Like myself, the vast majority of Nevada residents are from somewhere else. We have been drawn to the Silver State by opportunities to advance our careers or change our lives in one way or another. The fact that these changes were available in Nevada didn’t really make a difference. We wanted to make the change and Nevada became our home.

Now, I had been coming to Las Vegas frequently for 20 years before actually moving here, and I felt at home even before deciding the make the necessary move. But I did not know much about the state besides the fact it is the gaming capital of the world—the reason behind my move.

As a history buff, I’ve read about how the state was founded, who played major roles in its development, and of course, the role gaming plays in the economic well-being of Nevada. But in terms of traveling around the state, I was pretty much limited to the I-15 corridor.

Last month, I had the opportunity to drive across the country from the East Coast back to Nevada. We took a northern route on I-80 going through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah. The scenery, frankly, was rather boring, with the possible exception of Utah. But it was when we got back to Nevada, turning south on Rt. 93 in Wendover, where things began to change.

Just minutes south of Wendover (one of our unique border towns that offers gaming to local residents, as well as citizens of neighboring Utah, where it is not legal), signs of civilization melt away. The ribbon of blacktop climbs over a mountain range, topping off at more than 6,000 feet, and then plunges into the gorgeous Steptoe Valley for more than 100 miles of breathtaking scenery, with virtually no sign of human habitation.

The sheer size of the tracts of vacant land is overwhelming, especially to Las Vegas residents used to being squeezed into every square inch and fighting bumper-to-bumper traffic to and from work. It is almost inconceivable that this is the same state.

South of Ely, things begin to dry out. The green of the Steptoe Valley began to fade as we entered Lincoln County. The vast cattle ranches and small towns dot the drive on 93. We passed through the charming towns of Pioche, Caliente and Panaca, each one different from the other and worlds away from Las Vegas.

During the drive we passed through the Paiute Indian Reservation and marvel at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Like a jewel surrounded by sand and rocks, the refuge includes several lakes, marshes and wild animal observation points on 5,380 acres of wet meadows and desert uplands. This is probably what Las Vegas looked like when the first European stumbled upon it.

Earlier this summer, we also visited a more recognizable—and certainly more populated—region of the state around Lake Tahoe.

It is as different from Las Vegas as is the eastern Nevada corridor along 93.

One of the highest alpine lakes in North America, Lake Tahoe is a wonder in all seasons. The upcoming fall season features a palate of colors only God could create. In the winter, snow is measured in feet, not inches, and the spring and summer seasons bring much cooler temperatures and the color green from the desert floor hundreds of feet below.

Nevada’s capital, Carson City, our most famous mining town, Virginia City, and the “biggest little city in the world,” Reno, are all fascinating visits from someone locked in the world of Las Vegas.

For us Nevada immigrants, the wonders of life outside Las Vegas can only increase our appreciation of our adopted state. But even many Las Vegas natives have never ventured into the wilds of Nevada. So for something completely different, take a few days and explore the wonders of our state. There is truly nothing like it on earth.

By Roger Gros

Roger Gros is publisher of Casino Connection and editor and publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine, the industry’s leading gaming trade publication. Prior to joining Global Gaming Business, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. He is the author of the best-selling book, How to Win at Casino Gambling (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its third edition. Gros was named “Businessman of the Year” for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.

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