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 the beginning), you’ll wind through the woods and reach beautiful Galena Falls in just about 2.5 miles. The view of the meadow is a bonus. Because it takes only a small amount of effort to get to this gorgeous waterfall, this part of the hike tends to 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, with the last 1.5 miles being the toughest. 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–October  

Distance: 11.8-mile loop  

Duration: 4.5–6 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 always 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; the slopes are great.  

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’ll see the parking lot). The Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a minute away and offers more hiking options.

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 should use an app to help keep them on track, 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" 

Become a Hero for a day at the Hall of Heroes- Wilbur D. May Museum, Reno.

Wilbur D. May Center

1595 N Sierra Street

Reno, NV 89503

Directions

Museum: (775) 785-5961

Arboretum: (775) 785-4153

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

Link to Wilbur D. May Museum website

Link to Volunteer Opportunities

Link to Facebook Page for latest updates

Link to Museum Event Space Rental Information

Link to Garden Wedding Rentals

Link to Pavilion Rental Information

Under normal circumstances, the Wilbur D. May Museum has plenty of themed exhibitions that change from time to time throughout the year.  The Hall of Heroes was only one of many that made its way to the museum, engaging Reno residents and testing their super-human abilities.

The exhibit had impressive figurines and activities that were interesting and fun.  The kids were amazed the whole time, being more and more eager for the next activity.  They were able to test their speed, get blown away by a super fan as if they were flying in the sky, test out their hanging capabilities and solve some puzzles that required some super-human thinking.  Just like all the other exhibits, you can expect lots of fun with these themed displays.  

The Wilbur D. May Museum is always thinking of ways to keep life interesting in Reno.  Me and my family always love supporting the museum, keeping it and the life of Wilbur D. May alive.  

This museum is the only museum in Nevada where you can find artifacts unique to the museum.  The artifacts are well preserved and displayed in a nice and organized manner, sorted out into different categories.  

Museums help spark interest, preserve history, help us learn how we came to be, and help us travel to places around the world that we may never otherwise have the chance to travel to.  Wilbur D. May is currently open to the public with lots of space to social distance and stay safe. It is rarely packed so no need to worry about big crowds.

The museum can be found in Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno's biggest and most dynamic park.  You can find more information about the park HERE in my other entry. 

 Categorized under "Museums"