8 Picturesque Towns In Nevada For A Weekend Retreat In 2024
Each time someone thinks of vacationing in the unbelievably beautiful landlocked state of Nevada in the American West, myriad images of the iconic casinos and globally acclaimed nightlife of Las Vegas and the flamboyance of Carson City - the state capital, first flash across one’s mind. However, beyond the neon glory of the Las Vegas Strip and other infinite captivating sites of the urban metropolises, the varied terrain of the Silver State is speckled with innumerable picturesque towns that have something for every taste. Boasting sublime natural sceneries ranging from colossal mountain ranges to stunning arid terrains, irresistible venues, multiple recreational pursuits, and enthralling festivities, these small Nevada towns will certainly provide unforgettable experiences.
Virginia City
Virginia City, the biggest community and seat of government of western Nevada’s Storey County sits on the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range’s eastern slopes, approx. 20 miles south of Reno. Primarily settled in 1859 and transformed into a flourishing mining camp, this 787-inhabitant town, at present part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area, lures over 2 million tourists yearly to the Virginia City Historic District, which features uncountable restored historic structures. Holidayers must check out the various saloons like the Red Dog Saloon, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Bonanza Saloon, etc., lining Historic C Street, in addition to the town’s other sites of interest like the Silver Terrace Cemetery, Piper’s Opera House, Fourth Ward School Museum, Washoe Club Haunted Museum, Comstock Historic Walking Trail, and St. Mary’s of the Mountain Catholic Church. Rest for the night at the Silverland Inn and try to be present at the three-day Annual Comstock Film Festival from September 20 to 22, 2024, at the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum.
Lamoille
A scenic community in northeastern Nevada’s Elko County, Lamoille is set at the bottom of the Ruby Mountains, just 19 miles southeast of Elko. Having only 130 residents according to the latest US Census, the town offers a peculiar blend of countryside allure and outdoor activities, besides serving as the leading gateway to the dramatic snowcapped Ruby Mountain range up the Lamoille Canyon through the National Forest Scenic Byway. More so, the untouched beauty and breathtaking alpine panoramas mesmerize Lamoille visitors all year round, aside from a chance to tour the archetypal Little Church of the Crossroads, the retail shops, and eateries in the rural lanes, de-stress at Hotel Lamoille, and participate in the Pumpkin Festival to be held on October 12 and 13, 2024, at the Lamoille Grove.
Genoa
First established as a trading post called ‘Mormon Station’ and later renamed after Christopher Columbus’ birthplace, this whimsical Douglas County town occupies the Carson River Valley’s western edge, around 42 miles south of Reno and 7 miles northwest of Minden. The most distinguished attraction of the state’s oldest permanent settlement is the 129.5-acre Genoa Historic District, comprising more than 29 contributing buildings in Late Victorian architectural style, and both the Genoa Courthouse Museum and Mormon Station State Historic Park, which share exclusive insights from the town’s bygone years. Additionally, enjoy an exceptional shopping experience at Genoa Square, survey the River Fork Ranch Preserve, play a round of golf at Genoa Lakes Golf Club, and unwind after an eventful day at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort. On September 28 and 29, 2024, make time to attend the two-day Genoa Candy Dance, celebrated with assorted fun activities, arts & crafts fairs, food vendors, and a Saturday Night Dinner Dance.
Ely
Ely, the biggest city and administrative center of White Pine County, is a faraway all-season hillside hamlet at the eastern periphery of ‘America’s loneliest road’ precisely 77 miles east of Eureka. Originally a stagecoach stop by the side of the one-time Central Overland Route and Pony Express, the settlement began to grow speedily following mega copper mining and the foundation of many copper mining giants. Travelers at Ely must not miss visiting the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely Renaissance Society Village, Wine Pine Public Museum, and contiguous conservation areas like Great Basin National Park, Ward Mountain Recreation Area, and Cave Lake State Park. Furthermore, relax at Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, admire the more than 20 murals & sculptures created as part of the Ely Historic Mural Project, and partake in the 90-mile Silver State Classic Challenge on the third Sunday of September every year.
Eureka
Dubbed “The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road,” this Eureka County seat of government is situated on Diamond Valley’s southern frontier alongside the U.S. Route 50 (Lincoln Highway). Christened based on an incident where one of the silver prospectors (originally hailing from Austin) screamed ‘Eureka’ after uncovering the silver ore deposits, sightseers touring this 19th-century mining settlement should stroll past the historic buildings and gain knowledge about the town’s glorious past. Some noteworthy sites include the Eureka County Courthouse, Eureka Opera House, Richmond Mine, Raine’s Market & Wildlife Museum, and Eureka Sentinel Museum. Stay comfortably at the Jackson House Hotel and join the Eureka Restoration’s Annual Art Wine & Music Fest on September 21, 2024.
Minden
Minden, baptized after its alias West German town, is the Douglas County administrative center occupying the kernel of Carson Valley on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This 3,442-inhabitant community set up by Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg Jr. in 1906 is widely known for its aesthetically pleasing surroundings, vintage charm, and friendly atmosphere. Walk down the downtown and observe the storied brick buildings, centuries-old houses, locally-owned eating joints, and antique stores filling the streets. Spend overnight at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minden after a frenzied tour of the popular points of interest such as the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, Carson Valley Inn Casino, and Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Also, try to be there at the Carson Valley Art Association Fall Art Show to be held on the 7th and 8th of November 2024 at the CVIC Hall.
Caliente
Named ‘Culverwell’ in the old days, the title of this serene Lincoln County town has been derived from the Spanish term ‘caliente’ which means ‘hot’ and alludes to the proximate hot springs. Adoringly called the ‘City of Roses’ for the plenteous wild roses growing in the region, Caliente is a major transit point for travelers and a remarkable locale for open-air activities. When in town, traverse the several miles of mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and motorized off-road tracks in Big Rocks Wilderness and Rainbow Canyon areas, aside from engaging in fishing and boating at the Eagle Valley Reservoir. Pay a visit to the Caliente Railroad Depot, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Beaver Dam State Park, etc., rejuvenate at the Shady Motel, and do not forget to take part in the 7th Annual Battle Born Trail Run to be held on October 19, 2024, at the Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Tonopah
Nye County’s seat, this tourism-based resort destination sits at the crossroads of the U.S. Route 6 and U.S. Route 95 highways, almost equidistant from Reno and Las Vegas. Tonopah’s strong mining heritage conscientiously preserved at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and Central Nevada Museum has helped earn the sobriquet ‘Queen of the Silver Camps.’ When in town, a tour of the Clown Motel (“America’s Scariest Motel”) and the Old Tonopah Cemetery is a must if you wish to have spooky experiences. Also, stop by the Pittman Café to taste its delectable egg miz-muffins, buttermilk pancakes, and grass-fed beef burgers, besides having a pleasant stay at the Mizpah Hotel and partaking in the Tonopah Star Party Dark Sky Night at the Tonopah Stargazing Park on September 28, 2024.
From the reputed mining community of Virginia City to Tonopah - the ‘Queen of the Silver Camps,’ the gorgeous settlements in the 32nd most populous and 7th most extensive state of the nation are flawless for any kind of getaways. No matter the time of the year you are visiting, these tiny Battle Born State towns are always ready to welcome you with their profuse historical architecture, diners serving appetizing foodstuffs, homelike accommodations, and tranquil nature preserves in the adjacent landscapes.
