Beyond the surface, Reno offers something for everyone

Everyone knows that Reno stands in stark contrast to Las Vegas. Las Vegas offers an adult playground, Disneyland-type atmosphere while Reno has always offered a quieter alternative. Many large casinos, hotels, and resorts built up around the Reno area drawing in more people ready for gambling action, but managed to maintain a more family-friendly environment. However, many of those have now shuttered.

As you now make your way around Reno, the closed up buildings
and minimal foot-traffic are a glaring reminder and the economic downturn from the past few years. Some hypothesize that the economic downturn partnered with the rise in California casino action to cause a bust in the Reno area. The Fitzgerald, now closed and appearing desolate, has a rock walk along the side that tempts people to explore an adventurous side of life. Parts of Reno feel almost a Ghost Town, maybe like Calico, only quieter. Still, Reno has a lot to offer. You may just have to look deeper.

 Exploring Reno and beyond

Trinity Episcopal Church - Reno

Reno still hosts Hot August Nights, though according to one Reno waitress, it now draws in a smaller crowd than it did even two years ago. Hot August Nights rolls into Reno next week. Some longtime Reno lovers continue to attend and enjoy the annual event.  Neighboring Lake Tahoe has its own Shakespeare Festival. This year's featured play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, runs through August 25. Back in Reno, through the month of July Artown has offered a variety of events, concerts, and activities. Even churches have been involved, offering pipe organ concerts and art of their own, marking the history of their churches. Trinity Episcopal Church had a bake sale, art display, harp playing, and an organ concert throughout the day Saturday, July 27 leading into their regular 5:10 p.m. church service. A little ways up, on the other side of the river, the United Methodist Church has also offered organ concerts and promoted its rich history by way of a small booklet.

Something to remember about Reno, Nevada is that it remains a college town. Like other college towns, it becomes more deserted in the "off season." Students return home for the summer which leaves college towns feeling quiet. Still, regular offerings are worth exploring. There are several farmers' markets which include everything from fresh produce to bread to fresh meat and fish. The Grand Sierra Resort has a unique driving range where golfers of various levels come together to hit balls into a pond. There are shows to see such as the current offering of "Grease" at the El Dorado and the regular circus acts at Circus Circus. You may find a smaller act in one of the hotel/casino lounges that surprises you with some fun covers. Bartenders and wait staff at the various bars and restaurants at The Sands are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Look carefully online and you may find some great deals on nice places to stay and, remember, you don't have to go gambling to have a good time.

Fresh tomatoes at The Summit's Farmers' Market

Have a Nice Dinner
You may want to have a nice dinner while visiting Reno. Two of the options available are the Wild River Grille down on River Walk and Copa found within The Sands.

Wild River Grille is a little higher end, so be prepared to pay a little more. They have a decently sized menu with delicious main dishes such as the Jerk Chicken. They also offer a lengthy wine list with something for everyone whether they prefer red, white, or blush wines. The wine prices also range from the more affordable range of under $30 for a bottle, on up. A must-try is their creme brulee which is absolutely divine. I recommend sitting outside and enjoying the cooler night air.

Copa has more reasonable prices, offers some delicious dinners, and has a decent wine list. The salmon with fresh vegetables hit the spot for me. It was fresh and prepared well. I paired it with a Petite Sirah and finished the dinner with their creme brulee. The creme brulee was a little soupy, but tasted great. The flavor made it edible despite the disappointing texture. The restaurant offers a break from the smokey casino atmosphere.

Other Copa diners recommend the ribs. The restaurant offers both half and full racks of ribs, slow-cooked. It has become a favorite of some longtime patrons of The Sands and this restaurant, which previously was something other than Copa and had a slightly different menu.


Enjoy Breakfast at Mel's
Also within The Sands is Mel's Diner. A highlight here is their Huevos Rancheros. Although it was far from the best I have ever had, it certainly tasted great and brought me back for another breakfast. They have a large breakfast burrito topped with sausage gravy. Their "coffee shop coffee" is a little above others. The fun part about Mel's, of course, is that some of the tables have juke box accessibility, always a plus!

Think Reno
If you need a weekend away, or even a midweek escape, give Reno a try. The quieter atmosphere and family-friendly offerings make Reno a destination and, really, it can be done on a budget. Budget wisely, plan ahead while remaining flexible, and enjoy the variety of Reno. Look past the shuttered casinos and take in some of the sights and sounds only Reno can offer. The drive across I-80 from California alone offers a trip worth taking. The tall trees and unique rest areas help you get away from the standard scene. Take it in as you venture from California to Nevada. Reno also has an airport for those who prefer to, or need to, fly. Just outside of Reno, Boomtown still has its own fun to offer. Near Boomtown is a Cabela's store for the outdoorsman who may have a desire to check it out. When you plan your next getaway: think Reno.

San Francisco tailgate saves the day

In an attempt to do a San Francisco Giants game on a smaller budget, give the tailgate experience a try.

Step One: Save up for parking. It costs $35.
Step Two: Decide what you want to take for your tailgate.
Step Three: Upon your arrival, try to park in Lot D.
Step Four: Have a fantastic time!



