Uncommon Overnighter: Magnolia Gallery & Inn
Summer 2024
It’s no secret that Nevada offers world-renowned hospitality at lavish resort-casinos. But in the Silver State, our quirks are also our perks. If you’re looking for a vacation that’s irresistibly different, Nevada’s array of unique retreats and unusual accommodations have got you covered.
Enjoy a suite stay in a historic building renovated for comfort and charm.
BY RACHEL WRIGHT
The “Loneliest Road in America” is anything but, and smack dab in the middle of this famed road trip across Nevada lies the welcoming community of Austin. The town sprang to life during a silver mining rush in the 1860s, and the Austin of today features stately 19th-century buildings, intriguing historic sites, and access to remarkable outdoor recreation. Take advantage of everything the area has to offer and let the charming Magnolia Gallery & Inn serve as your adventure basecamp.
The Magnolia Gallery & Inn was originally constructed in 1864—the same year Nevada became a state—and has had many past lives. The building has been a brothel, a grocery store, a saloon, a music store, and an ice cream parlor. Now, proprietors Laurian Arbo and Ken Merkes are honored to add another chapter to the story.
“The building captured our hearts, and we felt that we could refurbish it, add modern conveniences, and offer an experience for travelers who enjoy history and old buildings,” Arbo says.
The renovated property features two spacious upstairs parlor suites available to guests traveling without children or pets. Settle into a cozy living room with plenty of comfy seating, or fully unwind in a queen bed outfitted with soft sheets and plenty of pillows. Both suites also include a private bathroom and kitchenette with microwave, bar sink, and apartment-size refrigerator.
Arbo or Merkes will likely check you in, and history buffs and curious souls will delight in the anecdotes they share about the storied property. One such story? The size of the bathroom in the Main Suite is the same size as one entire bedroom and living quarters when the building operated as a brothel—there were nine rooms on the second floor.
As residents of Nevada for 25 years, Arbo and Merkes have explored extensively and will happily share recommendations with travelers.
“The serenity and history of the area are what drew us to Austin,” says Arbo. “We love the freedom and the recreational opportunities, and we feel a deep connection to the Old West in Nevada.”
