Visitreno

TeddysDad · Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 8

Coming for a visit 9-10 thru 9-15, wife and I were last there in '10. Mom is coming with us this time, she hasn't been to Reno for over 30 years, she has been warned it has changed a bit....

We'll be staying at Harrahs, with trips to Pep., Atlantis, Grand Sierra, probably Sparks. Also road trips to Virginia City, Carson City, Tahoe. Mom doesn't get around as well as she used to (well, us too), so what we end up doing will depend on how everyone feels. Couple of questions that may help us:

Been to the Reno zoo? We live ten minutes from 'ours' (http://www.pdza.org/), I see 'yours' is smaller (no big deal), but is it basically flat or hilly? How long to see everything?

We really liked the Top Deck in Cal-Neva, especially for breakfast. I've heard the grill on the first floor has an excellent cheese-steak. True?

Reno Pizza still down the street? We really enjoyed that.

Sports books: Much difference between the ones downtown? I'm missing football (maybe not the Monday night game 9-10, depends on when we get in), but like to bet baseball.

Any casino bars with draft IPAs'? Brands don't matter much.

Speaking of bars, where exactly is this "Shooters" I've heard about? The girls wouldn't care, but I may need to finally go in.

Looking forward to seeing the Sienna. The web pictures make it look very nice.

TIA.

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1594

Shooters is across Virginia St. from the Silver Legacy. My pals discovered it a few years ago. They ushered me over there and we had a lot of fun. Later I dragged John and Jerry over and it was really dull and too noisy. It can be nice or it can be crazy and sometimes perhaps a little dangerous.

The Eldorado's Brew Brothers has an excellent IPA made on the premises in their microbrewery. There are other brew pubs in the area but I haven't tried them.

The Top Deck in the Cal Neva is still a neat old place for a meal. The old 99 cent breakfast is long gone though.

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

If you do go to Virginia City, Great Basin Brewing "Ichthyosaur IPA" (my favorite) is on tap at the Red Dog Saloon (Live music & Rock & Roll History pub w/ killer good pizza, no gaming, outdoor patio) and Mark Twain Saloon (no music, lots of slots, video poker, video keno).

john · Site Admin Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 1181

Hi TIA. We have 2 "zoos" in close proximity to each other, not counting the Cal-Neva.
The Animal Ark is actually a wildlife sanctuary. The terrain is a little rough, but not too bad. They offer golf carts and wagons for us seniors.
Sierra Safari Zoo is owned and run by a couple of really nice guys. It's small, very navigable and clean, except for the animals. Fun place to visit, especially because they have cockatoos. I love cockatoos. *sigh*, cockatoos, mmmmmm, delicious.

LilyJDragonfly · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 425

That cheesesteak at the Cal-Neva is amazing!! I love it even more than the Awful-Awful at The Nugget.....

And if you're in Virginia City, stop in to the little bookstore on the main drag - loads of interesting local history books and a cool staff, too!

I've heard Carson City is home to a fascinating collection of coins and whatnot. Can someone on here refresh my memory about that?

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

The Nevada State Museum is just across the street from the Carson Nugget:
http://museums.nevadaculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486&Itemid=439

Start at the top floor for prehistory and geology and work your way down.

The main floor has a lot about gold & silver mining and an old coin press with a collection.

The last stop USED to be a replica gold mine with the same equipment.. as you walk thru the mine, the door takes you suddenly out on the street...

AND the Virginia City "Mark Twain Bookstore" is owned by the volunteer fire chief, Joe Curtis and run by Ellie, his wife. GREAT WESTERN BOOKSTORE. (and Ellie loves $ 2 bills as well)

TeddysDad · Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 8

Thanks to all. Looking forward to getting there Monday. Although I'm an A's baseball fan, kinda hoping the Aces beat the River Cats, then we'll be able to see one of the games Tues or Wed. If you happen to see an old guy in a poker room with a 3" brass dachshund card cap, come over and say "Hi". Hopefully, I'll remember to post a trip report....