Visiting Northern Nevada

Announcing itself as the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno is a center for business, education and recreation in Northern Nevada. Reno is located near the western Nevada state line on Interstate 80, combining with neighboring Sparks to create a burgeoning metropolitan area. Now diversified from its former casino and gambling based economy, Reno is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada’s oldest university and Truckee Meadows Community College. Business and vacation travelers flock to the area via the Reno-Tahoe International Airport for the surrounding outdoor recreation and visits with Reno based companies, the likes of Bally Technologies, International Game Technology and PC Doctor.

Reno’s Riverwalk District is a focal point of downtown. Reno developed along the banks of the Truckee River which runs through the now revitalized urban core of the city. Home to Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts where Reno’s Philharmonic Orchestra, Nevada Opera and Ballet Theatre perform, the Riverwalk District is the core of Reno’s cultural events. Enjoy the latest restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Reno’s Riverwalk District.

Unique to few cities, downtown Reno and the Riverwalk District features a whitewater park. The Truckee River Whitewater Park offers urban outdoor recreation like no other city – 11 drop-pools along 2,600 feet of class 2 and 3 rapids make the park a year round recreational destination. Running right through the heart of downtown Reno, the Truckee River Whitewater Park was developed to accommodate low water conditions and is fed by a constant flow of fresh water. Not many prime kayak spots where you can hop out and enjoy a nice restaurant meal and casino gambling.

September brings some delightful events to the Reno – Lake Tahoe area. The Virginia City International Camel Races is one of the most unique. Virginia City, Nevada located less than 30 miles southeast of Reno off US 395 hosts the 2011 camel races September 9th through 11th. Bring your camel? Maybe just visit for some great fun and laughs, as locals compete for bragging rights. Not to be outdone by themselves, Virginia City also hosts the Virginia City World Championship Outhouse Races complete with a city parade featuring the competing outhouses and Virginia’s one and only Plungerettes.

On Reno’s more serious but entertaining side, The 2011 Great Reno Balloon Race is September 9th through 11th at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park north of downtown. Be sure to visit early dawn or evenings for the spectacular sight of glowing hot air balloons. Later in September the 2011 National Championship Air Races and Air Show are held at Reno Stead Field eight miles north of Reno off US Route 395. The Reno – Sparks Livestock Events Center hosts the 2011 American Cowboys Team Roping Association’s National Finals October 16th through the 23rd. Enjoy the team roping competition along with a Western Art show and variety of vendors.

Northern Nevada Hotel Map