Extraterrestrial Highway (near Area 51)

Each day, some intrepid travelers visit a remote desert basin in Southern Nevada, arriving by automobile, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and, some say, spaceship. The area is so widely regarded as a frequent landing site for alien spacecraft that, in 1996, former Gov. Bob Miller declared a stretch of U.S. 375 the "Extraterrestrial Highway."

The ET Highway passes near what the military calls a "remote test facility" and the public calls "Area 51." Officially, Area 51 doesn't exist -- never did -- but some residents of nearby Rachel, Nev., and thousands of people worldwide, beg to differ. For years, curiosity-seekers have sought to learn just what manner of military monkey business occurs there. Are they designing sophisticated new military aircraft? Or are they test-flying reconstructed saucers fallen from the desert sky? Whatever the truth, it has sparked some of Nevada's best stories.

Rachel, the best pit stop along the route, is known for the Little A'Le'Inn, a mecca for UFO buffs and local watering hole with an extensive menu. The owners say the Alien Burgers are "out of this world." If you're not getting back on the road for a while, try the house drink called "Beam Me Up, Scotty."

You'll know you've reached the ET Highway when you start seeing little green road signs. Cruise limit is Warp Speed 7, so take it easy.

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