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 21^st and 22^nd 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.

Nevada County Has Plenty to Offer New Residents

John LaRosa 06/12/2014

Gold Rush Grass Valley Lake of the Pines Nevada City Nevada County

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada County is home to nearly 100,000 people. Cities within Nevada County include Grass Valley, Nevada City, Lake Wildwood, Rough & Ready, Alta Sierra, North San Juan, Lake of the Pines, Cedar Ridge, and the surrounding rural countryside. Conveniently situated only 52 miles northeast of Sacramento, both Nevada City and Grass Valley have storied pasts and prosperous futures. This area is a great option for those seeking a rich and fulfilling lifestyle.

Settlers would rest at the sites of what are now Grass Valley and Nevada City after crossing through the Sierra Mountains via Donner’s Pass. In 1849, two bands of pioneers decided to make camp for good, and these two cities were founded. The Gold Rush of 1849-50 really put these two towns on the map, with Grass Valley being one of the original “Boom Towns.” In a span of 8 years, more than $25,000,000 in gold ore was gleaned from the surrounding hills and rivers.

Today, this area has been re-nicknamed as “Little Silicon Valley.” The area is now a boomtown for those in the high-tech industries and offers some of the highest paying tech jobs in the nation. This is augmented by an active arts and entertainment industry. At least six live theaters, several movie theaters, a number of dance academies, and other arts venues make their home in Nevada County. This makes Nevada County real estate a good buy for hard-working, fun-loving people looking to make a home for themselves in Northern California.