Here's my rural area spots:
Ely
For rooms it's Hotel Nevada (
http://hotelnevada.com/) an older place the
rooms are reasonable and clean. Across the street is The JailHouse some newer
rooms reasonable though slightly higher. Both have coffee shops that serve
decent food. Both are easy walking distance from the ranches.
While there try the steam train rides on the Northern Nevada Railway
(
http://nevadanorthernrailway.net/). There are two different routes and on
some dates you can do both. Nice point is on most they tell the history and
indicate the points of interest during the ride. One special trip called the
wine train in the evenings has reserved seating at tables with linen table
cloths, candle light, buffet (last I rode it), soft music (no narration), and
your choice of wine/soft drinks. There are other special trains so check the
site. Also the tour of the rail repair shops is interesting to see how the
trains are services/rebuilt.
Also look into the White Pine museum for area history. There is a public area
for digging/finding garnets.
There is a side trip to Great Basin National Park about an hour to the east,
or a wildlife viewing area south of town that has picnic tables and rest
rooms. At GBNP you'll be able to tour a cave, hike, or camp. It the outdoors
has interest there are other places such as Cave Lake.
Elko
Shooter hit on a some but forgot the museum out by the park, for those
interested to know how they extract the gold there is a display along with
many others.
Wells
Rooms I've stayed in both Motel 6 and Rest Inn, they are located by each other
and within walking distance of the 4-Way Casino/truck stop and Bella's eating
place.
Carson City
Try the state Railroad Museum for a break and there are some train rides (by
what I've been told or indicated). Some of the rolling stock has been in
movies. For some info
http://www.nsrm-friends.org/ basic data on schedule.
Possible adventures
For those city folk with courage try the Hwy 50 trip from either Reno or CC to
Ely. Be sure and get your survival package and collect the stamps along the
journey. Once mailed back to the state tourism you'll receive a survivor's
award. Make a loop of it Reno/CC to Ely then venture to Wells returning back
using I-80. Be careful and watch for various wildlife along the trip such as
deer, elk, coyotes, wild horses, and many other plants and animals. I like
this kind of trip unrushed relaxed and adventure around every turn as you
don't know what next will be seen.
