June 7th: McCloud Flea Market and Collectibles sale

This is a big weekend in McCloud – the 38th Annual McCloud Flea Market is Sunday, June 7th from 8am to 4pm, with the Mud Creek Collectible and Antique Market coinciding on Saturday and Sunday. The Flea Market is billed as the largest in the county and kicks off with a Fireman’s Breakfast in the bank parking lot next to the Heritage Museum. You’ll also find coffee and pastries at the Museum to get you fueled up for a day of checking out the 100+ boothes at the Flea Market lining Main Street. You’ll see a huge variety of items – from handmade food to household hand-offs, arts and crafts to antiques and collectibiles. The organizers say it’s a great place to shop for Father’s Day gifts and graduation presents. While you’re there, tour the Heritage Museum where you can become more familiar with the history of the area. If you stop in from 12:30-2:30pm you can enjoy live music by local singer-songwriter Bruno Grossi.

Just up the road at the Old Red School House at 127 W. Colombero, the Mud Creek Collectible and Antique Market will be featuring contemporary and vintage collectibles from classic American to Mod and sixties memorabilia. One exhibit will include 1000s of record LPs, 45s, 78s, 8 tracks and vintage stereo equipment from the Market’s owner, who previously had a record label and distribution compmany. You’ll also find a large classic rock poster collection, ranging from the Filmore and Bill Graham era to Punk rock flyers from the early Los Angeles Punk movement. Hundreds of comics – Creepies and Vamparilla, Marvel and a few 60s underground publications – will also be on display. For more info call 731.394.7279.

So there you have it – if you’re in the South County on Sunday head over to McCloud for a day of discovery at the Flea Market and Mud Creek Collectibles.

Eating locally on the cheap

From our friend and Siskiyou County advocate, Joanne Steele –

So, when this #$%^& recession is over, do you really want to live in a town where only the McDonalds has survived???
That looks like where we’re heading folks. I just heard a report that McDonalds is doing so well, they’re planning on opening 1000 NEW STORES THIS YEAR! But it’s really our choice. We all love to eat out, and the reality is that we’re probably going to do it as long as we possibly can, so my suggestion is vote with your dollars for the restaurants you love and want to see around for a long time.

Those value meals are really tempting, but if you’re careful you can do ALMOST as well financially at one of Siskiyou County’s locally owned, charming eateries.

Here’s how:
First of all, if you’re going out to drink, then eat at home and go out for good wine or beer. When you go out to dine, save money by drinking water and enjoy your food.
How about these “watering holes” for great beer and wine…

Stage Door Cabaret, 414 Mt. Shasta Blvd. Mt. Shasta – huge selection of imported and microbrew beers for the cost of two biggie fast food drinks!

Mt. Shasta Brewing Company, 360 College Ave., Weed – Go to their tasting room and get 6 tastes for $5 – much more fun than a value meal and probably more nutritious as well!

diVino Wine Bar, 201 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd, Mt. Shasta – Again, go for fun and still walk out with money in your pocket. A glass may cost you $5.00, or splurge and do a tasting for $9! There’s always good company, so instead of renting a movie on a Fri. or Sat. night, go taste wine and join the party!

Okay, you want to go out for a meal. PLEASE! Even if you want to order at the counter, go to a place where they’ll at least deliver to your table. In most of our restaurants someone nice will come to your table, take your order, tell you a little about their town, and all for just a little added tip (they’re trying hard to make ends meet too.) Here’s a sampling of places in Mt. Shasta Country that can offer you a little break and great food while still maintaining a reduced budget. You’ll be supporting the businesses we all want to see around after this ridiculous recession is resolved.

To save money anywhere, always check out the appetizer, salad and sides sections of the menu.

For dinner, here’s what’s possible, even at some of the most expensive places:
Vivify Japanese Restaurant, 531 Chestnut St., Mt. Shasta, vivify.com
The best miso soup ever – $3 & a choice of 4 gourmet salads for under $6

Sengthongs Blue Sky Room, 5853 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir, sengthongs.com, order from their appetizer menu for an affordable night out. On some weekend nights a few dollars cover will get you in to listen to live music as well.

