Comments on: Things To Do In Reno When It’s Dead

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:34:43 +0000

I just moved to Reno a couple months ago, due to my husband’s job. It would have been LAST on my list of places I ever wanted to move to (coming from 5 years in Sacramento and a year in Las Vegas), but I have been pleasantly surprised and shocked by how much I love it here. I think it’s all in the area you move to, depending on what type of person you are. I am in my early 30′s, love the outdoors, and love city life. We live in Midtown, Southwest Reno, with a 3 minute walk to downtown. This area is the most charming place I’ve ever been to. It reminds me of trendy Portland, OR or Seattle. Very hip, up & coming area with a younger feel to it. Like someone said above, you have bars like St. James Infirmery & The Chocolate Bar, mansions on the river, grungy hip coffee bars like Jungle Java on First Street, a beautiful open downtown pedestrian area with an outdoor ice skating rink (open thru Feb), and of course the casinos and the nearby skiing. It’s definitely not Las Vegas, but it’s just as good in its own way. On the other hand, if you live outside of the trendy areas or in Sparks I’m sure there is a much more bumpkin way of life.

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By: jareth

jareth — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:12:06 +0000

I grew up in Reno. It is equal parts sleepy suburbia and nightmare-you-can’t-awaken-from shithole. What he says about there not being much else to do besides drink yourself blind and gamble away what you haven’t spent on booze is absolutely true (especially if you’re not the outdoorsy type, which I am not). I am still amazed that people actually want to spend their vacation time there.

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By: Noix

Noix — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:59:23 +0000

For starters: Reno is not Vegas, nor is it the Bay.

As a lifelong local, I can honestly say, “IT HAS NO ASPIRATIONS TO BE EITHER.” Reno was THE ground zero of US gaming back in the ’30s, but many locals are quite happy that epicenter has since passed elsewhere–because we have in the last decade FINALLY reclaimed downtown for ourselves.

That said, I’ll misquote Napoleon: “An army marches on its stomach.” Chart this deliciously unassuming culinary course through your ‘day after’ in Reno.

0. Little Nugget. As you wander down Virginia Street at 3am with your stomach full of liquor but devoid of much else, grab an Awful Awful from this alleyway wonder. Colorful patrons of universal socioeconomic origin provide the entertainment.

1. As the sun rises over your partying, head south just across Liberty Street to Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs for the best hangover recovery ticket you can imagine. Eat at the bar if you’re in a rush to get back to work that day…

2. …and if not: get the F* out of town! Ski, hike, mountain bike, Burn…whatever. Reno’s just the hub–it’s up to you to explore. And (in response to AF) unless you’re local or from the Great White North, don’t drive up Mt. Rose highway–or anywhere else–in a snowstorm to ski. Take the TahoeSkiShuttle, and save everyone your headache!

3. For a taste of Northern Nevada history predating the casinos, check out Louis’ Basque Corner. Hearty and diverse old world family-style food, of a quantity fit for a wandering sheepherder–or a post-modern traveling adventurer. Red table wine comes standard–and plentiful–with the multi-course prix-fixe.

4. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” >:}

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By: timmie89

timmie89 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:24:07 +0000

I was promised pictures regarding lake based golfing. BOOOO.

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By: Leigh

Leigh — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:32:59 +0000

It is easy to stereotype Reno as a poor man’s Las Vegas with nothing to do but hang out in casinos and gamble. Oh, and drink. The truth is, Reno is a community with a lot of character and an enviable position of being nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. I’m moving from the Bay Area to Reno because of my fiance’s job. I thought I would hate it, but so far, I love it more than anywhere else I’ve ever lived (well, almost). Here’s why I love it and what I recommend doing:

1. Leave the casinos! The casinos are not a good representation of the locals Reno. However, I’m not a gambler… so maybe they are cool? The Grand Sierra is definitely the nicest.

2. Go watch baseball – Downtown Reno has a brand new AAA baseball stadium and team, the Reno Aces. The crowds are not ‘bumpkin’ at all – mostly young people and families out to enjoy the sun, crowd and America’s favorite pastime. Their mascot, Archie, has his own tricked out Segway. Oh, and he talks. How cool is that?

3. Reno has better bars than the Silicon Valley – Downtown Reno has quite a few local bars that have a big city vibe and character. My favorite is St. James Infirmary which specializes in belgian brews and cocktails from around the world. In summer, you can sit out on their roofdeck and enjoy the sun. Also worth checking out: the Lincoln Lounge, Imperial Bar & Lounge, and Chapel Tavern. The favorite local dive bar is Amendment 21.

4. The Truckee River – I absolutely love to stroll down the Truckee River by foot or bike. On sunny and warm days it is fun to walk Westwards down the river and watch the kayakers try their luck in the kayak park or watch fly fisherman attempt to catch fish. Farther down the river, you’ll see some huge mansions on one side of the river and the dregs of Reno on the other. Total contrast. Anyway, if you like festivals, every spring Reno hosts the Reno River Festival: live music, kayaking competition, mud run, and beer of course! http://www.renoriverfestival.com/.

5. Eat! I love food and would never recommend Outback Steakhouse so hopefully my opinion means something. My favorite cheap and easy places to eat near downtown Reno are Beto’s Mexican Food & Michael’s Deli. For pub grub, visit Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery. For an authentic family-run Mexican restaurant with a ton of soul and knock-you-on-your-ass margaritas, visit Bertha Miranda’s by the ballpark. For hip, fine dining, I hear that LouLou’s is quite good. Disclaimer: My suspicion is that the nicest, fine dining restaurants are still, for the most part, in the casinos.

6. Ski & Snowboard – Yes, you will need a car and will need to brave the sometimes treacherous roads. But I can be at Squaw Valley or Northstar in 45 minutes from my front door. Do you know how many of my co-workers at the big, fancy Silicon Valley tech company I now work at are so jealous of that fact? Lots.

7. Art, anyone? I haven’t been but have it as a ‘to-do’ to visit the Nevada Museum of Art. Again, it is right downtown and in a very cool building that will probably make you forget you are in Reno. Even better is that you can stumble there a little tipsy from St. James Infirmary. http://www.nevadaart.org/

8. Scheel’s Sporting Goods – This is technically in Sparks, but totally worth a visit. Not in a “wow, this place is really cool” kinda way, more of a “wow, what is this place?” kinda way. It is a massive sportsman’s store with an indoor ferry wheel and a whole mountain of various stuffed animals (like, ones that used to be living). It is so weird, but sooo good.

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