Seniors Check Out Carson City

Seniors, do you know what the capital of Nevada is? It’s Carson City, with a population of just over  55,000 at the 2010 census. Carson City is about 30 miles south of Reno and originated as a stopover for California bound emigrants, but developed into a city with the Comstock Lode, a silver strike in the mountains to the northeast.

Let’s see what draws senior visitors to the area. Carson City is named for the famous frontiersman and scout Christopher “Kit” Carson. During his 1843-1844 expedition, John C. Fremont had named Carson City’s nearby river for Kit Carson, Fremont’s scout. Lake Tahoe is right next to Carson City and the area brings in throngs of tourists. Virginia City (15 miles northeast) — makes for an easy day trip on board the Silver Line Express RR.

What Can Seniors See and Do in Carson City?

Casinos, yes. The casinos in Carson City are vastly different from the mega resorts you find on the Las Vegas Strip. They are smaller, more “Mom and Pop” type places. All of them cater more to the locals than to tourists. Although there’s no need to worry…they’ll take your money just as easily as a Carsonite’s.

Like much of the frontier West, Carson City was a rough and tumble area when settlement started in the mid-1800s. Gaming and saloons were the norm, but while other states began to prohibit gaming, Nevada embraced it for its potential economic boon to the area. Today, gaming is a much more civilized affair. While it doesn’t have the size or reputation of Reno, Carson City does provides interest and enjoyment to senior visitors by virtue of its frontier architecture and historical attractions.

TripAdvisor lists 25 exciting things for senior travelers to see and do in Carson City that includes Skunk Harbor, hang gliding, the Nevada State RR Museum and a host of others. Carson City may be its own best attraction and a leisurely walk through its historic neighborhoods is the best way to get acquainted with this pleasant city at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Constructed in 1870, the Nevada State Capitol has a long and storied history including being the 2nd oldest capitol building west of the Mississippi River.

Considered a town that is dominated by its spectacular setting, Carson City maintains the charm of its 1860s gold and silver town roots. This is a town that was made to be explored and enjoyed by foot. Senior visitors will learn about the Nevada Territory, the Comstock Silver Lode, the Virginia & Truckee RR and the US Mint.  A big silver bed could be tens of meters wide and more than a kilometer long (worth $27,000 a ton in 1860′s dollars). And if you did not know this already, the nickname for Nevada is The Silver State, dating from the Nevada silver rush days of the mid 1800′s. I hope you enjoy this historic town. jeb