California Road Trip: Nevada City, CA

by Rob | May 1, 2026 | Road Trips

Following The Christmas Card to Nevada City, California

After traveling north through Nevada, we eventually left US-95 and joined Interstate 80 heading west into California. One of the most beautiful parts of the drive was crossing through the Sierra Nevada Mountains near the Donner Pass area. Snow still lined portions of the highway even though spring had arrived, creating stunning views of snow-covered peaks, pine forests, and mountain valleys. It was a dramatic change from the desert landscapes we had been driving through earlier in the trip. After crossing the mountains, we turned onto CA-20 and continued toward our destination for the evening: the charming Gold Rush town of Nevada City.

Movie

Christmas Card Places

Map of Christmas Card Places

For fans of the Hallmark movie The Christmas Card, Nevada City is a special destination because many scenes from the film were shot here. One of our main goals was to visit the filming locations and experience the small-town charm that made the movie so memorable. We stayed at the historic National Exchange Hotel, the same hotel where Cody stayed in the movie. Perched on the hill above town is the beautiful Nevada City United Methodist Church, another recognizable filming location. We also visited the famous Classic Café where Cody ordered a chicken salad club with curly fries before heading to the restroom, only to have Faith walk in and mistakenly believe the meal was hers because she had ordered the exact same thing.

National Exchange

National Exchange Front Desk

National Exchange Inside

Our Room

National Exchange Inside

National Exchange Front Desk

National Exchange Inside

Methodist Church

Nevada City

National Exchange

Nevada City

Us at the Methodist Church, Nevada City

National Exchange

Nevada City

National Exchange

Nevada City

National Exchange Inside

National Exchange

Arriving in Nevada City proved to be a little more challenging than expected. A fairy-themed event was being held at the National Exchange Hotel that Thursday evening, and parking spaces throughout downtown were completely full. We spent quite a while circling the streets waiting for a spot to open before finally finding a place to park. Once we got settled into the hotel, we headed to Deer Creek Grill for dinner. We ordered the Veggie Pesto Pasta and the Western Burger with fries, and both meals were excellent. Our server, Andreas, provided great service and made the dining experience even more enjoyable after a long day on the road.

Deer Creek Bar and Grill Logo

Western Burger

Veggie Pesto Salad

Deer Creek Bar and Grill Inside

Deer Creek Bar and Grill Deck

Creek next to Deer Creek Bar and Grill

The next morning, we took advantage of the quieter streets before the town became busy with visitors. Walking around Nevada City early in the day made it easy to photograph many of the filming locations from The Christmas Card as well as the historic buildings that give the town its unique character. One of the highlights was visiting the United Methodist Church perched at the top of the hill, a recognizable location featured in the movie. The church’s beautiful setting overlooking the town made it easy to see why it was chosen for several memorable scenes.

Nevada City

Methodist Church

Where Cody Saves Faith’s father, Luke, from almost getting hit from a vehicle.

Nevada City

National Exchange Inside

National Exchange

Of course, we also had to stop at the Classic Café for breakfast. Sitting inside was especially fun because they had a copy of The Christmas Card DVD displayed right on the counter, proudly embracing their connection to the beloved Hallmark film. Between the Classic Café, the National Exchange Hotel, and the United Methodist Church, it felt like we were stepping directly into the movie while exploring the charming streets of Nevada City.

Classic Cafe

Breakfast Burrito at Classic Cafe

Our stay at the National Exchange Hotel was one of the highlights of the entire road trip. The beautifully restored hotel blends historic elegance with modern comfort and feels perfectly at home in Nevada City’s Gold Rush-era downtown. We also found the people in town to be incredibly friendly. The owner at Bonanza Market was especially helpful when we needed to pick up a few supplies before continuing our journey. Between the historic buildings, welcoming locals, movie locations, and relaxed atmosphere, Nevada City delivered exactly the small-town charm we had hoped to find before continuing on to Campbell and San Jose for the next leg of our California adventure.

California Road Trip: Leaving Las Vegas

by Rob | Apr 30, 2026 | Road Trips

Leaving Las Vegas for the Open Desert and Snow-Covered Mountains of Nevada

Leaving Las Vegas and heading north on US-95 brought an entirely different side of Nevada into view compared to the bright lights and nonstop activity of the Las Vegas Strip. As the city slowly disappeared behind us, the towering snow-covered peaks of Mount Charleston rose high above the desert landscape in the Spring Mountains. Seeing snow-covered mountains so close to the Mojave Desert was a surprising contrast and a reminder of how diverse the scenery can be throughout the American Southwest. The white snow covering the upper elevations created a beautiful backdrop while driving through the dry desert terrain below.

