EXPLORING THE GHOSTLY CHARMS OF TONOPAH AND RHYOLITE

By April Bielefeldt

Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure this October? If you're an active traveler over 55, there's no better way to celebrate the season than by exploring the eerie yet fascinating ghost towns of Tonopah and Rhyolite. These once-thriving communities have been frozen in time, preserving the haunting remnants of their past. So, grab your walking shoes, pack your camera, and embark on a ghostly journey you won't forget!

Tonopah, Nevada: A Silver Lining in the Desert

Our first stop on this eerie adventure is Tonopah, Nevada, a hidden gem in the vast desert landscape. Once a bustling silver mining town in the early 1900s, Tonopah is now a captivating ghost town that beckons explorers with its rich history and eerie ambiance.

Begin your journey with a visit to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Here, you'll discover well-preserved mining equipment and can even take a guided tour into a real underground mine. The stories of the miners who toiled beneath the earth will send shivers down your spine.

For those who dare, the Tonopah Cemetery is a must-visit. The graves of miners, pioneers, and even a few outlaws whisper secrets of the past. As the sun sets over the desert, take a haunted walking tour to hear tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. And be sure to spend a night at the historic Mizpah Hotel, rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America.

The Mizpah makes a great Mid-Week escape - https://www.themizpahhotel.com/. Tonopah Brewing serves dinner until 10 p.m. with plenty of time left to venture out for a Haunted Walking Tour The menu is a mix of pulled pork, a couple of salads and lots of hearty fare; remember this is an old mining town not a high brow Wine destination! https://www.tonopahbrewing.com/. Another choice, which I have sampled, is the Hometown Pizza open until 9 p.m.; you can eat pizza by the slice at 222 S Main Street, 775-482-9998. Call to confirm hours if going mid-week. Many restaurants due to staffing have odd days that they choose to be closed. The hotel also has a Café for breakfast and a nice dining room open until 9 p.m. for traditional steak and other nightly specials.

The Do It Yourself Haunted Walking Tour covers less than a mile and starts at the Historic Mining Park Gates and ends at the Cemetery https://www.walkntours.com/our-tours/tonopah's-famous-ghosts-haunted-history-tour For more information on Tonopah or to find out when they have local events check their website. https://www.tonopahnevada.com. Tonopah is about a 3 hour drive north of Las Vegas.

Rhyolite: The Ghost Town of Golden Dreams

Next, venture to Rhyolite, just a short drive from Tonopah. This onceprosperous gold mining town in the early 1900s is now a ghostly wonderland of abandoned buildings and surreal art installations. Your first stop should be the Rhyolite Ghost Town, where you can explore the remains of the bank, schoolhouse, and train depot.

Be sure to visit the famous Bottle House, a unique structure constructed entirely from discarded glass bottles. To add a touch of the bizarre to your trip, don't miss the Goldwell Open Air Museum. This outdoor sculpture park showcases strange and surreal artwork, including the iconic "Last Supper" and "Ghost Rider." It's a blend of art, history, and eerie beauty that you won't find anywhere else.

Rhyolite is close to Beatty if you need to spend a night. Places to stay are slim in Beatty NV - The Atomic Inn- local - retro and unique - 350 S First Street- https://atomicinnbeatty.com. The Motel was built to hold individuals working on nuclear and other top secret projects at nearby Nellis and Area 51. Another choice might be The Exchange Club - https://exchangeclubbeattynv.com/ - 119 Main Street, 775-553-2333basic rooms and they offer mini refrigerators in room and swimming pool privileges at another property in town. Remember going to Beatty is a step back in time.

Where to eat - Gemas Café - 101 S 2nd Street, - 775-553-9131 known for their omelets, tacos and authentic Mexican dishes. The other choice might be Smokin' J's BBQ 107 Main Street, 775-553-5160 open until 8 p.m. and they get rave reviews for you guessed it BBQ and all the sides. Rhyolite is about 2 hours from Las Vegas.

