December 3, 2007

Escape the everyday and visit Northern Nevada where the Old West still lives. Visit Nevada’s state capital, Carson City, and her sister, Virginia City – the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark. This two-in-one cultural hot spot is perfect for families with a passion for history and imagination and who want an unforgettable experience.

Encounter ghosts of the past as you walk the Kit Carson Trail in Carson City. This historic walking path through Carson City’s residential homes district showcases Carson’s most notable homes. Let hallowed halls share stories of wealth, fame, and history. Mark Twain’s home and the site of John Wayne’s last movie, “The Shootist” are included on the tour.

The Nevada State Museum, rated one of the 10 best regional museums in the West, is a dream for the Old West history buff. Housed in the Nevada branch of the U.S. mint, you can tour through a silver mine and see the original equipment used to stamp over 50 million dollars in gold and silver coins mined from the Comstock Lode.

Don’t forget the kids! Let them run free among the 25 hands-free exhibits displayed in the Northern Nevada Children’s Museum. They are sure to love the walk-in kaleidoscope. And don’t miss out on the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s collection of restored historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad equipment. On various weekends in the summer, experience the ultimate thrill and ride the historic train line as it zips along the tracks through Carson City.

Throughout the summer, Carson offers workshops on basket-making popularized by Dat So La Lee, the most famous Washoe Indian basket weaver who settled in Carson City in the late 1800s. The Silver Dollar Car Classic, the Nevada State Museum Coin Show and the Nevada Day Parade round out a fun-filled summer in Carson with entertaining and educational events for the whole family.

Don’t let your experience end there – drive 30 minutes to Virginia City. A must-see for any visitor to Northern Nevada, it offers a glimpse of history and a rousing good time.

The diversity of Virginia City’s early settlers can be viewed in the local museums. The Bullette Red Light Museum showcases the history of Julia Bullette, a favored soiled dove of 1860s Virginia City. A unique experience, visit the Bullette Red Light Museum to view vintage erotica and antique medical equipment. The First Presbyterian Church is one of the only buildings that survived the great fire of October 1975. And for the gaming enthusiast, The Nevada Gambling Museum features more than half-a-million dollars worth of gaming memorabilia, including over 100 antique slot machines, cheating devices and gamblers’ weapons.

Visit shops of all kinds, have a bite to eat or a drink in one of the Old West-style saloons and take in live entertainment. Throughout the year, Virginia City is host to a wide array of special events. Don’t miss out on 4th of July, a patriotic extravaganza and the Bluegrass Festival in August. For those seeking out a truly memorable experience, be sure to catch the world-famous Camel Races in September and the World Championship Outhouse Races in October.

You won’t find two cities more hospitable than Carson City and Virginia City. There’s truly something for everyone when you visit these Sisters in History.

For more information on Carson City, call (800) NEVADA-1 or go to visitcarsoncity.com.

For more information on Virginia City, call (800) 718-SLVR or go to virginiacity-nv.org.