Mount Charleston

Continuing farther north on US-95, the highway stretched endlessly through wide open desert valleys surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. Long empty stretches of road, scattered Joshua trees, and distant mountains made the drive feel peaceful and remote compared to the busy highways around Las Vegas. The farther north we traveled, the more dramatic the scenery became, especially as the snow-covered mountain ranges appeared in the distance against the deep blue Nevada sky.

Near Goldfield, some of the most impressive views of the trip began to unfold. In the distance, the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountain range could be seen rising beyond the open desert valleys. The contrast between the dry desert floor and the white snow covering the mountains created an unforgettable landscape that seemed to stretch forever in every direction. Driving through this part of Nevada gives travelers a true sense of the vastness and isolation of the American West.

One of the best parts of this drive was simply appreciating the constantly changing scenery between Las Vegas and northern Nevada. From the snow-covered peaks of Mount Charleston to the distant Sierra Nevada mountains near Goldfield, the route along US-95 offered some of the most scenic and peaceful driving of the entire road trip. It was a refreshing change from the crowds of Las Vegas and a reminder that some of the most memorable parts of a cross-country adventure happen out on the open highway between destinations.

California Road Trip: Famous Fulton Places in Las Vegas

by Rob | Apr 30, 2026 | Road Trips

Dining at Fulton Fish Frye and Exploring Fulton Street Food Hall in Las Vegas

While staying at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, one of the convenient dining spots inside the resort was Fulton Fish Frye. The restaurant offered a casual atmosphere that fit perfectly with the fast-paced energy of the Las Vegas Strip. It was a good place to stop for a quick meal while taking a break from walking through the casinos and attractions nearby. The menu featured seafood favorites along with classic comfort food options, making it an easy choice for travelers looking for something simple and satisfying without leaving the hotel.

The New York-style atmosphere throughout the hotel added to the experience, especially with the nearby streetscape décor, glowing lights, and constant activity surrounding the casino floor. After spending hours walking Las Vegas Boulevard, having restaurants conveniently located inside the resort made it easy to relax and recharge before heading back out to explore more of the city. The energy inside New York-New York felt lively at all hours of the day and night, with restaurants, bars, and entertainment spread throughout the property.

Another interesting food destination during the trip was Fulton Street Food Hall located inside Harrah’s along the Las Vegas Strip. The food hall offers a wide variety of quick dining options, snacks, desserts, coffee, pizza, sandwiches, and grab-and-go meals for visitors exploring the area. The modern food court atmosphere makes it a popular stop for tourists staying nearby or walking between resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard. With so many choices available in one location, it’s an easy place to grab a quick bite while continuing a busy day of sightseeing around Las Vegas.

California Road Trip: Las Vegas Day Stroll

by Rob | Apr 29, 2026 | Road Trips

Walking the Las Vegas Strip: A Full Day Exploring Casinos, Landmarks, and Famous Attractions

Our second full day in Las Vegas was spent doing what many visitors dream about—walking the famous Las Vegas Strip and taking in all the sights, sounds, and themed resorts along Las Vegas Boulevard. Starting from New York-New York Hotel & Casino, we set out for a long day of exploring some of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Every few steps seemed to reveal another massive hotel, glowing sign, replica monument, or unique attraction that made the Strip feel like several cities combined into one giant entertainment destination.

One of our first stops was walking through Fontainebleau Las Vegas, one of the newer luxury resorts on the Strip. The modern architecture, upscale shopping areas, curved skylights, and contemporary décor gave the property a very different feel compared to the themed casinos found farther south. Inside were luxury stores, elegant restaurants, and artistic displays that made the resort feel more like a high-end shopping and entertainment center than a traditional casino. The sleek interior design and bright open spaces made it one of the most visually impressive properties we visited during the trip.

Las Vegas Strip

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip

After spending time exploring, we stopped for lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.. Located along the busy Strip, the restaurant combines seafood favorites with fun references to the movie Forrest Gump. It was a good place to take a break from the walking and enjoy lunch while people-watching from the windows overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard. The atmosphere inside was lively and filled with movie memorabilia, making it a fun stop in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.

