Category Archives: Recreation

Gold Rush going strong in Grass Valley, Nevada City

April 24th, 2013
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Arts & Culture, Events & Happenings, Food & Wine, Grass Valley, History, Locals In The News, Nevada City, Recreation, Restaurants, Shopping

KTXL Fox40 News in Sacramento broadcast from Nevada City and Grass Valley on Tuesday night, focusing on the area’s gold-rush heritage, historic downtowns, gold panning activities and other attributes.

The “On the Road” feature included information about the area’s history — Nevada City got its name before Nevada’s statehood, and Grass Valley was originally called Centerville.

It also included a feature on the Empire Mine and a visit with a longtime local gold jeweler, who was once the mayor of Nevada City.

Stefanie Cruz and Eric Harryman talked to Patrick Dyer, a former mayor of Nevada City, who makes jewelry by hand at Utopian Stone.

The show also featured the historic National Hotel and Holbrooke Hotel, two of the oldest hotels in the west.

The newscast discussed notable residents, including J. Christopher Stevens, the assassinated U.S. Ambassador to Libya; Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier; and others. Famous beat poet Gary Snyder lives in Nevada City.

The videocast “Gold Rush Going Strong in Grass Valley, Nevada City” is here.

The segment about former Nevada City Mayor Dyer in the hand-made jewelry business is here. Watch them both!

For more about gold, gold panning, gold history and historic gold photos, visit here.

(historic photo: Nevada County Historical Society)

Visit Rollins Lake (video)

April 20th, 2013
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Grass Valley, Recreation

Rollins Lake is at an elevation of 2,100 feet in the Gold Country of the Western Sierra near Grass Valley, California. The lake has a surface area of 900 acres, with 26 miles of shoreline. This is a great lake for sailing and water-skiing with many coves and long stretches of open water. Fishing is good from boat or shore to reel in a wide variety of trout. Campgrounds are also available.

Docent-led wildflower walks at South Yuba River State Park through May 19

March 22nd, 2013
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Penn Valley, Recreation

By South Yuba River Park Association
Here is a special treat for those who want to get out, take a hike and learn about our incredible foothills. Docent lead Wild Flower Walks at the South Yuba River State Park continue thru May 19, at 11:00 AM. Every weekend the Park Docents provide these guided walks. This is a spectacular show of wildflowers. The wildflowers are a rainbow of golden Poppies, purple Lupine and white Daisy’s. This is one of the best wildflowers shows in Northern California.

Early in the season you will find Western Buttercup, Larkspur and Shooting Stars. By mid season the hills turn gold and purple with Poppies and Lupine. In mid to late season it is a special treat to find delicate Fairy Lanterns, Chinese Houses and Bird’s Eye Gilia. A real find is when you see the California Dutchman’s Pipe. You’ll learn about the unique symbiotic relationship it has with the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly.

The Docent lead hikes last about 2 hours. The Buttermilk Bend Trail is an easy 2 mile round trip with spectacular views of the South Yuba River. Meet in the north parking lot, just past the concrete bridge which crosses the South Yuba River on Pleasant Valley road. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water, snacks and a camera. Although leased dogs are allowed on the trail, dogs are not permitted on the hike as the trail is narrow and the groups can be large. A $3.00 donation is requested. Rain may cancel the hike.

Docent Heather Barnes is offering a special hike this year on the Point Defiance trail. The hikes will begin at the north parking lot picnic table at 9:30 AM on Tuesdays, March 12 and 26. The hike will last up to 3 hours and is more demanding going up the switch back and traversing over and around rocks on the last part of trail by the river. It is quite a bit more challenging than Buttermilk Bend. It is necessary to wear good shoes as it can be wet on that shady side and there will be climbing up and down rocks. Participants may see flowers that are not found on the Bridgeport hike such as the very pretty Sierra Fawn Lily.

To make the day complete allow extra time to visit the covered bridge and barn (both built in 1862), the restored 1920′s gas station and the Park Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has a great collection of wild flower books, bird books and many other education items. It is open 11-3:00, Thurs-Sun until Memorial Day and everyday 11-4:00 starting May 25th. For more information or questions call the park at 530-432-2546 or go to www.southyubariverstatepark.org.

For more information about wildflower walks in our county, such as Sagehen Creek and Loney Meadow, type “wildflowers” into the search box. Also visit a photo gallery of wildflowers here.

Extreme sports with Nevada City as a gateway

February 18th, 2013
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Nevada City, Recreation

For extreme sports buffs and elite athletes looking to push their limits in the Sierra foothills and high country, Nevada City serves as an ideal gateway to adventure and small town “base camp.” Within an hour of downtown, epic challenges are available year-round, including:

•The longest and most demanding mountain bike course in the nation.

•Backcountry skiing and snowboarding on and around the steep north side of Donner Peak.

•Four rock climbing areas, one with side-by-side 5.12a -14a routes on solid, bolted granite.

•Class 5+ whitewater in high mountain scenery.

•Outside Magazine recently named Nevada City one of the ten best river towns in America.

The rest of the article is here.

