Decided to visit Lake Tahoe as the hotel concierge said the wildfires had improved and it was safe. On the way came across a sign for Bower Mansion and decided to stop. Sadly, the Mansion is only open Saturday and Sunday from 11-4 through 10/31, however, if in the area check it out and send me some pictures. I’ll bet its spectacular inside..

A little history – Sandy and Elley Bowers erected this Mansion with monies from their gold and silver mines in Comstock. Elley lost the Mansion in 1876 when the mines ran dry, and it passed through several owners. The Mansion then came into disrepair. In steps Henry Riter who purchases the Mansion site unseen. He restores the Mansion then hears of Elley Bowers death and has her ashes restored to the family plot on the hill behind the home.

While Riter never lived full time at the Mansion he leased it to others finally selling at 80 years of age to a group of women who had the same vision as Riter for the the property. The women, cash poor, started a statewide campaign to save the Mansion, acquired the monies and a park was developed on Mansion grounds.

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Next stop, the state capitol, Carson City. Was hoping the state museum was open, however, it was closed. Saw the sign for the Governor’s Mansion and stopped. What a majestic home. The Governor does not live here full time, only stops in now and then according to his neighbor across the street.

From here visited historic downtown Carson City which had many shops and restaurants. What a clean and quaint town. Came across the state tourism bureau but this was closed as well. Took that as a sign to continue on my way to Lake Tahoe.