Travel website names Carson City No. 3 among best family vacation destinations

An Old West heritage, a multitude of special events and other attractions have landed Carson City in the number three spot for family vacation destinations by one of the nation's premier vacation planning websites.

For its annual Top 5 2012 Best Family Destination Getaways, away.com focused in January on several American gems, "places that go beyond kiddie rides and water slides" to offer authenticity and character.

"If you want to take your children on vacation to ride rides, then you should take them to Disneyland," said Candy Duncan, executive director of the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau. "But if you want them to have an authentic experience where they can learn and have fun, then we have a lot to offer."

Away.com blogger Meagan Francis enjoyed the quaint charm the city has to offer.

"Carson City provides families a taste of the Wild West with its heritage as a former Pony Express way station and a major player in the Gold Rush of the 1800s," Francis said. "This small, laid-back city offers big fun for families."

Highlights of her independent visit to Nevada's capital city last year included special mention of the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Nevada State Museum and the Carson Hot Springs.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum is "entertaining for kids of all ages - and grown-ups, too," Francis said, noting its restored steam locomotives and cars, a model train display, and a toddler play area with wooden trains and a locomotive.

The Nevada State Museum is known for its minted gold and silver coin collection and 1800s presses, a mammoth skeleton exhibit, and an authentic replica of an underground mine.

"The designation reflects the attractions, quality lodging and overall value for families," Duncan said. "Visitors are intrigued by the Old West heritage, then discover a comfortable place to visit with friendly, welcoming residents. With our train, the weather, our hiking and biking, it makes perfect sense to me."

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell agreed.

"Carson City is a hidden gem for a number of reasons, and away.com highlighted some of them," Crowell said. "It is wonderful to be recognized as a family destination."

The designation comes on the heels of two other honors for Carson City - recognition as a runner-friendly community and the recent listing of the city's historic district on the national register.