Nevada
7 Towns in Nevada With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Nevada is home to big-name tourist destinations like Las Vegas and Reno, but there is much more to explore in the Silver State. Many charming towns throughout the state have vibrant and bustling downtown areas worth discovering. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Go on a dinner cruise or retreat to a private beach in Laughlin, visit a historic saloon in Virginia City, plan a trip to Hoover Dam in Boulder City, see iconic artwork in Ely, go on a ghost tour in Tonopah, hit the golf course in Mesquite, and indulge in the Basque cuisine in Winnemucca. Uncover the ultimate adventure in some of Nevada’s best downtowns.
Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas along the Colorado River, Laughlin is a resort town offering an array of dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and gaming options within its vibrant downtown area. Enjoy relaxation at Harrah’s Laughlin’s private beach, go on a riverboat cruise at Aquarius Casino Resort, hit up an upscale lounge at Golden Nugget Laughlin, see live acts at Tropicana Laughlin, or play arcade games and go bowling at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort. This historic casino began what would become the Laughlin that exists today.
Another way to experience Laughlin’s bustling downtown area is by visiting the Laughlin Riverwalk, a serene spot perfect for a stroll. For other things to do, stop by Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Collection to see rare automobiles on display or enjoy retail therapy at the Laughlin Outlet Center.
Virginia City
Virginia City is an Old West mining town located 20 miles southeast of Reno and is one of Nevada’s most well-known and historic tourist spots. Along C Street in downtown Virginia City are various businesses that make the area a popular place to visit. Many of them have been rebuilt to resemble the spirit of the city’s past. Order authentic Tex-Mex dishes at Café Del Rio, sirloin burgers at Palace Restaurant and Saloon, or Chicago-style pizza at Red Dog Saloon.
The Cider House at Canvas Cafe is another popular place to eat. Stop into Grandma’s Fudge Factory for fudge treats or Barrels O’Candy for flavorful ice cream.
Boulder City
Boulder City, in Clark County, is an incredible place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, about 26 miles away. This charming town has plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, with landmarks and sights like the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. In the heart of the downtown area is Boulder Dam Hotel, a historic colonial-style hotel with an on-site restaurant, a speakeasy lounge, and a museum that gives an up close and personal look at how Boulder City came to be.
Ely
Ely, a small mountain town within White Pine County, is known for its rich history, art scene, and outdoor adventures. The town’s historic downtown area is home to Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, a significant part of Ely’s past. It opened in 1929 and quickly became the town’s most popular dining and lodging destination.
An iconic hotel staple is the entrance’s Walk of Fame, which displays the many celebrities who have graced its halls over the years. Downtown Ely also features a museum, a general store, and beautiful murals and sculptures that showcase its history and vibrant culture.
Tonopah
Tonopah, located halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, is nestled within Nye County and provides plenty of wonder and excitement in its vibrant downtown district. The Mizpah Hotel, a historic hub for the booming mining town in the early 1900s, is at the center. Today, it is still thriving. Indulge in various dining experiences, from a casual breakfast at Pittman Café to an elegant dinner at The Jack Dempsey Room. You can also enjoy bottomless mimosas at Longshot Bar on the weekends. Try your luck with many gaming options, go on a ghost tour, or sip a glass of premium wine all within the hotel.
Another lodging option in downtown Tonopah is the quirky clown-themed motel with thousands of clowns adorning its walls.
Mesquite
Mesquite, a small town in the heart of Virgin River Valley, about 80 miles from Las Vegas, is a place of historical significance and charm. While it is true that the town is known for its championship golf courses and world-class resorts like Eureka Casino Resort and Casablanca Resort, it offers many experiences that are waiting to be explored. The downtown district is home to the Golden West Restaurant & Casino, an excellent place to grab a drink and watch sports.
There is also the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the town’s fascinating history and culture, and the Mesquite Fine Arts Center & Gallery, which has rotating exhibitions, classes, and a collection of original paintings and sculptures on display.
Winnemucca
Winnemucca is a friendly small town about 165 miles from Reno on the Humboldt River in the southeast corner of Humboldt County. In the heart of the downtown area are many restaurants, such as The Martin Hotel, offering traditional Basque cuisine, classic cocktails, and live entertainment. The Griddle is an excellent place for a tasty homestyle breakfast. For authentic Mexican fare, visit Chihuahua’s Cantina & Grill. The Star Broiler inside Winners Inn & Casino is another place to eat. While inside the casino, try your luck at gaming options, from slots to table games, or enjoy live entertainment from local bands, musicians, and comedians.
