Romance, peace and memories of a simpler time are in abundance as you wander through this lovely three-story Queen Anne Victorian home. She sits high above gardens tastefully appointed with a fountain, stone benches and a tiered rose garden.

Upon your arrival Ken and Eileen, Deer Creek's innkeepers, warmly welcome you to their home. They take it as their personal mission that you relax, unwind and leave all the chores and responsibilities to them. After a tour and orientation, you will be shown to your room and invited to spend some time along Deer Creek and the gardens. You can stroll hand-in-hand in an inviting country setting. Rose covered arbors and stone paths lead you to a mystical and carefree time. Beautiful and year-round Deer Creek will sing songs of happy times on its trip past your new home away from home.

Each evening before supper, either in the parlor or on the sun-bathed patio, guests are invited to enjoy a complementary wine service and social hour featuring Nevada City wines. Ken and Eileen enjoy this opportunity to get to know their guests a little better as well as an opportunity to assist with any final arrangements for your evening in town.

Then, it's off to supper and Nevada City's own particular form of evening entertainment. There are performing arts theaters as well as numerous venues for good music and good company. Later, be sure to make a final stop in the parlor for a brief nightcap or a trip to the sun porch for the last sweet of the day.

In the morning, a gourmet, three-course breakfast is served to fortify you for the day ahead. Nevada City’s quaint streets invite you to enjoy antique, collectible and one-of-a-kind shopping; horse-drawn carriage rides, numerous are galleries; wine tasting and walking tours of Nevada City’s charming homes, churches, museums, and other historic points of interest. There is bicycling, golf and tennis nearby and the best of skiing in Tahoe National Forest. Opportunities for hiking, swimming and fishing are in abundance at the many surrounding rivers and lakes in the Sierras. The Empire Mine and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offer a glimpse into California’s rich history during the Gold Rush Days.

As always, a trip to Deer Creek Inn is a trip out of the ordinary world and a trip into the past, to a time when stopping to smell the roses was an everyday occurrence and laughter was the sweetest music in the air. Come to Deer Creek Inn and let Ken and Eileen share their world with you.

Rooms:

The Victorian guest rooms of Deer Creek Inn are named for former owners of the home .... Sheryl, Lela, Winifred, Ida, Elaine and Eileen. Four of the inns rooms are located at the top of the Queen Anne staircase. Two of the rooms are located on the lower level of the house just above the gardens. Although Elaine's Room is more often requested, it is Winifred's Room that holds the record of the most marriage proposals and acceptances. All rooms have private baths, with a few patios, private entrances and balconies. There are even two rooms in the house with televisions and VCRs.

Sheryl's Room:

Sheryl's Room hosts a king size bed with lots of overstuffed feathered pillows. The three Queen Anne windows that surround it engulf the comfortable sitting area. The sink is built into an antique dresser of drawers and is the talk of the house. The private bath contains a clawfoot tub and porcelain showerhead. The large balcony overlooks the grounds and Deer Creek on the left and the city of Nevada City on the right.

Sheryl was the first owner of the house to use it as a bed and breakfast inn about 15 years ago. She is the one responsible for all the renovations that made Deer Creek an inn of distinction. When speaking to her a while back, Ken and Eileen discovered that at the time of the renovations, Sheryl started with only a half bath on the upper story of the house. Thanks to all her hard work, each room in the house now has a private bath.

Lela's Room:

Lela's Room hosts a queen size, climb up, four-poster bed. The clawfoot tub is enclosed in an alcove of the main room and its entrance is covered in lace. Decorated entirely with pastels and lace, this room is, by far, a romantic getaway, no matter what the age.

Lela was the last owner of the house before it became a bed and breakfast inn. It was through her generosity that the city was able to put through a sewer line on the property that is referred to now as “Big Pipe Falls.” So, in this house, whenever our guests flush, we thank Lela.

Winifred's Room:

Winifred's Room hosts a queen size canopy bed that beckons its guests to snuggle close and whisper tenderness. The clawfoot tub boasts a brass hand-held telephone shower. It is called a telephone shower since failing to re-insert the shower curtain back into the tub after a bath will result in water from the tub flowing down into the kitchen and ruining breakfast. Here’s where the telephone part comes in … once breakfast is ruined, Eileen will gladly use the telephone to make reservations for the entire house to have breakfast in town on Winifred’s account. A large private balcony offers the finest four-story view of our beautiful gardens and year-round Deer Creek. Not yet listed in the national register for most romantic places, Winifred’s Room should be … more marriage proposals and acceptances have occurred here than in any other room in the house.

