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Rick Stedman
The iconic Reno Arch.
Words by Rick Stedman
Located in the western portion of Nevada and 740 km (460 mi) north of Las Vegas, Reno is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, it serves as a popular four-season destination.
Affectionately known as The Biggest Little City in the World, the downtown Reno Arch bears the moniker that first greeted visitors in 1926. It was erected to promote the upcoming Transcontinental Highways Exposition the following year and visitors today can walk under it on Lake Street near the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa and National Automobile Museum. Be sure your smart device is charged as it makes for the perfect selfie.
Rick Stedman
One of the most picturesque destinations, Lake Tahoe is stunning with its aqua-marine waters.
In the late 1840s and early 1850s, Reno was a popular stopover for those seeking fortune during the California Gold Rush. Fast forward to the next century, and a similar fortune could be found when Nevada became the first and only U.S. State to legalize gambling in 1931.
Today, there are 22 casinos in the Reno area alone. They range from modest establishments to mega resorts with gaming tables, sports betting, showrooms, hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, and spas. Bordering the California State Line, there are over a dozen gaming establishments on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, about 30 minutes to the south.
The Beauty of Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a picturesque destination with its stunning aqua-marine waters. It has 116 km (72 mi) of shoreline and at 35 km (22 mi) at its longest and widest point, it’s the largest alpine lake in North America. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,897 m (6,224 ft) above sea level and the deepest depth is 501 m (1,645 ft), which is second only to Oregon’s Crater Lake. Two-thirds of the shoreline is in California.
Before the 1960 Winter Olympics in nearby Squaw Valley, CA, (now called Palisades Tahoe), few had heard of Tahoe. After much TV coverage, it blossomed into a popular winter destination. Given the stunning beauty and four distinct seasons, the area attracts approximately 15 million visitors every year.
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Rick Stedman
A ‘heavenly view’ of South Lake Tahoe.
Tee it up in Reno Tahoe
Many come to play the excellent golfing and as there are 50 courses within 90 minutes of the Reno Tahoe International Airport, it's easy to find one to your liking. In Reno, you can play the state's oldest track, Washoe County Golf Course, which first opened in 1934. It’s still widely known as a classic today.
Approximately 15 minutes from downtown Reno in Sparks, NV, is Red Hawk Golf and Resort, featuring two stellar championship tracks, The Lakes Course and Hills Course. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the 7,140-yard Lakes Course that meanders through a handful of natural lakes, offering dramatic scenery in a natural desert landscape.
The 7,106-yard Hills Course was designed by three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin and consists of undulating fairways, surrounding mountains, and panoramic views of the Spanish Springs Valley. Both are operated by Troon, an upscale golf course management firm.
At the north end of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village offers two popular tracks, The Championship Course and the Mountain Course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the 18-hole, par 72 championship course is 6,804 yards from the tips. Offering 18 holes is the much shorter par 58 Mountain Course consisting of four par 4s with the remainder being par 3s. It spans 3,527 yards.
Rick Stedman
There are places to play - and practice - your game throughout Reno and Lake Tahoe.
Reno and Area Attractions
A little more than 1 km (.6-plus mi) from Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is the popular Heavenly Gondola. It’s open all year and features a scenic 12-minute ride to the summit where you can admire more breathtaking views of the lake. Strolling through the many unique shops and sampling one or two of the many restaurants in Heavenly Village is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
About 8 km (5 mi) north of Heavenly Village is Lake Tahoe Cruises and the MS Dixie II at Zephyr Cove. A cruise on the lake offers a different perspective of the area’s beauty. This Lake Tahoe paddle-wheeler can accommodate up to 500 passengers. Daytime and dinner cruises as well as private charters are available. All outings depart from Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina.
Reno’s RV Resort Options
RV parks are plentiful throughout the area. One of the most convenient and comfortable is at the Grand Sierra Resort. This expansive and impressive Reno destination offers a 178-site RV park adjacent to the grounds. It’s close to downtown Reno and one of the perks is the Grand Bay Driving Range, approximately a one-minute walk from the RV park.
The range allows you to add a little splash to your game as you can hit balls into the lake and even practice your short game with the eight island target greens at various distances. Perhaps afterwards, go indoors as the resort has a dozen dining options, a 50-lane bowling alley, a two-screen cinema, and many other attractions.
Rick Stedman
The River West Resort in Reno that’s just adjacent to the Truckee River.
Aptly named, River West Resort is also located near downtown Reno, adjacent to the Truckee River. It offers 26 RV sites and several are back-in locations along the river. While the majority of RVs are permanent, this is a very nice and quiet location with a pleasant staff and a number of amenities.
A few kilometres east of Reno is Sparks Marina and RV Park, which is considered one of the best in the area. Featuring nearly 400 sites, there are several amenities including level camping spots, concrete pads, picnic tables, a large clubhouse, clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers, a putting green, plus a pool, spa, and pet run. Laundry facilities, full hook-ups with 30/50-amp power, free cable/WiFi and a retail store are also featured.
More RV park choices can be found in and around South Lake Tahoe including Camp Richardson Resort and Marina and Fallen Leaf Campground, which is a nice alternative. It serves as a great home base to see all the attractions.
With so much to see and experience in the greater Reno and Lake Tahoe area, this region of Nevada should certainly be on your destination list for 2023/2024. Find out more about what to discover by visiting www.visitrenotahoe.com or www.travelnevada.com.
The Latest Reno Attractions and Services
Opened in January 2023, the market has a food hall and art collective featuring more than 18 local vendors. Dining options, boutiques, retailers, and farmer’s markets are a few of the highlights.
This newly opened hotel is located in the Reno Experience District (RED). Some of the amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre, lobby/bar, lounge and restaurant.
This is where you can browse unique artisan shops in its open-concept market hall, savour a new dining experience, and take in some live entertainment at the amphitheatre in its public park.
Legends Bay opened in August 2022 and is where you can try your luck and experience one (or all) of the various restaurants. There’s also a food truck hall and three lounges.