Think Local

It’s the time of the year where it’s always great to focus on all the amazing ways to support our local community. So, here are 5 great ways to show your love for local businesses this season.

Shop Local

Several upcoming events give you additional options to support local merchants. This Saturday, November 12th is the Grass Valley Holiday Open House. Lillie Piland, Chairperson of the Grass Valley Downtown Association encourages visitors and locals alike to come enjoy downtown Grass Valley. “The Holiday Open House this Saturday is a great event. Participating merchants, including Yuba Blue, will have great discounts, raffles, treats and holiday cheer to kick off the season! Cornish Christmas is also right around the corner and the organization has been working hard on the annual event. Come check it out and enjoy the small town feel.” The event encourages people to shop local and see what your downtown merchants have to offer for gifts and experiences. You can stop by The Olive Groove, Element & Loft, Lola and Jack, Carolines Coffee Roasters, El Barrio Mexican Market, The Book Seller, Gather & Mill, to name a few…

Or take a stroll through downtown Nevada City and support one of the many local downtown small businesses (Gray Goose, J.J. Jackson’s, Kitkitdizzi, The Earth Store, Mama Madrone’s, Earth Central, The Rose Market. Fur Traders).

November & December Events:

Downtown Holiday Grass Valley Market, November 12th
Country Christmas Faire, November 25th-27th
Cornish Christmas, November 25th, December 2nd, December 9th, December 16th & December 23rd
Nevada City Victorian Christmas, Wednesdays: December 7th and 14th (5-9pm) and Sundays: December 4th, 11th and 18th (1:30-6pm)
Nevada City Craft Fair, Sunday, December 11th, 10am-6pm

You can also support local merchants and artisans through the ASiF Small Works Show or at the Nevada City Craft Fair. There are also many unique vendors that setup booths during Victorian Christmas. Stuart Baker from the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce said “We are excited to welcome everyone once again to Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas. This magical event is one of our most favorite traditions.” Event coordinator Lynn Skrukrud also reminded folks, “With over 100 artisan vendors and dozens of boutique shops, Victorian Christmas is not only a fun experience, but a great way to get unique and memorable gifts for everyone on your list.”

Gift Certificates

Sometimes you just don’t know the perfect item, or maybe you want to give someone an experience (like a cooking class, a weekend away, or a meal out). Local gift certificates give you so many choices for gifting that perfect experience. Or, if you want to support a local arts event, give someone a gift certificate to The Center for the Arts, Miners Foundry or one of the many Nevada City events.

Celebrate Thanksgiving/Christmas

Have you thought about inviting your family or friends to visit for the holidays? You could always camp at the Inn Town Campground and celebrate outside. We have hiking, shops, food, wine, beer and more! If you’re looking for a holiday meal to go, check out BackPorch Market, BriarPatch Co-op, The Ham Stand for some options on an easy to go meal. Or support our local farmers and stock up for your holiday meal at the Nevada City Farmers Market.

Let’s Go Out Tonight

If you’re looking for evening, or experiential holiday ideas, there are many local artists on display at holiday events, or you can attend a concert, enjoy a ballet performance, get a massage, go to the movie theater, go out for a coffee or finally, just keep it simple and order take out. We will work on creating even more suggestions on the blog for creative ways to support your neighbors, local businesses and the economy of the community.