Discover Nevada Towns With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Nevada is home to many incredible towns and communities. In these towns with vibrant downtown areas, you can plan your getaway and dive into a world of adventure. These downtown districts offer something for every kind of traveler. From Laughlin to Boulder City, these communities are brimming with historical landmarks and sights, museums, signature attractions, delicious food, lively bars, gaming options, and recreational fun.
Nevada
“We lost a true champion”: Educators, lawmakers remember Joyce Woodhause’s legacy after her death
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Joyce Woodhouse, a longtime Nevada educator and state senator who spent decades fighting for Nevada families, has died.
Woodhouse retired after 40 years as a teacher and administrator with Clark County School District. She also served many years as a member of the Nevada State Senate.
“We lost a true champion for educators, for children, for our union,” said Dawn Etcheverry, president of the Nevada State Education Association.
MORE ON FOX5: Former Nevada state senator Joyce Woodhouse dies
Etcheverry said Woodhouse was known for her mentorship and dedication to education policy.
“She was truly a teacher. Every moment she spoke to you, she took time to give you some insight and teach you the latest thing you needed to know, because we definitely do this job on the shoulders of the people who came before us,” Etcheverry said.
Former state Sen. Maggie Carlton worked alongside Woodhouse for years on public education reform.
“If things were really tough, she was the one in the room that was kind and made sure that everyone was in a good place when the conversation was over,” Carlton said.
Carlton called Woodhouse a Nevadan by choice.
“She left the state better than she found it,” Carlton said.
Attorney General Aaron Ford said Woodhouse influenced his early political career.
“I think the very first campaign I ever worked on was for Senator Joyce Woodhouse, knocking doors for her to be elected to the state Senate,” Ford said.
Ford praised Woodhouse’s professionalism and commitment to public service.
“She was such a constant professional who was dedicated to doing what was best for not only her own district, but for the state,” Ford said.
When asked how Woodhouse should be remembered, Etcheverry said her focus on children defined her career.
“None of us went into this job for anything but what was best for children. And that’s where she led from. And so she was always the teacher in the room. And I want people to remember her for that,” Etcheverry said.
Woodhouse was inducted into the Clark County School District Hall of Fame earlier this year in honor of her lifetime of work in the district. She was also welcomed into the Senate Hall of Fame last year.
Several state and local law makers shared their condolences following Woodhouse’s passing, you can see more here.
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom won’t admit it, but a move by President Donald Trump is especially helpful to drivers in California — and Nevada.
Gasoline prices are pressuring consumers around the country. On Friday, the average U.S. price was $4.55 a gallon. In California, that would be a bargain. The average there was $6.16 a gallon. Nevada’s average was $5.23 a gallon, the result of around 88 percent of the state’s gasoline coming from California.
It might be getting worse — regardless of what happens in Iran.
In recent months, two major California refineries have shut down. That represented a 17 percent reduction in California’s refining capacity. Their closures weren’t caused by the Iran war, but by Gov. Newsom and California’s relentless attacks on fossil fuels.
To make up for the fuel it won’t extract or refine in-state, California depends on imports from foreign countries.
“We are importing 30 percent of our crude oil from the Middle East,” Mike Ariza, a former control board supervisor at the Valero Benicia Refinery, said in an interview. He has been warning the public about California’s potential fuel shortage. “There are not very many ships left on the way that have fuel,” he said last month.
Last week, KCRA-TV in Sacramento reported that “about 2 million barrels of oil are in the process of being unloaded in Long Beach off of the last California-bound tanker that got through the Strait of Hormuz.”
At a California legislative hearing Tuesday, Siva Gunda, the vice chairman of the California Energy Commission, said the state has enough gasoline to accommodate demand for the next six weeks. That’s not a very long time, especially given that it takes weeks or months for oil to travel from the Middle East to California. And that process won’t begin until the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
There is a region, however, with abundant oil available for sale and safe passage — the southeastern United States. Unfortunately, the Jones Act, an antiquated 1920 law, mandates that only U.S.-flagged ships may move cargo between U.S. ports. But only 55 of the more than 7,000 oil tankers worldwide comply with this requirement.
This is where Mr. Trump rode to the rescue. Late last month, the White House announced Mr. Trump would suspend the Jones Act for another 90 days. In March, he originally waived it for 60 days. This will make it easier for California and Nevada to obtain domestic product.
If only Mr. Trump could also suspend the destructive energy policies imposed by Gov. Newsom and California Democrats.
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