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Reno daytrips Part 2: Douglas County
 Topaz Lake is famous for trout
We'll now focus on Douglas County, about 35 miles south of Reno on U.S. Highway 395. While not one of Nevada's more famous counties, Douglas is actually incredibly diverse. The county includes the Carson Valley area, home to several smallish towns that still show signs of Nevada's Basque and Mormon settlers; Topaz Lake, a famous trout fishing site; and the Zephyr Cove and Stateline areas of Lake Tahoe. Those interested in Tahoe should point their browsers to our sister site over at www.LakeTahoe.net. Everyone else, read on.
Coming from Reno, you must pass through either Virginia City or Carson City to reach Douglas County (unless you go dramatically out of your way). If it's your first trip to the area, we recommend sticking to the main highway all the way there. It can be slow-going through Carson, but it will give you a real sense of going back in time from urban Reno to rustic Genoa and you'll also pass by a lot of state government landmarks. In any case, about 12 miles south of Carson, you'll see a turnoff for 160-year-old Genoa, arguably the oldest town in the state.
Genoa is small enough that you won't need directions. There is literally one main street and a handful of cross streets. Visit www.genoanevada.org to download a full tourist map.
 Mormon Station State Park is a popular spot for picnics
Mormon Station State Park at the center of town is the site of Nevada's first permanent non-native settlement. A replica of the original trading post built in 1851 houses a small museum with relics of pioneer days. Picnic and group facilities are available. The park is generally so quiet that employees can give you one-on-one history lectures, and it's not unusual to see deer or even bears wandering down the street. During annual programs such as "Pops in the Park" on July 4 or The Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Festival in Septermber, however, tens of thousands of people jam the area. The Genoa Courthouse Museum, Genoa Cemetery and Hanging Tree are all within walking distance. Also keep an eye out for the Genoa Bar and Saloon, the state's oldest drinking hole. It looks like something out of a John Wayne Movie.
Next stop, Minden, the county seat, and adjoining Gardnerville. In addition to various county buildings and paks, some of which are interesting artifacts of old-time Nevada, be sure to check out:
The CVIC (NOT "civic") Hall (1604 Esmeralda Ave.) includes a stage, kitchen, large open area, restrooms and two meeting rooms in the old building. Various organizations and individuals utilize the CVIC Hall for everything from weddings to exercise classes, and you can happen across some fascinating small town events on any given weekend. Sometimes the events are private, of course, so check in at the door.
The Bently Biofuels station (1350 Buckeye Road) sells various blends of biodiesel and ethanol for all vehicles along with an assortment of healthy foods and eco-friendly products. For those who wonder if biofuels will ever really take hold in this country, it might be reassuring to stop by Bently around 7 a.m. on a weekday and watch all the local diesel truckers and farm workers line up to buy ethanol. Attendants are also trained to educate visitors about biofuels and the zero-impact station building, which can be fun for green-minded visitors.
The Carson Valley Inn (1627 N. U.S. 395) is a standard hotel-casino, but it's a pleasant break from Reno's resorts. Local business and community leaders can often be found sharing breakfast in the coffee shop here, and locals swear the casino odds are the best around. Also, look upstairs for Job's Peak, a surprisingly homey espresso bar.
You probably won't notice the Minden/Gardnerville border when you cross it, but the following stops are located in the latter:
 Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center
The Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center (1477 N. U. S. 395) features impressive exhibits on natural history, the Basque people, Native Americans and local art. Events such as artist receptions and educational talks are also held regularly.
JT Basque Bar and Dining Room (1426 Main St.) is one of a block of old-Nevada bars and Basque restaurants. Most of these places are far from fancy, but they add to the sense of history and general ruralness surrounding the area. The food is good, too.
Finally, as you reach the border between Douglas County and California's Mono County, you'll come upon Topaz Lake and the Topaz Lodge (1979 S. U.S. 395). Topaz Lake is an outdoor lover's paradise with camping, fishing, boating, water skiing and gambling along the lake. A fishing license from either state is honored on the entire lake. The lake is known for its trophy trout (rainbows and browns), which can be caught through Sept. 30.
On the Douglas county side, a camping park complete with RV hookups and tent spots is available. While the lodge and other businesses often close during the winter, fisherman from across the country have made it a tradition to camp overnight on New Year's Eve and start fishing when the season starts at midnight. For those less enthusiastic, the lodge offers hotel rooms, hot meals and gambling.
Article written by Matt Farley. Farley is a Nevada native who has worked for the Reno Gazette-Journal and Nevada Magazine and been syndicated by The Associated Press, Gannett News Service and the Las Vegas Review Journal.
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