Land travel vacations within scenic Nevada   

Before considering any vacation by car, give some thought to traveling within Nevada. Forget the high price of gas and reconsider going anywhere by flying and having to be hassled at airports and the need for rented cars, while Nevada is one of the most scenic and exciting states in this country. You can plan for one or two week trips, or perhaps an extended weekend sojourn. These travels can be just for lounging and resting, attending festivals, celebrations, fairs, parades, cookouts, antiquing, fishing, visiting old western towns, beaches and many other wonderful functions.

Nevada is a very interesting and scenic state. The mountain ranges with their unusual rock formations, some with snow capped peaks even in the summer, are very picturesque. The deserts with the many varieties of cacti and other greenery add to the release of boredom on some lonely stretches of road. Wildlife, such as a mountain ram, a coyote or mountain lion, wild horses and small game may be seen along the way.

If starting in Las Vegas, go north on U.S. Route 95 towards Reno; hook up with Interstate 80 west to Wendover and then south on U.S. Route 93 back to Las Vegas. Detours to other intriguing towns off the beaten track can be made with an easy return to the main route. Some major stops for food and a place to stay, be it a motel, rooming house, or a bed and breakfast is mentioned later.

Throughout the summer, or even all year-round these towns have many outstanding functions that make travels enjoyable. Also listed are telephone numbers to use to find out what events are scheduled around the state. A copy of the Nevada magazine is available at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Paradise and Convention Center Drive and most libraries. Pick an annual publication with a listing of day by day events, along with a detailed Nevada State map and guidebook, free of charge. 

First stop Beatty, 116 miles north of Las Vegas. This is a nice quaint. Quiet town to visit for antiquing, lunch or dinner a little gambling and perhaps an overnight stay. 775-553-2424    

Goldfield is 67 miles north of Beatty, Back in the 20’s, 30’s and even the 40’s this was a swinging place for Hollywood people to retreat for a few days of peace and quiet. The main hotel is empty, but renovation is anticipated. Goldfield was a gold and precious stones mining town. Not much for overnight, but antiquing is fun and lunch is a possibility.  775-485-6365.

Tonapah is 27 miles up the road and features good food, accommodations and gambling. This was a booming mining town in its heyday and the Stealth Bomber was built here. Food and room rates are reasonable. Nearby Rachel features the “Alien Highway”. You might see a flying saucer or some strange lights. 775-482-3558

Hawthorne, 107 miles from Tonapah, is the site of a large United States Army Installation and Naval Submarine School. From the road you can see the tops of armor storage bunkers and missile sites. There are beaches on the North side of Walker Lake. 775-945-5896    

Proceed 33 miles to ALT U.S. 95, then to Yerrington another 24 miles. There are some great Portuguese food spots here and antiquing. A large annual fair is held there in the fall. 775-463-2763, 2245.

Stay on Alt 95, 31 miles to Route 50 west, to Dayton another 20 miles or so. 

About five miles east of Dayton is Route 341 to Virginia City. If you prefer you can continue on Route 50 to Carson City the state Capital, a very interesting city. 775-6877410, then to Genoa, a very active town (site of the first settlement in Nevada) 775-7822590, and then double back to Virginia City. Virginia City is my favorite, an old western town with nice places to eat, and a terrific scenic ride in and out off the city. You can easily spend a day here and stay overnight. There is plenty of day and night action going on.

Leave Virginia City north on Route 341 to Route 431 to Reno. For Reno activities 775-334-2417, 775-329-3877.1324

Upon leaving the Reno-Sparks area, you have two options. You can continue on Route 80 or turn off at Fernley onto ALT 50 going east to Fallon and then to Austin, Eureka, and Ely, all interesting towns. Then pick up Route 93 back to Las Vegas. Before you get on the “Loneliest Road”, you can turn off at Middlegate onto 361 to Gabbs, and then take Route 844 to Austin. If you choose the other option, continue on Route 80 To Wendover. Along the way are the towns of Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells and then Ely, south of Wendover on Route 93. Each town has many outstanding summer functions and each town is unique for a pleasant stay. Remember to take a camera or camcorder and extra film, as these routes are very scenic and at times outstandingly breathtaking. Also take water along with you. Drive carefully, as there are lots of curves, and you will be driving through some mountain ranges. Enjoy and let me know how you enjoyed your trip.  

She was an actress, and the first Clairol model, but has used her talents to become one of Las Vegas' renowned artist, sculptor, poet, author, painter and photographer to grace our cities galleries. Lorna Greene will be exhibiting her works on Thursday, June 22nd from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the loveliest of surroundings at Murphy Bed Elite at 1226 Rainbow Blvd a block south of Charleston Blvd. Also her son Anton Greene's work will be displayed. So if you are an art maven drop by as this lovely lady will be glad to see you.