Winifred Malloy became the second mistress of the house when her aunt, Ida Colley bequeathed it to her in 1927. Ida and Winifred were responsible for the establishment of the Laurel Parlor #6 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Ida's Room:

Ida's Room is located at the top of a very private staircase off the kitchen. More times than not, Eileen has been turning out the kitchen lights for the night, only to find a guest sneaking down the staircase for one last brownie of the night. In the room, the queen-size bed sits under its own stained glass window located right in the headboard. This room also contains a comfortable and spacious hide-a-bed for those who need a little extra room for the younger one they couldn't leave at home. The sink is located in snug alcove and is an original to the house. A large stall shower and pull chain commode and both privacy and fun to this great room.

Ida, the original mistress of the house, was married to James Colley, the boy next door. She dutifully raised her son, Ellsworth and niece, Winifred, while her husband sold candies and sweets in his own store on Broad Street. Together with her niece, Ida was responsible for bringing culture and refinement to the gold rush era town of Nevada City.

Elaine's Room:

Elaine's Room is located on the lower level of the house and is one of our most requested rooms. It contains a queen size iron canopied bed. The large bath is a romantic couples delight with a Roman tub complete with dual showerheads. The French door that serves as a private entrance to this room opens out to a private patio overlooking the grounds and Deer Creek. Neatly tucked away from the rest of the house, this room offers couples many wonderful opportunities from early morning coffee to a hideaway lunch, or champagne in the evening.

Elaine was the artist of the group and it is her paintings that Ken and Eileen have chosen to display in this room. Having purchased the house from Sheryl as a four-room inn, Elaine and her husband Chuck were responsible for adding the two rooms on the lower level of the house.

Eileen's Room:

Eileen's Room is one of our very special rooms with a creek side view of the gardens and beautiful Deer Creek. Located at the back of the house, this room lends privacy, intimacy and convenience to your stay. Your private outside entrance allows you the freedom of going and coming without having to pass through the main entrance of the house. A beautiful ornate headboard overshadows the queen size bed. But the windows that open the room to the lullaby of Deer Creek will quickly overtake any other distractions. The room also contains a private bath with a standard tub/shower combination.

Eileen is the current owner of the inn. Her life has gone through a number of changes, each clearly defined in the room she chose as her namesake. From the crewel embroidery she stitched while pregnant with her girls, to the paintings by her step mom and finally to the movie posters as memories of her time in film. No, she didn't get to work on any of the films she displays, she just wishes she had.

The Gardens:

Deer Creek Inn is situated at the bottom of Broad Street in the town of Nevada City. The inn sits majestically high above the gardens appointed with stone benches, comfortable chairs, a two-person hammock, and a fountain.

Deer Creek Inn is bordered by two beautiful and historical creeks, Deer Creek and Manzanita Creek. They were the center of gold panning and the mining town in the early 1850’s. Now it is considerably quieter. At night our guests can enjoy the golden and silver lights that filter through the trees and reflect on Deer Creek.

Encompassing almost one full acre, the gardens sit among hundred-year-old cedars, maples and various other trees. The plush grounds are accented by a one hundred foot cherry tree, the largest in the county.

In spring, its white blossoms fall to the ground like snow, before bringing forth fruit. Roses and cutting flowers are in abundance in the tiered gardens and sprout new life as each season changes.

The rose covered trellises and arbors provide a comfortable shade while watching Deer Creek skip merrily by reminding us of things past and beautiful.

In January of 1997, the California floods completely devastated the once pretty gardens. All that remained were tree roots and debris. At the time, innkeepers Elaine and Chuck brought in over fifty tons of rock and one hundred yards of soil for the reconstruction.

New additions were added and the gardens were improved upon. Today it is still possible to recognize the labor of love this must have taken. Now that Elaine and Chuck have sold the inn to the new owners, Ken clearly sees his obligation to continue the plantings and maintenance they started.

