Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park


Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)
Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City. For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. *Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees *Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature *Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions *Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time *Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby, a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

Friends, can you imagine spending time in a place that once belonged to a millionaire? It honestly feels like a dream. Am I crazy to feel this lucky? This spot is stunning, and it holds so many memories. It’s where my kids learned to ride their bikes. It will always be a special place for us.

2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.


Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 


I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).


The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.


Notes
-49-acre park  
-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals  
-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis
-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion
-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park
-Plenty of grassy areas available 
-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)  
-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift 
-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos  
-Great shade during summer
-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit 
-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street
-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals
-Flushable toilets available 
-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park

 

Photography 
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

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

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots & Birthday/Event Venues"
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Sunday, November 22, 2020

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


Washoe

Mound House 
(near Virginia City/Carson City)


If you frequently find yourself on the highway 580/395 heading toward Carson City from Reno, you may have spotted the roadside sign on the side featuring the Chocolate Nugget Factory. Being the wandered that I am, you know I couldn't resist taking the exit to see what this place was all about. That little detour led me to discover a true local gem. Consider the highway sign your sign to check it out yourself. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Growing up watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I had pretty high expectations for what a chocolate factory should aim to be, and after fter my first visit to the Chocolate Nugget Factory, it did not disappoint. Upon walking into the shop on my first visit many years ago, I was welcomed to a video playing on the wall featuring scenes from the classic film of Willy Wonka inviting us in to a world of "pure imagination."  I don't know what's more imaginative than candy and the scientific processes it undergoes.  Most people may see it as pure sugar & trouble,  but I see balancing acts, candy thermometers, elastic revels, and edible art pieces. 

Today, you’ll find the iconic “I Love Lucy” chocolate factory scene playing on the screen, where visitors can relive one of television’s most unforgettable comedy moments. The famous scene shows Lucy and Ethel working on a chocolate conveyor belt, desperately trying to wrap chocolates as they come faster and faster. When they realize they can’t keep up, they resort to hiding the candies wherever they can, creating a hilarious moment of chaos that has been loved by generations.  You must absolutely give it a watch on YouTube.  


The Chocolate Nugget Factory is the story of a family tradition that began generations ago and made its way from Ohio to the heart of Washoe Valley.

The roots of this sweet local treasure date back to 1936, when Frank, the grandfather of the current owners, began making candy in Akron, Ohio. Frank had a knack for candy making and started a small homemade candy business that eventually grew into a family legacy known for quality ingredients, handmade chocolates, and his famous light and crispy peanut brittle.

In 1983, Dan and Caroline Saltzwimmer brought that tradition to Northern Nevada when they opened the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory. Since then, this charming roadside stop between Reno and Carson City has become a beloved local landmark, welcoming generations of families looking for a little sweetness along the way.

After decades of being lovingly operated by the Feriance family, the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory began a new chapter when third-generation candymaker Eddie Feriance stepped away and entrusted the future of the business to Cesar Acosta, the founder of Champagne & Chocolate. The transition brought together two local chocolate traditions. While the candy-making roots remain at the heart of Chocolate Nugget, the addition of Champagne & Chocolate has introduced new ways to enjoy the longtime Nevada favorite through elevated pairings, events, and a renewed appreciation and love for handcrafted sweets.

At Champage & Chocolate in Reno, visitor's can enjoy many of the Chocolate Nugget Factory's classic favorites while experiencing a fresh, glamorous, modern lounge feel that comes with entertainment, specialty alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages & brunch weaved in.  

If you're feeling especially adventurous on your visit, the build-your-own candy bar experience lets guests create a custom treat starting with either a dark chocolate or milk chocolate base and adding their own favorite toppings.


Part of what makes the Chocolate Nugget Factory so special is that the experience begins before you even walk through the doors. The Washoe Valley location has a charming Old West feel, with its rustic log cabin design, welcoming porch, and the famous giant miner standing guard outside.  Inside, the shop continues that cozy, old fashioned charm with vintage touches, sweet displays, and the smell of handmade sweets filling the air. And when you find it hard to determine whether the service or the candy is sweeter, you know you’ve discovered something special.  At the Chocolate Nugget Factory, you can always count on a sample, a smile, and a little taste of nostalgia waiting for you every time you stop by.


Must Try Treats
*Their caramel popcorn is always so fresh, delicious, and addicting.  Ideal for those with sweet tooths.
*Their 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 
*Their Chocolate-dipped pretzels are super crunchy, well-balanced, and not too sweet.  
*Their Peanut Brittle is amazingly thin and fresh: a brittle like no other that will not break your teeth.  It's one of their best sellers that comes in different flavors.
*Their fudge is so delicious and always made fresh in house.  Favorites: chocolate walnut, divinity (marshmallow + nuts), peanut butter chocolate
*Chocolate dipped ice cream.  Dipped in real chocolate and topped with toppings of your choosing.


Notes:
-Apple Pay/Samsung Pay for contact free transactions.  You can download these apps on your phone and connect them to your cards.
-Interested in trying out a certain fudge flavor?  Don't be shy.  Ask for a sample.
-Local family owned business. Visit their site for their amazing history. 
-Tables and seating available on front porch
-great for photos
-Pick-up and delivery available.  Call in for pick-up orders. Online orders are shipped through USPS.
-Their candy is manufactured at their Mound House location.  Viewing window available. 
-Sodas available for floats.
-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.  Shop will be on your right.
-The Washoe Lake/Little Washoe area features plenty of wildlife, including wild mustangs.  Please enjoy them from afar.

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

Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Good Eats"

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