Reno: a desert oasis: biggest little city in the world has offerings for everyone

Parks & Recreation, Sept, 2004 by Maya Avrasin

The Reno-Lake Tahoe area has experienced plenty of transition since its inception in the 1900s. From a mining and gambling town to the number one area for outdoor recreation, Reno-Lake Tahoe will continue to amaze and entice the more than one million people who visit annually to its lakes, trails, marinas, gardens and hot springs.

At first glance, it is bard to see much else beyond Reno's casinos. According to the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority's 2003 marketing report, there were 53 casinos between Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe, with the majority coming from Reno (24). The archway, which was originally a steel structure with lights built to welcome out-of-town guests, has been updated to a glitzier version to match the other colorful nightscapes along downtown Reno's main thoroughfare, Virginia Street.

But there is more to Reno and its neighbors than poker chips and slot machines. There is a reason why the travel company, Rand McNally, named Reno the number one area for outdoor recreation. "The world knows that we have built a better Reno," said Reno City Manager Charles McNeely at a 2003 city council meeting. 'American Economic Review' says we're fifth in the nation for urban quality of life, and AAA's 'Via Magazine' calls us the Paris of Northern Nevada--that's thanks to Artown."

Practically every week in the calendar year there are events, festivals and a slew of entertainment choices in Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe. The summer season provides a myriad of outdoor options such as boating, fishing, hang gliding, hiking and horseback riding. Additionally, there is a nationally renowned Shakespeare festival in Lake Tahoe, multi-week art festival in downtown Reno and a professional wakeboard tour in Sparks. The fall brings the Best-in-the-West Nugget Rib Cook-off in Sparks, the Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno and the Great Italian Festival in downtown Reno (which occurs the opening weekend of Congress, Oct. 9-10).

While Congress may be the excuse to come to Reno, there are simply no excuses for not partaking in some of the dozens of activities available for your down time. To help sift through the items, the staff at Parks & Recreation magazine have done all the work and given you the top 10 places to visit during your stay in Nevada. Explore, enjoy and engage yourselves in the delights of "The Biggest Little City in the World."

(1) Sierra Ice and Sportsplex

600 Spice Island Drive, Sparks

(775) 356-6644

This Reno-Sparks ice rink offers hockey leagues and figure skating. Public skating hours are 9-10:50 a.m.. Monday through Friday; 1-2:50 p.m. Evening hours subject to change due to hockey games. Weekend hours subject to change as well. The cost is $6 for adults, $2.50 for skate rentals. The 70,000-square-foot complex features an indoor ice rink, inline rink, two soccer fields, basketball, volleyball and a 3,500-square-foot fitness area.

Distance 6 miles *

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(2) Truckee River Whitewater Park

Arlington Street and First Street, Reno

(775) 334-2414

Downtown Reno has more to otter than its glittering archway leading into the casino quarter. Riverside Drive slinks along the 24-mile Truckee River, which now includes the newly opened Truckee River Whitewater Park. The $1.5 million-dollar, publicly funded water park opened last year and features a whitewater and kayak area that is one-half mile in length in the middle of downtown Reno. There are 11 drop pools in a variety of skill levels, with water that never gets below 50 degrees. There is also the nearby Wingfield Park, which features grassy knolls for picnicking, festivals, outdoor sports and recreation and an amphitheater for concerts.

Distance: 3.4 miles *

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(3) River Walk Wine Walk

Riverside Drive and Virginia Street, Reno

For a drier way to experience downtown Reno, walk along Riverside Drive, which snakes through the middle of the city and borders the Truckee River, and enjoy the spirits. Every Saturday is the monthly River Walk Wine Walk. From 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy glasses of wine while you meander along the drive, stopping into various art shops and other Reno businesses to sample their wines.

Distance: 3.8 miles *

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(4) National Bowling Museum

300 N. Center Street, Reno

(775) 334-2600

Reno isn't only about outdoor activities, and the indoor ways to idle your time do not have to include card games or craps. With a city population of less than 200,000, Reno is home to the world's largest bowling arena, the National Bowling Stadium. With 78 bowling lanes equipped with the latest technology to showcase the sport, the stadium is the perfect alternative to relaxing after a day of educational sessions and vendor calls. It also hosts the national American Bowling Conference Men's and Women's International Bowling Congress tournaments. Additionally, the 363,000-square-foot facility houses a four-story-high screen for films and presentations.

Distance: 3.4 miles *

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