Category: Fun & Exciting Events

Discover Historical Family Fun at Grass Valley Gold Rush Days

John LaRosa 06/12/2014


Grass Valley Gold Rush Days Are Back June 21st & 22nd

The Gold Rush is Back, in Grass Valley CA

On June 21st and 22nd the Grass Valley Downtown Association and downtown merchants invite you to, “Take a step back in time to the 1850’s where gold was king in Grass Valley and Nevada County.” The city’s annual Gold Rush Days celebration sees beautiful downtown Grass Valley transported to the heyday of the California Gold Rush. The streets of Grass Valley come alive with life in the 1850’s gold mining town. Children and adults alike can learn about the rich history of the California Gold Rush from performers in authentic period costumes, a gold panning experience, and other historical re-enactments. Or they can stop at the True Grit Photo Parlor and step in to the past with their own old-timey photograph. Patrons can enjoy all these attractions amid the shopping and gourmet dining of historic Downtown Grass Valley.

This year’s festivities will feature special guests, stars of Western films and television shows; Clint Walker, Johnny Crawford, Peter Sherayko and Charlie LeSueur. Famous for their work on shows and films such as “Cheyenne,” “The Rifleman,” and HBO’s “Deadwood,” these honored guests will only add to the authenticity of this historical event.

 Grass Valley owes its origination to the California Gold Rush as Cornish tin miners settled the area in large numbers to exploit the hardrock gold mining opportunities of the Empire and North Star mines. The nearby Empire Mine State Historic Park is home to the site of the Empire Mine, the oldest, largest, and richest gold mine in California, responsible for producing 5.8 million ounces of gold during its operation from 1850-1956. The park showcases many original mine buildings as well as the elegant and lush gardens, reflecting pools, and residences of mine owner William Bourn Jr.

The event is free for all ages. There’s also plenty of free parking with additional permit parking lots open for free during the event. For more information about Grass Valley’s Gold Rush Days celebration visit the Grass Valley Downtown Association. Or take a look at our Grass Valley Community page to learn more about homes for sale in Grass Valley.

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Roseville, Home of Golfland and Sunsplash Waterpark

John LaRosa 05/08/2014

There are plenty of available Roseville homes and condos, which is good news for fans of outdoor activities. That’s because Roseville is home to Golfland and Sunsplash Waterpark, where folks can enjoy engaging in some of their favorite pastimes. There are indoor and outdoor activities, making this the perfect getaway for family outings and adventures with friends or for a fun-filled date with that special someone.

Golfland offers two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Adventure Golf is course number one, and Lost Continent Golf is the second. Both are completely different and will keep visitors putting for hours. There is also an arcade with more than 200 games of all skill levels. Earn tickets for playing and redeem them for prizes. Looking for something a little more active? Try the Lazer Knights laser tag facility. Guests who are 58 inches tall or more can drive at the Fastcar Raceway. Smaller and younger guests can ride along with a licensed driver over the age of 16.

At Sunsplash Waterpark, there are more attractions than can be listed here. The Double Dare is a trap-door-in-the-floor, power dropout, thrilling slide, for example. Try The Revolution, a ride that catapults guests into an open bowl, or Thunder Falls, a family raft ride with three heart-stopping drops.  These attractions are popular with all generations and make Roseville a great spot for entertaining the entire family.

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Museums in and around Granite Bay CA

John LaRosa 05/08/2014

Granite Bay, CA is situated in Placer County in Northern California. It is primarily a residential suburb of Sacramento, but, as such, it is in a wonderful position to offer the best combination of peaceful living with easy access to culture and entertainment. Those interested in Granite Bay real estate may be surprised to know that there are no less than three interesting museums in close proximity to the city.

In nearby Folsom, residents and visitors can see the historic Folsom Prison, now a museum, made famous in the Johnny Cash song. The Folsom Prison Museum has displays on how the compound was built using gray granite from nearby quarries. Old hemp ropes that were used to hang prisoners are on display, as is memorabilia from the shows Johnny Cash once put on here. There are also weapons fashioned by inmates, and an 8-foot motorized Ferris wheel built by a 1930’s prisoner, which was made with nearly 250,000 toothpicks.

In nearby Sacramento, Granite Bay residents can visit the California State Railroad Museum or the Towe Auto Museum. The railroad museum features 21 meticulously restored locomotives and cars, along with many exhibits that demonstrate how the railroad has changed the world. The auto museum features dozens of fine automobiles sure to excite any car buff, from the 1880s, to contemporary models of the 21st century.

With so much to offer, Granite Bay really is the perfect place to live. It is close enough to the big city to find work and have access to entertainment and shopping, while being remote enough to relax and enjoy a slower more leisurely pace. To experience these wonderful attractions year round, Granite Bay real estate could provide a dream come true for you.

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Food Truck Fun, Farmers Markets and More in Granite Bay

John LaRosa 04/08/2014

What will we do when we get there is always something to consider when looking for a new home. When you’re looking at Granite Bay real estate, the answer is: Plenty!

This California community offers something for everyone, and many community events intended to help you have some fun and get acquainted with your neighbors. Every Tuesday, for instance, you can pick up some fresh produce at the community farmers market. On the second Thursday of every month, the community plays host to food trucks, giving your family a chance to enjoy the gourmet and mundane in the almost carnival atmosphere of a food truck gathering.

For retirees and older adults considering Granite Bay, the community has an active adult club called the Gloves and Shovels Garden Club to help pass some time or get some great ideas for landscaping at your new home.

There are public and private tennis courts; equestrian centers, including one that offers summer camps to train young riders; and two public golf courses. If organized relaxation is not your thing, there’s always the quiet enjoyment of Miners Ravine Nature Reserve to help you forget about the stress of life outside the community.

