After nearly ten years of going to Burning Man, I can admit the desert event is probably one of the most unique places in the world you can visit. After you've experienced it for a week or more, it is difficult to return to the Default World and face being ordinary again. So, on your way out of Black Rock City, here are a few more unusual places in the area you can visit to help keep the home fires burning.
Keep the art alive:
The funky Wildflower Village in Reno is probably the only hostel/bed and breakfast in the area and has over 40 rooms where you can crash hard after being up for 48 hours straight. Along with their rooms they have an art gallery, a wedding chapel, a trunk boutique, a café, and a pub with a selection of Absinthe. The Wildflower Village is located on West Fourth Street near downtown. Keep an eye out for the bathing beauty with the giant gazongas.
Finally get all that dust off:
The Truckee River rushes down from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, but along the way to Fernley it slows down and creates some nice swimming holes. There are several cliffs along I-80 where you can jump into the water, but one of the best is about two miles before Exit 36 past the Clark Station power plant. You have to cross a barbed fence and the train tracks, but you will see the jumping cliff in the distance. There is no rushing water and you can easily climb back out again. Please check the water depth before leaping.
Can't get enough of the dirt?:
After a week of no showers, it's possible get used to your own filth. If you want to keep it that way, head to the Sand Mountain Recreation Area on U.S. Route 50 about 25 miles east of Fallon, Nevada. The nearly 5,000 acre park is dominated by a 600 foot tall sand dune that is buzzing with off-road vehicles, hikers, and sandboarders. If you decide to stay longer than an hour, you will need to purchase a $40 seven-day permit for each vehicle.
Can't get enough of the nudity?
Secret Cove at Lake Tahoe is the lake's official nude beach. It's located about 3/4 of a mile south of Chimney Beach on Highway 28. There is a small parking lot and you can access the beach by walking nearly a mile down a fire access road that starts at a locked gate at the restrooms. The signs warning of nude sunbathers always cracks me up, but once you get there, you will realize why many locals want to keep Secret Cove secret. It could be one of the prettiest beaches on the lake.
Can't get enough of pretty girls in alien costumes?
If you're someone who prefers the company of women and are heading back to Las Vegas or Los Angeles stop over at the Alien Cathouse. The newest brothel owned by Bunny Ranch owner, Dennis Hof, is located in Amargosa, Nevada (conveniently close to Area 51) and offers a sexy Sci-Fi theme. For only $2,500 you can have the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy vacation special which includes a room for the night, $500 in party vouchers with the girls of your choice, all drinks, all meals, complimentary champagne and a limo ride to and from Las Vegas. That's quite a deal, since you know you already spent that much on booze for your Burning Man theme camp, right?
