What To Do:
1) Attend the Reno River Festival at Wingfield Park, Reno.Renowned for its winter sports, Reno also hosts its annual Reno River Festival which attracts world class kayakers and thousands of enthusiastic onlookers. They enjoy the delights of Wingfield Park, masterfully designed as a downtown white water park meant to bring the Truckee River and its rapids close enough for a casual walker to hear the thunder and feel the spray while comfortably strolling in the park!
2) Walk around downtown Reno and visit the the Washoe County Court House, the Virginia Street Bridge, and the new Triple A Baseball Stadium. Your downtown stroll will acquaint you with the Washoe County Court House, The Virginia Street Bridge, the Triple A Baseball Stadium and surrounding ballpark district and the charming modern shops, galleries and strolling paths that make up the Truckee River Arts District. One piece of trivia is the fact that due to liberal divorce laws in Nevada, the Washoe County Court House used to be the "divorce capital of the world," where once married brides would "throw their rings over the Virginia Street Bridge into the Truckee River," once their divorces were finalized.
3) Shop at the famous Scheels Sporting Store at the Legend's Sparks Marina. Shopping at Scheels Sporting Store at the Legend's Sparks Marina is a highlight not to be missed. Even if you are "just looking", you'll be seduced by the design of the exterior space and enthralled by Scheels, the world's biggest outdoor/ sporting goods store. Complete with an indoor ferris wheel, this is an experience that can't help but captivate even the most devoted couch potato.
4) Visit The National Automobile Museum at Reno
The National Automobile Museum at Reno is a must not only for auto buffs but for anyone who appreciates good design. The knowledgeable docents highlight the fascinating developments that have kept us on wheels since well before the Model T. The large collection is well displayed and explained in an audio narrative. Interspersed with the auto displays you will find period clothing which captures the flavor of the era and adds to the design theme of the museum.
5) Visit the historic mining town of Virginia City with the Mark Twain Museum and the V&T Railroad. After exploring Reno, head out to the nearby historic mining town of Virginia City. Stroll the wooden-planked sidewalks, take a walking tour of a real mine, visit the Mark Twain Museum and take in the history of the wild west. You will be enraptured by the history of mining and the ensuing population boom that put this city on the map. Hop on-board the newly restored V&T Railroad for a spellbinding ride that takes you in either direction from Virginia City to Carson City, the state's capital. Besides the scenic vistas of the majestic Sierra Nevada where wild mustangs gallivant freely, you'll be captivated by the history that made this area synonymous with the wild west. Docent character guides, along with the knowledgeable conductor make this ride a memorable and colorful journey.
6) Attend one of Reno's many festivals including "Napa's Backyard -A Weekend of Culinary Adventures." The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino hosts a impressive charity food, wine, and spirits event in mid-May. This two day event,"Napa's Backyard--Bring the Wine Country to Reno" features area chefs and Napa Wines to benefit C.A.R.E. This charity gives free medical supplies, equipment and prescriptions to Nevedans in need.
Last year's events featured 40 great chefs, 50 wineries with over 300 wines, a "Backyard Crawl" with 13 mixologists, a sommelier seminar with premier wine tasting, and a "Sommelier's Backyard Sprawl" with a masterfully crafted menu by the Charlie Palmer Group of Chefs and acclaimed wines paired by master sommeliers Thomas Burke MS and Larry O' Brien MS.
Where To Stay: Stay and Play at one of the Reno Resort Properties.
The Peppermill Reno boasts
a $300 million addition and renovation which includes the newly built Tuscan
Tower, the Spa Toscana, a state of the art fitness center, expansive heated
outdoor pools and hot tubs and new dining venues. Their casual venue, Biscotti,
puts most other such eateries to shame. The upscale decor, creative menu selections,
portion size and value pricing make this a sure winner.
Spa Toscana offers guests
the true definition of SPA (Sanitas Per Aquam) "health through water"
and will invigorate all senses. Inspired by the glorious baths of Roman times,
at Spa Toscana, you'll relax in Northern Nevada's only Caldarium. An indoor
pool, sun deck and Secret Garden featuring natural light, soothing baths, cascading
waterfalls and peaceful sanctuaries set the tone of an unparalleled spa experience
with a focus on holistic rejuvenation and renewal.
The Atlantis Reno. Discover not
a new continent in the ocean, but a world-class luxury destination resort located
in Reno, Nevada. Having just invested $110 million to spruce up Atlantis, it's
well worth a stay! The Concierge Tower boasts 20% larger rooms on a private
floor with a 25th floor Concierge Lounge. The Luxurious tower rooms are upgraded
to include 42" LG flat screen TV complete with media launch pads to connect
your laptop, along with high-speed wireless internet.
The new Spa Atlantis
brings luxury to all of your senses. Surrounded by calm healing colors, natural
stone, and the gentle sound and flow of water, you are free to explore and find
your inner peace in any of the venues designed to provide blissful relaxation.
Work out in the world-class gym, swim in the heated indoor pool,choose one of
the many exclusive spa treatments and massages and come away feeling rejuvenated
and ready to enjoy the many other aspects of Atlantis including its gaming,
entertainment and recently reopened steak house.
Where To Eat:
The quality and diversity of dining options in Reno is a revelation! The city and surrounding areas celebrate the ethnicity of the population by providing eateries to satisfy any hankering. In fact, Sqeeze In was surprised by the Food Channel's famous Bobby Flay for a "Throwdown" episode featuring omelettes and the Dish Cafe was featured on Guy Fieri's popular Food Channel show, " Diners, Drive-Ins and Drives." The Casinos offer numerous options to suit every pocket book and taste. Among the notables are the three Restaurants that are part of chef Charlie Palmer's food empire. Located in the Grand Sierra, Charlie Palmer Steak Reno presents a sophisticated, contemporary decor and menu highlighting the seasonality of ingredients. While giving homage to the customary menu items that a steak lover expects to find, the restaurant offers numerous specials with just enough of a twist to satisfy the repeat customer. The other two restaurants, Fin Fish featuring the freshest from the sea and Bussola, highlighting the best of Italian are well regarded among both locals and visitors for their high quality and value price point.
The Atlantis Steak House has recently reopened to rave reviews. The hip, edgy room, full of serene, yet evocative decor puts you in the mood for a memorable evening. The house mixologist will delight you with one of his creative concoctions while you peruse the menu filled not only with carnivore cravings but also many selections for fish and vegan lovers. The service is knowledgeable, the sommelier full of helpful pairing suggestions and the waitstaff is a wizard at table side preparations. Plan your next special occasion here.
Reno is a refreshingly off beat destination that is sure to entice, excite and inspire a repeat visit. Explore Reno, so close yet so far from expected!
By Diane Sukiennik & Michael Reiss
JustLuxe Contributors
www.foodandwineaccess.com
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