But, as always, change comes to all and Ken will fondly add his own ideas and efforts at making the gardens a true "escape" for those seeking serenity in her pathways and hidden corners. During the spring and summer, guests will find him puttering while his two faithful companions, Spot, his deaf Dalmatian, and Ty, his Alaskan Malamute frolic in the cool waters of the creek.

Come, relax, unwind ....

Tax and Relax:

Deer Creek Inn offers a special service to its guests. In addition to our famous wine service and three-course breakfasts, we offer a somewhat unusual service. As a licensed CPA, Ken would like the opportunity to assist any guest of the inn with preparation of their yearly tax returns.

This service is known as 'Tax and Relax.' Simply book a room and reserve an appointment to discuss tax information for you and your partner. A small deposit is required at the time of your tax review appointment to cover any initial costs to prepare your return.

Then you are invited to sit back, enjoy your weekend and let Ken do what he does best. Since you need to complete your taxes anyway, why not do it someplace where you can be pampered and attended to in the process.

Except for what you owe Uncle Sam, it could be a virtually painless way to complete your yearly chore. And, the best part is that it could be tax deductible. Let's see wine, breakfast, and a great night's sleep just to do something you have to do anyway. Come on up and let us take care of the details.

Ken is licensed by the California State Board of Accountancy and has over 25 years of experience preparing corporation, partnership, estate, and non-profit and individual tax returns with a special emphasis on non-profits and individual returns for both small business and the self-employed.

Special Offers:

Procrastination Special:

Need a getaway at the spur of the moment? Want to be pampered? You can save 15% off the in-house booking price by calling us at the last minute.

This offer applies only to new reservations made after 1 PM on the date of arrival and is subject to availability. You must mention this exclusive invitation at the time of booking to receive this offer.

Spa Package:

Deer Creek Inn has a special spa package. Located across the street from the inn are Trish King, CMT and Carol Casey, Aesthetician. For a reasonable fee, Trish will treat you to a full body massage and Carol can pamper you with a neck and upper-back massage and facial treatment. Both treatments are approximately an hour long. So relax at Deer Creek Inn and be pampered inside and out.

Trish is a Phillips School of Massage graduate. Her favorite massage technique is of an eclectic nature using several modalities that may include a mixture of Hot Stone Therapy, Aromatherapy, Swedish/Deep Tissue Combination, Acupressure, Reflexology, or Reiki. Carol is a licensed Aesthetician. She is certified and specializes in Corrective Medic-Facials and Advanced Chemical Peels. Please inquire about the many additional Spa/Body Treatments Carol can provide.

Celebration Baskets:

Birthdays, anniversaries, even marriage proposals, we know how special that time can be. We are now offering our guests the opportunity to purchase a special “Celebration Basket.” We offer some of the world’s finest chocolates from our own “Dorado Chocolates” of Grass Valley along with a festive bottle of champagne, glasses, and a unique flower arrangement selected especially for you. All in one beautifully decorated basket, just for your enjoyment.

Theater Packages:

Nevada City and Grass Valley are home to some of the most exciting theater companies and restaurants in Northern California. Let us put together an evening of supper and entertainment for you. We purchase the tickets and make the reservations for you.

We can also recommend some of the finest dining in the area and will gladly make reservations for you at the establishment of your choice. Some of our local favorites are:

• Citronee
• Posh Nosh
• Friar Tucks
• Tortilla Grill
• Country Rose Café
• Cirino's Italian Restaurant
• The Stonehouse Restaurant
• Villa Venezia Italian Restaurant
• Be sure to ask for other recommendations

So Much To Do:

Seems like almost every weekend in Nevada City and Grass Valley brings new adventures and sights. Simply check out the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. Their calendar is just bustin' with fun activities for the entire family. Let us know your interests and we'll gladly help with arrangements by purchasing advance tickets or having flyers to mail.

Wedding or Special Event?

Maybe we can help. From carriage rides to centerpieces, we are your "Friend in the Business."

Fire Fighter and Police Officer Special:

For all fire fighters and police officers, we offer a special during the week. If you book a night with us between Monday and Thursday nights we will take 10% off your accommodations. You must mention this exclusive invitation at the time of booking to receive this offer.

