The Strip - Las Vegas

Las Vegas, famous as the gaming capital of the world, is not the only game going on in Southern Nevada. Rich in history and home to a diverse population, attractions, events and activities abound beyond the lights of Las Vegas.

The 22nd Annual Piaute Snow Mountain Pow Wow, over Memorial Day weekend, is a rich cultural display of Native American traditions. The Pow Wow is a social meeting for Native Americans, featuring dances and singing to renew the spirit of their heritage, and perpetuate the culture. Everyone is welcome and there is a Master of Ceremonies guiding participants and audiences through the event. The Snow Mountain Pow Wow is not a contest, but a social gathering. Prizes will be awarded based on a lottery and drawing system. A beautiful event to witness as dancers from tiny tots to golden-agers, perform and participate.

Golf Mesquite Nevada is hosting a five day amateur golf championship May 31st – June 4th. The 8th Annual Mesquite Amateur is a showcase for the Virgin River Valley with Mesquite as its centerpiece. There will three days of net stroke play with top scorers moving to the final championship event. There are lots of events, even if you don't compete. Tours of local sights, dinners and lunches and a poker tournament have been featured in past years. The spring weather will be perfect to golf, watch or venture out on a hike or bike ride.

Sound good to head out of town for the 4th of July? Boulder City holds its 62nd annual Damboree Celebration this year. The 2010 theme is “A Blast from the Past”, to honor the forefathers who built Hoover Dan and Boulder City. Begin your holiday with a pancake breakfast in the park followed by the parade. Fair warning – The Boulder City Veteran's flying group will do a flyover at 9:05 am. Head to Broadbent Memorial Park after the parade for the ongoing festivities and entertainment. If kids are in the group be sure to break for the pool before 1pm, there is a coin toss they won't want to miss. Evening brings a concert by Red Mountain Music Company. Festivities continue at the park on Sunday ending with a Fireworks show after dark. Sounds like the perfect way to spend the 4th of July.

Film Buffs put Pahrump, Nevada on your list – sight of the Fifth Annual High Desert Shorts International Film and Music Festival. May 27 – 30, this is four days of music and vendors outdoors, with movie screenings Friday – Sunday evening. The event has drawn short films from across the globe and is drawing increasing attention each year.

Overton is a gate way to Lake Mead for boaters and fisherman it is a good stop for provisions living up to its origins as site of the regions first grocery store. Don't miss the Lost City Museum, just south of town. Museum Day is May 21st and admission is free. Fascinating itself, the building was built of adobe bricks with the purpose of housing Anasazi Indian artifacts threatened by the waters of Lake Mead. It continues its archeological research today and is an important asset for the education of the community and visitors.

Best Western Hotels in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities are ready to welcome you whether you are on vacation or passing through. Convenient locations make traveling across the area easy and trouble free. Affordable accommodations also make any trip easier. Choose Best Western Hotels when you are in Southern Nevada.

Downtown Reno Nevada

What Happens in Las Vegas, Stays in Las Vegas, but not the rest of Nevada. Beyond the shadows of Las Vegas there is no shortage of excitement and interesting activities. From the Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally in Winnemucca to the Mesquite Amateur Golf Championship there are events for all interests.

Highway 50 splits the state, called the loneliest road in America, it follows the path of the historic Pony Express. North out of Las Vegas, travelers pass the mysterious Area 51, Death Valley National Park and Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada. A big state brimming with places to go and things to see.

Winnemucca hosts the 2010 Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally over Memorial Day weekend. The ninth year will feature the must see Burning Bike late Saturday night. Events include a Poker run, bike show and games, a tattoo contest. The weekend has a full schedule of live music and performers making for a full weekend of fun and entertainment. Best Western Hotels are motorcycle friendly, check for promotions at locations along your route.

Tonopah, once the queen of Nevada's silver mining towns, celebrates Jim Butler Days over the Memorial Day weekend. Butler was the Nevada rancher who by chance discovered silver in the area which sparked the beginning of a boom town. The Jim Butler Days celebration schedule is full of events and activities to keep anyone entertained. The festival is complete with a pancake breakfast, parade, arts and crafts fair, dancing and live music. The Tonopah Mining Park is free during Jim Butler Days and will hold preliminary mining competitions over the weekend. The Tonopah Speedway also gets into the action with the CNRA dirt track races. Pack up the Family, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome summer by participating in a unique runners relay event in Nevada's northwestern region. The 6th annual Reno-Tahoe Odyssey is scheduled June 4-5. Unlike most running events, the Odyssey is a 178 mile relay. Still standing? An amazing challenge where teams accomplish what seems nearly impossible. An opportunity to join with friends and family to meet an extraordinary challenge and enjoy a fun time. Your stories will be fondly recounted for years to come.

The Reno Rodeo is on tap for the last weeks in June. Billed as the 'wildest, richest rodeo in the West' it is the time to see a rodeo. It is a sanctioned event and you will see the best in professional rodeo competition. Bring the kids for the special Kid's Rodeo event and mutton bustin' competitions. Local events heighten the weekend activities, sponsoring a golf tournament, street mural painting, a parade and carnival. You will see the steer decorating competition among businesses downtown as most everyone joins in the cowboy spirit. Bring the family to the rodeo and enjoy some of the many events in the area while you are in town.

Carson Valley, south of Reno, is home to smaller towns like Gardenerville, Minden, and Carson City. The area celebrates Carson Valley Days the second weekend in June. A fun filled three day weekend of activities and events for everyone in the family. For the active, enter the Carson Valley Day's Walk, Jog or Run and the arm wrestling competition. You decide if the greased pole is an athletic event. Kids will love the wheelbarrow race, water balloon toss, tug-o-war and 3-legged race. Enjoy the parade, craft show and live music.

Best Western Hotels across Nevada are located where you want to go. Whether your trip is a weekend get away or a long vacation, Best Western Hotels are convenient and affordable – a terrific combination.