US 395 is the shortest of Nevada's major highways, extending just 99 miles from Topaz Lake on the south to Bordertown on the north, both at the California state line. On its route along the eastern slope of the Sierra are northern Nevada's largest cities — Minden and Gardnerville, Carson City, Reno and Sparks — and numerous attractions, Genoa, Virginia City, Washoe Lake State Park, and Pyramid Lake among them.

White Orchid at the Peppermill
Is this Reno's finest restaurant? Award-winning wine cellar, Four Star AAA rating, and winner of the DiRoNA Award and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

The St. Charles Hotel
When Carson City was young, this was a busy commercial hotel across from the State Legislature. Now it's a symbol of the city's extensive historic district, much of it dating from the 1860s and '70s.

Pyramid lake, 30 miles north of Sparks via Nevada 445, is an eye-searing display of opalescent brilliance, a sheet of electric blue cupped between chalky pink and grey mountains. A Marina and Visitor Center (with gas pumps and a small store) face the ancient Pyramid across the lake.