Home » Postcards from Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Postcards from Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Reno, Nevada - The Biggest Little City
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Greetings from Reno, nicknamed "The Biggest Little City In the World" and Lake Tahoe, Nevada! The area has much to offer visitors in all seasons including beautiful scenery, year-round festivals, cultural offerings, outdoor activities and adventures including hiking, bicycling, white waterrafting, tubing on the Truckee River, boating on Lake Tahoe, wild horse tours, and 18 ski resorts within a short distance that make it a perfect travel destination!

 

Reno founded in 1868, and incorporated in 1903, is located in the northwest part of the state. It is the third largest city in Nevada (Las Vegas is the largest, followed by Henderson). Located 22 miles from Lake Tahoe, Reno offers a world of possibilities with the stunning Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, the beauty of the high desert, and Mount Rose Ski Resort a mere 30-minute driveaway as well as 17 more ski resorts nearby. Baseball fans will appreciate watching a Reno Aces game. The Reno Aces are a Minor League team part of the Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

We traveled to Reno, Nevada on July 23, 2019 and were impressed with all that we discovered during our trip. From world-class cuisine, to culture, a luxury hotel and spa, outdoor adventures, to gazing at the stunning Sierra Nevada range, there was something wonderful for us to experience every day.

Where to Stay

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

We stayed at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa located in Reno, Nevada which was pure pleasure with its 824-rooms and suites, special luxury spa room floor, world-class Spa, atrium and outdoor pools and whirlpools overlooking the Sierra Nevada, Fitness Center, and 8 restaurants, including 2 fine dining restaurants, the AAA Four Diamond Atlantis Steakhouse and Bistro Napa, gift shops, a casino, state-of-the-art ballrooms, and fun activities for families traveling with children.

We stayed on the Spa floor and loved our proximity to the Spa where we indulged in steam, sauna, and treatments, and its atrium and outdoor pools and whirlpools. Our luxury Spa guestroom was spacious with thoughtful amenities to make our stay there very enjoyable.

Spa Guest Room - Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada- photo by Luxury Experience
Spa Guest Room

"Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is conveniently located minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and offers complimentary airport shuttle for all hotel guests. The Atlantis shuttle runs from 4:30 am until 12:15 am. The shuttle departs the airport every 30 minutes, on the quarter hour, and can be found directly outside baggage claim. It departs Atlantis every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. For more information, please call +1-775-825-4700."

Read more about the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Spas, and Chefs’ Recipes sections.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
United States
Telephone: +1-775-954-4135
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantiscasinoresortspa
Twitter: @atlantiscasino
Instagram: @atlantiscasino

What to Do – Area Attractions

The Reno Tahoe area offers a rich diversity of things to do whether your interests tend towards culture, outdoor activities and adventures, festivals, or shopping, as there is something to appeal to everyone. This is a sampling of what we experienced during our trip.

Art, Museums, and Performances

Artown - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience

Artown

Art abounds in Reno especially during Artown July’s month-long festival of art, music, dance, cultural offerings, theater, history, visual, children’s programs, film, literary, workshops and more. We strolled along the river and saw art in the park, as well had the opportunity to catch an enjoyable concert where the orchestra played selections from West Side Story.

Nevada Museum of Art - Reno, Nevada
Nevada Museum of Art

Nevada Museum of Art

We visited the Nevada Museum of Art to see their extensive special exhibit on the American artist Georgia O’Keefe (1887 – 1986), nicknamed the "Mother of Modernism" entitled "Georgia O’Keefe, Living Modern." The exhibition included paintings by the artist, her clothing and camping gear, as well as many photographs of the artist by renowned photographer friends including Ansel Adams. We also saw the exhibition "The Art of Jack Malotte," who is Western Shoshone and Washoe. Both exhibitions run until October 20, 2019.

Georgia O'Keefe - Nevada Art Museum - photo by Luxury Experience
Georgia O’Keefe

The museum is open Wednesday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, Thursday from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. The museum is closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and National Holidays. Free onsite parking. Admission: General Admission: $10, Students/Seniors (ages 60 and up) $8, Children (6 – 12 years) $1, Children (5and under) free, High School students (with valid school I.D.) free.

Read more about the Nevada Museum of Art in the Arts section.

Nevada Museum of Art - Reno, Nevada

Nevada Museum of Art
Donald W. Reynolds Center for the Visual Arts
W.L. Wiegnad Gallery
160 West Liberty Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
United States
Telephone: +1-775-329-3333
Email: art@NevadaArt.org
Website: www.NevadaArt.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NevadaMuseumofArt
Instagram: @nevadaart
Twitter: @nevadaart

National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection)

1913 Stutz Bearcat - National Automobile Museum - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
1913 Stutz Bearcat, Series B

The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) opened in 1989, and if you love automobiles and fashion, you will love this museum featuring more than 200 exceptional cars along with a wide selection of gowns and wedding gowns worn by the Harrah women to capture the feel of the era.

1941 Lana T Chrystler Newport - National Automobile Museum - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
1941 "Lana Turner Chrystler" Newport

The National Automobile Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm, and Sunday from 10:00am until 4:00 pm. Free on site parking. Admission: Adults: $12, Seniors (62+):$10, Juniors (6 – 18): $6, Children (5 and under): free

Read more about the Nevada Museum of Art in the Arts section.

National Automobile Museum - Reno, Nevada

National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection)
10 Lake Street (at the corner of Lake and Mill Streets in downtown Reno)
Reno, Nevada 89501
United States
Telephone: +1-775-333-9300
Email: info@automuseum.org
Website: www.automuseum.org
Instagram:@nationalautomobilemuseum
Twitter: @natlautomuseum

Incline Village – Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

There is a different festival each month of the year, and during July and August, Shakespeare reigns during the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at the Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park in Incline Village.