We saved up for our parking and set aside some money for our tailgate picnic. We opted to skip grilling out in the parking lot this time and instead packed in salami, fresh sourdough bread, grapes, and string cheese. We also brought along bottled water. We enjoyed sitting and doing our tailgate thing, then packed a few items into a backpack to take into the stadium.

During the game, we enjoyed our own peanuts, finished our string cheese, and stuck with our water to drink. The only in-park expense was CD's must-have cotton candy, which he had saved for himself.














Despite the disappointing 11-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, we had a blast! We will try other versions of tailgating in the future and recommend everyone try it! Whether the Giants win or lose, you can win just by going and allowing yourself to have a great time! A perk of AT&T Park is that you can take in your own food. Drinks are slightly restricted as far as what they allow into the park, but we tend to stick with water anyway. They do not allow you to bring in alcohol and you are supposed to stick with things in sealed, clear bottles. Still, the ability to take your own food means you can picnic in the park! Some nearby fans brought a variety of fresh fruit that they shared throughout the game.

Another "W" for AT&T Park!

Random Find: Latte Cafe

Imagine you have had a very long day. Perhaps you had car trouble that delayed your trip home. You are anxious to get home, but still have nearly three hours to go. As you drive up the Central Coast, you know you need another restroom stop. You also know a caffeine infusion would do you well. You see a McDonald's and think, "well, that ought to do." Then you see it: "Peet's Coffee" and you think "OH YES!" There you find a local establishment called Latte Cafe that boasts that they proudly brew Peet's Coffee and Tea. Thank goodness! It shines like a beacon of hope. So, you park, unload your two small children and enter the establishment.

Just then...

It gets even better!

Although, according to the sign on the door, they are right at closing time, they welcome you in, allow you to use their restroom and pleasantly take your order. A moment later, you find that you need to order again and they oblige.

This experience happened on Monday, July 15.

Everyone at Latte Cafe demonstrated a welcoming attitude and served us pleasantly. I felt so incredibly satisfied by the experience, that I tipped a little more than usual. As we left, my two small children and I shared about what a great experience we had. Their open sign remained on and I suspect they may be open later than the hours I observed on the way in, but they were certainly working on cleaning up and getting ready to close for the night. I appreciated their kindness and patience with us during our short visit and I will add it to my list of good stops on the Central Coast, as this is a trip we make a few times a year.

Latte Cafe is located on Fifth Street in Gonzales, just off of 101. It appears to be in what may have previously functioned as a Starbucks. I prefer Peet's Coffee and I prefer local service, so this certainly made my trip a little easier and a lot nicer. According to their Facebook Page, they serve lunch specials. If you find yourself in the area, take a few moments and check it out or even stop in for lunch.

Singles Mingle at the State

Ever on a search for a networking opportunity, I found the Singles Mingle monthly event at the State Theatre intriguing. Were I not single, obviously I would keep looking, but this seemed to present an interesting opportunity. As it turns out, the July event brought in an older-than-usual crowd. I also learned that typically the men outnumber the women, but that was not the case at this event.

A combination of tall tables and shorter tables with chairs offered people gathering places to meet and talk to others. Pencils and sticky notes were available on each table. Skewers provided some light food for the evening: hummus, Brie, roasted heads of garlic, sourdough bread, and flat bread. Desert Wind Dancers provided entertainment in the form of belly dancing. Additional snacks and beverages, including the usual fare of wine and beer, were available at the snack counter for the usual prices.

 People gathered, made conversation, and generally enjoyed themselves. For some, the hope for meeting their "perfect match" beamed from them as they navigated the room. Others found enjoyment in just getting to know each other or meeting friends.

Whether you seek the "love of your life" or just want to meet some new people, the Singles Mingle event seems a good place to do it. The art and culture that naturally emanates from the State Theatre provides a great backdrop for some casual getting-to-know-you time. Never pass up an opportunity to network, especially in a fun environment!

Desert Wind Dancers

Each of monthly Mingle events have a unique theme. They take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Sometimes food is included, but be prepared just in case. Admission for Singles Mingle is $10. Be sure to budget for the concessions stand if you think you will want a little something.

The 6 p.m. start time deceived me some and I expected that since food was listed in the offerings that it would be enough to count as my dinner. I ended up having a late dinner once I arrived home. I also purchased popcorn to help me make it through the evening, though the spread from Skewers was tasty.

August 14 -- Beach Party theme, including a limbo contest
Sept 11 -- Spaghetti Western theme and yes, that means there will be spaghetti AND a Western film!
October 9 -- Halloween Party where costumes may add to the fun
November 13 -- Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck and a savings of $2 off admission when you bring a canned food item that will go to The Salvation Army
December 11 -- Holiday Party and Dance, a chance to dress up and celebrate the holiday season!

For more information on this or any of the State Theatre's events, visit their website at www.thestate.org or call 209-527-4697. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

**Coming Soon**

Coming at the end of July:

The AT&T Park Tailgate experience (following the July 22 game against the Reds)

If you know of a show, restaurant, or other experience that needs reviewing, please be sure to let me know! I would love to do another review even sooner!