As the winds rustle through the empty streets of these ghost towns, you'll find yourself transported to another era. These towns may be abandoned, but their stories live on, waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers like you. So, gear up for a spooktacular weekend, and prepare to be captivated by the ghostly charms of Tonopah and Rhyolite. Happy ghost hunting!

April Bielefeldt, an Iowa native, thrives on exploration, seasonal colors, and culinary adventures. With three decades of experience connecting with people and a deep appreciation for the changing seasons, she's an award-winning fine art photographer. Her true passion lies in crafting small group tours and personalized itineraries, merging her love for landscapes, people, and food. Join her on her next journey through her website and YouTube channel for unforgettable travel experiences. (https://www.yourphototravelguide.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jFfZI2IWGEAgcSZ_lJEiQ).

Aliante Classy Chefs

Aliante's Classy Chefs usually meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Vista Room at 9:30 a,m, making the next meeting on Tuesday, October 3. The theme f o r t h e m e e t i n g w i l l f e a t u r e H a l l o w e e n a n d D i a d e l a s Muertas decorations. There will b e d i ff e r e n t s o u p s s e r v e d including Italian Wedding Soup, Chili, and Chicken Dumpling. Also, a baked potato bar will accompany the meal and Dirt Pudding Cake.

There is an annual $10 dues, plus a $5 per meeting charge to help reimburse the costs of grocery purchases for those cooking, plates and decorations. Correct change is appreciated when paying your dues. For club information, call Freda Porter-Kat at 347-581-0298 and email fre2bfreda@aol.com or co-chair Hjordy Wagner at 715-529-9728 and email hwizwag@gmail.com.

Book Club

The Book Club selection for October is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Join members for a discussion at the Community Center at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023. For a list of upcoming book s e l e c t i o n s , p l e a s e v i s i t t h e i r w e b s i t e a t www.scaliante.com. For more information, please contact Jeannette Smith at 702-6492468.

Ceramics Club

Fall is upon us, and it is time to think about decorations and festive items for your home or a gift for someone. The Ceramics Club offers many choices for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many more holidays. Whether you are thinking of joining or just want to browse our many items for sale, please come and meet members in Craft Room #3. New members are always welcome. We meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. — noon. For more information, please call President Marla Chaffin at 503-975-5249 or V.P Lynne Hartig at 702-8555011. Thank you to all our veterans and their supporting families.

Club Dial

Do you want to learn how to

L i n e D a n c e o r o t h e r n e w dances? Come join residents at Club DIAL. They teach

Beginner Line Dancing on

Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a m T h e y a l s o o ff e r a n

I n t e r m e d i a t e C l a s s o n Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m., an Advanced Class on Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and an Advanced Plus Class on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., which offers new country line dances. Join them for dancing, exercise and fun.

Club Dial hosts a Dance Social on the third Saturday of every month. This social is free to all residents. Guests will have to pay a $5 fee. Everyone must sign in at the Front Desk. Feel free to bring your own refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages.

Come enjoy dancing, socializing, and meeting new people and have fun.

FORGET-ME -KNOTS

Mady & Myles Shapiro purchased a home in Sun City Aliante community in 2003 and moved here in 2005. Mady has served on the Financial Committee, the Communications Committee, the Lifestyle Committee, and is now on the Election Committee.

As one of the original members of the ForgetMe-Knots Club, Mady has served as co-chair since 2006. She has used her knitting and crochet skills to create many items for the charities the club serves. Mady also teaches anyone who is interested. She gives so much to the community

For 19+ years, members have created and donated countless hats, scarves, lap blankets, sweaters, and baby sweaters/hats for the many charities they serve.

Everyone is welcome to attend. You will find a warm greeting, lots of laughter, pattern sharing, and compassion. Don't already know how to knit or crochet? No worries. They have the materials and expertise to get you started.

