Genoa, Nevada has always held a special place in my heart. Not only is this where the oldest “thirst parlor” in Nevada is located, but also where my great-great grandfather Henry Boerlin Sr. first settled in 1874 after he arrived from Switzerland. Henry started a bakery there. He lived for 63 years and in 1892 was buried at the Nine Mile ranch along the east Walker River. Henry and his wife Catherine "Kate" were true pioneers of that era.
This is 9 Mile Ranch Cemetery in Nevada, not too far from the old mining town of Aurora and the East Walker River, where the first Boerlin in our family that came to the United States was buried in February of 1892
Henry Sr’s son, Henry Jr, my great grandfather, was almost lost in the town of Genoa in a historic avalanche on March 25th, 1882. Glad he made it!
Henry Jr lived his whole life in Nevada and went on to be an entrepreneur, county commissioner of Esmerelda County and Mineral County, ran (and lost) for Nevada State Senate in 1924, and was elected sheriff of Mineral County in 1926 and again in 1930.
I had a chance to visit Genoa for a few days last year during their western heritage days. It was a fun couple of days getting to explore the Carson Valley a little better and a jumping off point for an epic few days of fly fishing on the East Walker River.
Our group got to see Trinity Seely perform in Genoa that weekend. It was in a small concert hall with some fold out chairs and just a fun evening of music and friendship. I just noticed Trinity will be playing during the Salinas Rodeo week this year on July 29 as part of the cowboy poetry gathering. Here’s a link if you want to catch her live: Clem Albertoni Cowboy Gathering .
Here’s a sample of Trinity's music. I think you'll like it. Bing Videos
Just down the street from Genoa in Gardnerville is one of the best Basque restaurants around. JT Basque is right on main street: JT Basque Bar and Dining Room Nevada - JT Basque . If you go at 5PM it’s a fun time but standing room only until the locals disperse. If you’re lucky maybe Etienne will serve you up one of their famous Picon Punches. Thanks again for the bonus drink Etienne!!
Make sure you go there hungry!!
Ok, back to the bars. Here is Connie and I outside the Silver States oldest Thirst Parlor. This place is a must stop if you're ever in the Carson Valley. There is just about every character you can imagine in this place. The bartenders were pretty funny and, by the way, outside is kid friendly. Inside, hanging across the bar is the Diamond Dust Mirror. This mirror came over from Scotland in the 1840’s. If you buy the right drink and can talk the bartender into it, they will shine a flashlight into the mirror so you can see the diamond dust. Sitting at the bar and gazing across at the mirror I can imagine old Henry Boerlin perched up on one of those old stools, staring at the same mirror and having a little snort after a long day. The Genoa Bar Website
It probably never crossed his mind his great grandson would be sitting maybe in the same spot, looking at the same mirror over 100 years later.
The Genoa Bar Website
A little closer to our home you will find the panoche Inn
Panoche Inn - Rustic Bar & Grill
Here’s a picture of my dad Bruce, myself and good buddy Bret(t) at the Panoche Inn. My dad and I are 4th and 5th generation and the first of our generation to not be named Henry. When our two boys were born, Jared and Noah, I voted to bring back the family name but that was quickly vetoed by Connie.
This Panoche Inn may be a little out of the way for some, but it is 100% worth a trip. Sam and Kim are the owners and one of them can usually be found there. Super nice folks. They make a hell of a pastrami sandwich, and the beer seems to be a little colder than most on a hot day in the Panoche Valley. Play a round of pool. Add a dollar bill to the ceiling and become a part of the history. Their famous BBQ events run from April through September each year on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Follow them on Facebook and get the reminder.
What a picture that is!
Not too far away from Carson Valley lies the town of Bridgeport, CA. and the East Walker River. This is an 18-inch rainbow on the stretch of the East Walker River they call the Miracle Mile. After our visit to Genoa last year, we had three epic days on the river. I hope to be back on there soon enough and with someone who has better camera skills……….jk Boater.
Are you ready to go nephew Joeseph?
And last but not least,
let's talk steak.
The cattle are fat and happy and loving the lush grass this year's rain has brought. This is great news for our 2026 steers.
BM (before marriage) my French roommate Andre and I would make a little dinner for our guests and drink a little Carlo Rossi Burgundy. We were young 20’s. The food was great, the wine……. not so much. But heck, we thought it was a good old time.
Andre and his wife Teri came out to the ranch last weekend and we once again prepared a fun meal for the six of us. This time the wine was a few steps up from Carlo Rossi.
Here is a look at our JNB Ranch fancy cut short ribs with smashed potatoes with an Alsatian twist.
A week prior, Connie and I had a special night and did this JNB Ranch porter house in the cast iron. We corked a bottle of DeRose winery Negrette. Like Forrest Gump said…….goes togther like peas and carrots!
I have one quarter beef available!
Email me asap at info@jnbranchbeef.com
Our ranch to your table
Our local ranch raised beef continues to be a hit and we have a growing list of customers who understand there is just nothing like the quality you can get from local pasture raised & grain finished ranch beef.
You cannot buy this in the store. No hormones or antibiotics and raised right here on the JNB Ranch in the beautiful Panoche Valley of San Benito County.
BUY IT | JNB RANCH
Reach out now to get on our list for 2026 JNB Ranch Beef. A $350 deposit is required for each quarter beef. info@jnbranchbeef.com
Happy Trails and Aloha, until we meet again.
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