This Walkable Stretch of Shops and Restaurants in Small-Town Nevada Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination

Visit beautiful, historic C Street in Virginia City, Nevada, for an enjoyable and walkable stretch of shopping and dining delight. I’ve compiled just a few of the many stops you can explore to easily fill a day (or two) of fun. So, grab your walking shoes and get ready to treat yourself in one of Nevada’s most authentically wonderful towns.

It’s easy to see why Virginia City hosts so many travelers from near and far. The town’s uniqueness, love of festivals, and dozens of stores, restaurants, and bars draw millions of visitors each year. Travel down historic C Street to explore the best of small-town Nevada shopping and dining while enjoying the friendliness of Virginia City, too.

Are you in the market for a dazzling new hat? Well, don’t just shop anywhere! Head to The Pioneer Emporium & Virginia City Hat Maker on South C Street for an incredibly unique shopping experience. Hat maker Pascal Baboulin, a native of France, has brought his expertise and love of hat making to Virginia City since 2004. Browse his collection, watch him master his craft, and even get fitted for a custom hat that you can take home. The shop is open seven days a week, so be sure to stop by during your stay.

No trip to Virginia City would be complete without indulging at Grandma’s Fudge Factory. A Virginia City icon, this sweet shop has been dishing out delicious fudge and treats since 1971. There’s a huge variety of homemade fudge, bark, caramels, brittle, and even toffee. You can find the factory right on historic C Street.

It’d be a shame to miss the Virginia City Antique Mall during your day trip. This fun shopping adventure is perfect for treasure hunters and antique enthusiasts alike. With an incredible variety of items for sale, you can easily spend hours browsing the small shops that make up this uniquely Old West antique mall. It’s also a great way to support local businesses.

If you love and appreciate art, then you’ll want to check out Rainbow Wooden Art on South C Street. Browse and enjoy local handmade art in the form of wood and metal, and let the intricate workmanship wow you. You'll find elaborate wooden ships, metal dragons, and even Disney characters in this jam-packed artsy feast for the eyes.

When you’re feeling hungry and want to sit down to an appetizing meal, step back in time at the Palace Restaurant & Saloon. This Virginia City favorite is located inside an 1870 saloon, complete with upbeat ambiance, shows, and live music. This restaurant is usually bustling, but be sure to grab a seat for either lunch or dinner and you won’t be disappointed.

Another fun place to spend some time is the famous Red Dog Saloon. Head north on C Street for live music, tasty pizzas, sandwiches, and beer. The saloon is steeped in Nevada history, so keep your eyes open for posters and other memorabilia showcasing the eatery’s rich past.

Remember your trip the best way—by getting your photo taken the old-fashioned way. There are many old-time photo studios in town, but Silver Sadie’s Old Time Photos is one of the best. With many vintage costumes to choose from and photographers that can turn any frown upside down, you and your family will enjoy posing like an Old West posse.

Who doesn’t love a day of shopping, dining, and meandering through a perfectly wonderful town in Nevada? With festivals scattered throughout the year and a love of preserving Nevada’s Old West heritage, it is the perfect place to walk and explore this side of the Silver State. To learn more about all there is to do and see, head over to Visit Virginia City and start planning your adventure.

For a more personalized experience, try our Only In Your State itinerary planner. This tool can help you pull together a custom plan based on what you actually want to see. Is there a hidden gem in Virginia City we missed? We want to hear from you! Send us your suggestions through our nomination form so we can continue to highlight the very best of small-town Nevada.