These 5 small towns make perfect day trips from Reno
Take a day away from Reno in one of these five small Nevada towns to check out haunted mansions, historic buildings, and picturesque scenery.
There’s always plenty to do in Reno, but sometimes it’s nice to try something different. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, Nevada’s small towns provide an array of options for entertaining the whole family, and some are a short drive from the Biggest Little City.
From a town trapped in time to the state’s capital city, these five towns are well-suited to a quick road trip from Reno. Your visit will be packed with activities, food, drink, cultural enrichment, and scenery, though your itinerary may vary by season.
Virginia City
Located 35 miles southeast of Reno, and about 2,000 feet up the long and winding Greiger Grade, Virginia City transports you to the wacky Old West with Victorian-era buildings and a wooden boardwalk lined with eclectic shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. The homes, churches, saloons, cemeteries, and historic structures in Virginia City are so well-preserved that the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The site of the 1859 Comstock Lode silver ore discovery, Virginia City, was once the richest town in the West. Prospectors mined billions of dollars (by today’s standards), and the population peaked at 25,000. Famous author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) called Virginia City home for a time and first donned his pen name at the local newspaper. Virginia City was also the victim of many tragedies, plagued by deadly mining accidents and fires, including the devastating Great Fire of 1875, which burned down the majority of the town’s buildings. Perhaps it is tragedies such as these that account for the town’s reputation as a paranormal hot spot.
People of all ages enjoy visiting Virginia City for its museums, shops, authentic saloons, short-line railroad, and haunted mines, mansions, and buildings such as the Chollar Mine, Piper’s Opera House, the MacKay Mansion, the Silver Queen Hotel, and the Washoe Club. Every building has a story, and every story is more compelling than the last.
It is rumored, for instance, that the ghost of Virginia City mining magnate John MacKay–whose mansion you can also visit–still likes to sit in his box at Piper’s Opera House. The three-story Washoe Club, featured on the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures,” seems to be home to many anomalies, including a doll with human hair and a handsy ghost who messes with female visitors.
While there’s plenty to do in Virginia City on your own, the town has a full calendar of events, parades, quirky races, and pub crawls year-round, but particularly goes all out for Halloween and Christmas. Just be sure to start with a stop by the Visitor’s Center (86 S. C Street) for tickets, maps, information, and a shot of locally-brewed Cemetery Gin.
Genoa
Located less than 45 miles from Reno in the Carson Valley, Genoa is the state’s oldest permanent settlement, home to the oldest thirst parlor in Nevada. Though its origins date back to 1851, this town feels charming and magical rather than antiquated or aging.
Quaintly situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Genoa’s cozy ambience is embodied by shops, historical buildings, a market, boutique accommodations, and gourmet food and drink offerings. The Pink House restaurant, which is literally a pink Victorian-era house, has indoor and outdoor dining, live music, and a delicious menu of food and drinks (the homemade Bee Sting Pizza is life-changing).
Another draw in Genoa is the brick Genoa Bar. Built in 1853, it has served countless famous guests from pioneers to presidents to Hollywood stars. Decorated with old-timey ephemera like photos, oil paintings, oil lamps, and ceiling medallions, it even features its original 1840s-era mercury-coated, diamond-dust mirror, imported from Scotland. Ask the bartender to show you how to make it shine.
Along with food and drink options, Genoa has shopping, hiking (you may encounter a waterfall on the Genoa Loop), the Courthouse Museum, and the Mormon Station State Historic Park. The park, which commemorates the 1851 establishment of the state’s first permanent trading post by Mormon traders from Utah, is perfectly situated for a morning or afternoon stroll and a history lesson with huge trees, an apple orchard, old buildings, placards, and outdoor art.
You may want to spend more than a day in Genoa, and that’s ok. There are cozy lodging options with modern amenities, such as the historic White House Inn. A handcrafted coffee from the adorable Flutter & Buzz will set you straight for your drive home.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter wildlife like deer and chipmunks on the way in and out of Genoa, but remember to share the road. They were there first.
Gardnerville and Minden
The Carson Valley is also home to the small towns of Minden and Gardnerville, located 45 miles from Reno. With long expanses of scenic farms, ranches, tree-covered mountains, and wild horses dotting the landscape, this area is an inspiring getaway for photographers and poets. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the more than 70 miles of trails. There are also museums, antique shops, restaurants, and bars in the towns’ concurrent downtown areas.
Dating back to 1879, Gardnerville draws visitors for its Basque dining, sports parks, and welcoming farms. Minden is home to the up-and-coming Minden Mill Distillery, an art center, casinos, and unique local shops like Eddy Street Vintage Market, Especially for You, and Fresh Ideas. DST Coffee on Gardnerville’s Main Street overflows with handcrafted coffee, kitsch, and Nevada pride. Just remember, no #selfies in the bathroom (if you know, you know).
If you’d like to learn more about the area, visit the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, where you’ll find exhibits on the area’s heritage as well as modern-day information.
While you’re in the area, consider going for a guided horseback ride through the wide-open Sierra Nevada range. Check out JT Basque Bar and Dining Room for traditional Basque cuisine and order Nevada’s official drink, Picon Punch (but make sure someone else is driving you home).
Carson City
When the Silver State gained statehood on October 31, 1864, Carson City was officially designated as the capital. As such, the city is full of attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, and activities.
Whether hiking the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead (a 5-minute drive from downtown) or wandering the inspiring Capitol Building grounds, your entire family will stay busy here. Explore museums like the Nevada State Museum (originally the Carson City Mint), the Nevada State Railroad Museum, or the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. Or, soak together at Carson Hot Springs, which has both public and private pool areas. Eclectic food joint Sassafras is right next door, as is the charming Shoe String Brewery.
History buffs will love to absorb the stories of Carson City’s past on the 2.5-mile self-guided Kit Carson Trail, which passes nearly 50 historical landmarks, including houses and businesses. You’ll see the homes of Carson City’s early prominent residents, like Orion Clemens, brother of Mark Twain and first secretary of the Nevada Territory, and the stately Governor’s Mansion. You’ll also see the colorful Brewery Arts Center, a performing and visual arts space surrounded by murals and interactive public art, partially set in Carson City’s first brewery building.
Soak, shop, eat, drink, gamble, recreate, relax, learn … Carson City has it all.
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