(Text and images: Nevada City Chamber)

Boreal host to snowboard and free-skiing competition this month (video)

February 4th, 2013
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Recreation, Truckee

Throughout the month of February, Boreal will play host to various events of the United States of America Snowboard and Freeskiing Association competition. On Saturday February 23 the snowboarders are invited to participate in the Boreal Burton demo day.

Riders of all ability’s can try out next year’s boards on Boreal’s varied terrain. More information on the USASA competition and the Burton demo day can be found here.

Here’s a video on Boreal’s Woodward center:

(Text and photo: Boreal)

Truckee one of best ski towns in Travel + Leisure

February 2nd, 2013
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Recreation, Truckee

Truckee, California
After the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, the Lake Tahoe region became synonymous with the stirrup pants–and–cheese fondue après-ski high life. But the glamour—and the high prices—never quite made it to the little town of Truckee, a historic logging and railway hub just 15 miles away.

A big set of railroad tracks cuts the main street off from the otherwise lovely Truckee River, and hanging wires mar the beauty of the 19th-century frontier-style façades, but there’s an undeniable rough-hewn charm to the place.

In Town: Check out the old-timey plank construction of the city’s most venerable establishment, the Truckee Hotel. The 100-year-old hotel doesn’t just evoke the Old West; it is the Old West. Rather than bunk there (rooms are small), stop in for a bite at the ground-floor restaurant, Moody’s Bistro (dinner for two $120), where the ever-changing menu emphasizes fresh, locally grown, and organic ingredients, served up in dishes with hearty names like “big ass pork platter.”

Time’s not standing still in Truckee, though. Just witness the two-year-old Cedar House Sport Hotel (doubles from $150), a sleekly minimalist eco-lodge that really is made of cedar, all of it sourced in an environmentally friendly way. Proprietor Patricia Baird attributes Truckee’s growing appeal to the town’s solid fundamentals: easy access off Interstate 80 and three major ski resorts within city limits—Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar Tahoe.

The rest of the article is here.

(Text: Travel + Leisure; photo: Purestock)

Welcome

January 14th, 2013
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Arts & Culture, Community, Events & Happenings, Food & Wine, Grass Valley, History, Locals In The News, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Recreation, Restaurants, Rough and Ready, Shopping, Truckee, Website Features

Welcome to Nevada County’s official tourism website — your guide to one of California’s best kept secrets in the foothills of Northern California.

Established at the height of the Gold Rush in 1851, Nevada County still sparkles. Its colorful past is reflected in the historic towns, rustic buildings and local characters. Even gold still glitters on the banks of its rivers.

The two population centers—the Grass Valley/Nevada City area in the west and the Truckee area in the east—are separated by miles of bucolic ranches and farmlands, emerald lakes, trout-filled streams, the Tahoe National Forest and the 7,000-foot Donner Summit.

Our rural quality of life, diverse cultural, historic and recreational attractions, outstanding schools, lively arts scene, agricultural bounty and incredible beauty have made Nevada County a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.

The western slope of Nevada County is the “discovery” side of the County. Steeped in the history of the Gold Rush, explore places like Malakoff Diggins, numerous old hard rock mine sites and miles of creek beds where you can still try your luck panning for gold. Delight in the numerous choices for unique shopping, great dining, arts and culture in Nevada City and Grass Valley.

Then, head off in a westerly path to Penn Valley, home to Bridgeport, the longest single span covered bridge in the United States and the South Yuba River State Park. Be sure to visit some of Nevada County’s many excellent and award-winning wineries, nearly 20 and growing. Or, chat up a local in one of the local watering holes in Rough and Ready, Chicago Park, Washington, or North San Juan for a colorful discussion on politics in Nevada County.

The Eastern County is the “modern adventure” side of Nevada County. I am enthralled at the quality and diversity of skiing, backpacking, fishing and hunting within one hour of my doorstep. There’s also hot air ballooning, gliding, ice skating, and mountain biking.

Transportation is key to Truckee’s history, from the 100-mile long Truckee River, Donner State Park and the Emigrant Trail to the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the old Lincoln Highway and Highway 80. When you’re ready to go to town, Truckee’s unique shops, scrumptious dining and first-rate lodging can compete with any of those fancier destinations at twice the charm.

We hope you’ll plan your next vacation in Nevada County — closer than you think but a world away!

Sugar Bowl to open November 17 (video)

November 12th, 2012
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Recreation, Truckee

By Examiner.com

An unexpected accumulation of snow this week has prompted Sugar Bowl ski resort in Lake Tahoe to announce it will open for the 2012-13 season on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The storm dropped more than 18 inches on Sugar Bowl and the dramatic drop in temperatures this weekend ensured that the snow will remain and more can be added through snow-making methods.

Located off Highway 80 at the Norden exit on Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl will open with weekend operations on Nov. 17-18, offering 1,500 vertical feet of top-to-bottom skiing and snowboarding off the Disney, Nob Hill, Christmas Tree and Lincoln Express chairlifts.

