Nevada's Best Small Towns For A Weekend Escape
Although Las Vegas provides an electrifying vacation experience, Nevada is much more than the world-famous Strip. The Silver State is a photographic digest of ghost towns (Think of Rhyolite), old mines, isolated ranches, and other historic places worth visiting. Plus, its array of small towns, some of which have a bewitching Old World feel, can make for a fantastic weekend escape. That said, one may need to narrow down to the most promising and memorable locations. Starting with Ely, discover Nevada’s best small towns below for a weekend escape.
Ely
Once a dusty stagecoach station along the Pony Express, Ely has turned the corner to be among the best small towns to visit in Nevada for a weekend. Ely is a bit remote, but that is part of its unique appeal, making it an unbeatable destination for those who want to escape the grind and just disappear for a while. Get a grab-and-go breakfast at Hunters, a fantastic local restaurant on Lincoln Highway, before embarking on the Ely Mural & Arts Audio Tour, which will take you to 28 mural and public art locations. Get a glimpse into early 20th-century life at the Ely Renaissance Village as friendly docents regale you with exciting bits of the area’s history. Taking the cue, The Nevada Northern Railway Museum, one of America's most complete historic railroad yards, is a goldmine of Ely’s history and cultural heritage. And with lodging options such as Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall, which is loved for its fun and whimsical atmosphere, a weekend here will be among the most memorable.
Boulder City
Boulder City’s weekend vacation appeal lies in many things, including its proximity to Vegas — a distance of just about 25 miles. Boulder City was established during the Great Depression to house those working on the highest concrete arch-gravity dam in the nation — Hoover Dam. The dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume. Every visit to this remarkable feat of engineering is awe-inspiring and is sure to leave a lasting impression. You can stay at the Boulder Dam Hotel, located right in town, which is loved for providing easy access to the town’s delightful array of attractions. Right here, on the first floor, is the informative Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, where visitors get immersed in the lives of those who braved southern Nevada’s isolation to put up one of the most famous dams in the world. Boulder City’s historic district, with its line-up of boutiques, shops, and eateries, can effortlessly steal an entire day. That said, squeeze some time for fun outdoor sites such as the Historic Railroad Trail as well as the Black Canyon Water Trail, located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Genoa
Genoa is a cute, dainty town of just about 1,000 residents situated within Carson River Valley just 25 minutes east of Lake Tahoe, whose stunning blue waters have served as the setting of several movies and TV shows. The Genoa Historic District, which looks like a painted time capsule, is home to several eye-catching Victorian buildings. Genoa — as many history buffs know — is the oldest permanent settlement in the state. As a result, one will find buildings and shops, some of whose history goes back more than 100 years. Genoa Bar & Saloon, for example, predates the Civil War. Its list of famous patrons, from Mark Twain to Teddy Roosevelt, reads like the who-is-who in 19th-century America. There is the Mormon Station State Historic Park as well, which spots a statue of Snowshoe Thompson, called “the most remarkable mail carrier in the world.” One can follow this up with the Genoa Courthouse Museum if just to learn about Snowshoe’s unusual diet while delivering mail. Lay your head at the centrally located White House Inn, which is loved for how clean, warm, and cozy it is.
Virginia City
Tucked away in the picture-perfect Virginia Range close to Reno, Virginia City is as Old West as any town can be. One of the most famous landmarks in the area is the Comstock Lode, which was billed as America’s richest silver deposit at the time. With this silver deposit came wealth, saloons, and bars. Bucket of Blood, for example, whose history is as raucous as it can get, remains to date. Its Wild West vibe, live music, and terrific atmosphere — make it among the most sought-after entertainment venues in the area. Avid shoppers, however, will get a blast exploring historic C Street and popping inside its rows of shops, including Pioneer Emporium, the go-to spot for custom hats. There is the Mackay Mansion Museum, an elegant Victorian Mansion famous for its fascinating history and paranormal tours. Mark Twain — the humorist par excellence — published many of his stories here. His name lives on in joints such as the Mark Twain Saloon, which serves tongue-tingling cocktails along the boardwalk. The Virginia City Bed and Breakfast, which has been around since 1876, serves Wild West hospitality at its finest.