Michael’s Restaurant, 313 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Michael features a light meal menu which still offers enough food for most people to share. Pay the small extra plate charge and Michael will serve your meal split. You get an excellent Italian dinner, a great night out and your budget is still in great shape.

Lunch, which is always easier to eat well for less:
Ellie’s Espresso & Bakery, 79 S. Weed Blvd., Weed. Nearly everything on Ellie’s menu is  cheaper than a value meal AND the bread is made there AND much is organic and as they like to advertise, “Made with Love”. Also, check out the local art on the walls.
The White Mountain Café in the McCloud Mercantile, downtown McCloud, mccloudmercantile.com. So you like quarter pounders? Check out their version. It’s a little more money, but really wonderful. Unlike certain other quarter pounders around, if you were blindfolded you wouldn’t accidentally eat the wrapper.
Nature’s Kitchen, 412 S. Main St., Yreka. Order a bowl of their homemade soup or chili which comes with bread they bake right there for under $6. Or forget lunch and order dessert – their homemade sticky buns, $2.50, are addictive, or have  a lemon bar with a cup of organic coffee, under $5.
Ms. Lynn’s Tea, 120 eleventh St., Montague, mslynnstea.com. Go here for a tea party. It’s not exactly lunch, but at Ms. Lynn’s, tea for two with scones, Devonshire cream, and lemon curd for $10.95 will feed your soul!

Breakfast
Seven Sons Coffee & Café, 1011 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Mt. Shasta – Their breakfast burrito for 6.75 is big enough for two which leaves you money for coffee ($1.50 if you bring your cup).
Cornerstone Café, 5759 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir – Order from the sides menu for eggs (2) and their  yummy potatoes or polenta for under $6.00.

It’s hard not to feel better after passing up the drive thru, heading to a really good restaurant, having a great experience and doing a little economic stimulus of your own.
Cheers!
Joanne Steele

Shopping locally for Christmas gifts

Lately everyone has been talking about shopping locally, and we all know we should. After all, it keeps dollars in our local economy, and that benefits all of us. Now that it’s the official high holiday shopping season, let’s look at what you’ll find in some of our Siskiyou County shops where the inventory was personally chosen by owners and staff to fit the character of their shops. When you look at it that way, browsing these unique stores is just another way to come to know our communities better.

South County –
Heart of the Mountain Rustic Country Gifts is home to Mountain Essentials, a growing line of soaps, lotions, candles, bubble bath, foot cream and face crème. Varieties include Mount Shasta Mint, Alpine Sunflower, Avalanche of Apples, Cranberry Crags and Summit Spice. The shop also carries Ritzy Rag Bag handbags, handmade washcloths and soap bags and Suzi’s Handcrafted Rag Rugs that come in some really vibrant colors that remind you of spring.
Heart of the Mountain – 209 N Mount Shasta Blvd, 926-3905

At the Brown Dog Gallery in McCloud you’ll find all kinds of locally made products, from fine art to functional pieces, like hand-woven rugs by Lana Magnuson of Burney. Jim and Claudia Ellis own and operate the gallery, which features Claudia’s paintings, along with a bunch of other regional artists. They’ve also got a selection of homey gifts, from hand-made birdhouses and garden art to Bonny Doon Lavendar Soaps.
Brown Dog Gallery – 307 Pine Street, McCloud, 964-2662

Ruddle Cottage in Dunsmuir is the outlet for the creative energy of artist Jayne Bruck-Fryer, whose curiosity has led her to many unique projects. Fish sculptures made of drier lint, a whole line of jewelry crafted from Java Jackets and decorative pieces made of recycled glass are just part of her collection, along with her watercolor paintings. Be sure to take a close look at the garden cabin walls, which are covered in her handmade glass, pottery and mirror studded mural.
Ruddle Cottage – 5815 Sacramento Ave, Dunsmuir, 235-2022

