Elko

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Small Town, Big Opportunities

A travel journal to Elko by Judy Andreson

If you're looking for a place to settle down, Elko might just be your kind of place. Though small, it is growing and any ambitious person will find lots of opportunities.

  • 8 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips

Small Town, Big OpportunitiesBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Great wide open space, affordable property, lots of recreational possibilities, moderate climate, friendly locals. Best of all, no personal income tax!

Quick Tips:

If nothing else, you must go over the summit and see the Ruby Mountains and visit Lamoille Canyon. Awesome!

Best Way To Get Around:

In town walking around is fine, but you need a car to get here and to get around.

King BuffetBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

It's relative inexpensive and the food is tasty. The buffet is huge! Your eyes will definately be bigger than your stomach. Choose from the salad bar, two soups, more types of chicken dishes than you can imagine, egg foo young, sweet 'n sour pork, egg rolls, chop suey, etc., etc., etc. French frys for the kids too. Save room for the frozen yogurt and almond cookies. All you can eat! They'll have to cart you out unless you have tremendous self discipline or hate to eat!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 5, 2000

King Buffet
1830 Idaho Street Elko, Nevada 89801
(775) 777-1077

RubiesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Open for only a couple of years, Rubies is a clean, casual place to enjoy good food with friends. It's celestial decor is fun, the wait staff cordial and efficient, and the food is great. Rubies is open for breakfast and lunch only. I highly recommend their stuffed French toast (french bread slices layered with caramel sweentend cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon custard then grilled, $5.95) and any of their burgers.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on December 4, 2000

Rubies
1250 Lamoille Hwy. Elko, Nevada
(775) 777-7474

Pizza BarnBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

For several years this local favorite has been voted as the best place for pizza in Elko. Little wonder too, as they have all fresh toppings and their dough is made from scratch and rolled daily. There are seven styles of pizza and they're topped with their own blend offive natural cheeses. Yum! I recommend the pesto and veggie pesto as well as the garlic chicken pizza. They also have lunch specials, hot and cold sandwiches appetizers and a salad bar. Beer and wine are served.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on December 4, 2000

Pizza Barn
2598 Idaho Street Elko, Nevada 89801
(775) 738-2541

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Ever wondered what modern gold mining was all about? Here's your chance to find out. Barrick is one of the largest gold mines in North America. Tours are arranged by appointment only. Call 775-934-9274 to make arrangements.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 5, 2000

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.
501 Railroad Street Elko, Nevada 89801
(775) 738-7508

Newmont Gold CompanyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

If you've ever wanted to find out about modern methods of gold mining, here's your chance. Newmont is one of the largest gold mines in North America. Tours are arranged by appointment only. Call 775-778-4068 to make arrangements.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 5, 2000

Newmont Gold Company
Tours leave from the Western Folklife Center Elko, Nevada

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Western Folklife Center"

You'll find this really nice little museum/gallery located in an historic building, the old Pioneer Hotel, on the corner of Railroad and 5th Streets. The Center's mission is to preserve the culture of the American West. It's doing a fine job too! There is a myriad of activities taking place year round including the internationally known Cowboy Poetry Festival (see my journal on this). Other happenings include family dances, artistic performances and land and ranching workshops. The gallery exhibits contemporary folk art, cowboy gear, Native American crafts, photography. The Folk Arts Shop carries an amusing and extensive assortment of cowboy memorabilia. Cool place! I like to visit often because the exhibits and merchandise are always changing. I recently saw a Japanese drumming act here that was marvelous!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 5, 2000

Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.
501 Railroad Street Elko, Nevada 89801
(775) 738-7508

Northeastern Nevada MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Interpretive displays, a gun collection, historical showings, natural history exhibits, area wildlife, art gallery, research library, historical photo library, newspaper research files, gift shop and book store. An outdoor display includes an 1860s Pony Express cabin and stagecoach. This place has it all!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 5, 2000

Northeastern Nevada Museum
1515 Idaho Street Elko, Nevada 89801
(775) 738-3418

Why Elko?Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

My husband and I moved here, about a year ago from Monterey, California. When friends and family found out we were heading east to Elko they said 'Why?'

I'll admit, Monterey is one of the most beautiful places in the world. We lived there for nine years and enjoyed every minute of it. One problem, we never seemed to be able to get ahead.

Now, in our 40s, we decided it was time to start building for the eventual future. I began researching for a place to live that met our criteria. Quite simply it had to be: safe; clean; affordable; moderate climate or at least sunny most days; a good place to start and grow a business.

If it was beautiful, that would be a plus. I never expected to like Nevada but I'd never spent much time in the northern part of the state. I wasn't opposed to living in the desert because I lived in Palm Springs for 10 years and loved it.

I read about Elko in a couple of books about the 100 Best Small Towns in America. The clincher was when I saw my first picture of the Ruby Mountains. I knew then it was THE place.

We Need A...Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Although there is plenty to survive, Elko could use a few other businesses. I'd like somebody to open: -A major bookstore here, like a Borders -A major department store like a Marshalls, TJ Max, Target, Mervyn's -A super-duper coffee shop like Starbucks -A Costco -A bakery with European style breads and pastries -An auto mechanic who can service BMW's and foreign makes -While we're at it, why not an In-N-Out? Any ot these businesses would make a killing, no kidding. I'm not complaining though, small town living is great!

About the Writer

Judy Andreson
Judy Andreson
Elko, Nevada
  • "Experienced travel writer with more than 200 published articles on travel in the U.S. and Europe."
  • 26 journals
  • 0 photos
  • 122 reviews

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