Tonopah 

I expected to like Tonopah, and I did. I don't know why, but it seemed like a real town, with friendly residents eager to show off their interesting history. With a population of 1,777 (according to Wikipedia), it was another former mining town trying to find a way not to turn into a ghost town, like so many of its neighbors (Belmont, Coaldale, Tybo). I think Tonopah has what it takes to survive: a committed citizenry, an interesting history to tell, and a unique way of telling it. Plus, there are the unexpected amenities--charming hotels, delicious pizza, good grocery shopping, and a sense of who they are.

Arriving from the south, we approached Tonopah going downhill, past the Beans and Brew Coffeeshop and Raley's Grocery Store. The downtown is identified by two landmark sister hotels, the Mizpah Hotel (on the right) and the Belvada Hotel (on the left). There are several other reasonable hotels in the town, including the Jim Butler Inn and the infamous Clown Motel, billed as "America's scariest hotel" (yes, each room is decorated with a clown theme). As appealing as that was, we elected to stay at the Belvada.

I really liked the Belvada. It was a beautiful space, from the lobby to the rooms. Originally a bank built in 1906, it was converted to apartments during the Depression, and then to a hotel in 2011 (completed in 2020). Perhaps it was the Chicago connection: "The building was erected in Classical Revival style and the Chicago style influence can be seen in the large windows on the first floor." Indeed, the windows were wonderful. Our 3rd floor room had 6 huge windows, facing east and north-northwest. The sunrises and sunsets were spectacular, and the street views fascinating.

The hotel lobby was also spectacular, I thought. Look at those stained glass lamps and green velvet banquettes!