North County –
At the Tasty-Q in Yreka’s Chamber of Commerce you’ll find a delightful selection of locally made foods. Wini, of Tradewinds along with Terry of Willow Creek Foods, have created a colorful display of gift boxes filled with goodies like peanut brittle, peppermint bark, chocolate covered bananas, toffee peanuts, Miner’s Munch and peanut butter pretzels. Towards the back of the store you’ll find sauces from the Klamath River Barbeque Company, Jefferson State Foods, Willow Creek Foods jalepeno jams, Biancia’s Spreads, Hot Lips Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, and “strawberry horsebite” – a strawberry horseradish sauce.
The Tasty-Q is on the corner of Broadway and Miner Streets, 842-9729

New Traditions Dulcimers and Wood Works just opened in downtown Yreka, and the display in the window will pull you in. Operated by craftsman and musician Dan Daniels, the shop features a selection of stringed instruments and Dan’s wood products, like turned pens, candle snuffers and boxes, made with local woods. This is a great place to visit to appreciate craftsmanship and slip into the bluegrass, folksy feeling of the shop. If you’re interested in music, but don’t count yourself a musician yet, Dan offers lessons on guitar, banjo and dulcimer.
New Traditions Dulcimers and Wood Works – 327 W. Miner St., Yreka, 842-6140

Local art for Christmas in Mt. Shasta and Yreka today!

It’s snowing lightly here in Mt. Shasta – just the kind of flakes that feel nice drifting down onto your cheeks. So get out and about. Today in Mt. Shasta there is an open studio show at 108 Old McCloud (from 10am-2pm) where a number of local potters are selling their wares. The Holiday Craft Fair continues today in Yreka as well, at 412 S. Main Street in the Bottling Works Mall from 10am to 5pm.

These shows offer a great opportunity to buy locally made goods. The show in Mt. Shasta is strictly art -  abstract and realistic paintings, jewelry and lots of pottery: teapots, mugs, bowls, display pieces, spoon holders, decorative plates and more by a group of four local potters. At the Yreka show you’ll see a broader selection, with locally made foods and arts and craft. So get out there and shop – it’s great for all of us!

PS – the Mt. Shasta studio show will be open this coming Mon-Fri, Dec 15th-19th from 3-6pm.

Yreka’s Tasty-Q for yummy holiday gifts

I stopped in at the Tasty-Q in Yreka’s Chamber of Commerce this weekend and was delighted by the colorful display of gift boxes put together by Wini and Terry. These gals have been wrapping like crazy – putting together towers of shimmering boxes filled with goodies like peanut brittle, peppermint bark, chocolate covered bananas, toffee peanuts, Miner’s Munch and peanut butter pretzels.

I brought home some Miner’s Mucnh, their mix of caramel corn, peanuts, almonds, chocolate drizzled caramel corn and other goodies. It went quickly in our house. We’re holding on to the peanut brittle for Thanksgiving Day.

Mom and I toured the store and browsed a great selection of locally and regionally made goods. There were sauces from the Klamath River Barbeque Company, Jefferson State Foods, regional olive oils, Terry’s Willow Creek Foods jalepeno jams, Biancia’s Spreads, and dipping sauces, including the one called “strawberry horsebite” that’s a strawberry horseradish sauce. Yum (I think – I’ve heard that it’s not too hot). Don’t miss Hot Lips Raspberry Chipotle Sauce – it is sooo good (I put it on bagels with cream cheese). A cute, old fashioned red shopping cart full of Miner’s Munch beckoned, and beyond that there were shelves of Camille Beckman body lotion. 

Wini and Terry had also just finished their Miner’s Much Beer Bread: the big beer bottle is full of the baking mix and the directions are on the label. Wini said they had a heck of time getting the flour into the bottle, but you just pour it out and mix it up for a wonderful bread.

