This colorful phrase captures the essence of the quality of life in beautiful Nevada County. If you ask residents what's so special about their community, they'll probable begin by telling you about the landscape - the charming, historic gold rush towns surrounded by rolling hills and towering green pines, the graceful oaks shading pastures in the lower elevations, the snow-covered Sierra peaks in the background.

Nevada County is located in Northern California and ranges from near sea level in the great Sacramento Valley, to over 9,000 feet in the Sierra. The county appears on the map in the shape of a derringer, with the northern & Southern borders extending straight Westward from the California/Nevada border then intersecting with the path of the middle fork of the Yuba River in the North and the Bear River in the South. The borders follow the paths of these scenic rivers to the valley floor.

With an average elevation of 2,500 feet, the area enjoys a mild, four-season climate. Skies are generally a brilliant blue from May to October with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees during the daytime, cooling off to the 50s in the evenings. The rainy season, from November to April, is also mild. Daytime temperatures typically rise to the 40s and 50s and nighttime temperatures drop into the 30s.

The average rainfall is 55 inches per year while light snow may fall a few times per year, it rarely lasts for too long. Each year hundreds of families and retirees take advantage of the ultimate golden opportunity by choosing to call Nevada County their new home. Leaving behind the congestion, clutter and noise of the urban areas, they are charmed by the casual lifestyle, finding small town friendliness, community celebrations, civic and special interest clubs, farmer's markets, outdoor fun and cultural events for everyone to enjoy.

Even with all of its rural appeal, the community is not isolated. Sacramento is only an hour's drive away, to the west, San Francisco is 150 miles away, and to the east Reno and Lake Tahoe are within easy driving distance for a day trip. With all of the recreational and cultural activity going on in Nevada County, it's easy to find something to do. When combined with the unique and exciting special events that take place residents schedules sometimes become downright hectic. Each session has its unique offerings, but summers are, by far, the busiest.

As you drive north on Highway 49 (better known as the Golden Chain Highway), or west on Highway 20 (from the Reno, Tahoe, Truckee area), you will come to the beautiful twin cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. nestled in the Sierra foothills, Grass Valley and Nevada City have retained their historic charm, and now offer a host of period bed and breakfast lodging and excellent restaurants. Live music and theater are in abundance throughout these wonderful towns. Little shops line the main streets and offer exquisite treasures for the experienced traveler. An entire day can be spent admiring some of the beautifully restored Victorian homes. During the many special events period costumes are everywhere, and at night, these towns twinkle with the ambience of restored gas street lights and offer a golden path to fun and food.