Reno, Nevada

Places To Stay. Things To Do. Food To Shove in Your Mouth. 

I just got home from my trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe. It was a quick trip, but I was able to enjoy a little bit of everything the city has to offer. There were so many activities crammed into a short amount of time; I wouldn’t have it any other way. Reno is known as The Biggest Little City in The World, and I can see why. A new direct flight by United was launched, so it’s even easier to visit! 

The people of Reno are some of the nicest most interesting people I’ve met in my travels. People can make or break any place, and the people definitely add to Reno’s charm. Almost everyone I talked to chose Reno; they weren’t natives. Many had left and came back because they found it called to them. There is this mentality of embracing who you are no matter how weird. No one judges as long as you don’t encroach on their own brand of weird. People were happy to chat and tell me everything they love about their city. I have a whole list of places to see, things to do, and food to eat based off their recommendations, which I didn’t have time to get to this go around.  Everyone was passionately in love with their city, which rubbed off on me. 

Reno is a city full of energy. There is so much to do and enjoy. I can’t wait to go back and dive further into this great city. For now, here are the wonderful things I experienced. I loved every minute of it so much, I know you will love it as much as I did. 

Places to Stay
I stayed at the Atlantis Resort and Casino. I’m not a gambler, but there are so many other things to enjoy about the hotel, like the spa, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, cafes, fitness center, arcade, fabulous views, and incredibly kind staff. 

I slept with my drapes open because the view was so incredible. I was on the 23rd floor with windows the width of the room from floor to ceiling. The city view was incredible at night, but it was even better during the day with views of the skyline and the mountains. I’m still in awe of it.

The spa is the best in town. I can personally attest to how great it is. From locals to staff, everyone swears by the spa and restaurants. You absolutely can’t go wrong here. I was great by such a fabulous swag bag, my suitcase almost weighed too much. 

Things To Do

• Art The art in downtown Reno is incredible. There are murals everywhere, and they are always changing. Burning Man takes place in the desert just a few hours away. Reno has a ton of Burning Man art on full display throughout downtown. It is amazing.

• National Automobile Museum I love cars. The National Automobile Museum is in downtown Reno and has cars from the very beginning. You can follow the maze starting at the start of the automobile era to the more modern era. It’s beautiful and educational.

• Ax Throwing Ax throwing has become all the rage, and Reno is home to a great place to do just that. You can even order food from Liberty Exchange while honing your skills.

• Reno Arch It used to be red but was painted blue in 2018 to reflect University of Nevada, Reno’s colors. It’s a great photo opportunity! Located on Virginia Street and Commercial Row. 

• Spa I love the spa. It’s such a wonderful way to relax and unwind, which should be a part of every vacation. I spent an afternoon enjoying everything the Atlantis Spa had to offer. It was the best experience.

• Gambling Reno is home to a ton of casinos, so if gambling is your thing or something you enjoy at the end of a busy day, there are tons of opportunities big and small.

• Day Trips Reno is so close to hiking, water sports, skiing, and so much! Virginia City and Carson City are only 45 minutes away. 

Food to Shove in Your Mouth

• Liberty Food & Wine Exchange has amazing food. It is all locally and responsibly sourced. The pancakes are the best I’ve ever had; they taste like pound cake without the heaviness. You really need to go. They make pasta and bread in house daily. Their woodfired oven makes a whole bunch of food. They butcher everything in house and the FDA inspects it daily. It is delicious.

• Bistro Napa is located in the Atlantis. Even the locals rave about their happy hour, so you know it’s good. I ate so much, I thought I would explode because it was beyond delicious. This is a fairly classy place, and the service is impeccable they make great mocktails. 

• Purple Parrot is also located in the Atlantis. It’s open 24/7 and has great breakfast food and service. It’s like a diner, but a little classier and definitely comfier.    

• Escape Lounge should be a part of everyone’s airport experience. It’s an airport lounge without the exclusivity. You can pay to get in or if you’re an AMEX holder. They have great food, comfy seating, fabulous views, and the service is awesome. I seriously enjoyed it. 

Wonderful Things About Reno

• It only takes fifteen to twenty minutes to get from one side of town to another. 
• Hiking and water sports are everywhere. 
• San Francisco is about a three hour drive away.
• You can learn so much about the Native American tribes in the surrounding areas. 
• The mountains and desert make for a beautiful backdrop any time of day. 
• Reno is 45 minutes from Carson City, the capital of Nevada. 
• Lake Tahoe is less than an hour drive from downtown Reno.
• Virginia City is home to wild Mustangs and is only 41 minutes away.