Adventure, wilderness and relaxation await you in Nevada’s biggest little city
Originally a river cross-over point for miners on their way to California during the gold rush, Reno, Nevada has become a one stop destination for travelers looking to strike gold – either metaphorically or literally. Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World,” has its own strip of casinos and live entertainment, and is a short drive away from the inimitable Lake Tahoe, with enough indoor and outdoor activities to keep any type of adventurer quite busy (even if your idea of adventure means soaking in a spa).
While many people flock to the Tahoe region in the wintertime for its world-renowned ski resorts, the summertime in Reno offers more opportunities for getting outside and taking advantage of the stunning landscape.
No trip to Reno would be complete without an early morning hot-air balloon ride over Lake Tahoe. There’s no need to be worried about vertigo: although the balloons can reach up to 10,000 feet, they are stabilized by the winds’ currents as they move along. You won’t want to miss the incredible 150-mile views of Yosemite National Park that you’ll get from the air. If you are feeling up for something even more adventurous, there are plenty of other ways to get up in the air in Reno, especially ones where you’ll land a lot more quickly – skydiving, hang gliding, and paragliding trips abound.
Hanging out in the sky is not for everyone, and the Reno Tahoe region offers many land-based activities for any type of adventurer. Hike along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Mountains, or take in the gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe from the Tahoe Rim Trail on the eastern shore. To dip your feet into one of the area’s numerous lakes and rivers, try fly fishing in the Truckee River. Choose one of the many outfitters available, and they will show you the best way to traverse the “Big Tricky River.” For total relaxation, though, look no further than the shores of Lake Tahoe. Head to Lake Forest Beach Park with some sunscreen, a towel, and a picnic, and take in the beauty of the lake.
The lake is not the only place to relax in the Reno Tahoe area: the area’s many hotels offer visitors a wide variety of luxurious spas. Check into Spa Toscana at Peppermill Reno and experience total bliss with their Wine Down massage, which uses antioxidant-rich chardonnay grape seed oil to revitalize your skin. If you’ve just spent the day exploring the outdoors around Reno, recover with the Detox Seaweed Mud Wrap – it’s great for relieving muscle tension. For a different spa experience, check out the Spa at Atlantis. The Brine Inhalation Light-Therapy Lounge will bring the ocean to you as you relax with the sounds and colors of the sea.
For those who want to experience arts and culture, Reno’s Midtown and Truckee River Arts District will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. Stop by the Nevada Museum of Art and check out the museum’s rapidly growing Contemporary Art collection – think Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset’s Prada Marfa. For a taste of local art, head to Art Spot Reno, where guides can take you on a tour of Downtown Reno’s finest murals and public art. Art Spot Reno also sponsors Art Walk Reno, an elaborate display of local artists in galleries around the city, so be sure to check that out if you are in town on the first Thursday of the month, starting June 1.
All this action can work up quite an appetite, and luckily the Reno Tahoe region is full of exquisite dining options. Located on the RiverWalk in the heart of downtown Reno, Wild River Grille offers up creative contemporary cuisine, like their delectable Pan Seared Duck Breast with pomegranate and roasted pepper glaze. If the weather is nice, be sure to ask to sit on their large patio overlooking the Truckee River and enjoy a Truckee River Mud while you’re at it (fair warning: a sugar coma is likely to follow). For those wanting to take the drive to Tahoe, no trip is complete without a stop at Big Water Grille. Panoramic views of Lake Tahoe will entrance you, whether you sit outside or inside. Enjoy the sunset as you dive into an Ahi Tuna Poke appetizer and sip on one of the wines from their extensive list.
After you’ve enjoyed dinner at one of the great restaurants in the area, head over to one of the many casinos to treat yourself to a night out. Stay out after your bedtime for a change, and settle down in a blackjack chair at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. After winning a couple of hands, don’t miss attending one of the nightly concerts at their Grand Theater (see the likes of Matchbox Twenty, Steve Martin, and Fleet Foxes).
There really is something for everyone in this big, little city. Adventure, relaxation, art, cuisine, and entertainment all come together to provide the ingredients for a perfect getaway for anyone.