By Pamela Biery
Nevada City’s Gold Rush charm and many fine shops and restaurants are well known and extensively written about…but what do locals love to do in this Victorian gem of a town tucked away in the Sierra?
Here are some local favorites for your next visit:
1. Hike the Deer Creek Tribute Trail
Hike the Deer Creek Tribute Trail-Take a stroll that starts with an in-town neighborhood walk by the Miners Foundry on Spring Street and meanders into the National Forest with a lovely suspension bridge and the possibility of doing a longer loop trail for those wanting to go the distance. This trail recognizes Chinese workers and Nisenan tribes.
2. Birdwatching at Hirschman Pond
Hirschman Pond is located on Cement Hill Road, just off Highway 49, this scenic slice of forest and nature is home to many seasonal birds and is an excellent choice for stretching your legs on the mild trail while watching for birds and otters. Bear Yuba Land Trust’s online Trails Portal has both maps and directions to this and other trailheads.
3. Have a burger and beer or watch a game at Jernigan’s Grill
Jernigan’s Grill is located in the Seven Hills District is just a few blocks from Broad Street and offers a friendly neighborhood feel. Whether you want street tacos, a gourmet burger (vegan, too!) or to just hang out and sample some fresh craft beer on tap while you watch a game, this is the place to be.
4. Play frisbee or walk the dog at Pioneer Park
A short stroll up Boulder Street with a right turn on Park Avenue and right again on Nimrod and you’ll soon see Pioneer Park on your left. This public park has tennis courts, an amphitheater, a baseball diamond and swim pool, but much of the action is in the large, dog-friendly meadow. Locals show up with dogs pretty routinely around 10 am for friendly play.
5. Catch a flick at The Onyx Theatre
The Onyx Theatre is Nevada City’s very own premier 21+ movie house provides cushy seats, first run, foreign and arthouse films with a solid selection of craft beer and fine wine—an excellent date night movie destination. Take time to enjoy the hand-painted murals and ceiling in both theaters, each seating 28 people for an intimate cinema experience.
6. Drop by for Irish Music Thursdays.
Drop by for Irish Music every Thursday at the National Exchange Hotel Bar from 5-8 pm on Thursday. Local musicians and Celtic fans congregate for spirited renditions of Irish folk tunes and more. Nevada County has some world-renown fiddlers who drop by from time to time for these sessions.
7. See what’s playing at the Nevada Theatre.
The Nevada Theatre is the oldest, continuously operated theatre venue on the west coast of the United States. With over 155 years of history, this fine theatre has been graced by the likes of Mark Twain and Lola Montez and recently was renovated with exquisite murals. These days, find Sunday cinema at the Onyx Downtown or a wide range of performing arts and music scheduled throughout the year.
8. Discover hidden talent.
Nevada City has deep pockets of hidden talent. Internationally known musician Tommy Coster, Jr. plays jazz piano two nights a week (when not touring) at the National Hotel Bar on Tuesdays from 6-8pm and Fridays from 7-9pm. He owns and operates a recording studio in Nevada County.
9. Check out what’s fresh at Elevation 2477.
Elevation 2477′ is Nevada County’s first dispensary is tucked away in the Seven Hills District and offers a fine selection of edibles, buds and tinctures. Take time to speak with the experienced budtenders for suggestions on medicinal and recreational cannabis use. Be sure to ask about Nevada County grown products.
10. The Miners Foundry Cultural Center
Miners Foundry Cultural Center is a community cornerstone with a wide range of entertainment options throughout the year. Whether it’s the Psychic Fair, Holiday Craft Show, or top-billed musicians, the Miner’s Foundry is a constant source of entertainment, history and community buzz. The Foundry building dates back to 1856 and is a California Historic Landmark.