About 25 miles southeast of central Las Vegas via Interstate 11, Boulder City makes for an easy day-trip escape. Start with a bike ride, then grab a latte and smörgås; you’ve got a plan for a fantastic afternoon. These four essential Boulder City stops give you somewhere to fuel up, something to explore, and a reason to clear a little space on the kitchen counter when you get home.
Dough Yummy
When I asked Russ Beutler, director of Boulder City’s new Travel Nevada Adventure Center, about local businesses, he quickly pointed to Richard’s Yummy Zucchini Bread. It’s sold alongside small-batch sourdough from Dough Yummy’s kiosk at the center. Beutler said customers have driven 20 miles for it. Now, Boulder City residents can pick up a loaf without waiting for a farmers market.
- Insider Tip: If you’re making a special trip for a loaf, call 702-578-1247 to check that day’s availability and kiosk hours before heading over.
Fox Smokehouse BBQ
At Fox Smokehouse BBQ, lunch is measured in half-pound portions. The business grew out of a competition barbecue team, and the menu includes brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, and ribs. Build a plate with your choice of meat, sides, and bread, or order the Smokehouse Burger, which combines Angus beef with seasoned brisket. If you’re the kind of person who finishes white-water rafting and immediately asks what we’re eating, go to Fox’s.
- Insider Tip: The 50/50 solves a small but important problem: choosing between mac and cheese and cowboy beans. You get half a serving of each in one bowl. And don’t miss Prime Rib Wednesday, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
Even if you’ve ridden the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s historic excursion train — a 45-minute, 10-mile round-trip ride between Boulder City and Paradise Hills — you'll still find something new at 1000 Boulder City Parkway. Its $25 million visitor center opened in September, becoming the museum’s first indoor exhibition space. Exhibits connect railroads to Hoover Dam’s construction, Nevada’s mining history, and even copper-riveted blue jeans. The museum also features a projection map theater and a shaded boarding platform for the excursion trains.
- Insider Tip: A regular train ticket includes museum admission, so you don’t need to buy both. Adult train tickets are $15, and children’s tickets are $6. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Monday; regular weekend trains depart at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore
The risk of stopping for coffee at Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore is leaving with another book you absolutely intend to read. The cafe combines new and used books with breakfast, baked goods, and specialty coffee from Boulder City’s Colorado River Coffee Roasters. That gives your coffee budget two local businesses to support before you’ve even investigated the shelves.
- Insider Tip: Try the smörgås, the Swedish-style open-faced sandwiches, for breakfast with your book. My favorite is the protein on organic wheat bread with stone-ground mustard, cheddar cheese, locally grown arugula, bacon, and egg.
