There’s nothing we love more than discovering cities and towns that intrigue and inspire us. Last year we spent two nights in Carson Valley, Nevada with our pup Sally (you can read more about it here), and we couldn’t get enough. We decided we needed to return to Carson Valley at least one more time before the baby comes, and we’re SO glad we did. It’s the kind of place that feels remote, but is surprisingly easy to get to. It’s 20 minutes from Tahoe (SO close to the slopes!), 45 minutes from Reno, and Carson City is an easy 15 minutes away. Yet Carson Valley feels refreshingly off-the-map… and that’s exactly why we like it.
Here’s what we did this time around, and what we think you should do too (especially if you only have 48 hours to spare).
AFTERNOON
Check into the Carson Valley Inn :: Located in the heart of Minden, The Carson Valley Inn and Casino is the perfect home base for all of your Carson Valley adventures. They have everything - from spacious rooms, to nightly entertainment, a luxe indoor pool and spa, restaurants, and of course… a state of the art casino! Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring and enjoying the facilities, and why not try your hand at blackjack?
We always love a good pool!
Strolling around the Carson Valley Inn
EVENING
Dinner at Khristopher’s Cafe :: This cozy Italian eatery is a favorite among Carson Valley locals, and with one bite of their homemade spaghetti, it’s easy to see why! Khristopher’s Cafe has a menu that is extensive and delectably hearty, with daily specials and a killer happy hour that’s not to be missed! (Save room for tiramisu!)
Kristopher’s Cafe sits in beautiful downtown Minden!
MORNING
Early Morning Coffee at DST Coffee :: Pop into one of our favorite coffee shops in the valley, DST Coffee, for an early morning oat milk latte or a refreshing cold brew… and if you’re hungry, try one of their delicious breakfast burritos!
Birding with JT Humphrey :: Ask anyone in Carson Valley if they’ve heard the name JT Humphrey, and chances are they have. This guy is a local legend when it comes to spotting, photographing, and protecting the wildlife in the area. He’s a horse whisperer and an expert bald eagle spotter - so spending a morning with him is an absolute must! JT took us on a quest to see bald eagles, golden eagles, barn owls, blue herons, numerous kinds of hawks, and many, many others. On our last trip to Carson Valley, we spent a morning viewing wild horses (read about it here). JT knows wildlife! You can contact JT here to arrange a tour!
JT helping us find the owls :)
Found one!
AFTERNOON
Lunch at Cafe Girasole :: Open only for lunch, Cafe Girasole is the place to go for handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, and more. Their menu is loaded with fresh and healthy options, including the infamous “Iron Mike”! It’s a protein-rich veggie sandwich that features a surprising twist… peanut butter! And it’s REALLY GOOD.
Tour the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic park :: One of the most influential and iconic families in Carson Valley’s history was the Dangberg’s. Arriving in the 1850s, the family was not only crucial in growing the ranching and agriculture business in Carson Valley, but they also founded the town of Minden! Touring the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is like walking through a time capsule, with many personal belongings and items that have been passed down generation after generation! To learn more and schedule a tour, visit here.
There’s peanut butter in there. And it’s delicious!
Time for a tour of Dangberg Ranch!
We loved all the details!
Fascinated by this 19th century passport!
EVENING
Cooking class at Sierra Chef :: Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a culinary adventure that you won’t soon forget - the cooking classes at Genoa’s Sierra Chef are a must-do! We suggest calling ahead of time and arranging a private class, where you can learn how to make anything from Asian stir-fry dishes to homemade pasta! (We highly recommend pasta-making, it was phenomenal!) See the 2020 class calendar here.
Late Night Dip at Walley’s Hot Springs Resort :: After your cooking lesson, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful evening at the nearby Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. These historic hot springs are not only soothing and healing, but they boast some incredible mountain views as well. There’s also eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, locker rooms, and a pool for guests enjoyment as well!
Pasta making time!
Final product was DELISH!
After pasta making, a hot spring soak is ideal…
MORNING
Breakfast at Cowboy’s Cafe :: If you’ve ever wondered what a cowboy eats for breakfast, come to Cowboy’s Cafe and see for yourself! Known for their hearty chicken fried steak and finger-lickin’ biscuits and gravy, this is the kind of place where diets go out the window. And for good reason - it’s all delicious! (And you might need a nap after!)
Bently Distillery Tour :: Gin, vodka, and whiskey lovers, this is the place for you! We’re such big fans of Carson Valley’s Bently Distillery that we dedicated an entire blog to it (read more here), but regardless, their one-hour distillery tour is fantastic. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their stills, bottling line, and barreling room - and you’ll even get to sample their premium spirits in their stunning new tasting room! Tours run Thursday-Sunday, and you can sign up for them here.
Of course Bobby got the Chicken Fried Steak and gravy…
Fascinating distillery tour! Can’t wait for the whisky!
AFTERNOON
Lunch at Cook’d :: After your tour, head on over to Cook’d for lunch, where they serve everything from tacos to burgers to mouth watering pizzas! Their menu is fresh and made to order, and we love the fun and casual atmosphere. Order a “Frozen Tumbleweed” for a real Cook’d treat!
Antique shopping :: Maybe it’s Carson Valley’s rich history, or maybe it’s their creative and eclectic residents, but whatever the reason, the antiquing here is next level. There are countless shops filled with vintage collectables, furniture, and decor, but two of our favorites are Cheshire Antiques and Red Barn Antiques. One can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing and exploring these two spots… and that’s exactly what we think you should do!
No caption necessary
We love doing a little antique treasure hunting…
EVENING
Dinner at CV Steak :: What better way to end your trip than with a fancy steak dinner at CV Steak, Carson Valley Inn’s stunning steakhouse? From their signature table-side tossed salad, to their famous au gratin style potatoes, to their tantalizing steaks and chops… it’s undoubtedly one of the best meals in the valley. We’re drooling just thinking about it!
Did we miss any of your Carson Valley favorites? Leave a comment and let us know!