Couple's Weekend in Ely
Experiencing Ely and White Pine County can be a life-changing experience. Visiting, exploring, and taking in all that the 10,000 square miles the county has to offer will always be memorable. Some of our top attractions are truly unique to this area. Nowhere in the country will you find the same treasures, or in how you experience them.
Ely is the most remote city in the continental United States. We are the furthest from any larger metropolitan location on the map. While it may seem intimidating to some to be placed in the middle of nowhere (or the Middle of Everywhere, according to a few) what it really means is we have unlimited possibilities.
Imagine anywhere you would like to visit in the US. Some state or national parks, maybe? Or perhaps a few relaxing hot springs? How about some historical sites that are world famous? Now, try to imagine how many people want to go there too, and how crowded each and every day is.
What you may not believe is that White Pine County has all those locations, but it’s true: Great Basin National Park, lakes and springs, and the world famous Nevada Northern Railway; however, one giant difference between our sites and others is the crowds. Our remoteness lends to our ability to provide a trip with all the grandeur more famous tours tease but with the personability that leaves a lasting impression.
But who wants all this to themselves? Is a trip truly memorable if it’s done alone? And what are you to do with that special someone in your life? The answers to all these questions is, of course, yes. It’s definitely better to go alone. Solitude is always the answer and kick that “someone” to the curb before commitment becomes a burden. But maybe you disagree.
Which is great! Because it means that you’ll find our suggestions for a Couple’s Weekend in Ely super helpful. Scroll below to find out what special activities can be done together to only grow closer. Or, maybe still, grow apart. Afterall, Mark Twain once said, “I have found out there is no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”
Day 1
1. Sleep in for the morning! And that’s an order! Take it easy, there’s absolutely no rush when it comes to spending time with a special person in your life. However, eventually it will come time to take advantage of the day. Pack a lunch and possibly some wine for a hike and sit down for a romantic picnic. Choose any direction and any mountain range for spectacular views. Some suggestions we may be able to give include Ward Mountian Recreation Area, or rent an OHV through Eastern Nevada Adventures and take a drive over Success Summit.
2. There are multiple ways to take in a romantic evening. A guaranteed memorable night can always be spent watching a Nevada sunset. While Nevada sunsets can be taken in anywhere in White Pine, what’s the most “couples-worthy” would be a Sunset, Stars & Champagne ride on the Nevada Northern Railway. The excursion train involves all that the name suggests and is a perfect date leading all the way to nightfall.
3. Upon returning to the train station, it will be dark and primetime for some night sky viewing. Heading south out of Ely on Highway 50 and follow signage for the Ward Charcoal Ovens. It’s a stellar way to end the day with each other. An historic location that is also tailor-made for stargazing.
Day 2
1. On your second day in Ely together, it’ll be time to make the drive over to Great Basin National Park. If you’re able to plan your entire trip a month in advance, you can purchase tickets for the Lehman Caves Tour. But don’t get too carried away in the caverns. It may be dark and cool, but there will be others present, including families with kids. But if you want to gaze into each other’s eyes over a great local meal, you can’t go wrong with the Sugar, Salt, and Malt Restaurant in Baker.
2. Once you return to Ely after a day visiting Baker and the National Park, it will be later in the evening and possibly time to take a sunset stroll in our downtown. Luckily, to add to your walk, you can enjoy our self-guided Public Art Mural Tour. As you call the number on each mural to discover more about the piece, don’t let the voice over on the phone ruin the mood. Make sure to stop along the way to check out the local art at the Ely Art Bank and Garnet Mercantile.
3. The romantic dinner you’ve been waiting for is finally here! There’s an entire list of options on our Dining Page for whatever love desires. Nothing says charming like sit down Italian available at Mr. G’s. Maybe you’ll discover something new about your partner as you see them behind bars at the Cellblock Steakhouse. Or eat quickly at McDonald’s. We promise we won’t judge (much) because it’s your special night!
4. Nothing says date night like a trip to the movies, and, seriously, you couldn’t find a better locale. Pull out all the cliches of a movie date at our original, 1941 art deco movie theater that plays new features every week. You definitely won’t get a better movie setting than at the Ely Central Theatre!