So, you’re of fan of the Wild West? Say you like the idea of checking into your time machine and heading off in search of mineral treasure out there? Well partner, let me point you towards one spot that might get you in the mood for a real Silver State “roughing it” kind of adventure.

You’ll be wantin’ to head for Gold Point. Gold Point, Nevada.

Not exactly on the beaten path nor in the glimmering lights of Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Eureka, Austin or even Wabuska. No, sir... Those can all be found on the main highway from somewhere to somewhere else. But not this town!

Gold Point is located in unincorporated Esmeralda County, about 180 miles from Las Vegas. And about 8 miles down State Route 774 (a state maintained, yet unpaved roadway), from State Route 266. If you were out in California, well, you would be close to the place if you visited Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley - the closest big attraction.

Now as many places as I have been to in the Silver State, this isn’t one of them. There’s no railroad now or then nearby and as far as I know, no family history in the area. But you know, I might have to stop by if fate ever takes me out Route 266.

When you read the story of the town on their website, you might understand why it is that folks take the time to check out the town and even spend the night(s) there. And while you’re at it, take in this story from SF Gate about the town, too!

They’ve got electricity. TV, too - but no reception of signals from the big or little city. So they make use of the Video Cassette Recorder. That’s known as the VCR for those of you with your BlueRay HD DVD’s. Well sir, the best word to describe accommodations? Rustic. But that’s the charm of the place as I’ve seen in the photos and videos of it on the site.

Life in rural Nevada in the early mining days was pretty simple and pretty rough, too. My paternal great-great grandfather was a saloon keeper in Northern Nevada in at least three mining camps and two towns that I know of. In his years, he had two saloons burn down and one washed away in a flood. Likely one of those was just set up in a tent affair, but that was true for a lot of businesses of the day.

Yet, while I can appreciate how rough it was for folks who came to Nevada in search of, well, whatever they came in search of, I’m not exactly rushing out the door to join them. Call me spoiled, but I’m a fan of big city hotels.

But, let’s be fair. They do have air conditioning in every cabin in Gold Point. And even satellite TV and indoor plumbing in the Main House.

Wait a minute? They’ve got their own Saloon?

Hmmm... I wonder what the usual suspects are up to this weekend?