IN LYON, STOREY, AND CHURCHILL COUNTIES, you’re likely to meet a farmer, a pilot, an antiques dealer, a pawn shop owner, a writer, a painter, a business-owner or a ghost. Located primarily in the high desert east of the Truckee Meadows, the three counties are filled with remnants from the past alongside foundations for the future. From new warehouses, to ancient Native American artifacts, to wildlife sanctuaries, these counties are blending the past with the future — and thriving.

Storey County

Nestled in the Virginia Hills about 30 miles southeast of Reno, Virginia City is a year-round tourist hub for both out-of-town visitors and Nevada residents.

The city forever made its mark on America during the mid-19th century mining boom when prospectors came in droves in search of hidden veins of silver.

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) recorded some of the history in write-ups for the local newspaper, and there was always plenty of fresh news. Estimates put the value of the gold and silver mined in Virginia City at more than $400 million during its heyday. Some historians say these riches financed the Civil War and supported the development of several major cities including San Francisco.

Now, the downtown area centered on C Street is a living testament to those times. One easily can spend an entire day browsing artifacts and touring historical saloons, mansions, churches, an opera house and mine sites. It’s easy to see how it was to live in the town 100 or more years ago.

But what’s it like to live there today? Steve Muniz, director of Virginia City’s convention and tourism authority, says misconceptions abound. For instance, some newcomers believe it’s a quiet, antiquated town, when in reality it is a fairly busy place most of the time, he says.

Virginia City hosts more than a million tourists per year, and rarely is there a down time. Muniz says the longtime locals generally are gracious hosts. “There’s a fierce sense of community, and the blend with tourism can be daunting,” he says, noting that most of Virginia City’s 900 residents were either raised in the city or have longstanding family ties there.

Muniz says he enjoys living in Virginia City because it is close to places like Reno and Carson City, yet offers a rural lifestyle with plenty of entertainment. “I love living here, because it’s away from things but it’s not,” Muniz says.

David Toll, who wrote the popular guidebook “The Complete Nevada Traveler,” settled in nearby Gold Hill when he bought a home in 1958. Toll says the area attracts residents who enjoy self-expression.

“They are highly individualistic people of all different descriptions, from absolute screwballs to highly elevated intellects,” he says. “That covers a lot of ground … it’s a very favorable place to live.”