pizza

Outside Inn

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, have you thought about how you’re going to celebrate?  There are so many ways to celebrate love in Nevada City.  Below are a few ideas on ways to share the love, support your friends and neighbors and give back to our community.    There are numerous great things to do, see, eat and buy for your loved one locally.  And if you’re interested in celebrating the love at the Outside Inn, we have just released a February special as a way to give folks another way to either have a staycation, getaway or maybe some family time together.

Chocolate covered strawberries

For the sweet tooth, you can buy DeGroot truffles from Nevada City Truffle Shop, chocolate covered strawberries (milk, dark or white chocolate) from Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe or one of their locally made artisans chocolate.  Maybe you want an ice cream sundae for two from Treats, or one of their gourmet ice cream flavors with conversation hearts toppings or a flower vases with chocolate roses?  You can grab a dozen cupcake from Emily’s Catering Pop Up Bakery (they’ll have 20 varieties of cupcakes on February 12th), decadent dessert from Cake Bakery, organic chocolate from Choquiero Chocolate or something sweet from Lazy Dog ChocolateriaThree Forks Bakery and Brewery promises to have some special chocolate goodies for sale.

Flowers

HEX

HEX in downtown Grass Valley has a lot of options for your plant lover.  Give the gift of a living plant, something that will last long after Valentine’s Day.   Foothill Flowers and Grass Valley Florist offer traditional roses and floral arrangements if you’re interested in having something delivered.  If you stop by either Grass Valley business, don’t forget Foothill Flowers sells wine by Dave the Wine Merchant and Grass Valley Florist has their drive through coffee and gift shop.  Another great suggestion is to sign up for either Little Boy Flowers or Soil Sisters Farm CSA for either the early spring or summer weekly bouquets of locally grown flowers.

Gather & Mill Gifts

Love Poems Book

There are some great local shopping options in Nevada City from The Random Donkey, Kitkitdizzi, The Sunroom, J.J. Jackson’s, Kiyas Naturals, Mary, Mary, Mama Madrone’s, Earth Central, TYSA, Gray Goose, Levity Resource or Abstrakt.  Or if your Valentine’s Day goodies are geared towards kids check out the gift baskets from Two Little Birds Boutique.  Downtown Grass Valley offers gift options in Mint, Element and Loft, His. A Gentleman’s Sundry, The Book Seller and Yuba Blue.

Olive Oil

If you’re thinking about food, there are options from savory treats, eating out or foodie gifts.  Grab a bag of the Valentine’s Day blend from Carolines Coffee or try the Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar or variety pack from The Olive Groove.  Whether you’re in love with pizza or looking for a fine dining option, you’re certainly not going to go hungry in Nevada City or Grass Valley.  There are lots of great options in downtown Nevada City or Grass Valley to grab a bite to eat.  If you’re not interested in eating out, why not order a pre-made dinner to go, Backporch Market is offering a 4 course Valentine’s Dinner for Two, pre-order the meal by the 6th.  Tess’ Kitchen is offering the Chef’s Table pre-made dinner on both the 13th and 14th.  And reminder that this is a great time to support our local small businesses and buy a gift certificate for a future meal or drink.

Restaurant

Champagne

Downtown Grass Valley wineries welcome you to stop by and support local vineyards.  Stroll to the tasting rooms and and sample local wines outside from Avanguardia WinesLucchesi VineyardsSierra Starr Vineyards.  Or stop by the wine bar Cork 49 and sample wines from around the world, either with a flight or wine by the glass.  Maybe you want to take a drive to Naggiar Vineyards outside of Grass Valley and sit outside for your wine education.  In downtown Nevada City you can support Szabo Vineyards or enjoy the patio at Nevada City Winery. Carrington’s Fine Wines offers a variety from around the globe check the board outside the shop to see what’s on the tasting menu for the week.  Or maybe you want a craft cocktail from The Golden Era, check their social media for their to go options.

Drink

Although I do love the gift that keeps on giving; whether it’s a local wine club membership, a CSA to a farm or gift certificate .  Or maybe you want to give someone an experiential gift; a spot in either the upcoming a guided fishing lesson, cooking class, art class, yoga classes, support a local concert (The Center for the Arts, Miners Foundry, Music in the Mountains).

Or perhaps you want to get creative and make your sweetheart something special.  The Artist Workshop, Ben Franklin and Lola and Jack have great options to get you inspired.

Maybe this Valentine’s Day you want to book a trip for a future adventure (like a room at the Outside Inn or a campsite at the Inn Town Campground).  If this post doesn’t have enough ideas, check out the Pinterest board with more local suggestions.  And remember, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about your sweetheart, it can be about self love, your best friend or your grandmother.

© 2021 InnSide Nevada City, © photos by Erin Thiem

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