Dubbed the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno, Nevada has long been overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. But that’s all the more reason to visit. Compared to its flashier sister city, Reno is much more intimate, accessible and navigable.
Sure, there are casinos and shows, but this city of 250,000 people also has great museums, farm-to-table restaurants and cool cocktail bars. Reno’s natural beauty makes it a winner, too.
Nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city is surrounded by epic views, and the rushing Truckee River flows right through town, stretching all the way to Lake Tahoe.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip
Friday: Dive into Downtown
Begin your day of exploring Downtown Reno with a hearty breakfast at Pine State Biscuits. Serving everything from barbecued pulled pork to fried eggs piled on top of the flaky biscuits, the restaurant will provide ample fortification for the day ahead. If gaming is your thing, there are casinos galore in the downtown area. Adults can saddle up to a poker table or hit the slots, while kids will love the family-friendly animal shows, acrobats and arcade games, created with the under-21 crowd in mind.
Next, head to the Nevada Museum of Art, which has a collection of over 1 million artifacts and 7,500 books in their research facility. Be sure to climb the suspended staircase to the top. You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Reno and the Sierra Nevada’s snow-capped Carson Range.
In the later part of the day, head to the reimagined Riverwalk District. Amble along the Truckee River, spend some time on the island in the middle of the flow and plop down at Café Capello for a cold brew or cappuccino, or grab a cocktail at Sierra Tap House while you sit next to the river.
When your stomach starts to rumble, head over to Wild River Grille. Set right on the Truckee River, the restaurant serves up inspired American fare with an Italian accent — think huge steaks, fresh seafood, and creative pasta dishes.
Saturday: Get Out of Town
It’s nature day. Time to get in the car and point it out of Reno. First head to Pyramid Lake, one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States which also happens to have world-class fishing. You don’t need a Nevada license to do so, but you do need to bring your own equipment.
If getting out on the water is more appealing you can go swimming or boating, but for all of these activities you must purchase a tribal permit beforehand. However you decide to spend your afternoon, the scenic 35-mile drive from Reno to the lake is worth the trip in and of itself with views of Virginia Peak and bluebird skies.
Named for — you guessed it — the pyramid-shaped mountain rising from the 125,000-acre lake, it’s also famous for the rare species of pelican that exists here. There’s also the intriguing museum Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center with exhibitions about the history of the area as well as the Paiute people, many of whom still live in the area today.
Remember to be respectful as possible when hiking and exploring here. The area is both a part of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation and a National Wildlife Refuge. Pack out what you pack in and stay on the trails at all times.
If all that hiking has built up an appetite, reserve a table at Fourk Kitchen back in Reno. The acclaimed eatery makes decisions easy for the diner: The menu consists of four courses for a fixed price. While the offerings change regularly due to the availability of seasonal ingredients, expect there to be pasta, salads, hearty meat dishes and something sweet to finish. Have a nightcap at the swanky but welcoming cocktail bar Death and Taxes, located in the hip Midtown District
Sunday: Let’s Have Some Fun
Reno isn’t all casinos and hiking trails. It has a creative, quirky side too. Embrace that today by heading back to Midtown to check out the exciting street art on display throughout the district. Grab a single-origin, pour-over from Old World Coffee Lab and stroll through the compact neighborhood, keeping your eyes up for the larger-than-life murals, including “Sense of Harmony” by Sebastian Coolidge and “Hands Up” by Erik Burke, a social commentary on Jim Crow laws in Nevada.
Later head to the National Bowling Stadium, a quirky, sometimes kitschy venue where parts of the classic film Kingpin were shot. The stadium is five floors with 78 lanes and enough space to accommodate 10,000 people — a true sight to behold. Play a few rounds at “Taj Mahal of Tenpins,” and don’t leave without spending a little time at the Bowling Hall of Fame, located inside the massive building, too.
Continue the quirkiness by stopping into Natural Selection. The shop is crammed with taxidermied beasts, preserved insects, minerals, rocks and a lot of other oddities. Make your way to the back of the shop to meet the resident axolotls, two little aquatic salamanders whose faces naturally rest in an unfading smile.
For dinner, nab a table at Von Bismarck, a restaurant located in an erstwhile gas station. The portions are gigantic here, so come hungry for the huge pieces of roasted pork and schnitzel.
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