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To truly explore Reno and its surrounding
area, one would need more than a weekend to spare. Home to natural beauty and
wilderness, a good deal of family-friendly attractions, and historic sites, the
Reno-Tahoe region is filled with things to do and see. Home to popular annual
events and local celebrations, it is a destination to enjoy and seriously check
out. Indeed, to stay indoors in a casino
all day and night is certainly an option for those visiting Reno, but a day set
aside to learn about the area's historic towns and sites would be time well-invested,
for "the biggest little city in the world" offers more than the rush
of a jackpot. From nature hikes and
theater performances to museums and turn-of-the-century mansions, you'll find
them all here. A good place to start might be Virginia City , a must-see for visitors.
This historic mining town is one of the largest in the West and provides visitors
with a step back in time, with its mansions and saloons, souvenir shops, and museums.
Reno was established in 1859 as a trading station, and its growth went hand-in-hand
with that of Virginia City . To appreciate what Reno has grown to be, it's important
to know from where it came. Everyone knows about the California Gold Rush, but
for Virginia City , the allure was silver. Day
trips to nearby towns are always a fun way to expand the Reno experience. With
hopes that the roads aren't jam-packed with others thinking the same, one may
choose to visit some of the region's ghost towns, such as Fort Churchill , an
1860 outpost; Genoa , Nevada 's first settlement; or Bodie in California , a tourist
favorite. Another nearby destination to consider is Nevada 's capital, Carson
City . Here you'll find another historic town only about 25 miles away from Reno
, where you can follow along the Kit Carson Trail or spend the day learning at
the Nevada State Museum and Nevada State Railroad Museum . Road-trippers
may also wish to take on Highway 50, dubbed "the loneliest highway in the
world", or simply travel to Lake Tahoe -- always a good bet for fun away
from the slots and gaming tables, with its stunning wilderness, lakes, and nature
trails being the reward for a long day's journey. In
fact, one of the region's most stirring attractions does not exist within a building
or behind glass, but rather, can be found by simply taking a drive to one of the
national forests or state parks. The beauty of these natural attractions is breathtaking,
and like Virginia City and Carson City , Lake Tahoe offers a window into the past.
With Lake Tahoe , outdoor adventures
and tranquility are always options to pursue. Go water-skiing, boating, or hiking
on the Pacific Crest Trail. During the summer months, book sightseeing cruises
and see all that the area has to offer from afar. When the snow begins to fall
-- or a powerful machine begins to manufacture it -- go and play on the slopes.
Lake Tahoe is a renown favorite for its packed snow mountains, perfect for traditional
skiing or the latest in snowboarding. World-class resorts, such as Kirkwood Ski
Resort and Heavenly Ski Resort, await guests each November. Golf
is also a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, with more than a dozen
golf courses in the area featuring championship-style play and inspiring course
architecture. For spectators, the Reno Tahoe Open at Montreax is a chance to see
PGA professionals tee it up for bragging rights and a first-place prize, but at
any time of the year, golf-vacation packages are available from Reno and Tahoe
hotels. Check out such packages from Eldorado, Silver Legacy, or Caesars Tahoe,
and enjoy the winning combination of gaming and golf. One
of Reno 's newest attractions is also one of its most refreshing. The Truckee
River Whitewater Park , located one block south of First Street , has fast become
a place-to-be. Featuring a 2,600-foot-long course, the park welcomes kayakers
and anyone who enjoys water fun. Bring along boogie boards and inner tubes, and
get some relief from the summer heat.. A
great attraction for the entire family can be found at Animal Ark, a wildlife
sanctuary located north of Reno , open to the public from April 1 to October 31.
Here, wildlife animals who cannot be returned the wild, have a permanent home,
where visitors to the refuge can experience an up-close look into their lives.
Adoption programs are available, as well as special programs held during open
months that are designed to celebrate these regal creatures and educate the public
on the importance of wildlife preservation. Another
attraction that highlights natural wonders is the Fleishmann Planetarium, a science
center located on the University of Nevada campus and only a few miles north of
downtown Reno . The planetarium celebrates science and brings the outdoors in
with its star shows and large-format films. Its museum, the Hall of the Solar
System, features meteorite exhibits, along with models and hands-on scales. But
alas, even the closest attractions may be too far for some, as Reno 's hotel-casinos
offer a lot to see and do themselves. The larger hotels for example, all offer
shows and attractions to help guests fill their days and nights. Indeed, you can
have a blast just hanging out in your hotel, playing games, watching bands, dining
in fine restaurants, or filling up on gourmet buffets. Attractions, such as the
mining machine at the Silver Legacy and the Midway Stage at Circus Circus, provide
a way for guests to participate in the fun, while creating lasting memories to
take away with them. |
