2014 Must-See Must-Do in Nevada

is the person who buys the Owl Club, the Best Western and the Jackson House in Eureka. We don’t know who this will be, but we’re eager to find out.

Those three properties are up for sale, and if there’s an entrepreneur eager to preside over a small, beautiful and historic Nevada town, (s)he should know about this. Eureka is an attractive remnant of the 19th century mining era kept alive by the contributions of the 20th and 21st century mines. Barrick’s nearby Ruby Hill mine has closed down, emptying the community of miners and their paychecks. But other mines are active in the area, and by providing the basic services of a tourism destination, (s)he would be a major economic engine for Eureka as well as providing needed services to the local residents. Ron Carrion built this restaurant into an attraction on its own merits and the right owner, with the lodgings, an entrepreneurial sprit and adequate financing, can do the same. Please step right up so we can put your photo where the question mark is.

Further Awards:

Kershaw-Ryan State Park, . is a small jewel that can seem like your own deluxe campground in a carefully tended garden. Roses and wild grapevines, streamlets and a small waterfall, even a lawn. We hear a lot about haunted places in Nevada, but this place is enchanted. Group use reservations are required but casual visitors are welcome; a dry campground has been developed just outside the entrance. Meticulously tended facilities include toilets, sinks and hot showers.

Boulder City. Boulder City was the first planned community in America, and unlike so many Nevada towns that grew up around mining strikes, it was a government reservation where gambling and alcohol were prohibited. There is still no casino gambling allowed, and Boulder City seems almost rural in contrast with Las Vegas, a half-hour away in the next valley over. But it has cosmopolitan overtones of its own, with emphasis on dining and art, which make this little city sparkle.

The Techatticup Mine, El Dorado Canyon is the oldest and richest gold mine in southern Nevada. Between the tour of the underground mine and mill, with the accompanying narrative of the mine’s early history at the head of El Dorado Canyon and the blue water kayak explorations of the Colorado River at its mouth, visitors get a strong taste of 19th century Nevada (even though it was in Arizona then). A unique and memorable experience.

Cafe Del Rio, South C Street Virginia City. A visionary “Out West” menu is enhanced by local favorites (hints: gospel chicken and apricot-ancho chili cheesecake) to attract a clientele from surrounding urbs and demi-urbs as well as locals from the Comstock. The historic building adds to the experience. Capsule review: friendly, innovative and delicious.

Supermercado Chapala, Main Street Yerington, across from the Court House. This Mexican grocery is a treat for the eyes, with Pi–atas hanging from the ceiling and the meat case like a jeweler’s display but the hidden treasure is way in the back: the tiny (four table) restaurant serving the finest food on the planet (hint: the burritos). Every choice on the menu is a good one.

Khristopher’s Cafe, Carson City. This Italian Restaurant is so far downhill on the south edge of Carson City that it slid all the way into Douglas County. The menu is in Italian, the inspiration behind it is straight from the old country too and the food is beyond good, it’s spectacular.

The Mardi Gratta River Regatta in August is a pleasantly wacky way to have fun on the Colorado River at Laughlin. The event is sponsored by our neighbors on the Arizona side of the river, begins on Saturday morning with the canoe/kayak/standup paddleboard race, wakeboard and wake-skate competitions. The Regatta itself is a magnificent procession of floating objects with human beings aboard (Life vests required), on a 9-mile 3/4-hour river float trip. Inner tubes abound, but decorated rafts and home-made vessels of all types are carried along by the current in a festive and hilarious procession.