[MR77]

My folks are coming to town to visit. They are from the East Coast and want to see an old west ghost town. Is there anything within 50 to 60 miles of Vegas. Im not sure why they want to go or what they are expecting to see, but Im going to try to entertain the idea.

I've done some research online and came up with Good Springs and Bonnie Springs. Has anyone been to any of these places? Are they worth the trip? Any other suggestions would be wonderful.

Thanks!

[MR77]

Or even Calico Ghost town near Barstow.... Anyone been there?

[mrjason]

Originally Posted by MR77

Or even Calico Ghost town near Barstow.... Anyone been there?

I just returned from Las Vegas last Thursday and stopped at the Calico Ghost Town on my way back to California. Well, I would say that this place was sort of interesting, but overall it felt like a tourist trap to me. If you're looking for something more authentic, I would check out someplace else.

Here's a good link to check out:

Ghost Towns of Nevada

Some of the places on the site look pretty interesting. Have fun!

[Buzz123]

Good Springs is not a ghost town. Bonnie Springs is a ranch, zoo, and restaurant/bar. Calico Ghost town is also a tourist attraction. For a real ghost town, drive up to Rhyolite. It is 116 miles north on US 95 to Beatty, NV, which is almost a ghost town but not quite, then Rhyolite is not far from Beatty off Rt 374. Just follow the signs. rhyolite ghost town in nevada _ with other ghost towns links

Or you could go down to Laughlin and drive across the river to Oatman, AZ. It's a pretty lively ghost town but it is fun. Oatman, Arizona

You could also take them to Pioche. It is about 165 miles north on US 93. There is a lot of history there, with the million dollar courthouse, and the most shootouts in the old west. Pioche - Nevada Ghost Town

I'd send you to Delamar, the best one, but unless you have a 4x4 and know how not to get lost in the desert it would be too dangerous for a bunch of dudes from the east.

For a quick fix, just drive down to Nelson. It's not far from Boulder City, but it might have too many live folks living there to satisfy you ghost hunters. Nelson - Nevada Ghost Town

[Buzz123]

If you don't mind the drive, you could go to Belmont. That's a really good ghost town to visit, and it's close to Tonopah which is a lively ghost town...almost. Tonopah would be a good place to spend the night and the area is interesting to explore for someone interested in the old west. I think there might be a mine tour, or at least a mining museum at Tonopah.

Apparently the Manson family squatted for a while in Belmont.

ReviewJournal.com - News - A mark of Manson

[dynimagelv]

one of the best that is accessible by 2wd and close to a town [of sorts] is Rhyolite. alnog the way you can stop in Beatty which is.....a town also lol.....actually has a place or two to eat....a casino.....an airport....and a cathouse....

but do it quick because Rhyolite starts to get warm soon.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

one of the best that is accessible by 2wd and close to a town [of sorts] is Rhyolite. alnog the way you can stop in Beatty which is.....a town also lol.....actually has a place or two to eat....a casino.....an airport....and a cathouse....

but do it quick because Rhyolite starts to get warm soon.

You didn't read the other posts did you?

[dynimagelv]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

You didn't read the other posts did you?

nope guilty as charged.....I probably even SAID Rhyolite in a previous post.....[short term memory loss....I"m surprised I'm able to remember Rhyolite]

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

nope guilty as charged.....I probably even SAID Rhyolite in a previous post.....[short term memory loss....I"m surprised I'm able to remember Rhyolite]

Rhyo what?

[MR77]

We ended up stopping by Bonnie Springs, which was fine. My mom loves peacocks and they had a bunch of them there just strolling around. It was certainly not a bona fide ghost town. Both my parents and my sister had a nice time, and I sort of got a new perspective on Vegas while showing them around. I spend so much time here as a resident, I had forgotten how much fun it is for tourists. There is so much for them to do. I took the week off from work and got swept up into all of it. I sat pool side, gambled (and won, on the strip!), drank lots, and did a lot of walking up and down LVBLVD.

The highlight for my parents was when they met Wolfgang Puck in the elevator at Caesars. My folks are big food people and apparently he was very engaging nice to them. They are still talking about it.

They also really loved the Bellaggio's atrium and going up to the top of the Stratosphere.

We ate in many great restaurants. Had an awesome time at Mesa Grill. Wonderful food and fantastic service. It was a great time for them. I've often wondered why people would spend their hard earned dollars to come here for a week and swelter in the heat, lose money on bets, get ripped off on bottles of watter, etc... but now I get it. It was a complete escape for them, and a hell of a trip.