1. The Locals Will Correct You: It's “Nev-A-Duh”
Source: Youtube user Nevada702
It seems simple enough to pronounce, but the “a” often gets fudged, which drives Nevadans crazy. Not only is it a sure sign that you’re an out-of-towner, but they might even crucify you for it. George Bush pronounced it wrong in 2003 and the media hung him out to dry. When he returned to Reno the next year he opened his speech with the correct pronunciation and said, “You didn’t think I’d get it right, did ya?”
2. Mardi Gras Has Nothing On Nevada Day
Every last Friday of October is Nevada Day—a tradition that began in 1938 to recognize the anniversary of official statehood. It’s celebrated as a legal state holiday throughout the state, but the best festivities can be found in Carson City with a large parade and events like rock drilling contests, a battle of the bands, beard contests, and sporting events. No matter what they choose, everyone loves Nevada Day.
3. You Think The Desert Can’t Be Fun? Think Again
Most of Nevada is made up of desert and sees an average of only seven inches of rain every year. Most of the state is in the Great Basin, and even the Mojave Desert covers some of southern Nevada. But all that dry landscape is part of what makes Nevada so cool. From rock climbing to zip lining and camping out under a sea of more stars than you’ll find at a planetarium, the desert is one non-stop adventure.
4. But Nevadans Get Plenty Of Time On The Slopes Too
Did you know that the name Nevada means “snow-covered?” Seems funny since it’s so dry, but it’s not named ironically. Climb up to the higher Nevada altitudes to find mountain peaks and ski resorts which are filled with just as much fun as the desert, if not more, with events, musical festivals, skiing and more throughout the year.
5. Nevadans Always Take The Long Way Home
Get behind the wheel, shuffle up your favorite playlist, and roll down the windows for the best ride of your life. Nevada has 20 road trip-friendly byways throughout the state, including the hardscaped Valley Of Fire Scenic Byway, the breathtaking Angel Lake Scenic Byway, and even one for fun – the ET Fresh Jerky.
Route 50 is also known as the country’s loneliest road in America, running 287 miles across the entire state, making the perfect drive for anyone looking to blow off some steam and get some “me” time.
6. Keep Your Eyes Peeled For The Men In Black
Although once they wipe your memory with those flash things you probably wouldn’t remember them, anyway.
Nevada has the second highest percentage of UFO sightings per capita in the country. Highway 375 was even marked with a sign renaming it Extraterrestrial Highway because of the high number of UFO sightings and its close proximity to the mysterious Area 51. Secret military bases are reported to be scattered throughout the state, too. But no one really knows...
7. Nevadans Always Drink Local
Beer lovers, rejoice. It’s easy to drink local in Nevada with its 21 breweries across the state. You can enjoy beer festivals throughout the year, especially in places like Vegas and Reno. Or travel just south of Carson City to drink at Genoa Bar and Saloon, Nevada’s “oldest thirst parlor” in the state’s original settlement.
8. Nevadans Know The Secret: Las Vegas Is So Much More Than Sin City
Sure, The Strip is brimming with casinos, bars and scantily clad women. But if all you know about Vegas is what you saw on “The Hangover,” then you’re missing out. The city is also filled with around-the-clock entertainment from the top musicians in the world to a variety of Cirque du Soleil shows, magicians, comedians and more. It’s also got great shopping, cool museums, outrageous rides, crazy festivals and some of the best restaurants in the country.
9. And You Should Know Gambling Isn’t Just For The Strip
Las Vegas is great for a visit. But it’s also an overpriced tourist trap with some of the worst traffic you’ll ever have the misfortune to get stuck driving in. But, thanks to gambling being legal throughout the state, Nevadans have more than just The Strip to choose from. They stick to the local spots off the radar like the Sunset Station in Henderson.
10. Nevada Is A Libertarian Paradise
Along with their lenient laws on gambling, marriage and divorce, Nevada also collects no income taxes. Since they don’t collect income tax, the state can’t collect income tax data, either, which means they have nothing to share with the IRS. Libertarians, rejoice!
