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Located at Virginia Street , the historic
sign declaring Reno "the biggest little city in the world,” is a promise
to visitors and residents alike that despite its size, this town can offer as
much as the bigger cities do. And apart from the 24-7 gaming, Reno is very much
like other towns and strives to offer a balance of the familiar and the new. One
of the ways Reno remains similar to other cities is its shopping selection. Sure,
most cities don't have shopping arcades below buzzing hotel-casinos, but take
away the ringing slot machines and glittering lights, and you'll find the experience
is not so different. Of course when
visiting Reno and the Lake Tahoe region, shopping at malls and retail stores is
probably not number one on anyone's must-do list. However, one can never know
if a new outfit is needed for dancing or going out to dinner. Maybe flowers are
needed for a celebration or a backpack for a spur-of-the-moment hike. Whatever
the need, the stores and specialty shops of Reno and Lake Tahoe are sure to have
it. Just take a look. Let's start out
with the traditional malls. That familiar collection of stores that carry just
about everything, from designer outfits to fanny packs. In fact, the first on
the list is actually one of Northern Nevada 's most popular attractions: Meadowood
Mall. Indeed, this mega-mall is a terrific place to head to on the weekends, during
the holidays, or at any time when you need something new. For
out-of-town visitors, Meadowood Mall's proximity to downtown Reno is one of its
greatest features. Located mere minutes from the Reno -Sparks Convention Center,
this mall has all the department stores and specialty shops one can hope for.
Macy's, JC Penney, and Sears serve as the main entrances and inside, shops range
from The Gap and Ann Taylor to Waldenbooks and Things Remembered. Need a gift
for a wedding? A pair of sunglasses for a Tahoe cruise? Visit Meadowood. One thing
to keep in mind though is that being a popular attraction, the mall is always
busy, so a bit of patience is advised. Other
nearby places to shop include Park Lane Mall at the corner of South Virginia and
Plumb Street and the Reno Hilton Shopping Arcade, located a floor below the Reno
Hilton casino and resort. This arcade features both novelty and specialty shops,
making it a good place to visit for souvenirs and gifts before traveling home.
Reno shopping centers include Airport Square, Smithridge Plaza , and the Southwest
Pavillion located on South Virginia . As
for those visiting Lake Tahoe , specialty shops are the norm. One of the finest
and newest examples is The Shops at Heavenly Village . Part of a beautiful ski
resort, with attractions such as the Gondola at Heavenly, this shopping village
is an experience in and of itself. Find unique boutiques, plus a nice selection
of eateries. Shop for higher-end lifestyle apparel, accessories, art, and gifts.
A certain tourist attraction, The Shops at Heavenly Village is open seven days
a week from 9am to 9pm . And though
specialty shops are typical of the Lake Tahoe area, there are indeed bargains
to be found, and a pleasant afternoon can be spent doing just that at the Factory
Stores at the Y in South Lake Tahoe . Get discounted name-brand apparel and accessories,
such as from Adidas, Samsonite, Sunglass Hut, Van Heusen, and Bass Shoes. Located
at Highways 50 and 89, the Factory Stores at the Y offer 19 stores covering a
range of products and gift items, from the latest fashion trends to hand-made
chocolates. That being said, visitors
to Reno and Lake Tahoe understandably may not want to spend an entire day shopping
for bargains or for the latest couture styles. However, shopping for souvenirs
always seem to be a fun excursion. Whether it be a silver token at the Silver
Legacy or a stuffed plush toy won at Circus Circus, a souvenir is a great way
to remember a trip. For instance, a
visit to the historic city of Virginia City (about 25 miles southeast of Reno
) presents the chance to purchase souvenirs that celebrate the Comstock region.
Preserved to help remember the past, Virginia City is a popular tourist destination
for local residents and those visiting Reno , South Lake Tahoe , Tahoe City ,
or any of the surrounding cities and towns. Did
you know that Mark Twain once wrote for the "Territorial Enterprise,"
a newspaper of Virginia City in the nineteenth century? He did, and naturally
today the only bookstore operating in Virginia City is named after this beloved
American writer. Mark Twain Books is a bookstore dedicated to the Comstock region
and its history, offering photographs, historical documents, artifacts, and more.
Open during the summer months, it's not only a fun and interesting site to visit,
but also a perfect place to purchase a souvenir to remember the Reno experience.
Staying with Virginia City, the Marshall
Mint Museum and Gold Shop also aims to keep the history of the region alive, and
tourists who visit can purchase gold nuggets, collector coins, jewelry, and mineral
specimens. In Nevada 's capital, Carson City , the Stewart Indian Cultural Center
has a gift shop where visitors can purchase Native American art and goods. This
is an example of how souvenirs from the region can also be of benefit, and how
tourists can help with that effort. To
summarize, shopping in Reno can be as varied as one would like. From the mega-malls
to the specialty boutiques and souvenir shops, there is certainly an abundance
of choices; and as with any trip, time-management is critical and proper planning
key to finding what you seek within the time-frame you have. What's most important
is to just have fun, a task which "the biggest little city in the world"
makes easy to do. |
