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Exploring the Reno area takes patience of a kind that, once
practiced, can yield tremendous benefits to the traveler. Much of our 21st
century family travel involves attendance at mega attractions where the only
thing standing between the visitor and a total assault on the senses via Imax,
theme rides, and action figures is an hour or two of waiting in line for
admission. The Reno experience is entirely different!
It begins with
the approach to the city rising out of the desert. Prepare ahead of time for
what will be a journey through land that was once at the bottom of an inland
sea. Look around for the fertile farms, the snow capped mountain peaks, the
lush valleys. Watch for the herds of wild horses and for the families of
tortoises making their deliberate way. Stop at a park for a picnic and discover
pines, firs, and wild strawberries. Enter into the spirit of the wild west by
visiting Ponderosa Ranch in Incline Village and recalling the drama of episodes
of the Bonanza TV show.
In an effort to bring more tourism to the area,
Reno holds several events throughout the year, all of which have been extremely
successful. They include Hot August Nights (a classic car convention and
ralley), Street Vibrations (a motorcycle fan gathering and ralley), the Great
Reno Balloon Race, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off (held in Sparks), a
Cinco de Mayo celebration, bowling tournaments and the Reno Air Races.
The main route across Nevada, I-80, runs from Salt Lake City to Reno, skirting
dozens of small towns with names like Winnemucca, Elko, and Battle Mountain.
The other main route, US 50, is older and slower than I-80, but highly rated in
terms of scenic beauty. It follows much the same route as did the riders of the
Pony Express in the 1860s. Many of the towns along it have faded away, and some
have been entirely abandoned. Yet, these pioneers made their mark, and the
imagination is stirred by memories of their accomplishments. Take a day trip to
Carson City, the state capitol of Nevada. There you will find the Nevada
Railroad Museum. Visit the Stewart Indian Museum or take the walking tour and
see all the historic buildings. There is a wide choice of restaurants and lots
of shopping. US 50 comes into Carson City as Williams Street.
From
there it joins I-80 at Reno, and then veers off to the southwest to circle
magnificent Lake Tahoe. The view of Lake Tahoe as approached from the mountain
is incredible! If peaceful sight-seeing is your desire, you might want to
venture out for the 72 mile drive around Lake Tahoe. Summer is the best time
for this, as snow blocks some of the roads at other times of the year. On the
drive, the diversity of the area is apparent. Snow capped mountain ranges (some
peaks are 14.000 feet high) rise above magnificent beaches, and enclaves of
multi-million dollar homes. Lake Tahoe offers a variety of winter sports such
as alpine skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country skiing and dog
sled rides. There is horseback riding, gambling, cruises on Lake Tahoe, and a
chance to ride the cable car to the top of Squaw Valley.
Virginia
City, not far from Tahoe, is an unusual place, and still has some musty corners
that evoke its heyday, when it was far larger and a history-making mining town.
Virginia City is on the side of a mountain, and elevated, providing a great
view of the desert and surrounding hills.
One last main route, US-95,
links Reno and Las Vegas, passing near Death Valley as well as Nevada's best
known ghost town, Goldfield.
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If you fly to Reno, a car won't be necessary in town.
Everything is within a few blocks as far as casinos go. The casinos on the
outskirts of town have shuttle service every half hour at no charge. For fun
for the whole family, take a trip to Circus Circus Midway Stage. Young and old
alike get caught up in the excitement of the carnival style arcade at the
Midway where there is a chance to win stuffed toy animals and other prizes at
the more than 30 games available. Wild Island Family Adventure Park, has eight
water adventures, two miniature golf courses and a variety of racetracks in its
Formula K Raceway.
In order to take advantage of the many outlet stores
and do a little sightseeing around the area, rent a car for a day or two and
explore. Reno is a beautiful city with much to see and do. It extends out
toward the smaller city of Sparks. Reno and Sparks are one continuous urban
area, but Sparks has its own separate character. Established in 1901 as a
railroad maintenance depot, residents and businesses of Victorian Square in
Sparks have created a turn-of-the century atmosphere with Victorian storefronts
and a gazebo highlighting an entire area of shops, casinos and restaurants for
visitors who enjoy the old time appeal.
The recent census reported an
increase of over 23 percent in the population of Reno in the last ten years!
The Biggest Little City in the World is, understandably, continuing to
grow.
Since Reno and Sparks get much less snow than the Lake Tahoe
Basin (usually not more than a total of two feet for the whole winter season),
it's not unusual to play golf in Reno or Sparks and ski in the nearby mountains
in the same day.
Today Reno is considered by many to be America's most
complete vacation destination. The area's unique combination of indoor and
outdoor attractions draws visitors from around the world. |
The Biggest Little City in
the World! 
Fly with us, stay with friends
and hit the jackpot in more ways than one at Lake Tahoe. 
You'll be on top of the world
when you visit the wild blue yonder known as Lake Tahoe