» Wide Open king of the crests
July/August 2009
Maybe it’s the adventure of discovering what lies over the next ridge, or the solitude of a remote alpine lake at sunset, or the sense of self-reliance that comes with carrying all your earthly needs on your back. Whatever your reason, backpacking holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers worldwide—and Nevada can provide a lifetime of exploration for the intrepid backpacker.
» Wide Open resurrected riches
July/August 2009
The Techatticup Mine was once the richest gold producer in Southern Nevada. After World War II, the mine was abandoned and left to the harsh desert elements for more than 50 years. Today, the mine, located near Nelson in Eldorado Canyon, has new owners and new prospects. The Techatticup is destined to take a new place in Nevada history.
» Tour Around Nevada tonopah
July/August 2009
The town’s mining history left in its wake one of the area’s most popular attractions, the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. In addition to the underground adventure, visitors can enjoy preserved and restored equipment and buildings, historic exhibits, video presentations, and a self-guided tour. The park, at more than 100 acres, is located on the grounds of Jim Butler’s original mining claims that started the rush to Tonopah in 1900.
» Cravings dinner with a view
July/August 2009
It’s no secret among diners that a fantastic atmosphere can elevate a good meal to great and an excellent one to sublime. And that’s never truer than when dining in the company of Lake Tahoe’s azure expanse and emerald mountain rim. Whether you crave simple, hearty pub grub after a hard day on the trails or a refined gustatory adventure, Tahoe’s chefs have a plate for you.
» History a distinguished drive
July/August 2009
Alice Ramsey’s most vivid Nevada memory during her 1909 visit wasn’t the chocolate cake and pork chop she was served for breakfast at a ranch west of Austin; nor the “rather enjoyable” sensation she felt when she saw a dozen bare-chested American Indians on horseback, bows drawn and galloping toward her outside of Eureka; nor her delight at the beauty of the irrigated ranches surrounding Fallon. Rather, it was the electric feeling of reaching Sparks.
» Gaming eagles, poker, and multiplay
July/August 2009
Circus Circus Reno gives fans the opportunity to relive the Eagles experience on July 17 as it hosts a one-night-only concert by tribute band Life in the Fast Lane, as this talented six-piece performs the Eagles’ greatest hits. Circus Circus is also putting on the “Life in the Fast Lane” slot tournament on July 18, with prizes totaling up to $3,000.
» Business a family legacy
July/August 2009
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters’ story begins in 1965. Elling Halvorson owned a construction company at the time. The task at hand was to lay a water pipeline across the Grand Canyon to the South Rim. Halvorson used helicopters to lower pipe into the canyon, and workers and guests flew in daily to view the project. With such stunning scenery, requests poured in for chartered helicopter flights.
» Events Spotlight patently ponderosa
July/August 2009
“Bonanza” premiered on NBC September 12, 1959, and by the time the trail dust settled some 14 years and 430 episodes later, the Cartwrights of the Ponderosa rode into history and into the hearts of a half billion people worldwide. Gone, but far from forgotten, the show continues to gain followers through worldwide syndication and has spawned countless fan clubs from its throngs of loyal rerun watchers.
» Shows Spotlight remembering danny gans
July/August 2009
“One of the most unique human beings and entertainers in the world has been taken from us,” says Steve Wynn of the unexpected death of entertainer Danny Gans. Gans, 52, passed away in his sleep on May 1.
» Web Extras zowie bowie
July/August 2009
While other kids hung prints of Farrah Fawcett on their bedroom walls, Chris Phillips, aka Zowie Bowie, admired his Sammy Davis Jr. poster. That’s because since he was 12, he wanted to be a Las Vegas-style entertainer. Today, Phillips and his fiancé, Marley Taylor, and their band perform every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. and midnight inside The Lounge at The Palms in Las Vegas.
» Web Extras pool parties
July/August 2009
After two successful years, Grand Sierra ended its partnership with Nikki Beach and opened a revamped nightlife pool venue, The Beach, on June 6. The Beach will continue to make waves all summer long with exhilarating events, celebrity guests, live music, world-famous DJs and dancing Friday and Saturday evenings. Following is a look at other new pools—or new pool offerings—in Reno and Las Vegas.
» Web Extras hot august nights
July/August 2009
We’re all familiar with the adage everything gets better with age—for Hot August Nights, the saying is doubly true. The Reno and Sparks celebration of classic cars and rock ’n’ roll is, quite literally, based on it. And the event’s growth from a concert and loosely organized parade in 1986 to a 10-day, multivenue festival 23 years later, exemplifies the saying.
» Web Extras rum runner run
July/August 2009
Few things in life compare to a warm summer day of boating with friends on Lake Tahoe. Add the lake’s signature frozen cocktail, the Rum Runner, and that day is about as close to perfect as it gets. Grab the SPF 35 and a designated driver (that’s right, drinking and driving is illegal on the water, too) and drop anchor at any or all of these four Rum Runner destinations.
» Web Extras henderson trails photo contest
July/August 2009
The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a trails photo contest through August 31. The contest illustrates and promotes the best aspects of the city’s trail system through the use of photographs and must feature a visible City of Henderson trail.
» Feature name game
May/June 2009
Famed explorer Kit Carson blazed through the West, leaving behind hope for future travelers and a landscape proud to bear his name. Today the eponymous Carson River rollicks through Carson City, Nevada’s capital, which pays homage to the pioneer. Other Nevada town names, however, aren’t quite as obvious. Where did Jarbidge get its peculiar name? And who was Rachel, and why did she have a town named after her?
» City Limits signs of the times
May/June 2009
Chris LeBlanc opens the chain-link gate to “The Boneyard.” LeBlanc is one of many volunteers at this nonprofit museum, guiding tours through the twisted signs and remains twice a day. “This is a part of our history,” says LeBlanc, as he guides about 10 of us through the yard. “We’re trying to restore and remember.”
» Wide Open adventure: soar minden
May/June 2009
A sailplane, or glider, is a sleek aerodynamic fixed-wing plane without a motor. The sailplane is towed behind a single-engine airplane. When the pilot of the glider reaches the altitude and location desired, the towrope is released (opposite page). This process is part of an exhilarating ride, which I recently experienced thanks to Soar Minden.
» Tour Around Nevada genoa
May/June 2009
Established in 1851 (the town claims the title of Nevada’s first permanent settlement) by Mormon traders, the area was known as Mormon Station until 1855 when Judge Orson Hyde named it Genoa, for the Italian birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The town’s more than 150 years of existence gives way to historical attractions such as Mormon Station State Historic Park.
» Cravings mixology madness
May/June 2009
We have entered a new era in alcohol, one with drinks whose ingredient lists read like an intricate dessert recipe. While Japan may be the originator, Nevada has to be on the mixology map somewhere, I thought. We have Charlie Palmer and Bobby Flay for Pete’s sake. So I set out to see what Nevada has to offer.
» History western nostalgia
May/June 2009
A few hours drive east of Tonopah off U.S. Highway 6, the eastern slope of the Hot Creek Range is a testament to rural Western culture. Tucked into canyons and near scarce water sources are crumbling monuments to mid-19th- and early 20th-century miners and ranchers. A trip to the area transports visitors to a time when life was hard and self-reliance was the order of the day.
