48 hours in Truckee: Exploring culture, art and food

Story by Priya Hutner

The jagged peaks are breathtaking, the vistas expansive, and the alpine lakes are cold. In the middle of this beautiful rugged landscape lies the charming town of Truckee. The town is steeped in history. The Washoe, Maidu, and Paiute Tribes traveled the area centuries before the Donner party was tragically stranded in a snowstorm during their ill-fated migration west. The early years of Truckee were wild, home to brothels, whiskey, and gun fights. The advent of winter sports was born in 1915 and changed the town forever.

These days Truckee is a bustling mountain town is a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives and host to several art galleries, public art installations, and live music. During the summer, theatre productions, art, and food events abound,  music echoes in the streets and public parks. In the winter, snow covers the landscape, lights twinkle throughout the town, and a magical wonderland emerges.The nightlife moves indoors.The dress in Truckee is mountain casual or ski wear. There is much to do in 48 hours to take in the town's culture, art, and beauty.

Heading to Truckee from the west on I-80, stop on Donner Summit and explore the petroglyphs where nomadic tribes etched their art and story in the granite. Then hike up to China Wall, a memorial to the Chinese laborers who were instrumental in the creation of the Transcontinental railroad. Walk inside the abandoned train tunnels and appreciate the magnitude of what it took for the railway to move through this area. Do not attempt this in the winter! On the way to town stop at the Donner Memorial State Park Museum. The 1918 Pioneer Monument honors the pioneers who passed through our town.

Stay at the historic Truckee Hotel (purported to be haunted). Stroll the downtown area and explore the town. The art galleries are unique illuminating Truckee’s creative side. Riverside Gallery is home to beautiful one of kind handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and metal art sculpted from railroad nails and leatherwork. The 5830’ Gallery (named after the elevation of Truckee) features an eclectic mix of artwork. Bespoke and Atelier is a beautiful shop to explore art or purchase art supplies for the inner creative in all of us. Piper J Gallery offers exquisite art pieces. There are a few art sculptures to gaze upon along the walk.

On the other side of the street are a handful of public art installations.The railroad provides a backdrop as it rumbles by. The Rusty Ramblers, an ode to the music scene by Anton Standteiner, stand joyfully on the sidewalk. Derailed and High Iron by Bernie LaForest. One of my favorite pieces by kinetic artist Fred Besch is Locomotion. It pays homage to the bike culture of Truckee. The Train Depot hosts the Mountain Arts Collective. The co-op features woodworking, jewelry, weaving, photography, and glasswork. On the other side of Moody's, make sure to stop into Lorien Powers' shop featuring stunning jewelry and art and next door is Alpenglow Gallery featuring Tahoe landscape photography.

Hungry? Food, cocktails, and beer brewing is also an art form. Enjoy a small bite and handcrafted cocktail at Old Town Tap. RMU offers easygoing ski vibes and with a menu.

Make reservations for dinner at Pianeta's, and enjoy signature cocktails and delicious Italian food, and then hop over to Alibi Ale to catch some live music, improv, or a community talk and enjoy the art of the brew. Moody's Bistro Bar and Beats is a local favorite and offers with dinner and live music. It's a happening place where the art of the cocktail, good food, and live music come together.

Saturday, grab a coffee at Coffee Bar, where local art graces the walls. Explore Church and Jibboom Street. Make sure to take a hike -there are beautiful places to enjoy the mountians and get out into nature. Visit the many gallleries downtown. Reserve time in the afternoon to explore the Truckee Roundhouse Maker's Space, where artists offer creative workshops. Learn to create shearling boots, butcher block cutting boards, or sock puppets. Enjoy happy hour at Tangerine Bistro or pizza and whiskey tasting at Best Pies.

Sunday morning, head to the other side of the tracks. Enjoy a cup of locally roasted java at Dark Horse or enjoy a delcious lemon bar at Cornerstone Bakery. Jax on the Tracks offers all day breakfast. Then walk West River Street and view the historic buildings. Make sure to take a walk through Donner State Park. Grab lunch and sit by Donner Lake.

Before wrapping up the weekend, take a ride around the Truckee Roundabouts, where public art graces the roundabouts. Mountain Flowers, created by artist Troy Corliss offers a whimsical moment. The next roundabout features one of my favorite installations, the delightful Truckee Ants, forged by metal worker Matt Parkhurst.

You may be tired after this 48-hour whirlwind, yet Truckee's art, culture, and beauty will remain embedded in your heart.

Priya Hutner is a freelance writer, personal chef, and owner of The Seasoned Sage,catering company. She facilitates workshops, teaches breath and meditation classes and has just completed a memoir about her life growing up in a ashram, and is currently working on a series of cookbooks.