DISCOVER CALIFORNIA GOLD IN NEVADA CITY

For a glimpse into California's golden past, travelers should plan to visit Nevada City in the Northern Sierra Gold Country, midway between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.

There is no better time to explore this charming small town than during the fall months when beautiful autumn colors paint the surrounding hillsides and century-old Victorian neighborhoods in glowing hues.

Located along the northern reaches of Highway 49, the state's "Golden Chain" highway, Nevada City offers an intriguing look into California's Old West, with plenty of Gold Rush history, including close proximity to two of the California's richest gold mines, now maintained as state historic parks. Nevada City also offers abundant outdoor recreation and wide choices in dining, nightlife and lodging, including historic bed and breakfast inns.

With its quaint brick storefronts, boutiques and Victorian homes, Nevada City is the best preserved of all Gold Rush towns. Its entire downtown district, with more than 90 buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interesting and offbeat shops, book stores, many good-to-great restaurants and coffee houses are found in the compact downtown business district. The historic Nevada Theatre, the oldest theatre building in California, and the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, provide unique venues for the performing arts, featuring concerts, movies, plays, and other performances throughout the year.

The area is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, be they hikers, mountain bikers, fisher people or kayakers. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce visitor center to pick up trail guides for hiking and mountain biking, a guide to road biking, a golf course directory, walking tour maps and a fall colors tour guide.

The best fall colors are difficult to predict but in most years mid-October to Thanksgiving is a good bet. Visitors may call the Chamber of Commerce visitor center for predictions on peak color weeks.

Getting There
From the Bay Area, take eastbound I-80 through Sacramento toward Reno. Exit in Auburn at State Route 49 north to Nevada City. Nevada City is 150 miles from San Francisco; 60 miles from the Sacramento.

Upcoming Events
September, 15-16, Gold Harvest Wine Trail – 866-355-9463; September 29-30, KVMR Celtic Music Festival. – 530-265-9073; October 21, Run Through the Colors run/walk. – 530-265-2666; December 5, 12, 19, on Wednesday nights and December 9 & 16 on Sunday afternoons, for Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. – 530-265-2692.