Old West history comes alive in Carson City

CARSON CITY, Nev. — An event-filled lineup of Old West history, live music, cultural festivals, vintage train rides aboard the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, car shows and a traditional Native American Pow Wow are on tap this summer in Carson City.

In 2012, away.com — one of the nation’s premier vacation-planning Websites — named Carson City as the country’s No. 3 family destination. Nevada’s capital city offers family friendly and affordable adventures that blend its western heritage and charm with popular current events.

Railroad rides

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad’s 2012 season continues with round-trip and one-way excursions along the historic 14-mile Comstock route that meanders along scenic vistas.

Train enthusiasts can expect all the Old West sights and sounds with these rides including passage through two tunnels, crossings at abandoned mine shafts from the 1860s Comstock silver boom, old cemeteries and occasional sightings of Nevada’s wild mustangs. The V&T trains run Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 21.

AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference

From Thursday, July 26 to Sunday, July 29, women riders will have a weekend of their own in Carson City at this premiere event, featuring inspirational speakers, demo rides and product showcases, for women who love motorcycles. For more information visit americanmotorcyclist.com or call 1-800-262-5646.

Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic Car Show

From Friday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 5 at Mills Park, check out the chrome and roar of engines of all makes, models and years at this weekend filled with plenty of food, music and awards. For more information call 775-687-7410 or 800-638-2321.

Jazz and Beyond: Carson City Music Festival

On Saturday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 19, the summer sizzles with live jazz, swing and blues performances by regional and international artists at eclectic local venues. For more information visit JazzCarsonCity.com or or call 775-883-4154.

Carson City Mint Coin Show

On the weekend of Aug. 24-25, with the price of rare-struck coins continuing to surge, this event hosted at the Nevada State Museum, is a favorite for collectors worldwide featuring 30 dealers, free appraisals, prizes, jazz, gold panning and a kid’s treasure chest. See Coin Press No. 1, Carson City’s original working press, in operation and get a commemorative medallion.

For more information call 775-687-4810, Ext. 237.

Golf the Divine 9 Courses all Summer Long

The Divine 9 — nine courses that represent the best golf between Lake Tahoe and Reno, provide a variety of challenges and easy-on-the-wallet green fees and lodging packages for visitors. With more than 70,000 yards of spectacular golf terrain, the courses have earned a reputation as being affordable, challenging and rewarding among enthusiasts worldwide. To enjoy each course, The Divine 9 offers its “Ticket to Paradise” to golf all nine properties.

For more information visit DivineNine.com.

For the latest in summer travel deals, lodging, activity information and further details on the destination, check out VisitCarsonCity.com or call 1-800-nevada-1.