Amenities:

Wireless Internet Connection:

We've finally done it! Deer Creek Inn, that grand old Victorian lady, has ventured into the 21st century. Now, our guests can log onto wireless internet in the comfort of their room or in the parlor. It's high speed DSL connectivity with our compliments. Now you can check your e-mail or surf the net whenever you want.

Boosted Cell Signal:

Guests with the "right connections" are able to speak with their admirers. Cellular providers: Verizon, AT&T, Cingular, AllTel, Cellular One, CricKet, Qwest, Opex, Sure West, T-Mobile, Western wireless, and U.S. Cellular.

Souvenirs:

There are several items available for sale at Deer Creek to extend the memory of your visit. Some of these items are:

The Historical Inns of Grass Valley and Nevada City Cookbook, listing some of the favorite recipes of Deer Creek Inn and other bed and breakfast inns in Nevada City and Grass Valley.

• Deer Creek Gift Certificates
• Art from various local artists
• Assorted Nevada City Winery Wines
• A "Sheila" (a wooden plaque) of Deer Creek Inn as it looked 100 years ago.

Runner's Delight:

Ken is a runner and has put together a number of fun runs and walks beginning and ending at the Inn. They range from an easy walk up through town to the more difficult Deer Creek Challenge. We will give you a map so you don't get lost.

For a short nice walk, I recommend starting with the Miners Trail and then walking up through town and then finishing by way of Coyote Street. This walk could be anywhere between ¾ of a mile to 1 ½ miles. An added feature to this walk is the opportunity to view the historical architecture of Nevada City. It is quite interesting.

For an easy run there is a 3 mile loop with only minor elevation changes. It begins with the Miners Trail that runs along Deer Creek for about a ¼ of a mile. The run continues for approximately 1¼ miles across the Pine Street Bridge and along the old tree-covered road that was once the main through fare into Nevada City before the freeway was built. Then it is back across the freeway along more tree-covered streets and home for another 1½ miles.

The Deer Creek Challenge is a circle run that climbs about 750 feet and is about 7.5 to 8 miles long. It starts with about a 2¼ mile up-hill climb along a tree-covered road to the Deer Creek Park Canal Trail. From there the run meanders along the canal for approximately 3¼ miles. The canal run is covered with trees and provides great views of Nevada City and the surrounding area. When you again reach the road it is 2¼ miles down-hill to the inn.

Flying to the Nevada County Airport?

Why rent a car that will sit idle in our lot while you stroll around town. Simply let us know your itinerary and we'll arrange ground transportation to the inn.

Five Reasons to Stay At Deer Creek Inn:

1. The rooms have plenty of space, comfortable beds and period antiques. Ken and Eileen, who live in the Inn with their two dogs and turtle, go out of their way to make your stay special. There will always be someone to greet you when you arrive. It is not just a room but also your home away from home. Come converse with the innkeepers and relax in their home. Sit back and pretend you are in a different place. Each room is uniquely decorated and many guests come again and again to experience each of the rooms.
    
2. Eileen puts together delicious and diverse breakfast dishes. The three-course gourmet breakfast is known as the "waddle-from-the-table" breakfast. And during the day if you get the munchies, just come into the sunroom and enjoy some cookies or brownies. Also available are various soft drinks, water, beer, tea, chocolate and coffee.
    
3. The location is perfect for enjoying Deer Creek or walking to Nevada City. Sit down and relax by the creek either during the day or evening. If you want to walk to Nevada City, Deer Creek is easy walking distance from the center of town.
    
4. Nevada City is a unique gold-rush town with first-class restaurants and specialty shops. Nevada City's award-winning historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered to be among the best-preserved towns of the West. Nevada City is also a vibrant, thriving community and entertainment capital of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Visitors enjoy fine restaurants and lodgings, live theatre and music, specialty shopping, antiques, art galleries and museums. Next to the Tahoe National Forest, Nevada City is located just minutes from Sierra lakes, rivers and forested trails.
    
5. As a member of CABBI, Deer Creek Inn is held to a set of strict guidelines for quality assurance. All CABBI inns are certified and adhere to 68 separate standards to provide a quality assured stay for inn travelers. We accept CABBI gift certificates.