There are so many different things that people in Nevada are constantly having to explain to visitors. If you're a Nevada resident, the list below probably sounds familiar. And if you're currently planning to visit Nevada for the very first time, this list will definitely help prepare you for your trip. So, let's take a look at 16 things that people in Nevada are always having to explain to visitors.
1. If you're planning to spend time in Nevada, you'll need to pronounce it correctly.
It's pronounced "Nev-ADD-ah" not "Nev-AH-Dah." Once you learn this, you'll fit right in!
2. Las Vegas is NOT the capital of Nevada.
The capital is Carson City. Most people believe Las Vegas is the state's capital because it's the most populated city, but that's not the case.
3. Despite what you've heard, you probably won't be abducted by aliens.
Many people believe aliens are being kept in Area 51. If you're interested in visiting Area 51 to see if all this alien talk is true, don't expect to get close to the area. It's actually protected by security guards. Photography is also prohibited.
4. People actually do live in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is home to more than 500,000 residents.
5. Luxor isn't the only pyramid in Nevada.
Nevada is also home to Pyramid Lake, which is the geographic sink of the Truckee River Basin, located approximately 40 miles outside of Reno.
6. Gambling is available in many other places than casinos.
That's right! Slot machines can be found in other places throughout Nevada such as restaurants, airports, and convenient stores.
7. There's so much more to Nevada than Las Vegas.
Nevada has many beautiful state parks, lakes, canyons, and wildlife refuges.
8. Yes, it can get quite hot here in Nevada.
What we have here is dry heat. So, even if our temperatures are high, they might actually feel better than the humidity you're used to. Don't forget to stay hydrated while visiting Nevada.
9. Despite the normal high temperatures, it does snow in Nevada.
As a matter of fact, Nevada means "snow covered" in Spanish.
10. Most of the places in Nevada are haunted.
The Mizpah Hotel, Goldfield Hotel, Tonopah Cemetery, Mackay Mansion, Hoover Dam, and several abandoned mines throughout Nevada are examples of how haunted this state really is.
11. Prostitution is NOT legal in Las Vegas.
Everyone seems to think prostitution is legal throughout the entire state of Nevada, but it's not. You won't find any active brothels in Las Vegas. Prostitution is actually illegal in all of Clark County.
12. Nevada is a lot less flat than you probably think it is.
As a matter of fact, Nevada is the most mountainous state in the U.S.
13. Gambling wasn't the first way people struck it rich in Nevada.
In 1849, gold was discovered in a stream near Dayton. Then in 1859, the discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode took place. So, the way people first struck it rich in Nevada was due to the success of the mining industry.
14. Reno and Las Vegas are NOT close together.
People seem to believe Reno and Las Vegas are neighbor cities, when in fact they're almost 7 hours apart from each other.
15. Reno 911 is NOT real.
Only a few scenes were actually filmed in Nevada, with the majority of the scenes filmed in California.
16. Stay off the Las Vegas strip if you're easily offended.
On the Las Vegas strip, you'll see people gambling, you'll see drunk people all hours of the day, and you'll also see provocative billboards. If these types of things offend you, you should definitely stay off the strip.
What are some other things you're constantly having to explain to visitors? Let me know in the comments below!
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