Lake Tahoe

7 Reasons to Visit Nevada Other Than Las Vegas

Las Vegas is fun and has a lot to offer. However, visiting this amazing city is just one of the top reasons to visit Nevada for a full experience. Nevada is a state with plenty of interesting places and attractions that will leave you speechless. What Nevada has to offer goes beyond neon signs, high-end restaurants, luxury, or anything you probably saw in the movies. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or scouting for some incredible locations, rest assured Nevada has them all. So, make sure to give it a go, and plan a memorable trip!

Prepare before you go on a trip to Nevada

People often think Nevada’s climate is hot and dry. However, Nevada also includes mountain ranges where temperatures may significantly drop, especially at night. So, decide what kind of traveler you are. Light clothes will do just fine if your goal is to sightsee, take lots of photos, and dine at nice places. On the other hand, hiking and nature exploration will require you to bring a jacket or hoodie just in case. Winters in Nevada are super cold, depending on where you are heading. Therefore, if you want to hike during February, don’t expect summer heat in the mountains.

Lakes and state parks, one of the reasons to visit Nevada — There are many reasons to visit Nevada that can inspire you to go on a trip of your lifetime!

1 – Lakes and state parks are one of the top reasons to visit Nevada

You will reach amazing Lake Tahoe if you hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (California border). It’s a year-round popular natural area where nature lovers from all over the world come to admire the scenic view and take some lovely photos. Those willing to explore more can take various hiking routes or set up a tent at their favorite campsite. Another place that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities – kayaking, hiking, etc. -is Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This spacious area welcomes anyone willing to enjoy astounding places in Nevada no one ever gets to experience anywhere else!

Nevada is also home to state parks like the Valley of Fire. Located about an hour of drive from Las Vegas, this place has some of the most fantastic rock formations and movie-like landscapes.

2 – Exquisite restaurants

Nevada is also a popular destination among foodies who go on a road trip just to experience tasty menus. For example, those who seek a nice Western European-like dining experience may find French-inspired restaurants that serve authentic dishes. Furthermore, Nevada is well-known for amazing pizzas basically everywhere you go!

3 – Ghostown road trip

Nevada is also full of so-called ghost towns that inspire many to go on a unique road trip:

● Techatticup – once a post-civil war town, is now turned into a prop city. This abandoned place is often utilized as a location for magazine editorials and filming.

● Virginia City – home of abandoned, haunted hotels and salons frozen in time. The place is located nearby the city of Reno and welcoming to everyone wanting to sneak into Nevada’s dynamic history and lifestyle at the time.

● Metropolis Ghost Town – yet another attempt to establish a city that ended up in ruins. Metropolis Ghost Town is also favored as a scouting location among the filmmakers.

4 – Lots of outdoor options you can never get enough of

If you are into kayaking, hiking, or camping, you mustn’t miss out on Nevada’s outdoor areas. You can also add a stargazing session by traveling close to Tonopah – a town known as the best location with clear, starry nights.

Woman in white dress posing in front of colorful rock formations — Nevada has lots of places where you can take top-notch photos.

5 – The city of Reno

As it’s obvious, there’s more to Nevada than casinos, flash, and bling. That’s why visiting the city of Reno is a must. Reno is the third largest Nevada place with all one needs for a happy and fulfilling life. Once you go there, you are close to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, state parks, and ghost towns. Reno has lots of picturesque and walkable spots like Raymond L. Smith Truckee River Walk. It’s also a city where you will get to visit some of the most exciting museums and unusual places:

National Automobile Museum – where you can see authentic Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado or John Wayne’s 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
Nevada Museum of Art
Fleischmann Planetarium

6 – Burning Man

The biggest electronic music festival in the world is hosted in the Black Rock Desert (Nevada). It gathers artists, musicians, and people from all over the world looking forward to unforgettable times. The festival begins in late August or early September every year, and the tickets sell out quickly.

clear night sky with lots of stars — People often go to popular Nevada spots for stargazing.

7 – International Car Forest of the Last Church

This is probably one of the most unusual outdoor, free-of-charge exhibitions you’ll visit. Just head over to Goldfield to see half-buried, sprayed junk vehicles. The location is perfect for explorers, urban photographers, fashion photoshoots, etc.

