Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about A Local’s Guide to Virginia City’s Hidden Gems.
A short 30-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the Unites States – Virginia City, Nevada.
Come experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train.
Everyone is a local in Virginia City, Nevada. This modern bonanza prides itself on being a place where residents, regulars and first-time visitors from all over the world feel welcome and at home.
During the 19th century boomtown years, Virginia City was the most industrious city west of Denver where prospectors from far and near risked it all in hopes of striking it rich on the Comstock Lode.
Today, Virginia City maintains its roots of being a melting pot destination and maintains a friendly vibe.
This autumn, visitors are welcomed to enjoy Virginia City like a local by visiting these hidden gem attractions, restaurants, saloons and hotels that are off the historic town’s main drag, C Street.
A Local’s Guide to Virginia City’s Hidden Gems
Gallery of the West
Located at the corner of Silver Street and B Street, Gallery of the West is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of the American West through traditional and contemporary fine, original art.
Featuring local and regional artists in painting, sculpture and graphics, a visit to this gallery will not of disappoint.
Piper’s Opera House
Piper’s Opera House was once one of the most significant theaters on the West Coast. Today, the restored historical opera house maintains its roots of a performing arts center, offering a variety of events for all ages.
From bingo night to murder mystery productions; country dancing to cocktail mixology classes, there’s an event for everyone.
The Cider Factory
The Cider Factory is a quaint and rustic eatery situated in the historic Edith Palmer’s Country Inn, boasting 19th century charm with a cozy outdoor patio.
The Cider Factory serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Locals and visitors alike come to the Cider Factory for a quiet meal, drinks and great conversation.
Old Corner Bar
The Old Corner Bar is one of very few off C Street saloons and is conveniently attached to Piper’s Opera House.
The Old Corner Bar is a great place to wet your whistle after enjoying an evening theater performance or to get away from the hustle of C Street. ‘Out front of the Old Corner Bar’ is a great summer hangout with good friends and great drinks.
Cobb Mansion Bed & Breakfast
When it’s time to wind down and stay a spell, visitors are invited to enjoy the quiet and elegant Cobb Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
The restored 1876 Victorian Italianate mansion is furnished with period antiques, has six rooms with private baths and a complimentary gourmet breakfast.
Visitors can find a special welcome to Virginia City each third Thursday of the month (from Spring to the end of Summer) for “Everyone is a Local at Night“. The monthly event welcomes guests near and far to experience Virginia City’s magical after-hours where participating businesses stay open late and share the best of their authentic old-west hospitality.
Other attractions that you might want to take in while you are in Virginia City include
Ride the Most Famous American Short Line Railroad in an Open Car
Known as Queen of the Short Lines, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad was entrusted with the transport of U.S. Presidents and dignitaries in its ornate trains, as well as hauling millions of dollars worth of silver and gold from the Comstock mines. Today, 80 years after the last train left the Comstock, visitors can once again ride this historic railroad. The V&T Railroad is open Friday through Sunday offering seven 35-minute historic rides from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back. To purchase tickets, visit online.
See the Magic of an Operational Gold Mill with Outlaw Dave
Caretaker of the Comstock Gold Mill, Outlaw Dave, is a real-life mining historian eager to reveal the magic of Nevada’s last fully-operational stamp mill. Outlaw Dave offers tours Friday through Sunday providing an up-close experience to how gold was processed from ore to recovery. The sheer magnitude and sound of the operational two stamp mill instantly transports visitors to the boomtown days. For more information, visit online or call 775-636-1398.
Tour the Mackay Mansion, One of Virginia City’s Few Remaining Original Structures
The Mackay Mansion, a real Victorian-era mansion built in 1859 by the Hearst family, hosts small private tours. Guests are welcomed to see the mansion’s original furnishings, peruse the vintage Tiffany silver, listen to historical anecdotes and stroll the gorgeous grounds with a 100-mile view.