If you’re considering Granite Bay when looking for your new home, you can immediately check entertainment available off your list of requirements. Add that to the gorgeous weather and mountain views, and the recreation options at Folsom Lake, and your decision may be half made.  All you need to do is find the perfect house.

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Nevada County Fall Colors Come to Life

Mary Pizzimenti 09/20/2013
The Fall Colors of Nevada County set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

It’s that time of year again, the last vestiges of the summer heat are slowly fading away and the days are getting shorter. In Nevada County that means it’s time for the hills and mountains to spring to life with vibrant shades of oranges, yellows, and reds. Weather conditions at 2,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills are perfect for the formation of the brilliant colors the area has become known for. As temperatures begin to drop and the days shorten chlorophyll production is slowed in plant life. For many trees and plants this means that colors other than green can become visible. For residents and visitors of Nevada County it means a lively celebration of the colors of fall painting the hillsides and decorating the streets.

Fall is already a great time to visit the bucolic foothill cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. The area’s rich Gold Rush history, the reduction in visitors due to the cooler weather, and the abundance of gourmet restaurants and boutique inns and hotels makes this a perfect time to visit the area. Add to that the splendor of bright yellow, orange, and red that blankets the cities and it’s not hard to see why the locale is such a hidden gem.

Serious enthusiasts or those looking to make a weekend of their Fall Colors tour have the 160 mile Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway that loops through the foothills, up to Donner and Yuba Summits, and back down circling the Tahoe National Forest. This route starts in Nevada City and follows State Highways 20, 49, and 89 as well as Interstate 80, and offers a wide variety of foliage and scenic backdrops.

It is impossible to predict the peak color weeks during which the Fall Colors are most lively but the middle of October through Thanksgiving is generally considered the best time to visit. Both the Nevada City and Grass Valley Chambers of Commerce encourage visitors to call ahead and inquire about conditions. They will be more than happy to help you determine how to plan your trip and can provide you with info on some of the best places to view the breathtaking foliage.

The link to the Fall Colors Brochure located after the article provides a map of some scenic views of autumn foliage found around Grass Valley and Nevada City.

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The 2013 Nevada County Fair Kicks Off Tomorrow

Mary Pizzimenti 08/05/2013
2013 Nevada County Fair Poster

Nevada County is an area that is particularly well-known for hosting a wide variety of community events throughout the year. Well, it’s time again for Nevada County’s piece de resistance, voted the Best Local Event in Nevada County 12 years in row by the Sacramento Union newspaper, The Nevada County Fair.

The Nevada County Fair opens tomorrow August 7, 2013 for five fun-filled days of animals, rides, contests, and food for the whole family to enjoy. The theme this year is “Under the Big Top” so attendees can expect to see many circus themed attractions mixed in with the usual fare.

Be sure to take the kids down to Cirucs Imagination, where children become instant stars by stepping out of the audience, putting on costumes, and stepping on to the stage to perform in a spontaneous circus. The Zip Line is always a crowd favorite as parents and children alike get the chance to fly across the fairgrounds 28 feet up in the air.

Keep an eye out for the members of Boy Scout Troop 232 who will be stationed at the fairgrounds, selling books of 30 ride tickets for $20, a $10 discount. For other ways to save on admission or ride tickets be sure to visit the Nevada County Fair Website (linked below) to get all the details.

For those new to Nevada County, the fair provides an excellent window in to life in the region. People from all walks of life can be seen at the fair enjoying time with their family and friends. It’s also a great way to encourage children to learn more about animals and even local agriculture.

So grab your family and your friends and head on over to the Nevada County Fairgrounds August 7-11 for the 2013 Nevada County Fair.

Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for kids age six and older.

Nothing says family-fun like the County Fair.

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Roseville Hosts Monthly Food Truck Mania

Mary Pizzimenti 07/03/2013
Food Truck Mania in Roseville, CA

Sacramento Mobile Foods (SactoMoFo) hosts monthly Food Truck Mania in Roseville. This eclectic culinary event occurs every 2nd Thursday at the corner of Washington and Vernon in the recently revitalized Downtown Vernon Street Shopping District. The next event will be Thursday, July 11th. As Roseville continues to encourage new and exciting community events it will ensure the city maintains its reputation in the region as a destination for entertainment, shopping, and modern culture.

Roseville Embraces the Food Truck Revolution

Food trucks are California’s answer to the wildly popular street food vendors found throughout the busiest streets in Manhattan. The success of mobile food trucks was aided by social media as the forerunners of this craze started using Facebook and Twitter to announce their whereabouts. Now, food truck events have sprung up in every city in the country. The social media influence on this newly formed American tradition has helped these events build a stronger sense of community as it provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of foods right in their neighborhood.

Unlike street fairs or farmers markets which generally involve a great deal more planning and set up, food truck events can almost appear out of nowhere. A typical street corner can quickly transform in to a festival of every type of food from vegan cuisine to gourmet grilled cheese. Some of the trucks that can be seen at Food Truck Mania include; Krush Burger, Drewski’s Hot Rod, Knucklehead Hot Dog Diner, Smoothie Patrol, and Volkswaffle.

Food Trucks are also a great way to provide catering for larger community and private events. If you’re looking to book 3 or more trucks for an upcoming event SactoMoFo can help. Food trucks can easily provide a number of meal options with significantly less hassle. “With a variety of cuisines all built in to one event, and no additional equipment to rent, our services showcase the Greater Sacramento Area food scene while easily adding gourmet value to your event,” says Paul Somerhausen, Coordinator at SactoMoFo.

For a list of the trucks that will be attending the next Food Truck Mania event or to book their trucks for your next event head over to the SactoMoFo website.

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