Baker
Think of a weekend exploring the Lehman Caves, a soul-moving subterranean wonder that draws tens of thousands of visitors to this corner of Nevada every year. Lehman Caves, with its glittering stalactites and stalagmites, is among the most decorated limestone caves in America. The trail-laden Great Basin National Park is another world by itself, for which a weekend may not even be adequate. Kickstart your trip with some finger-licking homemade ice cream sandwiches at the Sugar, Salt & Malt Restaurant, right on Baker venue, before heading to the Great Basin Visitor Center, a fun spot to get a handle on what Baker offers. Make no mistake, however; this visitor center, with its displays, diorama, and movie amphitheater, is an attraction by itself. End the day at the aptly named Stargazer Inn, which boasts fantastic access to the Great Basin National Park.
Jarbidge
Sometimes, one will want to go to bed and wake up in a town that only imagination can construct. Jarbrdge — one of Nevada’s most isolated towns — is just such a place. Set in the backdrop of gasp-inducing canyon walls, Jarbrdge is just what “picturesque” means. Nature lovers will have a blast exploring sections of the massive Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, particularly the Jarbidge Wilderness Area, where jaws drop at almost every turn of the eye. Outdoor Inn, a beautiful facility conveniently located right on Main Street, can serve as a quiet, secluded base for one’s adventure. There is the chance to hang out at the Red Dog Saloon, perhaps after exploring the trails in the area, before checking out other fun spots such as the Historic Jarbidge Jail, the go-to locale for imbibing some sensational Wild West stories.
Austin
There are many reasons a visit to Austin will leave one completely blown away. High on the list is Toquima Cave, one of the most unique caves in the West. It boasts a mind-blowing collection of ancient Native American pictographs. Then again, you may already know that Austin bills itself as the “City of Churches.” St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, one of the town's defining landmarks, has been around since 1866. We are talking about the oldest standing Catholic church in the Silver State. But it is not just famous because of its age. The walls, which stretch to about 20 inches in thickness, are quite a spectacle to behold. Touch a Nevada-mined turquoise at Jason’s Art Gallery, and cool yourself at nearby Spencer Hot Springs before spending the night at Cozy Mountain Motel for reasons that are right there in the name.
Yerrington
Yerrington is arguably the most all-American town in Nevada. This eye-catching slice of old-fashioned Americana provides access to the relatively untouched Wovoka Wilderness, named after the Paiute spiritual leader born and raised in the region. It is sprinkled with many prehistoric features, including petroglyphs, drive fences, and house rings. There is a public viewpoint for the Anaconda Copper Mine, once the largest copper-producing mine in the world. Pine Grove and Rockland, where gold was discovered in 1866, feature beautiful mountain views and will deserve a detour. And if you have not gotten the memo, the Walker River State Recreation Area is now the second-newest state park in Nevada. Other fun outdoor recreational sites include the Walker River, which flows on the western edge of the town. If scoping for a convenient base, Main Street Inn is right on Main Street.
Tonopah
Tonopah is a great little town with exceptional outdoor adventure opportunities. Although the drive here can look intimidating, partly because of the town’s distance from both Renno and Vegas, the journey will turn out to be just as much as the real deal — as what lies in the town. Outdoor sites include Mt Oddie, Brougher Mountain, and several other neck-raising peaks. The Tonopah Mining Park, a ghost town that almost rivals the town in size, is often considered the stand-out attraction. The Mizpah Hotel built in 1907 — and The Clown Motel — whose lobby features an overwhelming collection of clown figurines, are excellent accommodation options. Then there is the Old Tonopah Cemetery, which many believe is haunted. Who knows? You may just come back with the verdict.
Lamoille
Rounding off the list of the best small towns in Nevada for a weekend escape is Lamoille — and for good reason. Lamoille Canyon, sometimes called Nevada's Yosemite, is right at the doorstep of this cute little town. The outdoor beauty of the surrounding area is profound, especially considering the town is close to the spectacular Ruby Mountain range. Time seems to stop at Lamoille Presbyterian Church, which has been around since when Teddy Roosevelt was president of the U.S. Then there is the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, which comes with heart-gripping, heart-in-mouth experiences. To get a feel of the community and chat with locals, Lamoille Farmer's Market is what you have in mind. For a place to stay, Hotel Lamoille has rooms whose windows provide beautiful mountain views.
The Takeaway
Old age is good, but do not wait until you are marooned in a rocking chair to start enjoying what the West offers, especially Nevada. While Vegas often gets rave mentions, there is more to Nevada than the city billed as the Entertainment Capital of the World. Think of old ghost towns, many of which a strewn across a wild and whimsical landscape. Some, however, are typical Americana, just more charming and quaint. If looking for the best small towns in Nevada for a weekend escape, this list should be an exceptional starting point.
