Step back in time to Wild West
While many sought their fortunes in the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 50s, it was silver that was found in them thar hills of Nevada. And it was in Virginia City, an hour from Reno, where many a prospector struck it rich.
Amble down the main street’s perfectly preserved boardwalk past Wild West saloons – and locals who dress up as cowboys and cowgirls just for fun.
Pop into the Bucket of Blood Saloon, named after the gallons of deep red mop water thrown out after a fight one night and try one of their infamous Bloody Marys.
Across the road at the Delta Saloon, check out the Suicide Table, so named because card players who lost
there often took their own lives. At the Ponderosa Saloon you can drop into an old, disused silver mine at the back of the bar.
Many pioneers who gave up on finding the mother lode settled to farm in Carson Valley. Founded by Mormons in 1851, the town of Genoa was the agricultural boom’s epicentre.
The Silver State’s oldest settlement has been kept at its Victorian best. Learn about the area’s rich history at the old courthouse museum. Then have a drink at the Genoa Bar and Saloon, Nevada’s oldest watering hole.