6 Serene Towns in Nevada for a Weekend Retreat
When most people picture a weekend in Nevada, their mind probably shoots to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas. But outside of that one rambunctious strip, The Silver State has a slew of serene small towns that are perfect for a relaxing retreat. However you fill your cup, these desert, mountain, lake, and reinvented mining towns have you covered. Enjoy portions of the great outdoors (including national and state parks) that are unknown to many Americans, sink into the history of early-American prospecting (and even further back to indigenous roots), peruse the quirky shops of one-horse towns, go for a hike, a refreshing swim, or (when the season permits) even bust out the skis. There's no wrong way to enjoy small-town Nevada, but these six spots specialize in all things serene.
Moapa Valley
Though only 60 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Moapa Valley is a complete contrast from Sin City. This 40-mile long community is actually composed of several sister towns, each acting as a serene destination for a low-key weekend, or a unique basecamp from which to explore the surrrounding outdoors. Moapa Valley sits immediately north of both Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada's first and largest state park), which enshrines a landscape full of petrified wood, expressive red sandstone, and petroglyphs dating back 2,500 years, and the 1.5 million acre Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with its massive titular reservoir. For an enriching experience in the immediate vicinity, check out the Lost City Museum, which preserves and promotes artifacts from the Puebloan/Anasazi Indian ancestors who settled in this region long before Mormon farmers came upon modern-day Moapa Valley in the mid-to-late 1800s.
Tonopah
The "Queen of the Silver Camps" struck gold (well, primarily silver, but also some gold) in the year 1900, and remains a treasure of a different sort to this day. Western Nevada's unincorporated town of Tonopah is appealing to nature lovers, history buffs, stargazers, and even paranormal enthusiasts. For starters, this Nye County community sits right next to Belmont, and within a short drive of Manhattan - two of the state's best ghost towns. Tonopah is also stationed along the Park to Park in the Dark route, which spans from Death Valley to Great Basin and covers some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states. On a cloudless night, visitors to Tonopah can expect to see something like 7,000 stars from our very own Milky Way galaxy - and that's just with the naked eye. Complete the relaxing, yet exploratory weekend with a trip to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, do some of your very own souvenir mining at the nearby Royston Turquoise Mine, or go for a hike in the surrounding mountains for a view of the arresting desert landscape.
Incline Village
Small-town Nevada isn't all tumbleweeds and mines. The Silver State also shares Lake Tahoe with neigboring California. America's largest alpine lake is quite literally breathtaking - as it sprawls across state lines at 6,225 feet above sea level) - but also because of the beauty of its forested shoreline and snowy Sierra Nevada backdrop. Incline Village is an upscale and outdoorsy community on Crystal Bay. This is a place for both casual and fine dining, enjoying the scenery, and getting pampered at the spa. It is also replete with seasonal activities, for whatever best floats your boat. Get out on the water or hit the links during the summer or zip down Diamond Peak Ski Resort in the winter/spring. Lake Tahoe is also beloved by hikers, and Incline Village is no exception. Both the Tahoe East Shore Trail and Monkey Rock trailheads can be found on the east side of town.
Genoa
Just a few miles inland from the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, on the other side of the Carson Range (a derivative of the Sierra Nevada) resides the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada. Genoa was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1851 and will forever boast its unique history thanks to the the Genoa Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this strip is lined with Victorian-era buildings that now house independent retailers and restaurants, Genoa Bar & Saloon (the state's oldest in the state), and the Genoa Courthouse Museum, and the Mormon Station State Historic Park, to name a few. All of these sites will make for a charming and informative Saturday. If a little outdoor recreation is what you crave come Sunday, try exploring some of the 17+ miles of trails within scenic Carson Valley. Managed by the Carson Valley Trail Association, this network is great for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Ely
Jumping over to eastern Nevada, via Highway 50, aka "The Loneliest Road in America," the small city of Ely is sure to provide the laid-back ambience you crave. This old copper mining town rests in the elegant Egan Range, less than an hour from Great Basin National Park - home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak and guided tours through Lehman Caves. Great Basin is also one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country, so its sure to be a serene discovery. Ely itself offers plenty of attractions. Families can hunt for gemstones on the slopes of Garnet Hill (a dormant volcano), or if you strike out, perfectly polished ones can also be purchases at the Garnet Mercantile. Those with a creative flair will enjoy the audio-accompanied walking tour of Ely's 29 sculptures, murals, and other public works, as well as an afternoon at the Ely Art Bank. And those drawn to the aesthetic of the good ol' days should check out the East Ely Railroad Museum (or better yet, take a scenic ride on the Nevada Northern Railway), the White Pine Public Museum, and the McGill Drugstore Museum.
Eureka
For our last serene stopover in Nevada, back track about 80 miles from Ely, once again along Highway 50 to "The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road in America." Eureka is one of the best-preserved mining towns in the western United States, with many immaculately-restored buildings from the late 19th century. Some of the highlights include the Eureka Opera House (which is stil in operation), the maroon and white Eureka County Courthouse, and the Eureka Sentinel Museum. Take the Eureka Historical Walking Tour in order to see all 62 locations of interest, and to feel the contrast between Victorian high culture and the shenanigans of the Wild West. The stately, old-timey aesthetic carries over to Eureka's lodging as well. Weekenders may wish to hole up in the Jackson House Hotel and Tea Room (built in 1877) or the Eureka Doll House (erected just three years later).
Parting Thoughts
Now do you see what I mean? Nevada is so much more than flashing lights, all-night entertainment, and gambling galore. Not that there's anything wrong with approach, but sometimes what we all need is simply a quiet weekend away. These six serene small towns take visitors from crisp, high altitude settings past captivating parks and cultural landmarks, and to the calming desert communities that still reverberate the long-lost mining boom. Wherever you find yourself for your next weekend retreat, I hope it shows you a special and unexpected side of The Silver State.
