Visiting Northern Nevada

What Happens in Las Vegas, Stays in Las Vegas, but not the rest of Nevada. Beyond the shadows of Las Vegas there is no shortage of excitement and interesting activities. From the Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally in Winnemucca to the Mesquite Amateur Golf Championship there are events for all interests.

Highway 50 splits the state, called the loneliest road in America, it follows the path of the historic Pony Express. North out of Las Vegas, travelers pass the mysterious Area 51, Death Valley National Park and Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada. A big state brimming with places to go and things to see.

Winnemucca hosts the 2010 Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally over Memorial Day weekend. The ninth year will feature the must see Burning Bike late Saturday night. Events include a Poker run, bike show and games, a tattoo contest. The weekend has a full schedule of live music and performers making for a full weekend of fun and entertainment. Best Western Hotels are motorcycle friendly, check for promotions at locations along your route.

Tonopah, once the queen of Nevada's silver mining towns, celebrates Jim Butler Days over the Memorial Day weekend. Butler was the Nevada rancher who by chance discovered silver in the area which sparked the beginning of a boom town. The Jim Butler Days celebration schedule is full of events and activities to keep anyone entertained. The festival is complete with a pancake breakfast, parade, arts and crafts fair, dancing and live music. The Tonopah Mining Park is free during Jim Butler Days and will hold preliminary mining competitions over the weekend. The Tonopah Speedway also gets into the action with the CNRA dirt track races. Pack up the Family, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome summer by participating in a unique runners relay event in Nevada's northwestern region. The 6th annual Reno-Tahoe Odyssey is scheduled June 4-5. Unlike most running events, the Odyssey is a 178 mile relay. Still standing? An amazing challenge where teams accomplish what seems nearly impossible. An opportunity to join with friends and family to meet an extraordinary challenge and enjoy a fun time. Your stories will be fondly recounted for years to come.

The Reno Rodeo is on tap for the last weeks in June. Billed as the 'wildest, richest rodeo in the West' it is the time to see a rodeo. It is a sanctioned event and you will see the best in professional rodeo competition. Bring the kids for the special Kid's Rodeo event and mutton bustin' competitions. Local events heighten the weekend activities, sponsoring a golf tournament, street mural painting, a parade and carnival. You will see the steer decorating competition among businesses downtown as most everyone joins in the cowboy spirit. Bring the family to the rodeo and enjoy some of the many events in the area while you are in town.

Carson Valley, south of Reno, is home to smaller towns like Gardenerville, Minden, and Carson City. The area celebrates Carson Valley Days the second weekend in June. A fun filled three day weekend of activities and events for everyone in the family. For the active, enter the Carson Valley Day's Walk, Jog or Run and the arm wrestling competition. You decide if the greased pole is an athletic event. Kids will love the wheelbarrow race, water balloon toss, tug-o-war and 3-legged race. Enjoy the parade, craft show and live music.

Best Western Hotels across Nevada are located where you want to go. Whether your trip is a weekend get away or a long vacation, Best Western Hotels are convenient and affordable – a terrific combination.