3 days to kill between Vegas and Tahoe

Question

Hi all,

This August, I will be spending 3 nights in Las Vegas and 3 nights at Lake Tahoe with 3 nights in between. My girlfriend and I are nature appreciators but not really campers or hikers - we are more interested in history, culture, and food. We are renting a car. I would prefer historic or otherwise interesting accommodations versus just like a Holiday Inn off the highway.

Right now, I am thinking one night in Tonopah and two nights in Virginia City, but I would love other recommendations. The three open nights are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. I am a little worried we will get bored and would also be open to one night in three different places.

We'll be in Reno for a day while we're staying in Tahoe (part of a bachelor/bachelorette party) but if you think it is worth staying there a night, I am open to that too.

Answer

Your trip between Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe sounds fantastic! There’s plenty of history, culture, and unique accommodations to explore along the way, so I think you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained, even without hiking or camping. Here are a few options for places to stay and things to do in between:

Tonopah is a great starting point for history and culture. It’s a quirky, old mining town with some really interesting places to stay and visit, such as the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and the Tonopah Clown Motel (famous for its eccentric charm). For food, check out the Tonopah Brewing Company for a good meal in a local setting. However, you might want to consider adding another stop or two to avoid getting too bored, especially if you’re spending two full nights in Virginia City.

Goldfield – If you’re interested in more mining history, stop in Goldfield, a former mining town that has some well-preserved architecture. The Goldfield Hotel is a historic spot with a bit of a spooky reputation—perfect for a quirky overnight stay.
Hawthorne – Known as the “Bomb Capital of the World,” it has a unique military history, though you may want to check out the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum if you like quirky, off-the-beaten-path history.
Fallon – If you're interested in culture and food, Fallon has a charming small-town feel with historical sites. You could visit the Churchill County Museum or stop by a local farm-to-table restaurant like The Slanted Porch.

As for Virginia City, it's a classic spot for Western history and the Old West charm, and you'll find plenty to explore. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad offers a historic train ride, and you can also visit the Chollar Mine and the Silver Terrace Cemeteries, both great historical sites. Virginia City also has some charming hotels and inns, like the Old Washoe Club, which has a reputation for being haunted—definitely a memorable stay.

The Delta Saloon – Great for food and drinks with some local history. The saloon features historic gambling tables and old-timey Western atmosphere.
Bucket of Blood Saloon – A fun, historic saloon with a colorful history and an excellent place to grab a drink after a day of exploring.
The Miner’s Hat – If you enjoy history with your meal, this restaurant is perfect for a laid-back experience in the heart of Virginia City.

If you’re worried about getting bored in Virginia City, you can mix it up by heading to Reno for a night or two. While Reno has a reputation for being the “Biggest Little City in the World,” it offers more than just casinos. You can visit the National Automobile Museum, explore the Nevada Museum of Art, or walk around the Truckee River Walk. Reno also has a growing food scene, so there are plenty of great spots to enjoy a meal.

Whitney Peak Hotel – A boutique hotel with an indoor climbing wall, perfect for an active break if you and your girlfriend enjoy something a little different.
The Basement – A creative arts space located under the Whitney Peak Hotel with local art, food, and drinks.
The Eddy – A fun outdoor space in Reno to grab a drink, enjoy food trucks, and relax in a vibrant environment.

Here’s a potential itinerary that balances history, food, and culture:

Tuesday: Drive from Las Vegas to Tonopah for the night. Explore the historic mining sites and quirky local spots.
Wednesday: Head to Virginia City for two nights. Visit museums, historic sites, and enjoy some of the great saloons and restaurants. You could also take a scenic drive along the V&T Railway or the Comstock Lode to explore more of the area.
Thursday: Drive to Reno (optional), or if you prefer, stop in Fallon or Goldfield to break up the drive before heading to Lake Tahoe. In Reno, you can visit some of the art museums or spend the evening enjoying the local food scene.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience a wide range of historical sites, food, and culture, while still having time to relax and enjoy the ride. It's a great mix of history, charm, and adventure without too much hiking or camping. Enjoy your road trip!