Nevadans certainly love their state and the wide variety of activities available and beautiful sites to behold. While Nevada does have a bad rap for certain things (gambling, anyone?) there are far too many positives about the Silver State that Nevadans want the rest of the world to know.

1. You're saying it wrong.

This great state is pronounced Nev-ADD-a not Nev-AH-da. Please don't mispronounce it because you will be corrected. Ad nauseum.

2. Of course aliens are real.

Nevada is home to Area 51, the most famous military installation that "doesn't exist." And let's not forget the myriad alien museums, diners, and other attractions demonstrating how much Nevadans love their extraterrestrials.

3. Nevada is a great place to get hitched.

There are nearly 100 wedding chapels throughout the state which led to Las Vegas being known as the Marriage Capital of the World. Obtaining a marriage license is easy and cheap. In fact, over 230 marriage licenses are issued in Nevada each day.

4. Prostitution is legal, but not everywhere.

While prostitution is legal in parts of the state, it is still illicit in Las Vegas and Clark County, Reno and Washoe County, and other more urban areas. Currently, there are 19 active and strictly regulated brothels in operation across the state.

5. Hoover Dam is beyond anything you've ever imagined.

Not unlike the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam is something that must be seen in person to be appreciated. When you do visit, take the tour. You won't be sorry.

6. Although called The Silver State, Nevada is just as famous for its gold production.

Numerous mines decorate the Nevada landscape, particularly in the northern part of the state in towns like Silver City and Virginia City. Gold is an integral part of the state's history and something of which Nevadans are proud. In fact, Nevada is the leading gold-producing state in the U.S. and only second in the world behind South Africa.

7. Nevada is home to some of the country's best skiing.

With numerous mountain ranges in the state, including the Sierra Nevadas, Nevada is a prime destination for skiers, snowboarders, and snow bunnies. From Lake Tahoe to Reno to Mount Charleston to Incline Village, skiers and snowboarders will have a blast.

8. Public intoxication is legal.

Nevada prohibits any laws that make public drunkenness illegal, and there is a statewide law that allows alcohol sales 24/7. However, if you choose to be drunk in public, you'd better not commit any crimes while doing so.

10. Nevadans are devoted to their sports teams.

Despite only recently obtaining a national professional team (Las Vegas Golden Knights, NHL, and possibly the Raiders, NFL), Nevadans are devoted to their college and minor league teams, especially the UNLV Running Rebels and the Nevada-Reno Wolf Pack.

10. Most Nevada residents don't gamble.

There is much more to this great state than gambling, all-you-can-eat buffets, and 24-hour entertainment. Even booming metropolises like Las Vegas and Reno are normal cities with normal people working, shopping, going to school, raising their families, playing sports, enjoying the outdoors, and everything else regular folks do.

11. But when they do gamble, they love it.

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, there are 334 casinos across the state and one slot machine for every eight Nevada residents. Holy cow!

12. Nevada isn't all dry desert.

Despite averaging less than ten inches of rain annually, Nevada has many bodies of water and shorelines for water fun. In addition to Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe, additional lakes and rivers provide much recreational opportunities including tubing, which is very popular.

There you have it. Nevada is much more than an arid gambling mecca with miles of sand. It is a state filled with (mostly) normal people with (mostly) normal hobbies and interests, natural beauty, and a rich history. So before you badmouth it, come and visit. You will undoubtedly change your mind once you see all this beautiful and historic state has to offer. Do you have any comments or experiences? Please share them below.