When we set out to create “A Winter’s Charm in Carson City,” our short film utilized for our 2025-2026 winter tourism marketing campaign, we had a feeling we created something special. What we hadn’t accounted for was just how extraordinary the people, places and businesses of this community would make it or that the world beyond our city would take notice in such a remarkable way.
The campaign has since earned some of the most prestigious recognition in tourism marketing and communications including top honors from the eTourism Summit, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and various renowned creative organizations. These are national and regional awards that put Carson City in the same conversation as destinations with budgets and brand recognition many times our own.
But here’s the truth: these awards belong to you, Carson City.
They belong to the staff at the Nevada State Museum, who opened their doors and let us capture the quiet wonder of Nevada’s history in winter light. To the team at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, whose locomotives and storied grounds gave the campaign a soul that no studio backdrop ever could. To the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department and City staff, whose beautifully maintained public spaces reminded visitors, and us, that the everyday beauty of this city and its collaborative spirit is genuinely extraordinary.
They belong to the warm, welcoming folks at Carson Hot Springs, who gave audiences a reason to dream about visiting in colder weather. To L.A. Bakery, Scoups Ice Cream & Soup Bar, Nashville Social Club and The Fox Brewery & Pub, who proved that the food and cozy atmosphere of our restaurants gives the community a reason to gather year-round. To the Brewery Arts Center, the heartbeat of our local culture, for embodying the vibrant, creative energy that makes Carson City a true destination.
They belong to the homeowners along the Kit Carson Trail, who graciously welcomed a film crew into their historic neighborhoods and shared the architectural elegance and character that no other city in the West can replicate. And an additional thanks to the park rangers who went all in for us opening gates literally and figuratively to Silver Saddle Ranch, whose sweeping landscape and Western spirit gave the campaign its most breathtaking visual moments.
Most importantly, they belong to every resident, staff member, and neighbor who said yes – who moved a car, unlocked a gate, brewed a pot of coffee for a crew, posted about the project in local Facebook groups, attended the premiere, or simply smiled and kept walking while we rolled cameras. You are the reason this campaign felt real, because you made sure it was.
Awards validated what we already knew: Carson City is a cultural gem and truly desirable destination. Our charming, historic streets, living landmarks, residents and local owners and operators define our city. When we shine a light on the true fabric of Carson City, visitors come, tourism grows and local businesses thrive. The economic ripple effect from this kind of authentic storytelling is real.
So to every partner, venue and person who made “A Winter’s Charm in Carson City” possible: thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We hope it made you proud.
The awards are wonderful. But Carson City? You were the story worth telling.
— The Visit Carson City Team
