Established in 1913, Pioneer Saloon is known for its delectable barbecue menu which is followed by an impressive beverage list. Though the main historic hotel building was lost in a fire, this restaurant has many tales to tell. From a game of cards gone wrong to numerous spooky sightings, the place is replete with fascinating stories, which you can explore through the bullet holes on its walls, various paper clippings, and other remnants of its past. The restaurant has maintained its rustic ambiance with bricked walls and original brass footrail. Offering fresh, juicy burgers, hearty breakfasts, decadent desserts and refreshing drinks, Pioneer Saloon is one place in Goodsprings that is sure to give you a good time.
The initial inhabitants of St. Thomas were Mormons; they settled here assuming that the town was a part of Utah. However, a land survey in 1871 placed St. Thomas as a part of Nevada, thus subjecting the Mormons to accumulated taxes which they couldn't pay. After the Mormons abandoned the town, St. Thomas saw the construction of the Hoover Dam across the Colorado River, the dam gave birth to Lake Mead. The portions of the town that survived were completely swallowed by the rising waters of Lake Mead. Today, the lake is drying up revealing the remains of the ghost town.
Spanning over 400 acres (161.8 hectares) of Nevada's landscape, the Lunar Crater is a shallow crater formed due to volcanic impact. Acknowledged as part of the Pancake Range, the crater can be reached by an unpaved dirt road which runs for several miles; so be sure to stock up on the gas before coming. It is a bit of a hike and is an amazing place for a little adventurous workout.
Occupying about 1,115 acres (451 hectares), the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park preserves and protects the ghost town of Berlin located deep within its recesses. The park is draped over the western slope of the Shoshone mountain range in Nevada, and the wild land features a number of decrepit buildings and houses which are the last vestiges of the town still standing. These, and the signs slung across the perimeter, allow visitors to glean the history of Berlin. Apart from this, the area contains fossilized remains of the ancient and enigmatic Ichthyosaurs, a reptilian species. Visitors can embark on trails that wind through fossil shelters and also indulge in activities like picnicking and camping.
Rock and roll all night at KISS by Monster Mini Golf. This themed miniature golf extravaganza features the world-famous heavy metal band KISS, and like the band, aims to redefine the concept of entertainment. With a modern indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course and host of arcade games, it is fast gaining popularity among fun-seekers one and all. The core theme, the band Kiss is a part of its decor too. Apart from the golf course, it also features a cafe, special VIP rooms, function rooms, wedding chapel and many other attractions. Live music concerts, DJ sessions, theme nights and special events further add to the fun.
If you like bizarre, eerie and eccentric, then Coffin it Up will definitely intrigue you. Inspired by some European traditions, the owners of this coffin studio are passionate about their work. Artisan coffins, themed coffins, coffin jewelry and accessories are displayed all across its property. What's more? It has its own cemetery and wedding chapel.
During the late 19th Century, the land that is now Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park was an important site for western settlers. Many of these settlers were gold and silver miners or heading toward nearby railroad towns. The honeycomb-shaped ovens, the site is named after were for making coal, and they were functional between 1876-1879. After they stopped being used for coal, they served various purposes, including being a hideout for stagecoach robbers. Today the park has many trails, picnic and camping facilities, among others.
Having traveled around the world more than 40 times, Wilbur May amassed an astounding collection of artifacts. He was a philanthropist and left a marvelous legacy for generations to enjoy. His collection includes T'ang Dynasty pottery, primitive African treasures and Egyptian artifacts and a genuine shrunken head. The trophy room displays big game from around the world; the tack room is loaded with western memorabilia. The arboretum contains hundreds of plants native to the high desert.
Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel was a celebrity gangster who is believed to be one of the founding fathers of Sin City, Las Vegas. The gangster had invested tremendous amount of time, money into designing and building the Flamingo Hotel, the first of its kind in Las Vegas. After much fanfare, the hotel and casino opened in December of 1946 and shut down soon after a month, only to reopen in March of 1947, this time able to make a profit. But Bugsy could not live long to see the success of his venture and was soon shot and killed in Beverly Hills by an unknown assailant. Recognizing his contributions, the hotel has forever memorialized him in a simple stone pillar, bearing a plaque with his details that stands behind the resort’s flamingo habitat and waterfalls.
A part of the Historic Hotels of America, Mizpah Hotel dates back to 1907 and was once among the tallest buildings in the state. Oozing of vintage elegance, this desert beauty was the epitome of success during the golden mining days of Tonopah. It was restored to its glory in 2011 by its current owners. Ghost legends are a part of this place, but its the opulence that shines through amid the arid landscape. Elegant rooms, wonderful hospital, a historical past and gaming, make it a popular abode among locals and tourists alike.
Planet X Pottery situated off Highway 447 first opened its door to the public in 1969. This unique gallery features beautiful porcelain, stoneware and raku exhibits made by talented artists from across the world. Like what you see? You can take home with you the fine china works at Planet X Pottery without having to shell out too much. This gallery runs entirely on solar energy and has turned out to be a popular tourist destination over the years.
The only one of it's kind in the world, this is a national bowling stadium, and it's in Reno, Nevada. The place houses bowling lanes with scoreboards using the latest in technology. Weddings and meetings can be held here and many people choose to do so because of the uniqueness attached to the National Bowling Stadium. The bronze statue up front is a hit with the camera-happy families.