Rachel, NV. Part I.

Get to Vegas and drive up. Eventually, go left. It’s not hard to get here (considering it’s the closest town to Area 51 and all). I could give you better directions, but there’s many that have taken the time to write them out in detail. I’d only advise to keep a full tank of gas, fill up stations are far and few in between.

Though their website and reservation system is a bit antiquated, check in at the Little A’Le’Inn was exceptionally easy. My instructions were to go up to the diner counter and present the cashier with my information. After a few minutes of formalities and a stern warning about smoking inside the room, we had the keys to our mobile home for the night.

Unsure of what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised with the spacious lodging. There were multiple beds, restrooms, and a full kitchen; more than enough for our group. Important: cell signal is non-existent in Rachel and the rooms are not equipped with WiFi. It drove some of my friends crazy. I loved it. There’s only so many places that will give you that sort freedom. Usually, it’s by force. 

From the road, The Little A’Le’Inn looks like a regular-old American diner. But you quickly realize the truck outside is actually towing a flying saucer and the kids aren’t posing for a picture, they’re alien props welcoming you inside, and to earth.

Inside the cafe, there’s more props, along with pictures, signs, clippings, toys, stickers, posters, videos, hats, etc. All the extraterrestrial paraphernalia you can think of. Atop the bar, there are thousands of dollars (some in foreign currency) hanging from the ceiling. Each bearing a mark from the group who left it there. The bartender said that eventually the space runs out, and all the money is donated to a local charity.

To the side, there’s an entire room with a modest collection of VHS tapes that pay special attention to the paranormal and spacey. Except Casino. Did you ever watch Casino? Casino is amazing. But I voted against Casino because it wasn’t “in theme” with the trip. Goddamn it, Chris. 

We spent the majority of our night huddled around the pool table. We made small talk with a few of the locals, enjoyed our neon green drinks (appropriately named Alien Blood), and borrowed some videos from the VHS room for the night. We had plans to come back for breakfast, so the early close time of 10 didn’t affect us.