by Elaine M. Doxie

Created on: August 05, 2010

When most people consider moving to Nevada, they think about Las Vegas.  The bright lights, the booming tourism industry all serve to make it seem exciting and glamorous to live there.  Carson City, on the other hand, in spite of being the capital of Nevada, is seldom heard about very much.  It's too bad, though, because it is a beautiful place to live.  Where Las Vegas is desert, Carson City and the surrounding areas are like an oasis.  It's much quieter, very beautiful, and less crowded.

Carson City is nestled between Reno, Lake Tahoe, and two small towns called Minden and Gardnerville, as well as being very close to Virginia City where Mark Twain spent much of his life.  Reno is about as close as you can get to the Vegas experience in this area.  Most of the casinos are much smaller and not as gaudy as their Las Vegas counterparts.  The people are friendlier due to the small town atmosphere.  This entire area is one of those few areas in the west that allows you to experience all four seasons.  The history is also rich here, and you can feel it as you look at the carefully preserved brick buildings, many of which have been there well over a century.

As you drive into Carson City in the fall, you see the trees turning red, orange and yellow.  As winter approaches, you are likely to find just enough snow on the ground to remind you that it's wintertime, but not too much.  In springtime, everything starts to turn green and the flowers bloom.  In the summertime, it's warm, but not so hot that it's miserable, unlike the ovenlike temperatures that you'll find in the southern part of the the state.

Carson City and the surrounding areas are filled with quaint antique shops, where you may find your grandmother's china or even a turn of the century gold inlaid oriental desk.  Everytime you walk through these towns, you feel like your stepping into the pages of a history book.  There are also several old-fashioned candy shops scattered throughout the area where you can pick up such delights as handpulled taffy or homemade fudge.  Museums are around every corner, allowing you to see into what made Nevada such a great state. 

Whether you live there or just choose to visit, it is a wonderful experience that should not be missed. 

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