When my husband retired he took up bowling and began participating in the National Bowling Tournament which was in Reno, Nevada this year again. After he bowled last year we went on to Lake Tahoe and spent a week exploring. This year we went to Carson City.
We got really lucky when we visited the Tourist/Visitors Bureau and discovered all the neat things happening while we were there. The Southwest Rendevous was in full swing with cowboys and Indians, Civil War Reenactors, demonstrations about making knives and arrowheads, grinding corn, etc. Lots of western performers singing, telling jokes, and playing banjos. Many locals decked themselves out in period costumes and strolled through the park.
The next day we rode the Steam Engine train from Carson City up to Virginia City. As the train huffed and puffed along the conductor told us about mining on the Comstock. We had about 3 hours in Virginia City which was just long enough to have lunch in the Red Dog Cafe and then back on the train.
When the mines began to fail so did Virginia City. But it has now gotten a second life as a tourist destination for those of us who remember TV shows like Bonanza and Gun Smoke and those who just like to take a step back into America's history. Since we fit into that demographic we needed more time in the City so back we went the next day.
There is lots to see as gunslingers put on a show in the streets, dance hall gals take your order at the Bucket of Blood Saloon and the "ole miner" walks the streets with his burrow loaded with silver. We toured Pipers Opera House, Ponderosa Mine and the Fourth Ward School in addition to strolling through all the shops and "saloons".
If you get a chance to visit Virginia City you will need a full day to see and do everything!
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