Bubba Gump

NA Drink at Bubba Gump – Souvenir Glass

Continuing south along the Strip, we passed the beautiful fountains and elegant landscaping surrounding Bellagio. Even during the daytime, the Bellagio stands out with its upscale appearance and famous dancing fountains that attract crowds throughout the day and night. Nearby, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas brought a more modern and trendy atmosphere with its towering glass balconies and stylish exterior design. The contrast between the elegant Bellagio and the sleek Cosmopolitan showed just how different each Las Vegas resort tries to be.

Bellagio

Cosmopolitan

Bellagio

As we continued walking, we passed Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, which added a more energetic Hollywood-style vibe to the Strip with giant digital signs and nonstop activity around the entrances. Across the boulevard stood Paris Las Vegas with its instantly recognizable Eiffel Tower replica, colorful hot air balloon sign, and Parisian-themed architecture. The nearby Arc de Triomphe replica added even more detail to the feeling of being transported from Las Vegas to the streets of Paris.

Paris Las Vegas

Plant Hollywood

One of the highlights of the day was exploring Caesars Palace. Walking inside felt like entering a massive Roman-inspired city filled with marble columns, sculptures, ornate ceiling art, fountains, and grand shopping corridors. The detailed architecture and statues throughout the property created one of the most immersive themed environments anywhere on the Strip. The casino itself seemed endless, with restaurants, luxury shops, and entertainment spread throughout the massive complex.

Caesar’s Palace

Farther along the boulevard, we walked past Casino Royale and Treasure Island, both adding more classic Las Vegas energy to the afternoon. We also passed Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar and Hell’s Kitchen, two restaurants that constantly drew large crowds thanks to their celebrity chef connections. Everywhere along the Strip there were flashing signs, outdoor patios, music, and crowds of visitors creating nonstop excitement.

Guy Fieri’s

Casino Royale

Hell’s Kitchen

Treasure Island

As evening approached, we continued walking past Marriott’s Grand Chateau before arriving near Luxor Hotel & Casino and Excalibur Hotel & Casino. Excalibur’s castle towers and colorful medieval theme looked completely different from the sleek modern resorts nearby. Across the street, the Luxor stood out with its massive black pyramid, giant sphinx, sculpture guards, and the towering beam of light projecting into the night sky. The futuristic pyramid design gave the southern end of the Strip a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Las Vegas.

Marriot Vacation Club

Luxor

Excalibur

After hours of walking, sightseeing, and exploring casinos, restaurants, and attractions, we finally made our way back to New York-New York Hotel & Casino for the evening. Spending an entire day walking Las Vegas Boulevard gave us the chance to truly experience how massive, creative, and nonstop the city really is. From Roman palaces and Parisian landmarks to pyramids and modern luxury resorts, every section of the Strip offered something completely different, making the day one of the most memorable parts of the entire road trip.

NY NY Hotel and Casino

California Road Trip: Las Vegas First Night

by Rob | Apr 28, 2026 | Road Trips

From Hoover Dam to the Bright Lights of Las Vegas at New York-New York Hotel & Casino

After exploring Hoover Dam and taking in the incredible views of Lake Mead, we continued our road trip west into the bright lights of Las Vegas. Driving into Las Vegas after spending time in the quiet desert landscapes of Arizona and Nevada was a dramatic change of scenery. Towering hotels, glowing signs, and nonstop activity quickly replaced canyon walls and open highways as we arrived at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

For our stay, we booked the remodeled Soho King room, which combines New York City-inspired design with modern loft-style comforts. The room had a clean contemporary feel while still fitting perfectly with the hotel’s New York theme. One important recommendation for travelers, especially those on a long cross-country road trip with lots of luggage, is to pull directly into the valet area first. Having a bell hop assist with bags can save a lot of walking and frustration. We decided to self-park first and quickly realized we had to drag numerous bags from one side of the property all the way across the hotel to the Chrysler elevator area. In hindsight, dropping the bags at valet before parking would have made the arrival much easier. As of May 2026, self-parking at the hotel was $20 per night.

Las Vegas Sign

Las Vegas Blvd

NY NY Hotel and Casino

Soho King Remodeled

After settling into our room, we headed out to explore the lively atmosphere surrounding the hotel and the Las Vegas Strip. Walking around at night felt like stepping into another world filled with glowing lights and massive themed attractions everywhere you looked. Some of the highlights included the giant illuminated Coca-Cola bottle, the Hershey’s Chocolate World store, the hotel’s Brooklyn Bridge replica, the glowing towers of MGM Grand, Pepsi-Cola signage, Nine Fine Irishmen, Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the Statue of Liberty replica, Hard Rock Cafe, BrewDog Las Vegas, the illuminated Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the towering Empire State Building replica built into the New York-New York skyline.

