Day 28 - Visit Griffith Quarry

The historic Griffith Quarry is located in the town of Penryn at the corner of Taylor Road & Rock Springs Rd.  There is a museum on site and a park full of wonderful walking trails.
The Griffith Quarry Museum was the office of the Penryn Granite Works, which was established by Welsh Immigrant Griffith Griffith in 1864. The surrounding 23-acre park contains ruins of the first polishing mill built in California and some of the quarry holes from which the unique Penryn granite was taken. This site is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Landmark Program.

The museum contains some of the original office furniture of the Penryn Granite Works and information on the Griffith family, the granite industry, and the history of the Penryn-Loomis Basin area.  Admission is FREE!

Day 27 - Antique Sale Today

Today is the second day of the Antique Show and Sale at the Gold Country Fair Grounds in Auburn.  Bring your antiques for evaluation and identification. ($5 per item)

It is from 10am to 4pm.  Admission is $5.00

Day 26 - Brush up on your gardening skills

Today you can take your choice of two gardening classes. Or take them both!
From 9am to 11am come by the Placer County Master Gardener Demo Garden at 11477 E Ave in Auburn for a class: "Starting Your Vegetable Garden"

Then at 1pm, drop in to Yamasaki Nursery at 3700 Grass Valley Hwy. for a work shop "Wake up your garden with Fox Farm and Earth Juice"

Day 25 - Relax with great Jazz Sounds "Live"

Tonight, stop in to the Power Club at 195 Harrison Ave. in Auburn.  Enjoy their hand crafted beers during happy hour from 4pm to 7pm ($2 beer) and then at 7pm sit back and listing to the great jazz sounds of the Keith Williams Jazz Quartet along with special guest, vocalist, Lauren Brisbane.  The show is $8.

Day 24 - Enjoy a great acoustic band

OK, this is not technically taking place in the Gold Country. But it is a shameless plug for my husbands (Amy's husband that is) band.  They are Rubicon.  They are a rock band, but will be doing an acoustic show at Shady Coffee and Tea located at 325 Douglas Blvd. in Roseville.  The show is Saturday at 6:30 pm. Great venue on the enclosed and covered patio.  But dress warm.  Wholesome entertainment for the whole family.  You can check out their music at: http://www.rubiconband.com

Rubicon Web Site

Day 23 - Carpe Vino

Carpe Vino or seize the wine!  Sweet words.  Carpe Vino is one of Old Town Auburn's treasures.  Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a "foodie", you will not be disappointed.  They have a very impressive selection of wines.  Pair it with some of the yummiest (is that a word) food around.  You can choose from the "Wine Bar Menu" which consists of small bites that you can share, or from their "Chef's Menu" for  a full size treat.

Day 22 - Visit Auburn's Antique Shops

If you have a penchant for things of the past, old town Auburn is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping for antiques. Wander the streets, poking your head in to any and all of the wonderful shops.  There are great places to take a break from your shopping.  Places for coffee, breakfast, lunch or heck, just go straight to dessert!

Day 21 - Visit the Old Town Gallery of Fine Art

From now until the end of February, you can see the art of Lance MacKenzie at the Old Town Gallery of Fine Art, located at 218 Washington St. in the heart of Old Town Auburn.  Lance MacKenzie creates wonderful works of art using parts and pieces from watches.  What a great conversation piece!  There are many other artist on display at the gallery.

The gallery is opened from 10am until 6pm every day.  And until 9pm on Thur. Fri, & Sat.

Day 20 - Workout at the Auburn Racquet and Fitness Club

Start your New Years resolution (better late than never) or work on your spring/summer fitness goals at the Auburn Racquet and Fitness Club.  They offer membership plans for everyone with a vast array or activities and programs for all ages.  What a great way to wind down one week and begin another....

Check out their web site for more info, http://www.ar-fc.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Day 19 - Visit the Gold Country Museum

The Gold Country Museum located at 1273 High St., Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn, CA   and is open Tuesdays thru Sundays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; closed holidays.  But wait....here's the best part, admission is FREE!!!  What better way to spend a day than learning about our local history and all for a cost we can all afford.

