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.