Cocoa Cola

Statue of Liberty

World of Hershey Chocolate

Excalibur

Brooklyn Bridge

Eiffel Tower

MGM

Irish Pub

NY NY Hotel and Casino

MGM

Brewdog and Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe

Gucci

NY NY Hotel and Casino Park

Brooklyn Bridge

Las Vegas Blvd

Empire State Building

NY NY Hotel and Casino

Pepsi Cola

NY NY Hotel and Casino

Brewdog

NY NY Hotel and Casino

Excalibur

Hard Rock Cafe

Inside Hershey’s Chocolate World, visitors are surrounded by colorful walls of bulk candy dispensers filled with many of the most popular Hershey brands and sweet treats. Rows of dispensers allow guests to scoop and mix candies such as Reese’s Pieces, Kisses, Jolly Ranchers, Kit Kats, Twizzlers, and other chocolate favorites into custom bags. The bright lights, oversized candy displays, and endless variety create a fun atmosphere that feels part candy store and part interactive attraction. Beyond the candy section, the store is packed with souvenirs including Hershey-themed shirts, mugs, plush characters, collectible tins, drinkware, magnets, and Las Vegas-exclusive chocolate merchandise. Whether you are shopping for gifts, snacks for the road, or simply enjoying the sights and smells of chocolate everywhere, Hershey’s Chocolate World becomes a fun stop along the Las Vegas Strip for both kids and adults.

World of Hershey Chocolate

Bulk Dispensers

Super Treats

To finish the evening, we had dinner at Chin Chin inside the hotel. After a long travel day, it was nice to sit down and enjoy a relaxing meal while taking in the energy of Las Vegas. We ordered the Hawaiian Sushi Roll along with Spring Veggie Rolls, both of which were fresh and flavorful. The combination of arriving from Hoover Dam, experiencing the bright lights of the Strip for the first time on this trip, and ending the night with a good dinner made for a memorable stop during our Florida-to-California adventure.

Hawaiian Sushi Roll and Spring Veggie Roll

Us at Chin Chins

NY NY Casino Floor

NY NY Hotel and Casino Entrance

California Road Trip: Hoover Dam

by Rob | Apr 28, 2026 | Road Trips

Exploring Hoover Dam: Engineering, Memorials, and Incredible Desert Views

One of the most unforgettable stops during our western road trip was visiting Hoover Dam on the border of Nevada and Arizona. Driving toward the dam, the massive concrete structure suddenly appears between the canyon walls, creating an incredible first impression. The views of Lake Mead stretching across the desert landscape are just as impressive as the dam itself. It’s amazing to stand near one of the greatest engineering projects in American history and see how it transformed the Southwest by controlling the Colorado River and providing water and electricity to millions of people.

Walking around Hoover Dam gives visitors plenty to see beyond just the structure itself. The visitor areas include exhibits and a museum where guests can learn about the difficult construction process during the Great Depression and the thousands of workers who helped build the dam. One of the most meaningful areas is the beautiful Two Wings of the Republic memorial, often called the Two Angel Memorial, which honors the workers and vision behind the project. Nearby, there is also a sculpture of a worker tied off from a boulder, representing the dangerous conditions many laborers faced while constructing the dam high above the canyon walls.

Hoover Dam and Bridge

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam Spillway and Bridge

Lake Mead

Work Sculpture

Hoover Dam Memorial

IMG_6926

Hoover Dam Spillway

Partial Hoover Dam and Bridge

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam and Bridge

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

IMG_6910

Hoover Dam Spillway

Another fun sight near the visitor area is the famous “Dam Dog,” a friendly dog statue and popular photo stop for tourists exploring the property. Throughout the area, there are incredible photo opportunities with the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge towering in the background above the spillway. The bridge adds another layer of impressive engineering to the landscape and creates one of the most photographed views in the area. Visitors should also know that drones are not permitted around Hoover Dam, so signs reminding guests about the no-drone policy are posted throughout the site for safety and security reasons.

Parking at Hoover Dam includes both free parking areas and a nearby parking garage that charges a fee for closer access to the main visitor areas. Depending on the time of day, the free parking spots can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. Even with the desert heat, walking around Hoover Dam is absolutely worth the stop for the history, scenery, and engineering marvels packed into one location. It’s one of those places that truly makes you appreciate the scale of human achievement set against the rugged beauty of the American Southwest.

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