Many people claim to have experienced paranormal activity at the property. For example, a young girl is believed to be roaming around the third floor of the Mackay Mansion and is usually found in her favorite room with the rocking horse. Johnny Depp while filming one of his earlier movies Dead Man stayed on the third floor in Mackay’s bedroom and claims to have seen her running about the third floor during his stay. For more information, have a look here
Test Your Skills in an Escape Room
And finally, Virginia City is home to a new kind of adventure, where your smarts are put to the test as you race against the clock to unlock the mystery. The Virginia City Escape Room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., by request or walk-in, and offers visitors a chance to learn a little Virginia City history while having loads of fun. To book your adventure, visit their website
Virginia City adventures are best kicked off at the Visitors Center where guests can learn about up-to-date attraction hours and operation, ask questions and get their Comstock Adventure Pass, offering museum and attraction passes at a discount and catered to each visitor’s interest. For more information on planning an adventure in Virginia City, please visit VirginiaCityNV.com.
For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.
Have a look below for a selection of places to stay in the area.
Booking.comI hope you enjoyed this feature about Virginia City’s Hidden Gems, and how to experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s, and you can also have a look here for more of our travel guides.
Information and images courtesy of Virginia City Tourism commission.
September 8, 2021 at 7:23 amThis is such an amazing place to explore…thanks for sharing dear 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
September 8, 2021 at 11:59 amSo glad you enjoyed the feature 🙂
September 7, 2021 at 12:21 amWow so many things to do there and I had no idea! This place has so much character and lots of fun places to see and things to do. Thank you for sharing!
xoxo,
Christine
https://dailykongfidence.com/
September 8, 2021 at 11:52 amGlad you enjoyed the article, Christine. There is certainly lots to do there! xoxo
September 6, 2021 at 3:08 amSuch cool places to visit! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
September 6, 2021 at 12:48 pmGlad you liked the feature, Lovely xoxo
September 5, 2021 at 4:08 amIt sounds like there are lots of quaint activities in Virgina city! I’d love to check out the cider factory x
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
September 6, 2021 at 12:37 pmYes, the cider factory is a favourite x
September 5, 2021 at 3:49 amIt looks like there are so many interesting things to see there! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂 We had a quiet day yesterday as we had a big day at the zoo on Friday – we got to feed a giraffe!
September 6, 2021 at 12:30 pmIt sounds like you had a really fun day at the zoo! Glad you liked the feature x
September 4, 2021 at 3:08 amSuch a cool old place! I was there about 20 years ago.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
September 6, 2021 at 12:28 pmI hope you had fun there! I doubt it’s changed very much! x
September 4, 2021 at 2:08 amOf all the times I’ve been to Tahoe, I’ve never visited this spot! I now want to add it to my list of places to see!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
September 6, 2021 at 12:24 pmIt takes about an hour to get to Virginia City from Tahoe, so definitely worth adding it on to your next trip to Tahoe x
September 3, 2021 at 11:43 pmI just love these old towns. We have quite a few here in AZ too!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
September 6, 2021 at 12:21 pmOh, I’ll have to check out the AZ ones too! xoxo
September 3, 2021 at 10:21 pmOh wow this is so awesome like going back in time! I would love to visit here one day. Maybe when my Parisian family comes to visit!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
September 6, 2021 at 12:19 pmThanks Allie! It would be a great place to take your Parisian family to, as it’s so different to anything we have here! xo
September 3, 2021 at 1:37 pmNice look at Virginia City Nevada.
September 6, 2021 at 12:17 pmThanks Christine x
September 3, 2021 at 12:33 pmSome really gorgeous photos! The Cobb Mansion looks really impressive.
September 6, 2021 at 12:14 pmThanks Angie! It’s always good to have a nice place so stay! xo
September 3, 2021 at 12:30 pmI need to add this town to our list of American cities! Love the all the fun things to do.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
September 6, 2021 at 12:13 pmThanks Kathrine! There’s definitely plenty of fun things to do!