Make sure to visit Nevada before you move there

If you’re looking forward to moving to Nevada, then you have a strong reason to pay a visit and explore as much as possible. When you know what awaits you in your new place of residence, there’s no lack of motivation. Remember that moving, especially cross-country, is a time-consuming endeavor. It takes time and a specialized team of cross-country movers to transfer your life here without stress. It really comes in handy to visit the Nevada place you’re moving to before you begin packing.

Hire credible cross-country movers on time

It’s recommended to begin searching for the movers when you pick the relocation dates. What you should pay attention to is the type of company that is supposed to carry out your move. Cross Country movers are your best options since they usually offer both moving and storage services. So, focus on experienced and licensed cross-country movers who can get the work done in a timely manner. Book a few free moving estimates and pick the company with the best service offer.

As already mentioned, moving is one of the many reasons to visit Nevada. It will keep you motivated once you realize what awaits you once your relocation journey is made. Pick the city you wish to relocate to, visit your future neighborhood, and coffee shops, take a walk, and familiarize yourself with the place as much as you can.

Nature Lover’s Guide to California

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A woman taking pictures on the coastline

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you say California? Silicon Valley, traffic, surfing, and swimming in the ocean. However, California is so much more than that. Nature lovers can explore the Sunshine State in the most magnificent ways and have the most exciting adventures. Driving along the California roads ensures beautiful views of forests, alpine lakes, deserts, and so much more. That’s why you should plan this itinerary with our nature lover’s guide to California – find out what spots in the Sunshine State will take your breath away!

Yosemite National Park

It’s one of the best-known national parks in the country – and there’s a great reason for it. The drive along the park will give you the chance to see some of the most magnificent views. Highway 120 is probably the best way to approach the park, and it’s one of the commonly used roads for travelers. You can also go for a more historic option – Highway 140, which is great for driving all year long. Furthermore, you can use the Tioga Pass to enter the park, so you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Some of the top attractions in Yosemite are Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Museum, Indian Village, etc. True nature lovers can enjoy climbing, hiking, and camping in the park, so there’s something for everyone.

Yosemite rock formations — Yosemite Park is a must-see item in our nature lover’s guide to California.

Death Valley National Park

Even though many don’t find this national park attractive at first, the place is absolutely worth visiting. These unique landscapes will make you forget you’re in California or even in the United States! Don’t be afraid of its name; the Death Valley is a beautiful national park with stunning rock formations, canyons, dunes, and so much more. However, this is a place of extremes, so avoid visiting it in the summer months. It gets extremely hot and dry, so the best time to visit it is from November to March. Visiting the valley can be a one-day trip – you can make this rather short itinerary and see a lot. Be sure to include Mesquite Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin Salt Flats, and Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Finish it with stargazing at Harmony Borax Works. The sky in the Death Valley gets extremely dark, which is why it’s one of the best places to see the stars above us.

Napa Valley

If you’re starting your California getaway experience n San Francisco, be sure to visit Napa Valley for some wine tasting. The area is famous worldwide for producing high-quality wines, so it should be a stop on your itinerary. Even if you’re not a wine-lover, you’ll enjoy the beauty of vineyards in the area. There are several wineries that you can visit here, so be sure to book a tour. While in Napa Valley, you can also visit Westwood Hills Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, and Oxbow Preserve.

Redwoods of Klamath, CA

For some dream-like sights, go to Redwoods of Klamath. You’ll see famous Trees of Mystery – ancient giant trees that look like they’re from a fairytale. There are even trees that grow together to form a shrine called Cathedral Tree. Also, for a unique drive-thru experience, visit the Tour Thru Tree – just be sure to fold your rearview mirrors! This nature park is suitable for kids, too, which is great if you’re traveling with your family.

