I had been looking forward to spending the weekend in Nevada City, CA for some time now. The Nevada City Craft Fair was my purpose for heading up north, but exploring the area was what I was most excited by. I love Gold Country towns: Jamestown, Columbia, Grass Valley, Shingle Springs and more. I've never been to this area in the winter, with the exception of being on a train a couple years ago, passing by the picturesque, snow-covered towns. This was my first time doing an art or craft fair out of the Bay Area. It was an interesting new experience, but I must say the fair was 8 hours long and took a whole day away from adventure. That being said, I had a great time in this historic area. It looked like a movie set with the elaborate Christmas decorations and remnants of snow still in town.
We arrived at night, which worked out perfectly since it was all lit up with Christmas lights. It was really cold, but definitely invigorating since the air is so much better up here.
One of the many beautiful homes in Nevada City.
We made ourselves at home at the Outside Inn for the weekend. Each room is themed and we were in the River Room.
Seriously, it was like the North Pole here. This was the scene behind our hotel. A creek ran behind it and everything was decked out in lights.
Houses along the walk to downtown Nevada City
The National Hotel is said to be haunted. Of course we had to stop in.
The Mine Shaft, a very cool looking bar. We didn't stop in, but I'm sure it's great. We ventured around downtown and stopped at Matteo's for a glass of wine.
The morning was totally promising, crystal clear and just perfect out.
I was almost late to the craft fair because I had to have a waffle piled with strawberries, bananas and agave syrup from Cafe Mekka. On the second morning, we went to the South Pine Cafe, which I highly recommend.
Here's my booth setup at the Nevada City Craft Fair.
The day after the fair, we drove out to South Yuba State Park. Near the entrance, is the Bridgeport Bridge, the longest freestanding covered bridge.
Another view of the Bridgeport Bridge
A view of the visitor's center at the South Yuba River State Park. This area reminded me of the East Coast. I can't wait to come back in the summer.