Access to the mountain will be via the Village Gondola, which will operate from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. with village-side operations only. Village tickets will be open to accommodate ticketing and pass needs. Special tickets will also be open on the Mt. Judah side to assist with any season pass purchase and/or fulfillment needs. Lift tickets will be $80.

Current operating plans call for a midweek resort closure Monday through Wednesday (Nov. 19-21), and a reopening for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend Nov. 22-25.

Sugar Bowl suggests visiting its new website – www.sugarbowl.com – for operational updates, including opening plans for Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort, also available on www.royalgorge.com as snow and weather may mandate updates as needed.
Boreal is currently the only Lake Tahoe ski resort open right now. It will operate daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and is hoping to maintain those hours on a regular basis.

Here are the projected openings for Lake Tahoe ski resorts:
Boreal: Open
Heavenly: November 16
Northstar: November 16
Sugar Bowl: November 17

down from Starfish Films on Vimeo.

Boreal Mountain Resort to resume operations on Saturday (November 10)

November 9th, 2012
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Recreation, Truckee

RESUMING OPERATIONS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 @ 3:30PM

Boreal will resume operations on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 3:30pm. Fresh snowfall amounting to 8” fell throughout the day on Thursday into Friday coupled with subfreezing temperatures allowing snowmaking operations to resume at full capacity. Thanks to the current weather conditions, Boreal plans to resume operations offering skiing and snowboarding 7 days/week, conditions permitting.

In an effort to take advantage and optimize snowmaking at full capacity, operations will begin on Saturday, November 10th Boreal will open at 3:30pm offering night skiing and snowboarding. The delayed opening will allow Boreal’s snowmaking crew to build a substantial snow base and provide you with ideal conditions. Starting Sunday, November 11th Boreal will operate daily from 9am – 9pm.

Operating hours, lifts, terrain and pricing are subject to change as conditions change.

All base area services will be available including ski school lessons beginning on Sunday.

Operations Schedule:

Date Hours Lift(s) Terrain Lift Ticket Rates
Saturday, November 10 3:30pm – 9pm Castle Peak Quad Chairlift One Runs with One Park $26 teen/adult night tickets $20 child night lift tickets
Sunday, November 11 9am – 9pm Castle Peak Quad & Nugget Double Two Runs with One Park $39 teen/adult lift ticket
$20 child lift tickets
$26 teen/adult night tickets
Veterans’ Day November 12 & Beyond 9am – 9pm Terrain & pricing TBD based on lifts and terrain available.
*Early season conditions exist. Ski & Ride with care.
*Obstacles present on and off trail.
*Operations and pricing subject to change based on weather and snowmaking conditions.

–Boreal

Truckee tourism businesses win annual Chamber of Commerce awards

November 9th, 2012
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Recreation, Shopping, Truckee

The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce recently held its Annual Awards Dinner on October 30, 2012. There, nominees and award winners in nine different categories, were recognized for their investment in Truckee’s economy, innovation of product or service, staying power, customer service, contributions to the community and its well-being.

Awards were presented to recognize local businesses or members who have exemplified outstanding involvement in the community and its issues, those who have contributed significantly to our economy and local labor market, or have shown staying power and growth in our business community.

Among the tourism businesses that were winners:

•The Revitalization Award (Large Business) went to Boreal Resort-Woodward Tahoe. With a $6 million investment, this unique facility is the largest of its kind in the U.S. Known primarily for their park and pipe, this resort consistently boasts the longest season in the Tahoe area. Trampolines, ski and board ramp, foam pits, urban-style skate and BMX park – this action sports training facility has created over 35 new jobs. Other nominees: Holliday Development (Donner Pass Road and Church Street projects); and Northstar California Resort. 

•The Large Business of the Year award went to Northstar California Resort. For many years this business has been involved in the community. Since opening its doors, this business has invested over $1 Billion into the transformation of their product and offerings. Last year, this business exemplified true grace under fire. With one of the most challenging winters in terms of snowfall, this resort carried itself with grace and class to pledge a commitment to their guests and employees to do everything in their power to provide an exceptional vacation experience as well as keep as many folks employed as possible. This commitment was felt beyond their own resort, but throughout the entire ski resort community and beyond, as they were able to consistently get the message out that Tahoe/Truckee was indeed “Open for Business.”. Other nominees: Boreal Resort-Woodward Tahoe; Clear Capital; Granite Peak Management; JMA Ventures; Resort at Squaw Creek; Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe; and Squaw Valley.

•The Hospitality Award was given to Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar. Classic Truckee. Lively music scene. Popular bar. This Truckee icon takes advantage of its historic roots and cleverly combines history with elegance to create their warm, cozy ambience. Friendly and welcoming, they really “get” tourism, marketing and customer service and the value of working together to promote Truckee as a destination. Other nominees: Patty Baird, Cedar House Sport Hotel / Stella / Tahoe Trips & Trails; Carmel Gallery; Coffeebar; Crux Events, James Woodruff; Placer Title Company, Dan Moran; Northstar California; Wayne Peterson, Resort at Squaw Creek; Rob Retting, Sierra Nevada Ad Partners; Richardson House; and Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

–Truckee Chamber of Commerce
photo: Rob Retting