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| Downtown Carson City |
I knew Carson City was the capital of Nevada but never having been to the area, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I arrived in May and it was a bit on the windy and chilly side throughout the whole month. I loved the fact that I was in the desert but could see the snow capped mountain peaks and be in the mountains within a half hour. Actually, You could be a lot of places with a half hour. It is a short jot up to Reno where I had a great time watching the kayakers and paddle boarders at the Reno River Riverfest. Reno has several big casino’s which I didn’t visit but I did love the downtown area along the Truckee river.
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| Reno Riverfest |
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| Reno Riverfest |
Lake Tahoe is a short jot over the mountains from Carson City as well. The cool thing is that Highway 50 from Carson City climbs over the mountains and gives you easy access to South Lake Tahoe or Incline Village and the North side of the lake. I spent lots of days oohing & ahhing over the beautiful shades of blue in the lake and enjoying the activities of the communities surrounding the lake, as well as, the little town of Truckee.
I had planned on staying the summer but summer didn’t go ‘as planned’ and I was just able to spend May and September in the area. September was beautiful here. Despite the short time in the area, I found plenty of things to do and see. Virginia City, the historic mining town has several events. As does the oldest town in Nevada, Genoa which is about 10 miles south of Carson. I attended my first Cowboy Poetry festival there and I have to say it was great fun .. Genoa, has the oldest ‘drink establishment’ in Nevada as well. It seems to be a favorite spot for motorcyclist day tripping in the area.
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| Genoa - Oldest Drink Establishment |
Further in the mountains but still about a 30 minute drive, I found Indian Creek Reservoir, the little town of Markleeville and Grover Hot Springs State park to be fun areas to visit as well.
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| Grover Hot Springs |
Being Carson City is the Capital of the Nevada, the downtown area with the capital buildings, the Nevada State Museum and Mint, an Arts Center and a few nice restaurants was always nice to check out as well. It isn't a huge city but it really has plenty to offer. There are plenty of nice casinos around too. The Carson River flows along the east side of town and has some nice walking trails for birding. There is plenty of BLM land to the east to explore (or try and find pine nuts).
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| Indian Creek Reservoir |
I have to say I was a little surprised at how much there was to do in the area and how much I liked the area. Good thing I live on wheels .. I can return and I think I just might!