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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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 »

Yuba Blue on Mill Street in downtown Grass Valley is one of those shops where you walk in to have a look and find all sorts of things you never knew you needed.  The well stocked shop carries everything from gifts, home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories and lots of bath and body goodies.  If you’re looking for a present for someone for the holidays,   just ask one of the friendly staff, although you might end up finding something for yourself in the process.  Great gift ideas include gift certificates, made to order gift baskets or any number of their holiday items (ornaments, holiday fragrances, Christmas choclate and candy, greeting cards, designer socks and festive wear).  Our friends at Yuba Blue are offering up a $10 gift certificate to one InnSide Nevada City reader … Read More »

Booktown Books in downtown Grass Valley offers a huge selection of used books.  The cooperative bookshop is home to fourteen different independent booksellers, with sections ranging from current fiction, local history, non fiction, children’s books and more.  Mike Witter, Frisco Books,  guesses that the 4000 square foot shop is home to approximately ” 76, 014 books.”  Since the shop recently expanded to include the cafe section Mike thinks they’re not far off 80,000 books, but isn’t positive on the number.  In addition to books you can also find CDs, tapes, DVDs, toys, books on tapes and “the largest selection of books on ants in Northern California.”  Booktown Books is open seven days a week, click here for current hours.  Ron Quintana, Music Town booth, says he doesn’t miss the cafe in the shop, “since we’ve got Carolines Coffee Roasters across … Read More »

Welcome to week five of the Outside Inn’s local gift giving guide, this week we’re focusing on ideas for the person on your shopping list who loves to garden.  There are a number of great nurseries in the Nevada City and Grass Valley area.  Stop by Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply and stock up on useful tools, gardening goodies or some fun garden themed gifts in their showroom.  Prospector’s Nursery in Nevada City is stocked full of great green thumb goodies, with a range of gifts for the young and not-so-young gardener.  If you’re looking for a bird feeder, stop by Yuba Blue on Mill Street in Grass Valley.  If your gardener needs help keeping track of their busy social calendars check out the Vegetable Garden desk calendar at The Gray Goose or the Peaceful Valley wall calendar with local artist Randy Griffis’ … Read More »

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 »

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 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 not too early to start thinking about the holidays, so I thought it would be fun to do up some buying guides to help get you into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a gift for the wine lover here are a few fun suggestions that you can buy locally.  Tess’ Kitchen Shop on Mill Street in Grass Valley carries the fabulous Gallicchio Glass hand blown wine decanter.  Being Green has a fun hemp wine bag.  Yuba Blue has the fun cookbook “The Wine Lover Cooks with Wine”. JJ Jackson’s carries the durable and fun Govino wine glasses.  Indian Springs Vineyard tasting rooms is stocked with goodies ranging from wine glasses to decanters to Christmas decorations.  And then if you’re still stumped on a gift for a wine lover you could always give them the gift that keeps on giving, … Read More »