Goldfield, Nevada: Gold Point Ghost Town

Dusty former gold mining town with a privately owned array of structures, a saloon, courthouse, museum, bed and breakfast, and a gallows. Residents still live in town.

West of 95, paved to town. Looked like a graveyard for trailers. No saloon, B+B, etc. Local told me there was a room for rent, but would not recommend. Dirt road past town clear, but there was deep sand.

Right on 95, on your way from Vegas to Reno, it's a small mining town from the turn of the century. Once the biggest city in Nevada, 20,000 strong, the town now has about 200 locals and is mostly a stop for travelers passing through.

Two bars, one of which claims to have "The Meanest Bartender in Nevada," but don't let that scare you away. I'd recommend the Hoist House if you're looking for a drink and great conversation with some friendly locals; they're open late. It's also worth stopping in the gift shop. They're full of knowledge about the town and have some interesting souvenirs.

The Hotel across the street is said to be haunted and was visited by all the big names in ghost hunting. Unfortunately there's no entrance permitted in the hotel, since it's completely rundown, thanks to some guy who bought it and won't do anything with it... But it's still really cool from the outside.

If you're looking for history, stop into the courthouse for all the info you need on the town, and right across the street from there you can't miss the art cars exhibit, don't forget to donate to the artists. It's a great addition to the International Car Forest, right down the road. The town is tiny, so it won't take long to do everything there is to offer.