The Tasty-Q is also a great place to stop for lunch or a snack if you’re in downtown Yreka. It’s an old fashioned soda fountain with Bud’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, banana splits and sundaes, as well as a lunch counter.

The Tasty-Q is on the corner of Broadway and Miner Streets in downtown Yreka. Stop by, or call 530.842.9729 to order a gift box.

Thanksgiving festivities

Looking for things to do over the Thanksgiving weekend? Well, here you go:

Christmas Tree Lighting and Merchant Open House – Mt. Shasta, Fri, Nov 28th:
Gather in front of city hall to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Join in as carols are sung by candlelight and the town’s Christmas tree is lit for the holiday season. Santa drives by on a fire truck on his way to his workshop located at the fire station. Santa and his elves will be building toys and baking. Merchants stay open late for browsers and shoppers, so get out there and do your LOCAL shopping. For information call the Mt. Shasta Visitors’ Bureau at 1-800-926-4865.

Dog and Pony Show – McCloud, Sat, Nov 29th:
McCloud Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Dog & Pony Show Parade, noon on Main Street. Kids and parents can join in this growing family event. Bring your pets for dress up, or ride your bike or a stick horse in the parade. All animals are welcome. Kids, pets and parents are welcome to come in festive costumes. The parade includes a Stick Pony Contest, the Bike Brigade, CAL FIRE with Sparky the Dog, the Forest Service with Smokey the Bear and a kazoo band. Meet on Upper California Street at 11:30am to join in the parade.  For more info call 530-964-2662.

Yreka’s Annual Holiday Parade – Yreka, Sat, Nov 29th (11am):
Enjoy the area’s biggest holiday parade, complete with marching bands, fire trucks, antique cars and equestrian teams as it tours historic downtown Yreka. Join merchants for hot chocolate and local shopping.

Growing Yreka Holiday Craft Fair offers activites for kids, too

The 2008 Siskiyou Holiday Craft Fair at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka has been expanded this year, offering three buildings of crafters’ unique products and a Kid’s Corral, with activities for little ones while their parents shop the fair. The big day is Saturday, November 22nd from 9am-3pm at the Fairgrounds, just off Interstate 5.

Arrive ready to shop, as the list of vendors is quite long. You’ll see booths by Gourds in Harmony, Rainbow Products, Loris Taylor Originals, Willow Creek Foods, Jimi’s Treasures, and wildlife paintings by P. Steele Roberts Ross. Also on the list are: Was Concept, RWB Mountain Ranch, Gary & Nancy Bowen, Millie Ferlatte, Viola’s Garden, Dave’s Sheet Metal, Good Smells Soap Co., Fiddler Wrap, Stensaas Images, Green Springs Bodyworks,  We’re All Nuts!, Shadow Mountain Woodworks, Force for Life Candles, River’s Edge Windchimes & Crafts, Julie’s Pantry & Deluxe Confectionery, Sil’s Potpourri and Katrina’s Cards. That’s just a handful of the regional crafters and artisans who will be attending the Craft Fair. Use the link above to see a complete, and frequently updated list.

Over in the Kids Corral families can sit down together to make a craft item together, or the parents can leave the tots with the Junior Fair Boards’ experience childcare staff. The kids can watch holiday movies and they’ll be visited by Santa. The childcare service is a benefits for the Junior Fair Boards scholarship program, so it’s $3 per half hour.

As you’re shopping for Christmas gifts, wonderful foods, and home decor, you may work up a powerful hunger. Don’t worry, The Friends of the Fair will have a food concession with homemade goodies to get you through a full day of shopping.

Dunsmuir Holiday Craft Fair Sat, Nov 8th

It’s time to get in the holiday spirit – after all, the Christmas decor, wrapping paper and ribbons are on the shelves at Rite Aid. Take the time this Saturday to spend your time and money supporting local crafters and artisans while getting goodies for folks on your Christmas shopping list. I’m calling my mom for this so we can check it out together. The Annual Dunsmuir Holiday Craft Fair is from 10am to 4pm this Saturday, Nov 8th at the Dunsmuir Community Building (that’s on the north end of town by the swimming pool). Blankets, jewelry, pressed-flower crafts, handmade cards, pillows, wooden Christmas ornaments, doll clothing, festive recycled art, scrapbooking items, baked goods and houseplants are on the list of items.

