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Carson Valley Information & Events
A Little Bit About The Carson Valley
From the Carson Valley Visitors Authority website
Make Carson Valley your next Rugged ∙ Relaxed ∙ Reachable retreat destination. With natural beauty, a laid back friendly atmosphere, historic exploration, authentic outdoor recreation, and a wide entertaining Nevada nightlife, Carson Valley will have you coming back for more.
MILES OF OPEN SPACE
Carson Valley rests at a crossroads of sorts. It sits at the transition between the Sierra Nevada range and the Great Basin, the West Coast and the Wild West, the high alpine and the high desert. The valley is guarded on the west by rugged 10,000-foot peaks, the same mountains that cradle Lake Tahoe. Northern Nevada’s most scenic valley is scattered with open space, golf courses, expansive farms and ranches, parks, shops and hotels. Your journey through the Carson Valley stretches from Genoa in the northwest through the towns of Gardnerville and Minden. The trip is paid off with the refreshing reward of Topaz Lake to the south.
GETTING AROUND
As you travel any of the three main roads into Carson Valley (U.S. Highway 395, State Route 88, or U.S. Highway 50), you will enjoy unspoiled views of the valley – surrounded on the east and west by mountains that are sometimes snow-capped year-round. The weather is pleasant and the area enjoys four distinct seasons, with temperatures commonly in the 80’s and 90’s during the summer and, typically, several inches of snow falling over the course of the winter. Topaz Lake, a 20-minute drive from Gardnerville and 30 minutes from Minden, is known for great fishing, boating, water-skiing, and wake-boarding. The lake (a reservoir) lies east of U.S. Highway 395 on the Nevada-California border. The scenic Pine Nut Mountains form a backdrop to the lake and nearby Topaz Lake Park. The south shore of Lake Tahoe, one of the world’s most famous alpine lakes, is just a 20-minute drive from Carson Valley.
The Carson Valley Visitor’s Authority does a great job posting local events and attractions. Check out their website for a calendar of events to plan for! You can even post your own My Carson Valley Photos & Videos. Lots to explore!
Masterpiece Home
A Masterpiece of a home situated within a hillside cul de sac and backing to US Forest Service land. The integrity of construction, materials and design are outstanding. A massive covered entry leads to the stunning cathedral windows with Jobs Peak views that are unparalleled. This extraordinary home offers a sense of privacy and tranquility with outdoor patios to entertain or just relax while surrounded by sights and sounds of nature and a creek type water fall feature.
The entry boasts a huge rock accent wall and amazing curved stairway. An elegant sunken living area with vaulted beamed ceilings and rock fireplace hearth is surrounded with view windows. Its Master Bedroom captures the grand mountain views and is warmed by a gas log fireplace and steps away from the wet bar. A privately located guest bedroom en-suite is also located on the main floor. The office with inspiring views is fully equipped with mahogany work area, cabinets and book shelving. The 3rd upstairs bedroom is designed as a separate suite with its own outside entry, large living area, sink, counters, separate bedroom and full bathroom. The spacious kitchen and dining areas are suitable for a crowd of people. Gleaming African Iroko Teak flooring and huge granite work island with breakfast bar has new double ovens, microwave, 5 burner gas cooktop and dishwasher. A built in china cabinet affords a place to store those special serving pieces. Located within minutes of Lake Tahoe which is a short 12 mile drive where you can enjoy lake recreation, entertainment and dining. Reno Tahoe Int’l Airport and all that the bigger city has to offer is within 50 minute drive. Locally a Trader Joe’s, Costco and Home Depot are up the road about 10 miles.
3 Bed/3.5 Bath/3 Car Garage
4090 sq ft
Featured at $989,000
Burgers 4 Badges – Connecting Our Community
Please join us in support of the men & woman of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office including the Mounted Posse, Search & Rescue and Citizen’s Patrol.
FREE Community BBQ for the whole family!
Saturday, September 10th
4 PM to 7 Pm
Minden Park
Live Music Featuring: No Clue
Carson Valley Fun Facts
Carson Valley Fun Facts
Credit: Carson Valley Visitors Authority
• The Spanish and French Basques played an important role in Northern Nevada history as sheepherders and later as inn and restaurant owners. The Basque people made their way to the Silver State during the mining boom of the1800’s. Shortly it was discovered they were better off providing meat and wool to the miners, plus Nevada’s open spaces were perfect for their sheep herds. They often stayed in boarding-houses and the group dining rooms of these ‘homes away from home’ marked the beginning of Basque family style dining. Basque dining in Gardnerville remains a culinary attraction, so be sure to take the opportunity to experience the culture of Basque dining and the staple cocktail of choice, a Picon Punch!
• Dangberg Home Ranch began in 1857 when German immigrant Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg started a new life in Nevada. He and his wife Maggie raised five children. Dangberg prospered, and his success as a rancher, businessman and politician established the Dangbergs as one of the most influential families in Carson Valley history. In 1906, the family founded the town of Minden, named after Minden, Germany which is near the birthplace of H.F. Dangberg. This historic stop won the Nevada Commission on Tourism award for Best Reno-Tahoe Territory Attraction.
