What Else Can I Do In...Reno/Tahoe?
When I take a trip to a gambling destination, I don't want to spend every
waking moment in a casino. I like to venture out to see the sites. This is a
beautiful country, and we owe it to ourselves to see as much of it as we
can before we cash out. This is the first of what I hope are many pages to
come on what else there is to do and see when you travel to the gaming
places. So, let's begin with the Reno/Tahoe area and we'll work our way to
Jersey.
In Winter:
Skiing: Downhill: Alpine Meadows
Boreal
Diamond Peak
Donner Ski Ranch
Heavenly Valley
Homewood
Kirkwood
Mount Rose
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Soda Springs
Squaw Valley
Sugar Bowl
Cross-Country: Kirkwood
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Royal Gorge
Squaw Valley
Spooner Lake
Mount Rose Meadows-Free
Snowmobiling
Photography- Any time of the year
In Spring: One of my most memorable trips to Reno was in the spring.
One day I went skiing in the morning at the Lake, and played golf in the
afternoon in Reno. Being at a lower elevation, Reno warms up earlier,
much earlier than Tahoe.
Photography- Look for wild flowers, especially in the meadows once the
snow melts. Keep a camera handy for emergency photography. If you go
up to Virginia City, you may see some wild horses along the route. There
are lots of places to pull over to take in the view when going to either
Virginia City or up to Lake Tahoe. Looking west from the Virginia City
route gives some beautiful mountain vistas.
Golf: There are 49 golf courses in the Reno/Tahoe area. Of course,
playing with a view of the lake has its price, but you only live once. There is
a big celebrity golf tournament every year in July at South Lake Tahoe
where sports and Hollywood celebrities attempt to play golf.
Bowling: Reno is the bowling capitol of the world. It is home to the
National Bowling Stadium which has 78 Championship lanes. Even some
casinos have bowling centers. So, bring your balls.
Attend the Reno Jazz Festival for 3 days in late April
Summer: It gets very warm in Reno. Not hot like Vegas, but comfortably
warm. Water sports of all kinds are available for your enjoyment. Sailing
on Lake Tahoe was one of the best experiences of my life. If power is
your thing, rent a boat, or take a paddle boat trip. Not the little ones, but
stern-wheelers like on the river. You can go for the day cruise, and, again,
keep your camera handy. You can also take an evening cruise with dinner
and entertainment. Enjoy the sunset over the Sierras. Other water
recreation includes:
Swimming although it might be a bit nipply, I mean nippy
Sailing
Boating
Fishing- Fly fishing is big in that area. There are three lakes, Tahoe,
Washoe, and Pyramid. The world record Brown trout was caught at
Pyramid Lake. The Truckee River flows through Reno, and you can trout
fish all along it. Tahoe has a number of cold water fish.
Sailboarding
Water Skiing
Sunbathing- Yes, there is a beach on Lake Tahoe, and it's warm enough
in the summer time to sunbathe at the most beautiful lake on earth.
Jet Skiing- I recall quite a few of them on Washoe Lake.
Other Activities to do:
Walk or Jog along the Truckee River
Go four wheeling
Trail Riding, either Horseback 4 wheeler or Jeep
Hiking- Lots of trails
Climb Mount Rose
Float down the river
Visit the Ponderosa Ranch of Bonanza fame
Go Skydiving
Drive around Lake Tahoe- Allow plenty of time to stop and enjoy the
views, especially at Emerald Bay
Drive up to Virginia City- Visit the mining museum, the old Saloons,
and shops.
Visit historic Truckee, CA
Motorcycling or Biking the above. Excellent training for the next Lance
Armstrong.
Events and Festivals
Attend the Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in July and August
Need more Shakespeare? Reno Shakespeare Festival goes on all
summer
Attend The Best of the West Barbecue Cook-off in August and
September
Attend the Reno National Championship Air Race in mid-September
Attend the Great Reno Balloon Races also in September
Experience Hot August Nights in...August with over 5000 restored cars,
and several restored 60's and 70's musicians and bands.
The Reno Rodeo is one of the best in the country- the third largest in
North America
If government is your thing, go south to Carson City, the State Capitol
That's just about all I can think of. I'm sure there are more
things to do, but these should keep you busy for a while. Take a
break from the tables long enough to smell the fragrances of the
Reno/Tahoe area. Enjoy your stay.
