2016-2017 Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 55

055_TheRidge_2016_055_TheRidge_2016 5/16/16 10:56 AM Page 55 THE RIDGE NORTH SAN JUAN, STATE PARKS, EVENTS, WINERY E V E N T S North San Juan Located on Hwy. 49, North San Juan is 16 miles north of Nevada City. During the 1880s, it was the third largest town in Nevada County and had 13 stores, hotels, a newspaper, bank, brewery and two manufacturing firms. This made it an important commercial center for nearby hydraulic mines. To the east of town is an area called San Juan Ridge or simply “The Ridge.” Here can be found a state historic park, cultural center and Ananda Village. CHERRY FESTIVAL & PARAD E: June 25. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park The park features some stark landscape created by hydraulic gold mining between the 1850s and the 1880s. Water was brought to the site and aimed at hillsides through giant nozzles. In 1884, hydraulic mining was outlawed due to damage caused to rivers and waterways downstream. Located 26 miles from Nevada City via Tyler Foote Crossing Road off Hwy. 49, the park includes the ghost town of North Bloomfield, a museum, exhibits and tours. You can visit Malakoff all year, but in winter there are no tours, and the museum and visitor center are closed. (530) 265-2740; malakoffdigginsstatepark.org RECREATION: Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as swimming, camping, horseback riding and boating. Hiking trails include Humbug, Rim and Diggins. Cabin rentals available. Campground Reservations: (800) 444-7275 MUSEUM: April–September. Call for days, times. HUMBUG DAY: June 11, 2016. 11:00 am– 4:00 pm. Living History, games, barbecue, the world’s shortest parade and water blasting of the old hydraulic water cannon! North Columbia School House Cultural Center This restored one-room school house built in 1875 provides a venue for gatherings, performances and art that enriches and sustains the rural character of the area. Located at 17894 Tyler Foote Rd., it is well-known for hosting an annual storytelling festival featuring world-class tellers. (530) 265-2826; northcolumbiaschoolhouse.org, sierrastorytellingfestival.org ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO North San Juan Crystal Hermitage Gardens SIERRA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: July 22–24. RIDGESTOCK: August 20.11:00 am–11:00 pm. AUTUMN SHINDIG: October 9. Winery DOUBLE OAK: Tasting room, picnicking, tours, winery events. Open every Saturday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm and by appointment. Map on Website, 14510 Blind Shady Rd. (not far from Tyler Foote Rd.), (530) 292-3235. doubleoakwinery.com See pages 110–113 for more winery information. Ananda Village SPRINGTIME AT ANANDA: Over 13,000 tulips on display in the Crystal Hermitage Gardens, also other seasonal flowers, blooming shrubs and trees. Tours, entertainment, refreshments. Ananda Village 20 minutes from Nevada City at 14618 Tyler Foote Rd. Peak tulip display information: (530) 478-7587. crystalhermitage.org N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m 55