A vacation doesn’t have to mean going far; in fact, sometimes the best plans are the ones made close to home. Get out of town without the hassle and enjoy a long weekend in Carson Valley, a bucolic rural community made up of Minden, Gardnerville, and Genoa.
Any adventure here will combine the small town charm of one of the state’s oldest (and most scenic) areas, plus outdoor adventure and culinary delights you wouldn’t imagine outside of a big city.
Minden
For your accommodations, we recommend booking a room at the Carson Valley Inn. The simple yet expansive resort includes everything from dining to indoor swimming, plus a solid line-up of entertainment both indoors and out that ramps up in the summer months. Enjoy headliners at TJ’s Corral or listen to musical stylings in the cabaret lounge in between visits to the sports book and casino.
When you’re ready to venture out for the evening—which isn’t strictly necessary—the Minden Mill is next door. The old mill building has been reimagined as a distillery with distinct touches, from the green, Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging above the spiral staircase to the brick walls encasing three floors of places to taste local spirits.
A tour will take visitors through the distilling process before ending with a tasting. If you want to keep the party going, hop over to Corner Bar, which sits perhaps-not-surprisingly, on the corner of Minden’s short but sweet main street.
Genoa
Genoa is the oldest town in Nevada, established before the Silver State became an official member of the U.S.A. With a population of around 1,000 people, it’s still small, but mighty.
It’s easy to imagine an old western town, and that’s not completely inaccurate, but the culinary excellence in Genoa is perhaps the best kept surprise. Stop by Daniel’s Fine Dining for a menu that melds French cuisine with Old Nevada hospitality. Before dinner, enjoy a drink in The Ice House, a separate building on property that features a full bar and sweeping views of the town.
Next door, The Pink House gets its name from its vibrant hue, and the menu is impressive for three meals each day. At night, live music under a neon sign in the restaurant’s courtyard is the perfect spot for a nightcap.
One of Genoa’s best attractions is Genoa Bar and Saloon, the oldest bar in the state. Dust-covered bralettes hang from antlers on the ceilings and drinks won’t break the bank. It’s a nod to the watering holes popular throughout Nevada’s more rural areas, and it sits next door to an antique shop and across the street from a market serving delicious sandwiches and more.
Before you leave, stop by River Fork Ranch or Mormon Station and walk the picturesque trails. The silence is almost as breathtaking as the snow-capped mountain views.
Gardnerville
Before leaving town, stop in Gardnerville. The town is a hub for antiques, featuring kitschy and cute shops donning everything from 1970s dishware to sports memorabilia.