinary skills or who want to have a fun night, it’s time to get cooking.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

If you’ve lived in Nevada County for any period of time you’re probably familiar with Carolines Coffee Roasters.  This month the local company celebrates their 31st birthday.  I had a chance to talk to Holly Fike, Carolines Coffee Roaster’s Manager, about the history of the shop and the strong family connection.  Carolines Coffee Roasters “originally started selling coffee because the family saw a niche market for small batch, fresh coffee, and bought a coffee roaster.  The family at that time would have been Caroline, her husband Chuck who had recently retired from the Forest Service, and their son Trace (photographed above in the mid 1980′s).  Perhaps the biggest change over time is that as we expanded and this area has grown, we’ve become more and more local and community focused.  We used to sell coffee from Redding to Yosemite, … Read More »

Olive Vitality, a brand new ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil tasting room opened its doors this weekend in downtown Grass Valley.  The shop provides top quality olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars from around the world, all at extremely affordable prices.  Stop in and visit with owners Jeanette and Matt, they’re eager to share their love and knowledge of the olive oils and vinegars.  The tasting bar in the center of the shop provides sample pairings, but every oil on tap is available to be tried.  In the month of April they’re providing special free after hour tasting parties, call them to book yours today (530-273-8336).  The tasting room is open seven days a week at 126 Mill Street, next to Grass Valley Wine Company.  Jeanette has offered up a free olive oil and balsamic vinegar to one … Read More »

Looking for a family friendly dining out option or a casual place to get together with some friends?  Check out Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Grass Valley.  Open seven days a week, serving breakfast on Saturday and Sundays (see this blog post for more photos of Maria’s Mexican breakfast).  The full service bar and patio, during the warmer months, are both great places to sit and enjoy a cold beer or margarita.  What’s your favorite Maria’s dish?

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