Marysville, incorporated in 1851, has a sense of purpose that is quintessential Sacramento Valley. It’s a historic, small town with agriculture roots. Marysville also has some unexpected gems. Below are four finds that make this place a must see.

California Candy

Let’s start with the sweet stuff. As a life long See’s candy fan, I never thought another chocolate truffle would rival See’s. I was wrong. The Candy Box, known for its “little farmhouse candies,” has churned out chocolate goodies since 1954, has won my sweet tooth. I may be routinely driving to Marysville for their chocolate caramels and truffles. The quality is impeccable, a smooth and flavorful chocolate. The helpful employee behind the counter adds to the candy shop’s charm.

Baseball

Semi-pro baseball in Marysville? You read that right. The Marysville Goldsox are a professional grade baseball team filled with top college players who compete in the Great West League. While games start in late May, check out the mural filled stadium anytime and enjoy nearby Ellis Lake, created in the 1930s.

Chinese History

In the 1850s Chinese immigrants came to California to work the gold mines during the California gold rush. The Bok Kai Temple in Marysville was built to serve the Chinese population in the area. Deemed a California historical landmark, the temple has served the community as a meeting hall, school, place of worship and more.  Bomb Day, March 4-5 this year, celebrates the birthday of Bok Kai, the Chinese  Water God, for which the temple is named. The celebration is a big part of the Marysville community.

Western wear and hall of famers

The oldest western store in Northern California, Cotton’s Cowboy Corral, is in Marysville. A large red, white and blue horse statue stands at the store’s entrance while inside you’ll find floor to ceiling stacks of jeans, tradition western items and great gifts. I also found the owner, rodeo legend and pro rodeo hall of famer Cotton Rosser. At 88, Rosser is still running the store as well as producing rodeo events throughout the world. We bonded over both being Cal Poly alumni, not a Sacramento Valley school, but an agriculture school nonetheless.  Upon telling Rosser that my middle daughter wanted to take horseback riding lessons, he had a quick reply.
“The outside of the horse is good for the inside of the girl,” adding “get her lessons.”  I’m calling the stable today.

Marysville, it has a sense of place and purpose. Go see for yourself.