The 31st Annual Holiday Craft Fair is a benefit for the Dunsmuir Rotary, which supports local youth projects.

Out in Montague, the Holiday Magic Christmas Craft Show is set for Friday, Nov 7th (6-9pm) and Sat, Nov 8th (10am-3pm) in the Montague Community Building with crafters, artists, specialty foods and live music.

Coming up Dec 5th and 6th is the big craft fair, the 12th Annual Country Christmas Holiday Craft Fair at College of the Siskiyous in Weed. Filling the gym, the show is a celebration of handcrafted works by local and regional crafters and artisans. You’ll see candles, jewlery, ornaments, soaps, wreaths, glass and wood products, and foods, including local honey. The Fair is Fri, Dec 5th from 5-8pm and Sat, Dec 6th from 9am-3pm at the campus in Weed.

Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun is available!

Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun, by local guide Robin Kohn, is now available at local book stores. Tonight, Tuesday, August 12th, Robin will be at Village Books in Mt. Shasta for a book signing at 7pm. The Guide is a great resource for folks coming to the Mt. Shasta area who are looking to get to know the unique spots this region has to offer. As a guide for Shasta Vortex Adventures, Robin has taken people skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, back packing, rock climbing, and on bus tours all over the Mt. Shasta area.

In the Guide to Fun you’ll find descriptions of hiking, cross country skiing, climbing,  and ski mountaineering on Mount Shasta, as well as bits of historical information. Robin has included notes about the Old Ski Bowl, how Panther Meadows got its name, and recognition of John Everett, the Shasta National Forest Supervisor that Everett Memorial Highway was named for.

The Guide extends beyond Mount Shasta to include the McCloud River waterfalls, Burstarse Falls, Stewart Mineral Springs Resort, and a significant section about the Lava Beds, Medicine Lake and the Tulelake area. Robin also gives ink to recreational opportunities in and around Yreka and the Scott Valley. To top it all off, the book includes a list of resources that includes area guides, outdoor retailers, Chambers of Commerce and Parks to assist visitors.

You can purchase the Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun at Village Books and other area stores (more are being added every week). Village Books is also selling the book from its website, and Robin will be selling from her website soon. Robin is also available to guide various adventures in the North State; contact her via her website.

Take a wool bedding adventure

We’ve got all kinds of unique local shopping opportunities here in Siskiyou County. Out in Montague Shepherd’s Dream is selling wool bedding products, from mattresses to comforters and pillows. Fluffy piles of wool batting greet you at the door of Shepherds Dream’s quiet shop in the farming community of Montague. The all-wool bed on display is welcoming, and certainly you are invited to snuggle into it in this exploration of natural bedding.

The Shepherd’s Dream sleeping system is based on the all-wool mattress, which begins with more than a foot of wool batting that is compressed into a comfortable mattress. When you lay down on the display bed you’ll be enjoying the full system: the handcrafted Douglas fir bed frame, the wool mattress with padded cover, organic cotton sheets, a light airy wool comforter, wool pillows and neck rolls. Take your time; sink into it. The company’s website extols the benefits of sleeping on a wool bed, noting that wool is breathable and better able to respond to your body’s temperature fluctuations as you sleep.

To learn more about the all-wool sleep system, visit the website at www.shepherdsdream.com. You’ll find a wealth of information about the processes and products and the evolution to the wool mattress. To try out the test bed at the shop, call ahead (530.459.3180) to ensure that the shop is open before you visit Montague, which is about 20 minutes east of Yreka, off Interstate 5.

While you’re in Montague, be sure to stop in at Ms. Lynn’s Tea for a light lunch and the chance to dress up while you take tea. Ms. Lynn’s is just down the street from Shepherd’s Dream.