Just south of Carson City and a short drive from Lake Tahoe lies Carson Valley, a quiet agricultural area that has seen considerable growth but remains a friendly ranching community. Travelers looking for a place to get away and yet be within minutes of world-class skiing and boarding, hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding, water sports, wildlife watching and fishing will fall in love with the area.

Carson Valley was named after 19th-century trailblazer Kit Carson. The Carson River, also named after the famed scout, flows through the center of the valley, providing lush habitat for birds and fish. To the west stand the Sierra Nevada, where outdoor recreation abounds year round. In Genoa, which claims the title of the state’s first permanent settlement, you can visit the replica Mormon Station, originally built in 1851, and the 1860s-era Genoa Courthouse Museum. The town centers of Minden and Gardnerville have been rejuvenated to show off their late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, and visitors peruse charming shops, dine in diverse restaurants and stay in one of the many hotels and motels. Boating, fishing and lodging are found at Topaz Lake, 21 miles to the south.

Among the popular events is Carson Valley Days, a two-day celebration in June with a parade, rodeo, art show, carnival, games and a firemen’s waterfight. In February, Eagles and Agriculture gives visitors the chance to see migrating bald eagles.