Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The One-Stop Shop

Whether it’s outdoor winter recreation, history lessons, or casino gaming, Carson City has just about anything under the Nevada sun for event planners

By Amanda Christensen

The capital of Nevada, Carson City, is just south of Reno along the California-
Nevada border near Lake Tahoe, which reaches into both states. Boasting outdoor recreation year-round, memorable culinary outlets, museums, and gaming opportunities, the city has much to offer Californian planners looking to host an out-of-state event without traveling too far from home. Autumn temperatures remain comfortable in this western Nevada hub, while winter drops off into the 40s on average.

Nevada State Capitol || Courtesy of Visit Carson City

Vibe: “Whether it’s exploring the stunning Sierra Nevada or diving into the rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone—and for every type of visit,” says David Peterson, executive director at Visit Carson City. The city was designated the capital the same year that Nevada obtained statehood in 1864—pointing to a vibrant history worth exploring for attendees.

Transportation: Reno-Tahoe International Airport serves Carson City. The airport offers more than 100 daily flights and nonstop service from 20 destinations around the U.S. and Mexico. It is then about a 40-minute drive to downtown from the airport via Interstate 580.

Hotels: Peterson mentions several hotels in the area that cater to groups and meetings. The Plaza Hotel and Event Center offers overnight accommodations and meeting space for up to 300 attendees. For those who want to try their luck, Gold Dust West Carson City features a casino with slot machines, table games, and more, in addition to guest rooms and nearly 4,000 square feet of meeting space. Other properties to consider include Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City, Staybridge Suites Carson City-Tahoe Area, Courtyard by Marriott Carson City, and The Federal Hotel Downtown Carson City, Ascend Hotel Collection.

Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum in Carson City || Courtesy of Visit Carson City

Venues: Planners can take attendees beyond the boardroom by gathering at one of Carson City’s notable offbeat event venues. The Brewery Arts Center features a grand ballroom and performance hall with space for 100 and 244 attendees respectively. “The hall provides audiences in Carson City the ability to enjoy various artistic and musical productions in an elegant fusion of historic and modern architecture,” Peterson notes. The Nashville Social Club’s Swan Room can host more than 200 people, and other options include the Bob Boldrick Theater and Silver Oak Golf Course.

Restaurants: “We have incredible food options here in Carson City.” says Peterson. He notes that Red’s 395 Grill, Bank Saloon, Nashville Social Club, Great Basin Brewing Co., San Marcos Grill, and Fox Brewery and Pub all lend well to hosting larger groups on-site. He also adds that for planners looking into local catering options, Bella Vista Bistro, LA Bakery, and Carson City BBQ are top options.

Must-Sees and -Dos: To get a Carson City history lesson, Peterson recommends a visit to the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum or a hike along the 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail; the latter runs through the city’s historic district and features stops at landmarks like Victorian homes, museums, and churches. Get outside in winter via skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even a hot springs swim at Carson City Hot Springs Resort.

visitcarsoncity.com

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