Visitreno

[mommy2boys]

With the weather being so nice and us buying a new truck, we deceided to book a room for 2/2 - 2/6. This will be our longest stay in Reno and we were wondering what we should do besides gamble. We have been to Tahoe a ton of times, so that is out.

Should we give Virgnia City a shot? We will spend so time "shopping" at Cabela's and Scheels, are there any other outdoor stores that we are missing? We love to gamble, but we have opted to do a few other things this trip.

Thanks
Erin

p.s. Is there a car wash place near the Eldorado to take a lifted truck to. My hubby wants to get the road grime of his "baby" before we park it.[/color]

[joeschmeaux]

Take a 45 minute drive out to Pyramid Lake. The lake is bigger than tahoe and the desert around it is a mostly undeveloped Indian reservation. There's a magical quality about it, especially on a clear day, when the water reflects the sky. Stop in at the museum to learn a little about it before you drive further.

When I was there a few years ago, we saw a rattle snake on the road and he was rattling up a storm. Foolishly, we watched through the open windo of my car. Luckily nothing happened, but later I learned that rattle snakes can jump a few times their body length in an instant. It was a hot summer day, and I imagine the hot catalytic converter probably confused the heck out of the poor snake, so it probably wouldn't have jumped at me through my window anyway. Never the less, it was a neat thing to see up close. I don't imagine you'll see a rattle snake in February, but if you do, keep the windows rolled up!

Try this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_Lake_(Nevada)
_________________
Everyone knows it's unlucky to be superstitious!

[john]

M2B,

Try the National Auto Museum across the street from Siena. It's basically a ghost of the original Harrah's Auto Collection, but still has many cars in a pretty cool location. You'll also find a discount coupon on VisitReno's coupon page. http://visitreno.com/nam/index.htm

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus has one of the coolest projectors on the planet and they have lots of shows for every age group. http://visitreno.com/planetarium/index.php

For a little shot of history, VSA Arts of Nevada has self-guided tours of its home at Lake Mansion on Arlington Ave.
More about the mansion: http://lakemansion.com/
More about Myron Lake: http://visitreno.com/evanoff/oct-08.php

Like Art? No? Neither do I, but someone must, because the Nevada Museum of Art put up a building for it on Liberty Ave in Reno. http://www.nevadaart.org/

All of the above attractions are easily accessible by using the Sierra Spirit, a free downtown bus. Just look for the big, yellow shoebox on Virginia Street.

Weather permitting, a 45 minute to Truckee, CA is always a fun time. It's a little mining town in the Sierras accessible by taking Hwy 80 west to the "historic" part of town. Loads of little shops selling unique stuff. Like VC, it still has the original buildings from its heyday.

For a real adventure try something you've seen in the GSR parking lot. I did the giant swing on my 60th birthday (give or take a couple of months), then took a friend back a few months later. Her only complaint was after the ride and the park manager asked if we wanted to go again. She regrets saying, "No", because she felt a little weak in the knees. I still maintain she felt that way because she was strapped in the harness next to me. http://www.ultimaterushpark.com/

You can find some other stuff here: http://visitreno.com/attractions.php
and here: http://renotahoe.about.com/?once=true&PM=ss15_renotahoe

That should keep you busy for a couple of hours and get you out of the casinos.

John

[RenoLady]

Shopping!

JC Penney Outlet. R and I go most every trip. We've bought things from $4 NFL sweats, to Cherub/statue lamps. It's like a treasure hunt and the buys can be very good. Nice that you have a truck, we've had to leave some unbelievable deals on furniture/mattresses behind because we were in a car.

I believe it's near the Western Village exit in Sparks.....

[JD]

One of my cherished family photos is me at about age 10 on the boardwalk of Virginia City holding my cap six gun guns like Tom Mix.

Nothing can be more fun for boys than going into a REAL MINE (ok...maybe NOT so real) and walk away with a real piece of Silver ore, a dinosaur fossil, and sense of history.

Today, I'd rather play video poker at the Mark Twain Saloon, listen to music at The Bucket of Blood, or show a visitor the MacKay mansion than hang out all day in a casino.

[stan_allen]

Bucket of Blood! Bucket of Blood!

Gruesome name notwithstanding, this historic saloon and surrounding Virginia City are a perfect option for those who'd like a little day-tripping in addition to their duties at the machines/tables.

I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

[hawk]

How about a prone shot on the Suicide Table?
Is that in the Bucket of Blood?

[mommy2boys]

Thanks for all the tips, I think we are going to give Virgina City and shot. And of course we have to help out the economy with lots of shopping.

When we get back I will post a trip report.

Can't wait to go
Erin

8 days and counting!!!!!