We struck it rich during our visits to the Gold Country.  In the small town of Grass Valley, CA, rich with history, we had the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Grass Valley Courtyard Suites…and were pleasantly surprised by the event venues spaces that they offer.  Directly across the street from the Courtyard Suites main hotel area (which includes 36 guest rooms), is a unique property that houses the fitness center and event spaces.  With one guest room (and more to come!) the building structure built in the last 1800’s, has original rock walls and lovely landscaping.  With hotel rooms, lawn and gardens, plus the choice of interior space or rooftop space, everything can be on-location and it’s perfect for 100 guests.  Hidden behind the building is the private, terraced Garden Lawn surrounded by blooming florals and shaded by a giant pine tree.  Flower beds within a natural rock retaining wall and potted plants surround the area and glow into the evening from the twinkling perimeter lights.  This is a lovely spot for a wedding ceremony, and can also be used as a dining area.

Adjacent to the Garden Lawn is the Garden Patio, actually a rooftop patio overlooking this quaint old town, with Main Street only 2 blocks away.  The roof top patio also has the festive perimeter lights and the patio includes a natural latticed covering with Virginia Creeper and grape vines softening the structure.  The rental of this space includes tables, chairs and some market umbrellas, and is truly a canvas in which you can create the wedding or celebration dinner you envision.  The Garden Patio can be used as a dining space or if you have dinner on the lawn it will work nicely for cocktails and dancing under the market lights – into the evening!

Below the patio are the catering kitchen and meeting spaces.  The Brewery, named so because at one time this historic building actually served as a brewery, is a perfect option for small meeting and events and works well as an option if the weather doesn’t cooperate for a garden event.  However, the real surprise to us (and the owners when they purchased the building!) was  The Cellar.  Beneath the building, underground and boarded up until just a few years ago was a real gem, a small basement room with the original rock wall and brick domed ceiling.  This is an intimate space, perfect for a meeting, rehearsal dinner, or dinner party for up to 20.  It includes a massive oval table and is equipped with AV and internet.  It is an incredible room.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Grass Valley Courtyard Suites and can attest that it is a wonderful place to have a weekend event or getaway.  Our suite was spacious and well appointed.  The breakfast ,which is included, was abundant with fruit and pastries.  With pool, hot tub, dry sauna, a day spa with salon services, facials and massage tables, and a fitness center all on property, it’s a wonderful place to host an event and entice guests to stay for a few days!

Photos provided by GV Suites and by our Vixen Vendor friend, Debbie Labrot of Lily Rose Photography.

~ Vixen Kendra