Six Must-See Sites Named State Treasures in Discover Your Nevada Contest

Photo: Lori Drew (Nevada Northern Railway in Ely)

Online voters have identified six standout sites as the 2013 Nevada Treasures in the Discover Your Nevada contest, Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Director Claudia Vecchio announced today.

Three of the six Nevada Treasures defended their 2012 title through active social and viral marketing outreach. This year’s winners are:

• Cowboy Country: The Star Hotel and Basque Restaurant in Elko, which also won in 2012
• Indian Territory: The Lost City Museum in Overton
• Las Vegas Territory: The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
• Nevada Silver Trails: Pahrump Valley Winery
• Pony Express Territory: Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, which also won in 2012
• Reno-Tahoe Territory: Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden, which also won in 2012

The contest, now in its second year, is administered by the Nevada Commission on Tourism and is designed to raise awareness of Nevada’s extraordinary assets among Silver State residents, ultimately driving travel within the state.

The 2013 contest comprised a four-week process whereby people nominated, then voted for their favorite Nevada Treasures in the state’s six tourism territories: Cowboy Country, Indian Territory, Las Vegas Territory, Nevada Silver Trails, Pony-Express Territory, and Reno-Tahoe Territory. Nominations began July 3, followed by two rounds of online voting. The final voting round closed at 5 p.m. on August 2.

Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

“Nevada has so many interesting towns, historical sites, and natural wonders. It truly is a place for discovery,” Vecchio says. “The winners represent urban and rural areas, showcasing the incredible offerings found throughout the state.”

The 2013 contest was conducted via Facebook, providing an enhanced opportunity for sharing recommendations and viral marketing by nominees. This platform allowed residents, business owners, and Nevada fans to rally behind their favorites via critical social networking channels.

For more information about the 2013 “Treasures” and traveling in Nevada, visit TravelNevada.com. Read about the 2012 Discover Your Nevada winners in this Nevada Magazine story.

Nevada's Sesquicentennial Celebration

Brian Krolicki and Brian Sandoval in Carson City.

Earlier today, Governor Brian Sandoval and Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki held a press conference after arriving by steam locomotive at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. The governors addressed the celebration of Nevada's sesquicentennial, the unveiling of the Nevada Commission on Tourism's 2013 Discover Your Nevada campaign, and some important news about Nevada's state museums.

Governor Sandoval announced that many of Nevada's museums are upgrading, and all will expand their hours and days of operation. In celebration of the expanded museum operations, all seven Nevada state museums are offering two free admission days.

The free admission days are scheduled for July 6 and 20 and feature special programs, new exhibits, and unique opportunities. The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City is offering half-price train fares. The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson city is celebrating Independence Day July 4-7 and offering special outdoor locomotive displays and a chance to ride on a train pulled by the Virginia & Truckee (V&T) locomotive No. 25.

As part of the Discover Your Nevada campaign, the Nevada Commission on Tourism announced that beginning today, July 3, people can vote for their favorite activity, experience, or event in the state. Whichever activity, experience, or event gets the most votes will receive a plaque, a mention in a future issue of Nevada Magazine, and much more. Details can be found at travelnevada.com/discover, and by clicking on the Discover Your Nevada graphic below.

With Nevada's quickly approaching sesquicentennial, the governors announced the launch of the Nevada 150 campaign. With 150 events planned during the sesquicentennial year, the Nevada 150 campaign plans to "promote the independent spirit of Nevada through education, tourism, and history."

In lieu of the sesquicentennial, Governor Sandoval signed a law which authorizes sale of a special Nevada 150 license plate, which will be available for purchase through the DMV starting late July. Revenues from the Nevada 150 license plates will support projects and events related to the year-long Nevada 150 celebration.