How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Carson City, Nevada

One of the smallest state capitals in America, Carson City is about as close to a trip back to the Old West as you can find these days. Marvelous old mansions, fun saloons and historic museums make up much of the fun, but golfers and gamblers will have a field day here as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Walking shoes
• Camera
• Luggage
• Rental car
• Plane tickets
• Map
• Golf clubs
• Weather report
• Hotel reservation

1. Know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em at one of the local casinos, which include the Carson Nugget or Casino Fandango. Don’t expect the glitz of Vegas, but you’ll find more than enough gaming and dining options for a diverting evening at either locale.
2. Stop by the Nevada State Museum, housed in the former U.S. Mint building, to really appreciate the local heritage. A walk-through mine and the largest exhibited mammoth skeleton on the planet are two of the highlights.
3. Hit the links at one of the handful of top golf courses nearby. The Empire Ranch course, 27 holes running along the Carson River, is a local favorite, and the Carson Valley course is a short one but worth a stop for avid duffers.
4. Take an unforgettable stroll along the Kit Carson Trail, a designated, easy-to-follow two-and-a-half-mile path showcasing historic homes, churches and other structures. Some of the properties along the way are open for public visits.
5. Keep your trip on track with a visit to the Nevada State Railway Museum, renowned as one of the best railway museums in America. Five steam locomotives, frequent train excursions, hand-car races and a quaint museum store make up just a fraction of the fun.
6. Stop by the Capitol Building and its adjoining complex of buildings. The 1870 structure boasts an eye-catching silver dome (actually made from tin), and some intriguing indoor exhibits; make sure to check out the looooong wall mural of Nevada’s minerals and native animals.
7. Take a charming side-trip to Virginia City, only 15 miles to the northeast. The tiny town is home to the famous Boot Hill cemetery, some old museums (including the Nevada Gambling Museum and Territorial Enterprise Museum) and more historical architecture than some cities can boast.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the weather report diligently before driving to "Gold Country" and the Sierra Foothills; snow and storms can often make the roads here hazardous for drivers.