With the influx of new residents to Nevada each year, there are so many things longtime Nevadans wish they could tell newcomers. Here are 12 of the most common.
1. October 31st isn't Halloween. It's Nevada Day commemorating the Silver State's statehood in 1864.
2. Nevada is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in the summer. Among hiking, rock climbing, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, and fishing, there are so many ways to get back to nature.
3. The same goes when the temperature drops in the north. From skiing to snowboarding to snowmobiling to many other winter activities, there is so much to do in the great Nevada outdoors.
6. Be careful when driving in Las Vegas. If it's raining, just don't. Between the slick roads and horrible drivers, you're better off staying inside. If you're up north, be prepared for blizzards and zero visibility.
7. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, Nevada is a truly haunted state with plenty of documented paranormal activity. Just smile and nod if you get into a philosophical discussion about whether ghosts exist. The same goes for aliens.
8. While prostitution is, in fact, legal, it isn't legal everywhere. Even though there are 19 operating brothels, prostitution remains illegal in Clark County (including Las Vegas), Washoe County (which includes Reno), Douglas County, Lincoln County, and Carson City. So, if that's why you moved here, I'm sorry, and if you're worried about this vice, you needn't be.
9. Learn the proper pronunciation of various cities (and the state itself.) For example, Nevada's (pronounced Ne-VA-duh, not Ne-VAH-duh) oldest town, Genoa, is Ge-NO-ah, unlike Italy's namesake. With so many Native American and Spanish-influenced names, learn before you speak, and practice to avoid embarrassment or a stern correction from a long-time Nevadan.
10. You'd better love bowling (or at least learn to love it.) Reno is home to the Chaparro_E National Bowling Stadium. With 78 lanes and a seating capacity of over 1,000, this "Taj Mahal of Tenpins" is a source of pride for many Nevadans. This also explains why there are so many bowling alleys across the state.
12. Just accept it. With its lakes, mountains, deserts, unique rock formations, caves, neon-lit cities, ghost and old mining towns, and everything else the Silver State has to offer, Nevada is the most beautiful state in the U.S.