The group meets from 1-4 p.m. every Monday For more information, contact Collette Stickney at 702-373-2163 or Mady Shapiro at 702-3995347

Glass Crafters

Glass Fusing Fun Evening

Thursday, November 2, 6:30-8 p.m., Social Hall

The Glass Crafters Club is offering a night of creative fun for the community. It will include each participant creating a fused glass item. Options to create include a ring dish, a night light, a tea light holder or a plant stake. The Glass Crafters Club will provide all materials and lots of help to create your own piece of fused glass, no experience needed. The evening will also include some tasty goodies to enjoy while working on your piece. Everyone will go home with a glass pocket angel. The cost is $20. Seating is limited. Make your reservation by contacting Jodi Schaller at 520-252- 2078 or schallerjodi@yahoo.com.

LGBT+ SOCIAL GROUP

Members are very excited to invite everyone in the community (no fee), and their guests ($5 fee), to their upcoming Karaoke Dance Party on Saturday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring KJ Freda in the Vista Room. In the spirit of Halloween, there will be prizes for the best, unique, homemade, and worst costumes. Light refreshments will be served; so, feel free to bring your dinner, beverages, dessert, etc., and eat while you sing, dance, watch, listen, and have a good time. Please see our flyer in the Breeze.

The Sun City Aliante LGBT+ Social Group formally meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Community Center. After check-in, members review past and planned Social Activities such as bingo, brunches, or movies, which is followed by a discussion of volunteer opportunities to help in the local LGBT community Details for community events they sponsor are presented to the group for feedback and ideas. Generally, their meeting time is devoted to supporting each other, discussing LGBT issues, having a laugh, and making friends. If you are interested in connecting with the group, or attending their social events, contact Dan Lies, SCAlianteLGBT@gmail.com, or Sheryl at 818-517-0610, and request to be added to their email list.

Sun City Aliante Poker Club

Saturday, October 28 at 11 a.m.

$30 Buy-in

Advance Registration is Requested, Walk-ins are allowed. Please be here by 10:45; so, we can start by 11 a.m. (Residents Only)

For More Information, Contact: Vicky Ingertson pokerpres@gmail.com - (951) 219-9549 (leave message) Dan Schaller - DanielGSchaller@gmail.com - (520) 233-4222

Seniors With Warm Hearts

With fall here and the holidays approaching, Seniors with Warm Hearts is preparing in many ways to help those less fortunate in the upcoming Holiday Season.

They would like to also let the community know that they will have Sharon Carlson of Spread the Word Nevada as their guest speaker this month. Some of their members are participating in one of their programs, and Sharon will be at their meeting to speak about that program, as well as other things the group can do to help “Spread The Word.”

Their club meeting will be on Thursday, October 19 at 11 a.m. in the Activity Room. Feel free to stop by their meeting to hear Sharon speak and, at the same time, find out about their club and their continued efforts to help those in need.

They will also be represented at the New Residents Welcome on October 4 at 10 a.m. Stop by and see what their club has to offer and pick up more information about their group or those they support. Please contact Carol Hoyt at 702-647-1289 or Karen Nutto at 201-787-9391.

Sun City Aliante Songsters

The Sun City Aliante Songsters, a g r o u p o f 4 0 t a l e n t e d s i n g e r s a n d musicians, are rehearsing for their Winter Concert. The Songsters next concert will be December 15 and 16. Please mark your calendars. Rehearsals started on September 7 in the Vista Room from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Concert music was distributed that day The Winter Concert is full of upbeat, fun holiday music you can tap your toes to and sing along with. This music will fill your soul with the joy of the season! Come support your Community Choir, the Songsters, and enjoy an evening of music. Tickets are on sale through any Songster member or call Holly Strasser 702-305-1768.

If you are interested in joining their choir as a singer or musician, please contact director Holly Strasser at 702-305-1768 or director Lorraine Zanello at lcompozr@aol.com or 702-460-9583. Keep a song in your hearts and have a wonderful fall!