A Virtual Silver Lining Carson Valley, Nevada
(Gerry Furth-Sides, Silver City, Nevada content and photos) These unfamiliar times of confinement with physical distancing and sheltering in place are also the perfect time to dream of and plan future trips. A virtual journey through the Carson Valley, Nevada is both a virtual respite from the news but inspiration and a focus for travel-to-come safer times. I spent one ski season in the Sierra Nevadas, and it remains a highlight of my life.
The Traditionalist tour is steeped in past traditions and history. Explore online itineraries here and see how it all connects. Or just sit back and relax to view sunsets showcasing the dramatic Jobs Peak and Sierra Nevadas. A more lively way to meet legends is by way of the Carson City video tour: Legends of the Valley and the online Visitors Guide made possible by ©Corey Rich Productions
For The Adventurer, Carson Valley introduces world-class living legend Corey Rich, a friend and professional photographer and director. To see the Rich’s in-depth collaboration with Carson Valley – visit online. Peaceful backcountry trails far away from the outside world shown in the video riding the Sierra Canyon Trail to Genoa, Nevada and sunny day images here. “Winter Days” offer a different level of beauty designed to inspire passions. View winter imagery here.
The Storyteller tour of Carson Valley is rich in western history and lore. Nevada’s oldest town, Genoa, is one of four communities that comprise the legendary valley. The sights and sounds of Carson Valley’s historic sites and museums, and the stories remain intact and enticing in a virtual tour. Tour Historical Markers that dot the landscape can be seen in Google Maps here. A motivating written journey to read about the women that led change from the late 1800s on, learn about Kit Carson, the Pony Express, the Emigrant Trail and other stories of local legends are found in: Take the written journey now.
Perhaps the most admirable historical character of Carson Valley is “Snowshoe” Thompson, otherwise known as the Mailman of the Sierra. Thompson is memorialized as a pioneer, innovator and beloved citizen of the Carson Valley communities and beyond.In the middle of the 19th century, John A. Thompson devoted 20 years to carrying mail during the isolating winter months for the early communities of Carson Valley. Using his Norwegian snow travel experience in both extraordinary everyday deliveries and emergencies, Thompson is also known for rescuing several stranded travelers and survived wolves and winter conditions.
The Maverick tour includes Meet Dana here tells the story of the colorful barkeep at the oldest thirst parlor in Nevada, the Genoa Bar and Saloon. A Google Map tour of weird places teaches why these speak to our roots. For the unusual outdoors, check into a Carson Valley wildlife tour. View the photo gallery here.
Nestled at the base of the Sierra, Carson Valley is 45 miles south of Reno-Tahoe International Airport and 12 miles east of South Lake Tahoe. The region’s natural beauty is legendary: wide-open farms, ranches, bands of wild horses and birds of prey dot the landscape. Over 50 miles of hiking, world class road biking, mountain biking and walking trails. Museums, arts, antiquing, Basque dining, historic watering holes add to the destination’s authentic culture. The region includes the communities of Minden, Gardnerville, Topaz Lake and Genoa, which is also Nevada’s first settlement dating back to 1851. VisitCarsonValley.org for details. For information and trip inspiration on the best places to eat and drink, check, online, Google Map tour here or the eats and drinks album.