• David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort & Spa in the town of Genoa, Nevada is surrounded with a 360˚ view of the majestic Sierra Mountain range. Founded in 1862 with only a tent for shelter and mineral baths selling for 50 cents, 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort & Spa now offers you a rare opportunity to indulge yourself in mineral rich hot springs that Mother Nature herself thrives in. These hot springs have been known around the world for their healing powers for 150 years.
• The Ferris Wheel, invented by George Ferris and unveiled at the 1893 Chicago World’s fair, was inspired by a water wheel at Cradlebaugh Bridge on the Carson River. During the time he lived in Carson Valley, young George Ferris spent hours watching the motion of the big water wheel, imaginably dreaming of riding around on one of its buckets. Perhaps from those early dreams came his inspiration for the Ferris Wheel. Now days you have the opportunity to join Great Basin Sports, April-July for guided tours of the East Fork Carson River and explore the same waters G. Ferris himself once enjoyed.
• Fly sailplanes and gliders in one of the world’s premier locations– the Carson Valley. The thermals created by the surrounding mountains and prevailing weather patterns create spectacular flight conditions, and pilots from all over the world travel here to enjoy them. Whether you are an experienced pilot bringing your own aircraft, a pilot who wishes to improve your skill and rating or someone who simply wants to experience the thrill of soaring, Carson Valley is your place.
• Gardnerville’s cultural heritage abounds down Main Street Gardnerville. Shopping in Gardnerville is more than just shopping; it is a historical experience. Step back in time to another era and take a stroll down Main Street where friendly service is just the way Carson Valley does business. Stop in and shop at the many quaint antique shops and boutiques, enjoy a glass or two of wine and a great meal at one of Gardnerville’s exceptional restaurants!
• Genoa, considered the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada, is full of history and is also thought to be one of the most haunted. Join Genoa Historic Ghost Tours and learn about the town’s original Mormon settlers, the riders of the Pony Express, Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor and visit the Dake Hawkins House, considered one of the most haunted places in Northern Nevada. John ‘Snowshoe’ Thompson carried mail and supplies on skis for twenty winters between Genoa and Placerville (90 miles) taking two days to travel west and three days to return over the Sierra. He now rests in the Genoa, Nevada cemetery next to his wife Agnes and son Arthur. His grave is marked with a pair of crossed skis. Today, the quaint town is a tourist must with historic buildings, friendly accommodations, antique shops and boutiques, family friendly festivals and events, and a replica of the town’s first structure at Mormon Station State Historic Park.
• Hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the Carson Valley scenic trail system is unsurpassed. With over 30 miles of completed trails and current and proposed projects underway, there are a variety of trails for any experience level. The picturesque Pine Nut Mountains to the east of Minden are rugged and offer exceptional opportunities for recreation and adventure. Families can enjoy riding in the sagebrush on their OHV/ATV’s, and you might come across horseback riders, hikers, or rock collectors—and possibly mountain bikers tackling the challenging terrain.
• Minden’s downtown historic district hosts popular arts and crafts fairs and other community events several times a year. Carson Valley Days in June is a big event in Minden and elsewhere in the valley, complete with a parade and marching bands. Music concerts held in Minden Park on summer evenings offer residents and visitors the perfect setting to enjoy live performances by popular musicians and bands while picnicking and socializing. During the holiday season, the Christmas tree lighting at the park attracts locals and visitors alike. The celebration of the country’s birthday every Fourth of July is another popular event in this community and at Minden Park. Visitors and residents can learn about the local history and early culture of the area with a trip to the Douglas County Historical Societies Museum and Cultural Center located in the old Douglas County High School building. Be sure to explore the former railroad town and its rich agricultural and rural heritage with your Discover Minden Walking Tour Map.
• Skiing and other snow activities are just a short 20 miles from Carson Valley, Nevada. This is one of the few areas in the world where you can enjoy a 1/2 day of skiing, then head down to the base of the Sierra Nevada into the Carson Valley to put in a round of golf at one of the areas 4 year-round golf courses, or explore one of the valley’s scenic hiking trails on foot, bike or horseback.
• Topaz Lake Park offers 90 acres on the shores of Topaz Lake, a reservoir on the Nevada-California border only 20 miles south of Gardnerville. If tubing, water skiing and pleasure boating is your thing, set off with a group of friends for Topaz Lake. This location is ideal for anglers, hikers, water sports enthusiasts and is a well-kept secret among bird watchers. Aluminum motorized fishing boats for up to 4 people are available for rent from Topaz Landing boat rentals. Lake Topaz also offers lodging, camping and RV accommodations, a playground, as well as 24-hour dining, gaming and a full-service general store! Topaz Lake sunsets are incredible too!
Smith Valley/Wellington Information
Was it a dream, or was it Wellington?
