Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory- A Sweet Escape & Bite into History

Two Locations:

*611 US-395, New Washoe City, NV 89704

Directions

(775) 849-0841

*56 NV-341, Carson City, NV 89706

Directions

(775) 246-5500

Website

More Reviews & photos on Yelp

Growing up with Willy Wonka, I had high expectations of what a chocolate factory should be and after my first visit to this shop, I was not disappointed.  It's been a little over 8 years that I've been making memories here with my family.

There's nothing better than consuming guilty pleasures that you know have been made fresh with simple, fine ingredients, from a place that pays attention to all details.

The Chocolate Nugget Factory is more than just a chocolate shop.  It's the success of a man driven by the want to support his family while providing good quality treats for all to enjoy.  

The Chocolate Nugget Factory delivers on all levels, with treats that you love and new ones to discover, and customer service that never fails.

It's a unique shop with a "Wild West" feel that you won't find just anywhere and I always leave happy and eager for my next visit.

Notes:

-Apple Pay/Samsung Pay for contact free transactions.  You can download these apps on your phone and connect them to your cards.

-Local family owned business. Visit their site for their amazing history.  The magic all started in 1936.

-Wood Porch out front with tables and seating

-Nice place for pictures in front of tractors and porch

-Check website for occasional specials

-The owner is constantly keeping up with the times: renovations, payment methods, deliveries, Instagram Announcements

-They offer pick-up and delivery.  Call in for pick-up orders. Online orders are shipped through USPS.

Must Try Treats

*Caramel Popcorn is so fresh, delicious, and addicting.  It's pretty sweet, great for those with sweet tooths

*Roasted nuts are always fresh and taste like the holidays

*All of their taffies are true to their flavors, great in texture with just the right amount of sweetness *Chocolate-dipped pretzels are super crunchy, well-balanced, and not too sweet.  

*Peanut Brittle is amazingly thin and fresh: a brittle like no other that will not break your teeth. 

*Their fudge is so delicious and always made fresh.  Chocolate walnut, divinity (like marshmallow + nuts), peanut butter chocolate are all so drool worthy.

*Chocolate dipped ice cream.  Dipped in real chocolate and topped with toppings of your choosing

Notes

-They have another location at the bottom of the Virginia City Foothills, where all of the candy is manufactured.  Viewing window available where they make candy. There you will also find stellar service.

-free fudge samples

-The drive on 395 from Reno to the shop is scenic and relaxing.  Alternatively, you can take side streets. Take South Virginia all the way down toward Carson City and you will find it on your right.

-I love going to Davis Creek Regional Park and Bower's Mansion nearby for a nice walk or hike before visiting the factory.  Washoe Lake State Park is also nearby.  

-If you drive around the Washoe Lake/Little Washoe area, you can find wild mustangs and farm animals

categorized under "Good Eats"

Take a Short and Scenic Hike to a Stunning Waterfall on Mt. Rose Summit Trail

24705 Mt Rose Hwy 

Reno, NV 89511

(about 30 mins. from Reno)

Directions

AllTrails

Yelp

When I think about why I love living in Reno, Mt. Rose Summit Trail is definitely near the top of the list. This 11.8 mile loop trail offers stunning views and fun for every skill level.

With little effort and a fairly flat path (aside from a short stretch at the beginning), you’ll wind through the woods and reach beautiful Galena Falls in just about 2.5 miles. The view of the meadow in the area is a bonus. Because it takes only a small amount of effort to get to this gorgeous waterfall, this part of the hike can get busy.

I’ve only made it to the falls, but from what I’ve read in other reviews, the hike becomes more challenging from there on out, with the last 1.5 miles being the toughest climb. Still, many find the hike rewarding, thanks to the breathtaking views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley, and Reno.

Trail Overview

Best used: May through October when the snow melts and before winter hits 

Distance: 11.8 mile loop  

Duration: 4.5 to 6 hours round trip  

Elevation: 10,778 ft. Be mindful of altitude sickness, especially above 8,000 feet. 

Trail Conditions

Shade: Lots of shade is found at the beginning throughout the journey to the waterfall

Terrain: The trail starts fairly flat (except for the beginning), but the last 1.5 miles are suppose to be more challenging.  

Restrooms:  Located at trailhead parking lot. Open seasonally.

Recommendations

Wind Protection: The summit is said to always be windy.  Bring a windbreaker no matter the season.  

Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock. The higher you are, the more intense the sun is. 

Hydration & Snacks: Bring plenty of water and snacks.  There are picnic opportunities throughout the hike.  