Here is the link to their web site with more information 

http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/LocalMuseums/goldcountry.aspx

Day 18 - Planting Bulbs for Summer Color class, Eisley Nursery

Learn the "How To's" of planting bulbs for summer color at Eisley's Nursery, located at 380 Nevada St, Auburn , CA, 95603.  The class is scheduled for Sat, Feb 19th and once again the best part is that it is FREE!!!  Classes are scheduled for 10AM and 2PM SAT FEB 19TH!!!  Plan ahead to attend the class and get a jump on your spring/summer planting.  Upcoming classes can be found at their web site http://www.eisleynursery.com/

Day 17 - "Like Water for Chocolate"

Tonight the movie "Like Water for Chocolate" will be playing at the historic State Theater at 985 Lincoln Way in Auburn.  A pre-movie dinner by Maria's Mexican Tacos will start at 5:30pm. Dinner is $8 and the movie is $8.

http://www.livefromauburn.com

Day 16 - Free Movie in the Park

This Friday take the family to see "Shrek" with your neighbors.  Join them at the Regional Park gym at 6pm.  Bring a chair (with plastic feet) or a blanket to sit on.

3770 Richardson Dr. in Auburn

Day 15 - Go to the Movies!!!

After a busy Monday and evening celebrating Valentines Day (4th busiest day of the year at restaurants nationwide), treat yourself to a relaxing evening at the movies. The Regal Auburn 10 theater located at 500 Nevada Street, Auburn, CA, 95603 has several new releases to choose from (Just Go With It current #1 at the box office and the James Cameron new release Sanctum sounds exciting) you'll sure to find something to take your mind off the rest of the week. Don't forget the popcorn! Click on this link to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
http://www.fandango.com/95603_movietimes?srce=1&wssac=58&wssaffid=11481_REGWebsite

Day 14 - Happy Valentines Day....Candy and Flowers

Nothing says "Happy Valentienes Day" more than candy and sweets for your loved one. So, for those of you a little tight on time (who isn't???) you can pick up both at Petals and Sweets (www.petalsandsweets.com) located at 1145 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA, 95603 or give them a call at 530-889-3939. What could be easier??

Happy Valentines Day!!

Day 13 - "A Taste of Chocolate" Old Town Auburn

The Old Town Business Association is co-hosting a special event with AAUW.
A Taste of Chocolate.
Smooth, silky, sweet and sumptuous...there are many ways to describe the experience of chocolate and we will celebrate those senses at 3pm on Sunday, February 13th in Old Town.
You'll have an opportunity to stroll Old Town and taste the special treats provided by over 20 merchants and restaurants.

For the purchase of a $20 ticket, you'll have a chance to fill your brain with Theobromine! Ten tastes of chocolate will give you all manner of varieties from Cherry Cordials, Chocolate Covered Oreos, Chocolate Biscotti, Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Cake, Fudge, Chocolate Mocha Cheese cake, Raspberry Truffle Brownies, Chocolate Fondue to Chocolate Croissants, just to name a few. Enjoy some surprise entertainment by the Sugar Plump Fairies and String A Longs and a chance to win the many raffle gifts provided by the Auburn Community. All shops and restaurants will be open.

We encourage singles, couples and groups to join us for our 6th annual A Taste of Chocolate. Some restaurants will be pairing their entries with special dessert wines.

Ticket purchase and check in: MaryBelle's Restaurant and Old Town Dessert Cafe.

If you want to pre-purchase your tickets, you can do so at Sun River Clothing Company in Old Town after February 1st. For more information contact Linda Robinson 530/888-1585 or email: sunriver@inreach.com

Day 12 - Take a Star Gazing Class

Do you have an interest in astronomy? This class will help satisfy that desire to know more about the heavens and show you how to see objects with a telescope. The class covers information about the earth, moon, planets and stars - from making a scale model of our system to understanding the difference between stars.

Instruction is given in viewing the night sky using binoculars and telescopes. Following the workshop, we'll go outside to view the stars. Basics are given on how to use a telescope and binoculars to see planets and stars.

Star Gazing Class is at the Placer Nature Center Tonight: 3700 Christian Valley Rd. Auburn, CA 95602. You can call them at (530) 878-6053

Day 11 - See Johnny Cash

Well, not THE Johnny Cash. Actually it is Johnny Price and The Rhythm Riders. A Johnny Cash Tribute band. They will be performing at Thunder Valley on Saturday night Feb. 12th. John and his wife are area locals. I met John 20 years ago when he was a tile contractor tiling my new home in Cool. I had no idea at the time of his great musical talents. I have not had a chance to see the Rhythm Riders, but have checked out their YouTube videos. They are awesome. A bonus is that his wife, Dee does Patsy Cline. It should be a great show. I've included a link to one of their You Tube videos.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOGNL8IjlsM&feature=player_embedded

Day 10 - See the play "West Side Story"

Music and More will be presenting the play "West Side Story" Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. It will be showing at the DeWitt Theater, 11596 D Ave. in Auburn. Call 530-305-0938 for tickets and information

Day 9 - See "Tempest" a great show!

