You may need an upgrade when Reno offers you images of buffets and casinos. It’s true Reno does have a lot of buffets and casinos; however, Nevada’s largest town is a sanctuary for adventurers and artists. From the whitewater kayaking in the downtown park to the numerous public art dotted all over the city, you can have a great time in Reno without wagering one cent.
“Reno gives artists the freedom to do whatever kind of art they want… and often, the space and resources to do it,” Larry DeVincenzi is a third-generation Renoite and the owner of the bar with a craft cocktail menu Sugar Lime. Sugar Lime.
The month of July is when Reno’s imaginative side shines brightly during this month-long Artown festival in which you can enjoy an event or show or attend an art class with fellow residents. “I believe we’ve always been an kind of a rebellious, art-loving community. Reno is still very quirky and cool, particularly if you’re aware of that,” DeVincenzi adds.
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That’s why it’s always recommended to ask locals for recommendations. DeVincenzi said people are often amazed by “how honestly kind and helpful the people who live here are.” One of his preferred spots is Mayberry Landing in Caughlin Ranch, and he describes it as “a pretty cool mix of restaurants and services.” He’s also a big fan of MidTown — and not just because it’s the location of his bar. One of his most-loved summertime activities is walking around the neighborhood for dinner, drinks, and shopping.
Reno holds a special place in my heart. When I was in my 20s, I relocated to Paris… there I was married to a man from Reno. Through years of family visits, I’ve discovered the diverse aspects of this city with a smoky exterior. Here are a few of my top spots to visit during summer.
Things to do
Art, sunshine, and lots of ways to have fun
To get the most artistic vibes, check out the Artown festival.
The month of July is when Reno turns into a spectacular celebration of high-energy music and dance during The Annual Artown Festival. There are events all over the city, including big venues such as Wingfield Park and the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater and smaller venues like 1864 Tavern and Sundance Books. 1864 Tavern and Sundance Books. Take part in dinner performances and dance performances and readings, art workshops, photography classes, and even video games and symphonies.
To experience nature and the city, The River Walk River Walk
The Reno’s Truckee River cuts through downtown Reno offering a wild vibe into Reno’s city. It is a stunning spot to take an afternoon stroll. The River Walk is flanked on one side by the river, full of whitewater kayakers and wildlife; the other is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. There are also bars.
For art-related inspiration: Nevada Museum of Art
The theme of nature-meeting-city continues with the 70,000 square-foot Nevada Museum of Art with its high-drama style inspired by the rock formations of proximity to the Black Rock Desert (of Burning Man fame). The museum’s lofty galleries contain an excellent collection of permanent exhibits and some unique temporary exhibitions, for instance, “Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II” (more about this in the section “Listen” section below). On Sundays, you can enjoy the popular brunch menu at the museum cafe with live music, a bloody mary bar, and a selection of traditional dishes with some twists, like the creme brulee french toast.
For a friendly game: Bundox Bocce
What better way to spend a relaxing time than with a drink in one hand and playing bocce in the other? Bundox‘s tennis courts, both indoors and outdoors, are open to the public first at first-served and well-loved, meaning there could be a little bit of the waiting list. But don’t fret. There’s plenty to entertain you during your wait: skeeball, pool, shuffleboard, darts, and ping-pong. Not to include snacks and drinks.
For a low-stakes ballgame: Greater Nevada Field
The passion for the game is still alive and well in Greater Nevada Field, where teams from the Minor Leagues called Reno Aces. With just a little less than 10,000 seats, the stadium is a big-crowd experience without long lines. Since it’s a minor league, it’s possible to feel significant when you have the possibility of the home plate seat. Plus, the stadium is accessible from many downtown hotels.
Where to eat, drink and eat
Reno classics get new flavors at these restaurants as well as watering holes
For food truck fun on Fridays: Idlewild Park
Reno’s Idlewild Park in Reno is filled with rolling lawns, large trees, and views of the river, which is worth a visit. On Friday nights, a bonus reward is a pop-up village of food trucks that will start your weekend off right. Explore the soul foods, steak-sandos, and delicious crepes, and finish it off with ice pops, gelato, and fancy S’mores. An excellent tip for chilling out in the desert is to arrive at sunset, just in time for the perfect combination of warm evenings that turn cool into the night and live music.
To kick off a MidTown party crawl, Rum Sugar Lime
With a high-concept menu featuring artistic seasonal craft cocktails and an ideal area, Rum Sugar Lime is the perfect spot to begin an evening of bar-hopping. I’d prefer to lounge on the patio and listen to live music while drinking DeVincenzi’s favorite summer drink cocktail: the Painkiller, which is a tropical mix made of coconut, pineapple, orange, and rum, topped off with dark rum.
For getting your greens: Great Full Gardens
Vegan? Gluten-free? Paleo? Maybe all three? Great Full Gardens caters to special diets. As a sometimes-vegetarian, this is one of my favorite spots with my omnivore extended family. The healthy menu includes a vegan Reuben, a grass-fed tri-tip sandwich, and an icy Kale salad. There are several places in town that all have the mellow hippie style; think of vibrant mixing chairs and cute salt-and-pepper shakers.
To get the vibes of a backyard party For backyard party vibes: The Eddy.
Eddy is an outdoor beer garden in containers on the Truckee River and is a perfect place to gather with family members, friends, and their pets. People from all walks of life relax in their swinging chairs and play bocce, cornhole, or the massive Connect Four while talking, eating snacks, or drinking summer-themed cocktails such as Spicy Margs or Finnish Long Drinks. The Eddy does not serve any of its food, but that’s more of a benefit rather than a problem. You can take your food from nearby restaurants or arrange for delivery if you’re unwilling to part with your comfy chair.
For the traditional Basque through Reno: Louis Basque Corner
The 19th century was when Basque herders were affluent in Northern Nevada’s rugged mountains, bringing them home. In the present, the Basque influence is nowhere more apparent than in the local establishment Louis Basque Corner. Begin with an alcoholic Picon punch at the bar, and then go to the dining area and get in for a family-style meal which includes bread, soup, Basque beans, a filling main, salad and other meals served with speed and speed. Large tables are decorated with red tablecloths embroidered with embroidery, and a relaxed atmosphere creates an unforgettable event, not only an eating experience.
Accommodation options
More than casinos hotels
Group travel: Element Reno
Its full title is Element Reno Experience District; however, we can assure you it’s an actual hotel. These sleek, Scandi-style apartments have fully-equipped kitchens and luxurious spa-inspired bathrooms (hello, showers that rain! ). In addition, they have super comfy beds. For families or groups, Studio Commons are clusters of suites that are centered around a living space. The hotel also offers a complimentary hot breakfast and an outdoor pool.
For those who love fitness: Whitney Peak
Getting up from bed takes on a new significance in Whitney Peak; its most unique feature is the 7,000-square-foot bouldering area and one of the highest synthetic climbing walls. The non-smoking, non-gaming fitness-focused hotel features 300 bedrooms, which are pretty small compared to Downtown Reno standards. The rooms are large, blending modern design with alpine-chic elements – perfect considering the amenities and the proximity of Reno the Lake Tahoe.