Walking Aids: Many hikers find walking poles helpful for the rocky sections and the ascent.

Seasonal Tips

Crowds: To beat the crowds, go on a weekday or early on weekends during summer. Parking lots fill up fast.  

Winter Activities: In winter, people love to sled and play in the snow near the parking lot. 

Wildlife Viewing: In mid to late August, you might catch the amazing Monarch Butterfly migration.  

Fall Beauty: The trail is beautiful in the fall and vibrant in spring and summer, with lots of wildlife and wildflowers.

Nearby 

Tahoe Meadows: If you’re looking for a lovely flat hike nearby, check out the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail just down the road to the left (you can't miss the parking lot). The Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a minute away from the lot on the main road.  During summer, they open the gates that lead to a parking lot closer to the trailhead. 

Winter Hiking  

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities here in the winter.  Proper gear is essential. Be sure to check the weather in advance and dress appropriately. Serious winter hikers like to use an app to help keep them on track, especially when you'll have access to the trails even without reception.

If you want to see an amazing video that does this trail justice, check out this video made by Supai Adventures.  You can even run into butterflies!!!

Right Next to Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead Parking Lot

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes" 

Family Fun & Global Discoveries Await at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno Nevada

Wilbur D. May Center

1595 N Sierra Street

Reno, NV 89503

Museum: (775) 785-5961

Arboretum: (775) 785-4153

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

Website

Instagram

The Wilbur D. May Museum offers themed exhibitions which tend to run January through April or May every year.  The Hall of Heroes was just one of the many that made its way into the museum, allowing guests to test their super human abilities.

This exhibit was packed with impressive figurines and hands on activities that were interesting, fun, and a blast for both kids and adults. The kids were amazed from start to finish and kept getting more excited for whatever came next. They tested their running speed, got blasted by a giant fan that simulated a flight experience, tested their hanging abilities, and solved puzzles that required a little super human brain power.  You can always expect a good time with these themed displays at Wilbur May Museum.

Admission to these specially themed exhibits also grants you admission to the permanent collection of Wilbur D. May - a rancher, pilot, artist, world traveler, and all around adventure seeker. Over his lifetime he traveled all over the world and brought home treasures from almost every corner of the globe. The museum holds these artifacts and displays them in a way that makes you feel like you are walking through the story of his life.

You will find cultural pieces from Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and Europe. There are tribal masks, carved figures, pottery, ceramics from ancient dynasties, beautiful glasswork, and all kinds of decorative art. You will also see antique weapons and historic firearms that reflect both his world travels and his ranching lifestyle.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the museum is the recreation of his trophy room from his Double Diamond Ranch. It is filled with almost two hundred taxidermy animals along with some of the coolest & most unusual decor you will ever see, like lamp bases made from zebra legs and furniture made from horns. There are also rare curiosities like a shrunken head, Egyptian scarabs, Inuit carvings, and relics from ancient civilizations.

The museum also includes recreated rooms from Wilbur's actual home, which lets you step right into the life he lived. His own paintings are displayed as well, displaying his talent and love for landscapes inspired by both Nevada and his travels. You can even get a glimpse of his ranching - saddles, gear, and western equipment teach visitors that he was just as grounded at home as he was adventurous abroad.

Everything at the museum is well preserved and displayed in a clean and organized way allowing visitors to explore different cultures, stories, and time periods in a fun and easy to digest kind of way. 

Museums inspire curiosity, preserve history, help us understand how we came to be, and let us travel the world without ever getting on a plane. The Wilbur D. May Museum is open to the public and is rarely crowded, which makes the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable.

You can find the museum inside Rancho San Rafael Park, Renos biggest and most dynamic park. You can find more information about the park in my other post HERE.

NOTES

-The museum's gift shop is one of the best in town and includes fun gifts and items showcasing different cultures around the world.  During the holidays, it becomes a real gem for unique finds.

-Admission to traveling exhibits includes access to the permanent May Collection and gallery.

-There is a free age appropriate scavenger hunt for both kids & adults to enjoy while exploring the museum.  Request for the form while paying for admission.

-Group rates are available for groups of fifteen or more for both special exhibits and guided tours.

-Every year the Dragon Lights Festival is held in Rancho San Rafael Park - the same park where the museum is located. It is a festive and magical community event that features tons of handmade lanterns, interactive displays, food trucks, photo ops, and so much more. 

-I highly suggest exploring the arboretum found right next to the museum on your visit. It offers peaceful paths, lovely trees, and a relaxing way to extend your visit.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.***

© Photography 

Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

 Categorized under "Museums"