




Venture into California's Gold Country where the Empire Mine State Historic Park brings history to life with underground tours and costumed docents sharing tales of fortune-seeking. The Center For The Arts hosts performances worth planning a trip around, while Nevada County Fairgrounds buzzes with festivals that locals mark on calendars months in advance. History buffs can't miss North Star House and the Lola Montez House, both windows into the area's glittering past. After exploring downtown's surprisingly sophisticated dining scene, commune with nature at Rollins Lake or Condon Park. The western Sierra foothills provide a backdrop that explains why gold seekers of yesteryear often stayed long after their dreams of riches faded.

