Seth A.
Yelp
In my opinion, The Border Inn and the surrounding area is the unofficial start to Route 50 - The Loneliest Road in America - 400 desolate miles through the middle of nowhere of the desert across the entire state of Nevada.
I actually planned a weeklong journey beginning here right on the borderline of Utah and Nevada and Great Basin National Park while eventually ending in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area.
What I liked most about this place is that it's a straightforward and quiet roadside stop. When I arrived here over the summertime this past July....I would basically describe The Border Inn as a gas station that offers supplies and basic necessities.
Yet I didn't realize until I came upon here, that it's also a hotel/motel for the weary travelers. Huh....who woulda thought that? And....they also feature a casual restaurant including a small section for slot machines.
Upon spending my 2nd day at Great Basin National Park, since there were few limited options on where to eat for dinner, I did return just a short ways back here to The Border Inn to sit down for a simple home cooked meal. Though, I never spent a night at the motel. For anyone that cares, I spent 2 evenings at the Whispering Elms Motel and RV Park in Baker (which I highly appreciated).
Quick facts.......
When I first pulled in to The Border Inn....literally being on the border of 2 states, I grabbed a photo of the "Welcome to Utah" sign and then turned around and took a photo of myself at the "Welcome to Nevada" sign! Lol...these type of landmarks are right up my alley, hehehe.
Also...I stood in the middle of the road....and felt a true essence of what they meant saying this is the beginning of The Loneliest Road....
I mean, anywhere I looked, it's visually one straightforward road in and out of this place. The desert landscape was such a recognizable aspect when I gazed at the surroundings. I did grab a quick picture sitting in the middle of the road as I peered out into the desert abyss.
Inside The Border Inn gas station...(I had read about this prior to venturing out here)...I picked up my Loneliest Road in America "Survival Guide" - a little booklet for my expedition across the state of Nevada. The purpose of this guide is sort of a playful and unique way to experience this ultimate roadtrip.
In each of the 8 cities you pass through along The Loneliest Road, you can get your booklet stamped stating you made it through each of the historic towns along the 400 miles.
Actually, you only need to get 5 of 8 towns to stamp your booklet. When all is said and done...mail in your survival guide and the Governor of Nevada will send you a complimentary certificate signifying you "Survived The Loneliest Road in America"! How cool! I did this and received my certificate and hung it up in a plaque on my wall. So....for those interested, here at The Border Inn....grab your free Survival Guide.
I'd like to mention just the atmosphere and vibe I got when I arrived here. I'd say it was like being so far away from reality. Like being secluded from everything, and yet here I was....at a gas stop, w/ a diner, and motel surrounded by the scowling heat from the desert sun.
It almost felt movie-esque. I liked it, even if I was only here for a short period of time. Since I did return for dinner, let me briefly describe my experience...
The restaurant was very similar to just a blue collar diner, with tables and chairs, nothing fancy...just your old fashioned - all American type of place and setting featuring hearty comfort food.
The menu had soups and salads, hamburgers, sandwiches (hot and cold), dinner plates like chicken fried steak w/ gravy, hamburger steak, ham steak, fried chicken, pork chops, shrimp and lasagna.
I had the chicken breast covered in BBQ sauce - for $12.25. This came w/ a salad for a starter and with my meal I got a baked potato and dinner roll. Overall, the meal was basic and simple, yet just what I expected. Nothing fancy. The salad was fresh. I got 2 chicken breast pieces and the baked potato and dinner roll were standard - just fine for me. So I liked the restaurant. It was nothing over the top and a fine way to end my time after exploring Great Basin NP.
Finally, my lasting impressions from The Border Inn and what I'll remember....
It was a cool and distinctive place to stop while I scouted out the area. I got to admire where I was and how far I traveled to get here.
Even for just getting out and stretching your legs, I recommend to everyone to make a pit-stop here, whether to get gas, snacks and supplies, have a meal at the restaurant or spend overnight at the motel. I'm a fan.