Monterey

Even though there’s a lot to see in this area, nature lovers often choose to see wildlife in the Monterey Aquarium. Different exhibits of wildlife that can be found in California’s waters will blow your mind. You’ll see wolf eels, leopard sharks, and even the giant Pacific octopus. Maritime lovers will surely enjoy seeing these beautiful sea creatures. Also, Monterey Bay is home to one of the greatest places to move with your family and one of the best family-friendly cities in CA. Use this chance to visit the places that can potentially be your new home and a perfect location to live with your little ones.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

This nature park is favored by hikers as many trails lead to magnificent natural sights. You can encounter various animals here – black-tailed deer or a skunk. However, our favorite sight is at the banks of the Big Sur River, where you can enjoy the magnificent gorge and even take a swim in the swimming hole.

In general, the Big Sur coast is very attractive to visitors, as it’s home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders of California. Driving along this coast will ensure you see different nature parks, the Big Sur Lighthouse, the Bixby Creek Bridge, and more.

The bridge on the Big Sur Coast in California — Visit the Big Sur Coast with a breathtaking view and the most beautiful sunsets.

One of the main nature attractions in the state, Lake Tahoe will astonish you with its beauty. The deep green color of its waters and mountain surroundings make this a true gem of this nature lover’s guide to California. There’s so much to do here – swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. This is also one of the top skiing destinations in the Sunshine State. You can reach this place by car or even by plane – there’s the Tahoe International Airport nearby. There are several hotels and Airbnb accommodations in the area, but be sure to book in advance. Summertime is rather busy with tourists from all around the world.

Laguna Beach

Another beautiful coastline of California is the Laguna Beach area. Apart from visiting the town of Laguna Beach, drive along the coast to see some of the many beaches and coves. The cliff formations and rock arches show the tremendous power of the ocean to shape the earth. This area is a common stop for those embarking on the Pacific Coast journey and people who like to stay at hotels with first-class ocean views. It’s definitely a sight to see, so maybe planning this road trip this year is a great idea.

One visit is simply not enough to see all the natural wonders of California. However, we hope this nature lover’s guide to California will narrow your list a bit and help you choose the best location to make memories for the rest of your life.

Guide to Great Etiquette on the Mountain

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This Post Was Originally Published on the Liftopia Blog on March 14, 2019 by Mark Crone

If you are a skier or boarder, any day and every day on the hill is a good day. What’s not so fun is bad ski etiquette and forgetting the “golden rules” of skiing. It’s mostly common sense mixed with respect for others.

Skiing in the Alps — Photo by Melvin Wahlin on Pexels.com

As a ski patroller, I see it all. Here’s a list of things not to do this ski season:

Forget Lift Etiquette

Cutting in line or holding up the queue because you want to avoid sharing a chair with someone will result in scornful looks or worse. Don’t stand on the skis and snowboards of others in the line. If there’s a wait for the quad chair, get in 4s. The line moves quicker, and you get up the lift quicker. If you’ve missed your friend, wait off to the side or at the top of the lift.

Wave Your Poles Around

Just don’t do it. Keep your poles to yourself on the slope and in the lift line. There’s nothing fun about getting whacked, poked or your equipment scratched by the end of a ski pole in the lift line.

Ski or Snowboard Drunk (or High)

Wait until après ski for the party favors. Skiing after drinking can be dangerous to you and the people around you. A serious mountain and steep runs require serious effort and should be a “high” all on its own.

Drop Stuff (Or Litter)

Some folks will eat energy bars, candy, or drink water on the chairlift ride. Put the wrapper in your pocket until you get to a trash can – and don’t drop your phone, gloves, poles, skis, and board when you are riding up the chair. Skiers under the chair will thank you. There are typically trash cans at the top of a lift or at the lift line.

Get Out of Control

Keep working on improving but do it gradually and within reason. Bunny slope to Black Diamond in one day is not realistic (or safe). Don’t go faster or steeper than you can handle. Travel at the speed you are comfortable with and where you can control your turns and make a quick stop if necessary.

Ski Past A Man/Woman Down

Every skier has a ‘yard sale’ at some point (a wipe out across the hill that leaves skis, poles, hats, goggles, and dentures scattered everywhere). If you come across a yard sale, or worse, stop and ask if the downed skier is ok and/or if they need help. You can help collect their belongings or call for the Ski Patrol if they are injured.

OK – back to the fun. It’s all about having a great day outdoors and enjoying yourself. Common sense and good manners go a long way on the slopes. Stay safe, respect others, and have a good time.