If you've recently moved to Nevada, or you've lived here your entire life, does that make you an "official" Nevadan? Not necessarily. However, by doing the 15 things listed below, you'll be well on your way.
1. Pronounce the state's name correctly.
2. Hike one of Nevada's incredible mountains.
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3. Spend a day on beautiful Lake Tahoe.
4. Explore one of Nevada's many ghost towns.
5. Visit Valley of Fire State Park - Nevada's oldest and largest state park.
6. Take a drive down the Extraterrestrial Highway or...
...the Loneliest Road in America.
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7. Enjoy a delicious Basque meal.
8. Explore Red Rock Canyon.
9. Attend Burning Man.
10. Visit Hoover Dam.
11. Celebrate Nevada Day.
12. Explore Nevada's Great Basin National Park and...
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...don't forget to visit Lehman Caves.
13. Join your friends for a night out on the town in Vegas.
14. Go tubing down the Truckee River.
15. Realize Nevada is the PERFECT place to call home!
Which of these 15 things have you done? What other things can be added to the list?
It's no secret that Nevada summers are pretty harsh. I mean, we are a desert after all. But what about winters? Well, you might want to think about avoiding Nevada during winter time too. In fact, if you decide to visit during the winter months you're bound to be disappointed. If you've been considering making a Nevada vacation before winter is officially over, you might want to reconsider. Check out these reasons why Nevada winters are actually the worst.
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1. Nevada is just downright ugly during winter.
Seriously. This landscape is a huge eyesore. You definitely wouldn't want to be surrounded by scenery like this.
2. There's nothing to do during winter.
You have to wait until spring or summer to explore our great outdoors. It's just not do-able during winter.
3. The weather is just awful.
You'll definitely want to stay indoors to escape the gross weather. There's nothing worse than a clear, sunny, 65-degree day.
4. You don't even have to wear a jacket!
Doesn't winter weather mean you have to bundle up in multiple coats and scarves to stay warm? Here in Nevada you don't even need a jacket. What are you going to do with all that time you saved by dressing in just pants and a t-shirt?
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5. There's way too much sunshine.
It's true. It's way too sunny in Nevada during winter. You'll have to get your fix of gloomy and cloudy days elsewhere.
6. There's no way to exercise.
It's a wonder how Nevadans are able to stay fit during winter because there is simply no way of keeping yourself in shape. Exercising in winter just doesn't feel right.
7. I hope you enjoy seeing wildlife because there's unfortunately a lot of it during winter.
You might've been hoping that all the wildlife was asleep for winter, but that's simply not the case. Sorry.
8. You can't have a "typical" winter experience here.
If you're looking for a quintessential winter, you're out of luck. You'll have to visit a state like Nebraska if you want to indulge in classic winter activities.
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9. It doesn't snow in the desert.
Therefore, it doesn't snow in Nevada. Ever. It's something Nevadans have just learned to live without.
What do you think? What would you add to this list? If you do decide to visit Nevada during winter, be sure to check out these 7 winter destinations in Nevada.
With the influx of new residents to Nevada each year, there are so many things longtime Nevadans wish they could tell newcomers. Here are 12 of the most common.
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1. October 31st isn't Halloween. It's Nevada Day commemorating the Silver State's statehood in 1864.
2. Nevada is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in the summer. Among hiking, rock climbing, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, and fishing, there are so many ways to get back to nature.
3. The same goes when the temperature drops in the north. From skiing to snowboarding to snowmobiling to many other winter activities, there is so much to do in the great Nevada outdoors.
4. Don't wear a cowboy hat unless you are a cowboy.
5. On the other hand, cowboy boots are perfectly acceptable any time.
6. Be careful when driving in Las Vegas. If it's raining, just don't. Between the slick roads and horrible drivers, you're better off staying inside. If you're up north, be prepared for blizzards and zero visibility.
7. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, Nevada is a truly haunted state with plenty of documented paranormal activity. Just smile and nod if you get into a philosophical discussion about whether ghosts exist. The same goes for aliens.
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8. While prostitution is, in fact, legal, it isn't legal everywhere. Even though there are 19 operating brothels, prostitution remains illegal in Clark County (including Las Vegas), Washoe County (which includes Reno), Douglas County, Lincoln County, and Carson City. So, if that's why you moved here, I'm sorry, and if you're worried about this vice, you needn't be.
9. Learn the proper pronunciation of various cities (and the state itself.) For example, Nevada's (pronounced Ne-VA-duh, not Ne-VAH-duh) oldest town, Genoa, is Ge-NO-ah, unlike Italy's namesake. With so many Native American and Spanish-influenced names, learn before you speak, and practice to avoid embarrassment or a stern correction from a long-time Nevadan.
10. You'd better love bowling (or at least learn to love it.) Reno is home to the Chaparro_E National Bowling Stadium. With 78 lanes and a seating capacity of over 1,000, this "Taj Mahal of Tenpins" is a source of pride for many Nevadans. This also explains why there are so many bowling alleys across the state.
11. Liquor is available 24/7 and public intoxication is legal. Just don't drink and drive and pace yourself.
12. Just accept it. With its lakes, mountains, deserts, unique rock formations, caves, neon-lit cities, ghost and old mining towns, and everything else the Silver State has to offer, Nevada is the most beautiful state in the U.S.
Do any of you longtime Nevadans have any other words of wisdom for newcomers I might have forgotten? Please share them below.