Plan a Perfect Sierra Weekend East of Lake Tahoe

Looking for a fiery and flavorful detour during your Sierra travels this May? Mark your calendar for a sizzling weekend as Virginia City brings the heat with the 42nd Annual Chili on the Comstock, taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17–18, 2025. If you’re planning a spring adventure through the Carson Valley or Eastern Sierra, this is the perfect excuse to add a little extra spice to your itinerary — especially when paired with Carson Valley’s Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival happening the same weekend just down the highway.

Virginia City, with its historic wooden sidewalks and Wild West flair, transforms into a chili lover’s dream during this two-day celebration. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, sample hearty, handcrafted chilis from some of the West’s top chili chefs as they compete for a coveted spot at the International Chili Society World Finals. Whether you like it fiery hot or mild and savory, there’s a bowl (or ten) waiting for you.

What’s on Tap for Chili Weekend?

• Chili Tastings: A Chili Tour ticket gets you 10 generous samples from different cooks, plus a ballot to vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice competition.
• Craft Beer Crawl: Stroll through Virginia City’s iconic saloons and craft beer tents while enjoying 12 regional pours and sweet treats along the way.
• The Great Fire-Hot Chili Pepper Challenge: For the brave (or a bit crazy), enter the intense chili pepper eating contest where heat levels climb higher every round. Winners not only claim bragging rights but also a share of the cash prize!

Chili and craft beer combo packages are available online, making it easy to create your ultimate tasting adventure.

Why Combine It with Carson Valley? This is an unbeatable spring weekend for foodies, festival seekers, and explorers alike. Start your morning with the breathtaking sight of colorful hot air balloons lifting off at Lampe Park during Carson Valley’s Hot Air for Hope event, then head up the hill to Virginia City for an afternoon filled with bold flavors, live entertainment, and historic charm. The two events, just about 30 miles apart, create a dream weekend itinerary for anyone looking to experience the best of Nevada’s spirit.

Plan Your Trip:

• Tickets for Chili on the Comstock, the Craft Beer Crawl, and the Great Fire-Hot Chili Pepper Challenge are available now.
• Visit visitvirginiacitynv.com for full details, ticket packages, and lodging suggestions.
• Questions? Call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.

A Little More About Virginia City
Only 30 minutes outside of Reno, Virginia City is one of America’s largest historic landmarks. Born in the boom of the 1800s silver rush, its preserved architecture, spirited saloons, museums, and colorful characters keep the Wild West alive. Whether you’re visiting for the chili or just soaking in the historic atmosphere, Virginia City promises a weekend full of lodes of fun!

Weekend Adventure Itinerary: Hot Air, Chili, and Historic Highways

May 16–18, 2025

Experience the vibrant spirit of the Sierra with a weekend filled with hot air balloons, railroads, chili cook-offs, and scenic mountain drives.

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Friday, May 16 – Up, Up and Away in Carson Valley

Morning:

• Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival
  • Lampe Park, Gardnerville | Launch: 6:00 AM
    Start your weekend early with a spectacular sight — dozens of colorful hot air balloons filling the morning sky during Carson Valley’s Hot Air for Hope. Bring a blanket, grab a coffee from a local vendor, and enjoy the serene sunrise show.

Breakfast Option:

• Coffee on Main (Gardnerville) – A cozy spot perfect for a hot coffee and a fresh breakfast burrito or pastry after balloon watching.

Midday Adventure:

• Carson City Railroad Experience
  • Nevada State Railroad Museum | Opens at 10:00 AM
    After the balloons, head north about 20 minutes to Carson City. The Railroad Museum offers a hands-on glimpse into Nevada’s locomotive history, with beautifully restored trains you can climb aboard. (If you’re lucky, they may even offer short rides!)

Lunch Recommendation:

• The Fox Brewpub (Carson City) – A historic 1900s English-style pub with hearty fare and local brews.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Nevada State Capitol and Nevada State Museum
  Take a short walk around downtown Carson City’s leafy streets to tour the Nevada State Capitol and visit the Nevada State Museum, which features exhibits on the Comstock Lode, mining, and indigenous history.

Check-In Suggestion:

• Stay at:
  • Carson Valley Inn (Minden) – Comfortable, full-service resort experience close to all Friday activities, plus a pool and casino.
  • Alternatively: Gold Dust West Carson City – Great for families or travelers wanting easy access to downtown Carson City.

Evening Option:

• “Fire It Up, Carson Valley” Balloon Glow Event
  • Lampe Park, Gardnerville | Starts at 6:00 PM
    Return to Lampe Park for the evening balloon glow and enjoy live music, food trucks, and family fun under the stars.
    (If you prefer to shift straight to Virginia City for evening fun, you can flip this event for Saturday morning.)

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Saturday, May 17 – Virginia City: A Taste of the Old West

Morning:

• Leisurely breakfast at your hotel or grab pastries at Hub Coffee Roasters (Carson City location).
• Drive to Virginia City (Approx. 25-minute scenic drive).

Midday to Afternoon:

• Chili on the Comstock | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
  Walk the historic boardwalks of Virginia City while tasting award-winning chili from some of the West’s best chefs. Participate in the Craft Beer Crawl or, if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the Great Fire-Hot Chili Pepper Challenge.

Lunch Recommendation:

• Keep it casual with your chili tastings and brews. Need a break between tastings?
  • Red Dog Saloon – Great pizza and live music.
  • Cafe Del Rio – Known for its fresh Southwest cuisine with vegetarian options too.

Explore Virginia City:

• After you’ve had your fill of chili, check out a few local gems:
  • The Way It Was Museum – Mining history and old town artifacts.
  • Ponderosa Mine Tour – An underground experience into an authentic Comstock mine.

Check-In Option:

• Stay in Virginia City:
  • Sugarloaf Mountain Motel & Market – Historic charm and easy walking distance to the main drag.
  • Gold Hill Hotel – A few minutes south of town, Nevada’s oldest operating hotel, offering a rustic and romantic Western vibe.

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Sunday, May 18 – Scenic Sierra Farewell

Morning:

• Breakfast in Virginia City
  • Canvas Cafe – Cozy breakfast with strong coffee, fresh quiche, and pastries.

Midday:

• Scenic Drive Adventure
  • Depart Virginia City and cruise down into Reno for a relaxing transition.
  • Then head up Mt. Rose Highway (SR 431) — one of the highest year-round highways in the Sierra.
  • Stop at Mt. Rose Summit (8,911 feet) for sweeping panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the high desert valleys.

Lunch/Brunch Option at North Lake Tahoe:

• Tunnel Creek Cafe (Incline Village) – A chill spot offering fresh sandwiches, coffee, and access to great walking trails if you want one last stretch before your drive home.

Optional:

• Relax at Sand Harbor (if weather and time allow) – Take a stroll or short rest at this famous East Shore Lake Tahoe spot. (Reservations are needed for parking before 10:30 a.m., so plan ahead if you want to visit.)

Departure:
Head home through your favorite Sierra route or extend your trip for another night on Tahoe’s north shore.

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Quick Recap: Weekend Highlights

• Friday: Hot Air Balloon Festival + Carson City Museums
• Saturday: Chili on the Comstock in Virginia City
• Sunday: Scenic Drive over Mt. Rose Highway to North Lake Tahoe

Ideal For: Couples, families, and adventurous travelers looking for a lively mix of festivals, historic towns, and high-country scenery.