Plan on checking out Tempest at Constable Jack's in Newcastle on Friday night. The show starts at 9:30pm and tickets are $15. If you have never seen Tempest, it will be a real treat. They are a band that fuses Celtic music with rock. High energy show that really draws you in. Great flute and fiddle.

Day 8 - Take the "Waterfall" Hike

The weather has been so glorious, that we are all hankering for some "outdoor" time. It is perfect conditions right now for a nice hike. One that I like to do when I don't have much time, is what I call the "Waterfall Hike". Start at the American River confluence on Hwy. 49 (South from Auburn). Find a place to park and walk toward Auburn, over the "No Hands Bridge". That is the concrete bridge with the arches. When you get to the other side of the bridge, be sure to read the placard about the bridge, it's pretty interesting. Continue on from there. The waterfall is an easy hike of about half a mile. No big, but very pretty and soothing. Along the way, be sure and watch for the native Bay Laural trees. Crush one of the leaves for a wonderful smell. These are the same bay leaves that you put in your soups and stews. You can also veer down another trail that leads you to the river where you can relax in the sun and skip rock to your hearts content.

Day 7 - Meet "The Beer Guy"

On my last visit to Auburn Thai Garden (at the corner of Palm and Hwy 49 in Auburn)I was treated to a passionate discussion on beer. Well, the "passion" part of it was coming from Nu. Nu is Thai Gardens self proclaimed "Beer Guy". It started with his mention of a $20 bottle of beer. "It better be pretty big for $20!" At that, he proceeded to bring the bottle out. It was big. It was a champagne bottle. But it did not stop there. He then brought out a gigantic bottle. Then several smaller bottles, until the bar was lined with beers worth discussing. Nu told the story of each beer, and sang the praises of each. I was only there for a "to go" order, so I did not have a chance to try them. Next time, for sure. Go for some of the best Thai food around, great service and an education in beer from Nu, "The Beer Guy"

Day 6 - Super Bowl & Pizza!

Well, of course the most obvious thing to do today is watch the big game with friends. And of course it's not all about the game. There is the food and the commercials as well!
If you are going with the traditional Pizza and Game theme, you might think about a take and bake pizza. My favorite is the Gourmet Chicken Garlic. Yum!
Of course the party won't be complete without baking up some of their cookie dough!

Day 5 - Have a GREAT cup of Coffee

When I am craving a really great cup of coffee, I stop into Tsuda's Old Town Eatery in Old Town Auburn. They are now serving Temple coffees. It is roasted in Sacramento. It is served in a French Press (the only way to brew great coffee, in my opinion). It tastes great, and is a charming way to be served. We stopped in a few weeks ago to give the new coffee a try. The barista was able to tell us the exact day that our coffee had been roasted, which was two days prior. Ours was a decaf espresso, single origin coffee. They are happy to chat and educate you on the nuances of coffees. I highly recommend you give it a try!

Day 4 - See a play

Come join Take Note Troupe as they revisit their hilarious original production Shakespeare 101: Passing the Bard. This updated peek into the lives of high school students with an uncanny connection to some of Shakespeare's most interesting characters comes to the State Theater in Auburn Fridays February 4th at 4:00 PM and February 11th at 3:30 and 7:30 PM. Also shows on Saturdays; February 5th at 3:30 and 7:30 PM and February 12th at 3:30 and 7:30 PM. Tickets for public shows are now on sale. For more information, please call (916)652-8888. Tickets costs $5 in advance or $8 at the door.

Auburn State Theater is located at 985 Lincoln Way in Auburn CA, 95603

Twin Dragon-Chinese Food

Try Twin Dragon for delicious Chinese food. The serve Mandarin, Szechwan,Hunan, and Americanized Chinese Food. They were recently included in Restaurant News' Top 100 Chinese Restaurants for 2010. My most recent visit to Twin Dragon included one of my favorite Chinese dishes, Kung Pao Chicken. Theirs is some of the best I have had. They have a choice of white rice, brown rice and fried rice. They have well priced lunch specials for the budget minded. This is a picture of my Kung Pao lunch special.

Weather

The Weather is so nice today...what a day to hit the slopes

Day 2-Eat Pie!!

Ikeda's has been THE stopping point for travelers heading to Tahoe, for years. It is also a wonderful place for us locals to pick up fresh fruits and vegies, interesting sauces, healthy snacks, and oh, yes......Pie!! They make wonderful, mouth watering pies with flaky crusts. I once pulled in there at 9am and met a woman sitting down at one of the outside tables with a whole pie (still warm from the oven) and a fork. I could tell it was a blissful moment for her.