You don’t have to be a ski bum to appreciate some snowy fun in the California hills. Nevada County has a veritable winter wonderland available for non-skiing snow-seekers, with diversions ranging from cutting your own Xmas tree to shopping for handcrafted artistic treasures.
For those still treeless for the holidays, a memorable outing can be had looking for the perfect Christmas Tree. Nevada County has a few choices, but you can’t go wrong at McBurney Tree Farm in Cedar Ridge, where you can even grab an axe and take tree-chopping matters into your own hands. How often can you do a real hatchet job and not get any complaints?
And what better way to warm up than some wine tasting? Downtown Grass Valley has some nice choices, and little Nevada City actually boasts three tasting rooms. Among the best of the bunch is Indian Springs, showcasing some excellent vintages from their own vineyards, including some top-notch cabernets.
If shopping’s on your agenda, Gold Country boasts a trove of shops and galleries that eschew factory-made for handcrafted one-of-a-kind. A favorite is definitely ASiF Artist Studios in Grass Valley, presenting the works of dozens of local artists for viewing and purchase. Jewelry, sculpture and graphic art are just part of the array, which also serve as great keepsakes if you’re tired of shopping for other people.
When it comes to accommodations, the best choice in these parts is an old-time inn with a Victorian flavor, of which there are actually a few. It’s hard to top the National Hotel in Nevada City, which has been boarding guests for well over a century—and is home to one of the best saloons anywhere in California when it comes to an authentic 19th Century setting.
The area isn’t exactly known for upscale dining, but there are a number of down-to-earth eateries that won’t break the bank. And if you don’t mind splurging a bit, Friar Tuck’s in Nevada City is about as fancy as it gets in Gold Country, and has an excellent menu ranging from roast duck to Australian Lobster Tail.
Yet another bonus is Nevada County’s location—only a few hours’ drive from the Bay Area and much of California, but a world away in terms of its snowy climate and throwback Western feel. If you’re feeling the itch to explore a bit this holiday season, you can do a lot worse than striking white gold in Nevada County.
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