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Carson Valley – Where Nevada Began
Imagine: to the west, rugged 10,000′ peaks of snow-capped Sierra Nevadas and to the east, the soft Pinenut Mountains. Between them, the tranquil Carson Valley unfolds, broad and green, fed by the Carson River and its tributaries. Before white men found this valley, Washoe Indians living here fished, hunted, gathered seeds, berries and roots. Descendants continue to live in the area practicing many of the traditions of their ancestors.
To early western settlers drawn by the California Gold Rush of the 1840’s the valley was an oasis from the struggles of westward migration. John Reese established the first permanent settlement in Nevada at Genoa in 1851. Not long after the beginnings of Gardnerville; a hotel, blacksmith shop and saloon were built; then Minden a few decades later, just to the north, was created to provide a terminal for the V&T Railroad. The legacy of the Pony Express Rider, Nevada Statehood, The Comstock Lode, Gold Strike in California are still alive in this historic valley.
Today, Genoa appears much as it did in that era – no traffic signals and many examples of nineteenth century architecture. Among those are: Mormon Station State Park, the Courthouse Museum at Genoa, the Genoa Town Hall and Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor (just call it the “Oldest Bar”). The first towns have grown into true communities with dining and shopping experiences, town parks, opportunities for active adventure, and very friendly people. There is wide choice of accommodation for the traveler. Interesting food choices include several restaurants serving authentic Basque fare reflecting the area’s early Basque heritage. An array of small antique shops, boutiques, gourmet food and wine shops will surprise and delight shoppers.
Pasture lands and working ranches set against the mountains are reminders of the valley’s ranching roots. These same open spaces, protected by the valley’s residents, provide abundant recreation. Hiking and biking trails wind through Carson Valley and into the foothills on either side. Horseback riding brings many people to the valley but if you prefer a mountain or road bike, hot air balloon, ATV or motorcycle, you can have them too. Just 15 minutes south of Gardnerville, water sports enthusiasts enjoy Topaz Lake, known for its waterskiing and wakeboarding, fishing and boating.
Year round, golfers can choose from four valley courses, varying widely in terrain and difficulty.
Carson Valley is known all over the world by glider pilots. The valley’s contours and wind patterns bring soaring enthusiasts from every continent to ride the thermals in unpowered, fixed wing aircraft. Numerous gliding records for distance and altitude have been set here and commercial operators at the Minden-Tahoe airport offer rides and lessons.
SPECIAL EVENTS: every February, during calving season, eagles and other birds of prey come to the valley to feed on afterbirth. Bald and golden eagle sightings are common. Eagles & Agriculture, a gathering that celebrates this phenomenon, provides lectures, sighting tours and photography workshops.
A spring event, Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, is the newest, debuting with tremendous entertainers, workshops and artisans in 2010.
June’s Carson Valley Days, a salute to small American towns, brings concerts, a parade, arts and crafts shows and more to the towns.
Each September the Candy Dance, a 90 year old Genoa tradition draws tens of thousands of visitors for candy and offerings of artisans from all over the West.
The area’s history is documented by the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center located in the former Douglas High School-a Frederick Delongchamps designed building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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