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There is something about the American aesthetic that Nevada captures perfectly: wind-swept, glowing, metallic, carved out of the side of a mountain. The Battle Born State is a land of electrifying contrasts, of rusty metal against sandstone, green lawns against the desert,and grand artworks in places where mankind seems but an obscure notion.

To experience the quirky paradoxes of Nevada, one needs only jump in headfirst with an intrepid attitude and a dependable set of wheels. Not sure where to begin? Let me walk you through one of the most spectacular experiences you'll ever have.

Picture this: you fly into Las Vegas, rent a convertible. You cruise down the strip with the top down. Downtown itself is basically one giant circulating art exhibit, particularly around Fremont East. As you roll out of town you pay homage to the giant robotic praying mantis from Burning Man- he (she?) breathes fire at you, inducing a mix of awestruck reverence and childish glee.

From there, you burn rubber as you head out into the enchanted desert. Don't forget, not all art is manmade- this route takes you through some of the most alien and thrilling country west of the Mississippi.

On the outskirts of the city's oasis, you stop by the "Seven Magic Mountains." A ring of brightly colored stones rise high above the plain. "What possesses someone to do this?" you find yourself asking. But you stop short- instead you just let it hit you in the guts.

From there you head on, seized by a forward feeling pulling you deeper into the desert, riding along the eastern rim of the storied Death Valley. You come up through the Amargosa and maybe snap a few photos at the Rhyolite ghost town. Perhaps you take a pit stop in Beatty and peruse through the Goldwell Open Air Museum. Whatever you do, you take your time to appreciate all the detours of oddity to be found out among the sagebrush and dunes.

As you wind your way forward, you pass through a dozen more eclectic sights, sounds and experiences, finding yourself finally at your last stop at Tonopah. You've never seen stars so bright and numerous.

Back at home you recall fondly that there are countless paths to follow through the Silver State that you've still yet to experience. You've only just scratched the surface.