Cool Vibes
The New Buzz in Weaverville…
The last two pandemic years have wreaked havoc on most California communities, with many local counties still trying to get back to 2019 economic levels. Except for one. Trinity County surged through
2021, with people from all over the Western United States searching for off-the-grid destinations, but with amenities. Historic Weaverville in Trinity County fit the bill perfectly, and people came, visited, and some stayed. Trinity County was ready for it, with a number of new entrepreneurs moving in over the past couple of years, combined with a couple of boomerangs who left, explored the world and came back. Weaverville now has a very cool mixture of historic and new businesses.
Joel Patton of The Trinity Journal, Scott Watkins, director of the Trinity Chamber of Commerce, and Kiana Abel of the Trinity Chamber gave me an introduction to who’s doing what on Main Street in Weaverville. Let me introduce you to some great people:
“That’s the best place in town!” yelled a person driving by in a pickup as I was taking pictures of Gabriel Thompson, the chef and owner of Gabriel’s Grill and BBQ Cafe on Main Street. Gabriel is a local favorite, and almost everyone I ran into asked me, “Have you met Gabriel yet?”
Stepping inside Gabriel’s, you realize the whole setup must be a labor of community love, with
many of the fixtures and furniture being donated by locals. But one glance at the menu and you realize this is anything but charity food. Peking duck tacos? Smoked lemonade? In Weaverville? Yes! Along with amazing beef tri-tip (with secret sauce), pork ribs, killer sandwiches and much more. Thompson was born and raised in Willow Creek, but has traveled all over the United States and studied under some of the best chefs in the country before bringing his talents back to Weaverville. Gabriel’s opened right at the onset of the pandemic, but with unwavering determination and community support, Gabriel’s is now a local landmark. And rightfully so. 547 Main St.
“I’ve gained 50 pounds since opening this place because, you know, I have to make sure the ice cream and fresh waffle cones taste just right.” So says Ryan Crockett, owner of Up North Confectionery & Mercantile & Eatery. The instant smell of fresh waffles fills the store, which itself looks and feels like something out of the 1950s. Crockett and her husband moved to Weaverville in 2015, and in 2020 she decided she had enough of doing nothing during the pandemic, so she opened Up North. It’s been going like gangbusters ever since. The store is full of local and American-made goodies, T-shirts, souvenirs, 24 flavors of ice cream and as of recently, delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Up North scoops so much ice cream that there is often a line out the door. Up North has become a local favorite spot to gather, chat and eat ice cream. 480 Main St.
A trip to Weaverville is not complete without saying hello to Michelle Myers of Trinity Arts and Crafts Supply Company. Not only is her fully stocked store an amazing find for anyone into arts and crafts, but Myers is a fantastic host with many historic Weaverville stories to tell. 30891 State Highway 3.
Palésa Peralta recently purchased Mountain Market Place on Main Street and together with her partner Kyle McDonald are making a go of it. Mountain Market Place is a small grocery store specializing in fresh, healthy and organic foods, and the Google and Yelp reviews say it all. “Really great little spot in town with healthy options.” “This place is about as great as a small local health foods store can get!” “I love The Mountain Market Place! The owners Palesa and Kyle go above and beyond to carry the best products, supplements, meats and a wide variety of organic produce.” Next time you’re in town for a hike or run, stop by Mountain Market Place and say hi to Palésa and Kyle. 222 South Main St.
Trinity County is a hiker’s paradise, and many regional hikers come to Weaverville specifically to visit
Roxanne Woodhouse, the owner of Shoes on Main, before they go for a hike or run. Woodhouse is an
accomplished runner herself and is an expert on anything shoes, and her fully stocked store shows it. Shoes on Main has an exceptional inventory for kids and adults, and is well worth making a shopping destination. 521 Main St.
In the middle of 2021, Amy Brookins and Cala-Dece Traub decided to open Mountain Goat Kids, a small boutique featuring “new and previously loved children’s items” and has quickly become a Trinity County favorite spot for parents to buy high-quality items for a great price. 420 B Main St.
And last but not least (for this story anyway), Jean Lam, owner of Gold Rush Jewelers, is a wealth of information, and if you like hunting for one-of-a-kind and historic jewelry, this is a mandatory stop in historic Weaverville. 535 Main St.
There’s is definitely a new vibe on Historic Main Street – consider, making it your next getaway destination. •
www.CaliforniaAdventureDistrict.com
Story and Photos by Nigel Skeet
