Explore Reno

Can you Dig It?!

From exploring old mines to mining the slot machines, you’ll not lack for things to see and do in Reno! The number-one tourist attraction in Reno, NV is gambling, with over 60 gaming locations (including both the Peppermill and Atlantis Hotels, where ESA has contracted housing during our meeting). But what else is there to do in the “Biggest Little City in the World?” How about …

Golf

There are over 30 championship golf courses in the Reno/Lake Tahoe region. Some of the most popular courses located inside the city limits of Reno include:

• LakeRidge Golf Course, 775-825-2200
• Wolf Run Golf Club, 775-851-3301
• Arrow Creek Golf Club, 775-850-4444

Museums

Reno’s attractions come in all shapes and sizes, including:
• The National Automobile Museum: This collection of over 200 vintage automobiles is a car-lover’s paradise. Admission is $9/adults, $7/seniors, $3/children age 6-18, and free for children five years old and under.
• The Nevada Museum of Art: Divided into five focus areas, this museum’s permanent collection consists of over 1,900 works of art organized around the themes of land and environment. This thematic format mirrors the community’s growing interest in land protection. Admission is $10/adults, $8/students and seniors, $1/children 6-12 years old, and free for children five years old and under.
• The W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum: Located on the University of Nevada campus, the museum boasts an impressive display of minerals, ores, fossils, photographs, and mining relics related to this important part of the region’s history. It also is home to the spectacular Mackay Silver Collection. Admission is free.

Lake Tahoe Riverboat Tour Option

Enjoy a two-hour lunch cruise of Lake Tahoe on the MS Dixie II. Cruise to Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed sites in the western United States. On the return trip to Reno, enjoy a driving tour of historic homes district of Nevada’s Capitol City, Carson City.
• Monday, November 17.
• Buses load from the Atlantis Hotel at 9:00 AM and depart at 9:15 am. Buses are expected to return tour participants to Reno at approx. 3:15 PM. The tour will include a free lunch. The fee for the tour is $75 per participant, regardless of age. (Gratuity is not included in the fee.)

Ghost Towns

Explore the wild West by checking out ghost towns in the surrounding area. A nice day trip for your guest(s) may be to head southeast on Highway 341 to explore Virginia City, Gold Hill, Silver City, and Dayton to get a peek at the United States of yesteryear.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re ready for something new, consider sand boarding at Sand Mountain, 83 miles east of Reno. This sport combines the best of a day at the beach and a day on the slopes (but you have to bring your own board). The Reno-Lake Tahoe area is also famous for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. With a mid-November meeting, the trails could be mild for temperate hikes, cool for awesome bike rides, or cold with several feet of snow. For fishing enthusiasts, the area abounds with trout and other game fish. Check out the Fly-fishing Entomologists Network for more information. There are also numerous caves to explore in and around the region—some with deep mysteries. Get ready for some serious exploration!

Riverwalk District

For many residents, the Truckee River is the heart of the city. Reno was founded beside the first bridge to cross this picturesque waterway. In the 1990’s, the city created the Raymond I. Smith Truckee River Walk, which brought new attention to the city’s scenic waterway. Today this avenue is home to many fine merchants, including bookstores (Dharma Books), galleries (La Bussola or The River Gallery), boutiques (La Terre Verte or Parasols on the River Walk), and restaurants. Every third Saturday in Reno, the Riverwalk Merchants host Wine Walk. For $20 participants receive a merchants map, an ID bracelet and a wineglass, which they can then bring to any of the participating merchants and sample the viticultural fare. The ESA Annual Meeting opens on the November 16, so if you are arriving early on Saturday 15, consider the Wine Walk as a fun way to see the city.

Bars, Nightclubs, Coffee Houses, and More …

You can do your own Internet search, but after talking to some locals, we found three must-see establishments that sound like places to add to your itinerary. When in Reno, be sure to check out:
• The Chocolate Bar: That’s right, you guessed it. A bar that serves lots and lots of delicious chocolate creations! It's like walking into Willie Wonka's factory. Oh yes, they have a full menu too.
• The Imperial Bar & Lounge: A local favorite. Hang out with the Reno gang!
• The Sierra Tap House: Charmingly located on the Truckee River, the Tap House offers six featured microbrews directly from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
 

For more info, visit the Reno-Tahoe website.