Dangberg repeats as Nevada treasure

For the second year in a row, the Dangberg Home Ranch has been named a Nevada treasure in the Nevada Commission on Tourism and Cultural Affairs 2013 Discover Your Nevada contest.

Online voters picked six treasures, one for each of the commission’s territories, with the home ranch winning a close race in the Reno-Tahoe Territory over the Wilbur D. May Center in Reno, department director Claudia Vecchio announced Monday.

The Home Ranch was one of three of the six Nevada Treasures defended their 2012 title through active social and viral marketing outreach.

This year’s winners are:

Cowboy Country: The Star Hotel and Basque Restaurant in Elko, which also won in 2012

Indian Territory: The Lost City Museum in Overton

Las Vegas Territory: The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

Nevada Silver Trails: Pahrump Valley Winery

Pony Express Territory: Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, which also won in 2012

The contest, now in its second year, is administered by the Nevada Commission on Tourism and is designed to raise awareness of Nevada’s extraordinary assets among Silver State residents, ultimately driving travel within the state.

The 2013 contest comprised a four-week process where people nominated, then voted for their favorite Nevada Treasures in the state’s six tourism territories: Cowboy Country, Indian Territory, Las Vegas Territory, Nevada Silver Trails, Pony-Express Territory and Reno-Tahoe Territory.

Nominations began July 3, followed by two rounds of online voting. The final voting round closed at 5 p.m. Friday.

“Nevada has so many interesting towns, historical sites and natural wonders, it truly is a place for discovery,” Vecchio said. “The winners represent urban and rural areas, showcasing the incredible offerings found throughout the state.”

The 2013 contest was conducted via Facebook, providing an enhanced opportunity for sharing recommendations and viral marketing by nominees. This platform allowed residents, business owners and Nevada fans to rally behind their favorites via critical social networking channels.

For more information about the 2013 “Treasures” and traveling in Nevada, visit TravelNevada.com.