Wellington is a scatter of mostly old, some quite antique structures along a mile or two of Nevada Route 208 at the southern end of Smith Valley. Reach it from Gardnerville or Topaz Lake on the west via Holbrook Junction. Or, it’s not quite an hour’s drive from Yerington on the northeast.
This comfortable little settlement dates back to the 1860s when this road was the main artery of commerce between Carson City and Aurora. Stagecoaches and freight wagons creaked through in an endless parade. By the late 19th century, Smith Valley had become highly productive farmland and Wellington transformed itself into an agricultural community rather than a way station serving highway travelers.
The beautiful green valley is stippled here and there with cottonwood trees, barns and farmhouses, there are chalky brown hills beyond, and the brilliant sky dappled with bright, silver-white clouds overhead.
If you arrive around lunchtime, head straight for the Wellington Mercantile. Norma, the proprietor of this shrine to small town general stores, not only presides over the shelves of groceries and dry goods – including the galvanized tubs and buckets hanging from the rafters – she serves a fabulous lunch. Everything here is home-made, including the apple pie (recipe available upon request).
After lunch walk (or drive) as far as suits you up the dirt road alongside the Mercantile building. It leads you on a pleasant tour of the meandering course of a road built for horsepower in its purest sense. If you walk you’ll be climbing gently as you go, so it’s downhill on the way back.
Once you’re back in town your destination is the CG Cafe across the street from the Mercantile for refreshment after your stroll.
The Heyday Inn, down the road about a mile, occupies what was originally Pierce Station, a competitor to Wellington Station. It was also operated with a dance hall upstairs, and served temporarily as both a schoolhouse and a post office. In 1945 it was transformed into the Heyday Ranch Inn, and the present owners opened the completely remodeled the building. Delightful dinner, with cocktails available from the bar.
Wellington offers two B&Bs. One, the 1875 Hoye Mansion, is alongside the Wellington Mercantile with five magnificently furnished upstairs roomsThe other, Dr. Mary’s house is a few miles out of Wellington, almost to Smith. It’s formally called the Smith Valley B&B, but it’s best-known as the home and office of Dr. Mary Fulstone. For 65 years Dr. Mary practiced medicine in the office off the dining room. She delivered thousands of babies over those years. The house isspacious and pleasant, with lawns and flowers outside, as well as the old farm buildings- slaughterhouse included-to explore.
There are also two RV parks, the Wellington Station Resort at the west edge of town, and the out of the way but quite cosmopolitan Walker River Resort on the way to Smith.
Click below for some great informational links regarding the beautiful Smith Valley/Wellington area.
Golf Course Home
1569 Putter Court
Offered at $357,500
2110 sq. ft
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage
Tee it up! Great Golf Course home situated on a .9 acre cul de sac lot overlooking the 12th Fairway. Updated kitchen has double ovens, granite counters, pine cabinetry and skylight providing awesome daytime light. Recently updated furnace, roof, windows,garage door and travertine flooring. A sunken formal Living Room has views of the fairway and a cozy gas log stove. The separate Family Room with built-in cabinetry can easily double as alternate Dining Room or Office area. RV parking and dog run.
The Master Bedroom accommodates large furniture and its bathroom features a double shower. 2 Guest bedrooms are a small step-down as well as the bonus room niche. It is located off the main entry and provides a space for a small office/reading room. The huge back and side yard has room to store your Boat/RV and all your toys plus a pad and wiring for spa.
Pleasantview Beauty
992 Pleasantview Gardnerville, NV
Offered at $429,000
2444 sq. ft 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 3 Car Garage
Beauty in Pleasantview! This immaculate home has it all with formal living and dining, a family room, 3 car garage plus RV parking and a low maintenance stucco exterior. The well designed floorplan has a comfortable circular flow through all of the living areas and split bedroom plan offers a guest room wing that can be fully closed off for privacy. Featuring high ceilings, fresh white cabinetry in baths and laundry,laminate flooring,this home is flooded with natural light in all rooms. An exceptional home!
The Master Bedroom is spacious; features a dramatic pyramid vaulted ceiling with fan and built in desk nook. It’s bathroom with double sinks features a deep soaking tub and separate shower. The Kitchen has been recently updated with refaced hand-rubbed antique finish cabinets with pull out shelves and stainless appliances including 5 burner Kitchen Aid cooktop. A breakfast bar and large kitchen nook provide casual dining areas. Formal Living Room has a dramatic arched entry and paned glass windows viewing to the backyard. A Formal Dining Room with tray ceiling has ample space for a large table. The Family Room has convenient access to the kitchen, ceiling fan and granite hearthed gas log fireplace for that cozy ambiance. The second guest bedroom has built in shelving making it a great office space if preferred. A large laundry room and half bath is located off the garage which is fully finished and has storage cabinets. The backyard patio offers covered and uncovered sitting areas , 220 outlet, raised garden bed on the drip system and huge 52 foot RV parking area with clean-out and handy storage shed. Central A/C and Mohawk Premium laminate flooring.
