NC E-Newsletter
October 29, 2008

In This Issue:

• California’s Best Fall Colors
• A Tour of Nevada City’s Trees
• Church Bells Ring in Historic Town
• Harvest Season at Northern Sierra Wineries
• Coming in December: Victorian Christmas!

Enjoy Nevada City’s Fall Colors

The bright colors of autumn are peaking along the western slope of the Northern Sierra. The Nevada City-Grass Valley area is known for having some of Northern California’s best fall colors. Cool autumn nights and warm afternoons combine to bring out bright tones of red, orange, gold and yellow.

Cathy Whittlesey, executive manager of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, said her office is already receiving calls about this year’s colors. "It’s not easy to predict when the colors will peak but each day is getting prettier and it looks like the next few weeks or so will be beautiful," she said.

For fall color tour maps and information on recreational activities, dining and lodging, call the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692 or toll-free (800) 655-NJOY. On-line information is found at www.nevadacitychamber.com/events/fallcolors.cfm

NC’s Tree Tour is Popular

The Nevada City Tree Tour is fold-out guide and map to 42 special native and non-native trees in the downtown Nevada City area. It’s a self-guided walking (or driving) tour that creates heightened appreciation for our local trees.

The tree tour is the brainchild of horticulturist and tree care consultant Ellen Solomon, who obtained a major grant from California ReLeaf and funding from several local organizations, including the NC Chamber of Commerce.

Pick up a copy of the illustrated tree tour brochure at the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

The Bells of Nevada City

The church bells of St. Canice Catholic Church are now ringing out over downtown Nevada City every day after an absence of many years.

The church last month installed a new music system that rings out each hour on the hour from the church’s historic steeple.

"The sound of bells affects our feelings," said Father Sylvester Kwaitkowski, pastor of the church. "Their sound is divine. It opens our personalities toward God."

Tour Wineries in NC and GV

Western Nevada County wineries are producing some great wines. You can sample some of them in downtown Nevada City where the Nevada City Winery and Indian Springs Winery have tasting rooms.
Fourteen local wineries make up the Northern Sierra Wine Country, a group that hosts tours and tastings. Some local wineries invite visitors to their vineyards.

For information about local wine tasting, go to www.nswinecountry.com, call (866) 355-WINE or www.nevadacitychamber.com/dining/wineries.cfm

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

USA Today once identified Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas as one of the Top 10 small town holiday celebrations in America, and the tradition continues.

This year’s old-fashioned holiday event is featured three Wednesday evenings, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 6-9 p.m., and on two Sunday afternoons, Dec. 14 and 21, from 1:30-6 p.m. There is no admission charge.
Downtown streets are closed to cars and filled with music, food, drink and holiday hawkers and vendors. Meet Father Christmas, hear strolling minstrels and enjoy chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
Bring the family. We’ll see you here!