Every state has its share of peculiarities only natives and long-time residents understand. Many of these activities and notions may seem rather crazy to everyone else but, in reality, are completely normal in their neck of the woods. Nevada is no different. Here are 11 things Nevadans do that may seem a bit insane to the rest of the country.
- Playing video poker or slot machines at the grocery store, restaurant, gas station, or airport is completely ordinary. These tempting machines are located virtually everywhere in the state and many Nevadans’ errands include dropping a few dollars to try their luck.
Kent Buckingham/Flickr
- Basking in the fact (and repeatedly reminding everyone else), “It’s a dry heat,” as if it really matters once the thermometer exceeds 100 degrees.
Rosie/Flickr
- Embracing that dry heat. Nevadans (particularly Las Vegans) enjoy hiking in 115-degree weather. Yes, seriously.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
- Once a year, Nevadans flock to Black Rock Desert where they participate in the week-long Burning Man Festival that celebrates community, art, and self-expression and culminates with the burning of a man-shaped wooden effigy at the end.
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr
- Nevadans are very picky about the way their state’s name is pronounced and have no qualms about correcting those who dare mispronounce it. Just remember, it’s Nev-ADD-a not Nev-AH-da, and everything will be just fine.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Nevadans hold a special place in their collective hearts and souls for aliens. Given that Area 51 is in Nevada, the state is a hotbed of alien conspiracies. Just ask locals for their UFO and alien abduction stories and they’ll be glad to share.
When not seeking extra-terrestrials, Nevadans are also heavily into ghost hunting. With the myriad haunted hotels, gold mines, and ghost towns, paranormal enthusiasts will never be bored.
Kent Buckingham
- Nevadans will erect a museum for anything. Among the most unusual include the Gangster Museum, Neon Boneyard, Pinball Hall of Fame, Atomic Testing Museum, Brothel Art Museum, and Red Light Museum. Of course, there are dozens of gold mine, mining town, and Nevada history hotels across the state as well.
Atomic Hot Links/Flickr
- Bowling isn’t just a hobby, it’s almost a religion for Nevadans. In fact, Reno is home to the National Bowling Stadium (“Taj Majal of Tenpins”) where many national events and tournaments are held.
Reno Tahoe/Flickr
- No water, no problem. Nevadans have cornered the market on land sailing. This unique-to-Nevada pastime involves racing three-wheeled chairs attached to sails across the desert. And there is ample desert in this state.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
- Nevadans LOVE their state. In fact, after achieving statehood in 1864, Nevada is one of the only states that celebrates its anniversary annually with parades and street festivals.
Nevada Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr
There you have it: aliens, ghosts, dry heat, parades, bowling, and proper enunciation. These are just a few of the truly unique things that make Nevadans, well, Nevadans. Do you know of any others? Please share your thoughts below.
Kent Buckingham/Flickr
Rosie/Flickr
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Kent Buckingham
Atomic Hot Links/Flickr
Reno Tahoe/Flickr
Nevada Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