11. For Nevadans, Every Hour Is Happy Hour
If you hate hearing “last call,” Nevada was made for you. Bars are legally allowed to remain open 24 hours a day if they so choose. And you don’t have to deal with any weird laws that regulate how alcohol can be sold, since you can buy beer, wine and liquor from supermarkets, liquor and convenience stores at any time of the day.
12. Burning Man Will Practically Be Burning In Your Back Yard
One of the most unique festivals you’ll ever attend, Burning Man is Nevada’s wildly popular counterculture event. Over 60,000 people show up to Black Rock City every year—some in the nude—to celebrate radical self and artistic expression in nature for an entire week in conjunction with Labor Day weekend. You might just find yourself out here.
13. Lake Tahoe Really Is Heaven On Earth
With the largest alpine lake in the country to enjoy in the summer and amazing ski resorts and events to enjoy in the winter, Lake Tahoe is any vacationer’s dream destination.
Which is probably why Nevadans never actually feel the need to leave their state when they want to get away – they have everything they need just a few hours away.
14. Learning In Nevada Is More Like Fun
Nevada is full of a wide spectrum of museums that range from educational and historical to bizarre and fun. There are far too many to name, but you can get your science fix at the Discovery Museum or learn all about the nuclear testing sites at the National Atomic Testing Museum. Fans of American Pickers will love the Neon Museum, where all vintage neon signs go to live on. Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone.
15. People In Nevada Have All The Snickers They Can Eat
Ethel Mars began making gourmet chocolates out of her home more than 100 years ago. In 1978 the Ethel M Chocolate Factory opened in Henderson. Ethel’s son began Mars, Inc. and now the world gets to enjoy the likes of Twix and Snickers, all thanks to Ethel. Or you can get even closer to the magic with a tour of the factory.
16. Nevadans Are Olympic Land Sailers
Yet another cool thing that Nevada has over almost every other state: Land sailing.
Nevada is (somewhat arguably) the premiere destination for hopping in a land yacht and cruising through the sands at high speeds. Come out and see as land sailors from across the globe compete at events like the Land Sailing World Championships and America’s Land Sailing Cup.
17. The Whole State Is Probably Haunted
Spooky legends and tales abound throughout Nevada, which is considered one of the most haunted states in the country. If you’re into that kind of thing, visit some of the most notable places including McKay Mansion and Goldfield Hotel, which have both been featured on television shows investigating the supernatural. And of course, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is said to be haunted with dead celebrities.
18. Speed Demons Are In Heaven Here
Nevadans love their cars extra shiny and super fast, which is fitting since the state is full of car shows, expos, auto museums, events and races. Reno is the unofficial car capital of the state, holding the annual Hot August Night event and the National Automobile Museum. Check out the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, home to the NASCAR event Kobalt Tools 400, and don’t be surprised to hear some drag racing going on somewhere in the distance, wherever you might be.
19. Halloween Isn't Just For Kids
The Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball in Las Vegas was rated as one of the Top 10 Events In The World by the Travel Channel, one of the Top 5 Events To See Before You Die by Maxim Magazine and The World’s Wildest Halloween Party by Bizarre Magazine.
This unmatched Halloween bash shows that Halloween can be just as fun for adults as it is for kids with stage performances, laser light displays, costume contests, dancing and much more.
20. Nevadans Are Always After Your Lucky Charms
The Nevada Sons & Daughters of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival might be a mouthful, but it’s also a great party, and one of Henderson’s biggest claims to fame. Be sure to come with some guts, to participate in events like the St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving event.
And of course, in that sea of green is always lots of awesome costumes, local vendors, great food and beer tents with way too much to drink.
21. You'll Never Have To Stop Exploring In Nevada
With a never ending and unique landscape, there’s always something new to see in Nevada. Fly Geyser might look like it only exists in a painting, but it’s very real and very epic. And when you think you’ve explored everything on the surface (which trust me, you haven’t), you can dive headfirst underground into the Lehman Caves at Great Basin National Park.
As soon as you get to Nevada, you’ll quickly realize there’s never a reason to be bored or uninspired.
Feature Image: Travel Nevada Facebook
What do you love about living in Nevada? Leave a comment and let us know!
