People taking a road trip through the eastern Sierra and legislators presenting a bill before the Nevada Legislature can feel equally at home in Carson City, because of its small-town charm. While it may not rise to the top of destination wish lists, the capital city is like the setting of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It also serves as a great home base for big outdoor adventures around Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada.
“We really focus on history and the outdoors,” says Visit Carson City’s Lydia Beck. It’s no wonder. Serving as the capital city since statehood in 1864, Carson City has a lot of state lore to showcase, including the silver-domed Capitol building in the heart of town.
“People love going to the Capitol building because it’s so small and accessible,” Beck says. “There’s a museum inside, and you can do tours.”
However, she thinks it’s Carson City’s historic downtown that really wins travelers over with its small, quaint, mom-and-pop bars, coffee shops, antique stores, and restaurants just across the street from the Capitol building.
“For me, following the Kit Carson Trail through the town’s West Side Historic District is one of my favorite things to do in the spring through the fall,” Beck adds. “It’s just lined with towering cotton trees and beautiful historic Victorian homes. … Our downtown really holds a lot of the charm.”
WHERE TO STAY
While there are a handful of quaint bed-and-breakfasts in town, lodging is one place where Carson City could use some attention. A number of well-known chain motels offer a quick, inexpensive getaway. Airbnbs are also plentiful, and make an excellent option, except when lawmakers are in town. However, with the Tahoe National Forest just minutes from downtown Carson, one might instead consider turning their trip to the capital city into a camping trip around Tahoe. fs.usda.gov/tahoe
WHAT TO DO
You would be missing out if you didn’t take advantage of Carson’s proximity to Lake Tahoe and the outdoor recreation available there. Whether you’re skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, or mountain biking and backpacking in the summer, it’s among the state’s best outdoors destinations. visitlaketahoe.com
It’s also a wonderful place to end an adventure — with a soak. Flowing out of the ground at more than 120 degrees, the mineral-rich waters of Carson Hot Springs have served as a place of rest and relaxation for generations. The resort has both outdoor/public and indoor/private pools, is open seven days a week, and is the perfect place to rejuvenate in any weather. Just bring your own towel. carsonhotsprings.com
If being outside isn’t your thing, Carson City also boasts several fantastic museums, including the Nevada State Capitol, the Nevada State Museum, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum, which features one of the world’s rare wood-fired locomotive engines still in operation. visitcarsoncity.com/attractions/nevada-capitol-building, carsonnvmuseum.org, cmnn.org, carsonrailroadmuseum.org
If you do nothing else in Carson City, stop at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum. The campus served as the federal government’s Indian boarding school for Great Basin tribal children from 1890 to 1980. Now, it’s a memorial to the thousands of children subjected to forced assimilation and the resilience of Nevada’s Native American communities. The stirring exhibits come alive with the help of a free, phone-guided audio tour of stories by Stewart alumni. stewartindianschool.com
WHAT TO EAT
If you’re a sucker for diner food like I am, then check out The Cracker Box Diner. This Carson City institution has served some of the best breakfast bites the capital city has had to offer for just over 45 years. thecrackerboxdiner.com
Another Carson City staple is The Basil Creative Thai Cuisine, a small, family business that’s served Carsonians authentically delicious Thai dishes for more than 20 years. thebasilthaicuisine.com
If you’re looking for a more lively establishment, then I recommend Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Next to Carson Hot Springs, this place has it all: good food, good drinks, and great live entertainment. Sassafras also hosts an impressive lineup of beers on tap and by the bottle, tons of specialty cocktails, flavored ice tea, and Italian sodas. Make sure to try the fried cheese grits with garlic ranch — absolutely delicious! sassafrascarsoncity.com