The Taming of the Shrew - Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - Tahoe, Nevada
Jessika D. Williams (Katherine), Jonathan Dyrud (Petruchio)
The Taming of The Shrew

We saw The Taming of The Shrew, one of the bard’s most beloved and comedic plays. The premise of the play is that the wealthy Baptista Minola has two daughters of marriageable age, Bianca the younger, sweet and pretty daughter, and an older daughter, Katherine, a free spirted, beautiful but hard to handle, short of temper, ball of fire. As etiquette and social mores of the daydictate, Katherine must marry before her younger sister Bianca can marry, however who in their right mind will want to marry Katherine, and if such a suitor can be found for her, how can her father hope to persuade her to accept the proposal. With that dilemma in mind, the fun begins as well as the hilarious series of suitors for both of his daughters ensues. Katherine meets her match with the fortune-hunting Petruchio who is determined to have Katherine, and her fortune, and tame her for his own. It was an evening of gaiety and laughter, mistaken identity, and of course, witty dialogue that was the perfect foil to a perfect Summer night.

For informationon Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, please visit the website: www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com

Read about the play in the Performances section.

Performance Venue:

Warren Edward Trepp Stage
Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
2205 Highway 28
Incline Village,Nevada 89451
United States
Tickets: +1-800-747-4697

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - Tahoe, Nevada

Mailing Address:

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
948 Incline Way
Incline Village,Nevada 89459
United States
Telephone: +1-775-832-1616
Website: www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeTahoeShakespeareFestival
Twitter: @laketahoeshakes

Adventures

Hiking in Galena Creek Recreation Area

Galena Creek Park - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Galena Creek Park hike

We drove to north Reno on Mount Rose Highway to experience the natural beauty of the Galena Creek Recreation Area and enjoyed walking around among the tallpines and looking at the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The area has hiking trails as well as picnic tables.

Galena Creek Park - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Galena Trees

They are located on the Mount Rose Highway, 7 miles from the Intersection of Highway 395 and State Route 431. Enter at the Galena Creek Recreation Area. The park is open from October 15 until April 30, Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, May 1 through October 14, Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Spring Park hours are 8:00 am until 7:00 pm, Day Use Only.

Galena Creek Park - Reno, Nevada

Galena Creek Recreation Area
Mount Rose Highway,
Reno, Nevada 89511
United States
Telephone: +1-775-849-4948
Email: visitorcenter@thegreatbasininstitute.org
Website: www.GalenaCreekVisitorCenter.org

Cruising Lake Tahoe with Action Water Sports of Incline Village

Edward Nesta, Debra C. Argen - Action Water Sports of Incline Village - photo by Luxury Experience
Adventure Kids on
Action Water Sports of Incline

We drove further north to Incline Village and spent a beautiful day on the water with Action Water Sports of Incline Village on their 55-foot catamaran, Sierra Cloud, for a 2-tour cruise touring Lake Tahoe. Blue skies, warm weather complemented by a selection of beverages of wine, beer, soft drinks, or juice, and light snacks of fresh fruit and crackers and cheese made the day a memorable one as we explored Lake Tahoe.

Snow Covered Mountains - Action Water Sports of Incline Village - photo by Luxury Experience
Snow covered mountains

Located in North Lake Tahoe, they are directly across from the Hyatt Regency at Incline, and 22 miles from Reno. Daily catamaran cruises depart at 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5:00 pm. All sailing cruises include assorted beverages and light hors d’oeuvres. In addition to the Sierra Cloud Catamaran, they also have Boat and Jet Ski Rentals, Lake Tahoe Parasailing, and Formula Yacht Charters, along with kayaks and SUPs.

Read more about our experience in the Adventures section.

Action Water Sports of Incline Village, Tahoe, Nevada

Action Water Sports of Incline Village
995 Lakeshore Blvd.
Incline Village, Nevada 89451
United States
Telephone: +1-775-831-4386
Website: www.awsincline.com
Instagram: @awsincline
Twitter: @awsincline

Wild Horse Tour – Sonny Boys Tours

Wild Horses - Sonny Boys Tours - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Welcome to Sonny Boys Tours

The area has around 70,000 roaming horses, and as horse-lovers, seeing them in their natural element was a must for us. We experienced the wild west with Sonny Boys Tours, owned by Patrick and Tina Brodrick, where we searched for, and found, several sightings of wild horses throughout our 3-hour trip.

Ever since we saw the 2019 film, The Mustang directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnere, we wanted to go to Nevada to see these incredible icons of the west, the wild mustangs. Touring with Sonny Boys Tours to experience seeing these gorgeous creatures was truly a memorableand life-impacting day.

Wild Horses - Sonny Boys Tours - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Grabbing a quick drink

Sonny Boys Tours is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. They have several tours available suitable for different ages and interests.

Read more about our experience in the Adventures section.

Sonny Boys Tours - Reno, Nevada

Sonny Boys Tours
Scheels Drive
Sparks, Nevada
Telephone:+1-775-200-5205
Website: www.RenoWildHorseTours.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sonny-Boys-Tours-203838879656094/

A Day at the Beach – Sparks Marina Park

Sparks Marina Park - Sparks , Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Sparks Marina Park

We drove 15 minutes to the city of Sparks to stroll around the 77-acre lake at Sparks Marina Park. The park has 2 beaches, picnic areas, a fishing pier, 2-mile walking path, 2 volleyball courts and 2 playgrounds, restrooms, showers, canopies, a dog park, and a concession stand, making it the perfect destination to cool off on a warm day.

The park is open year-round from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm. There is free entrance and free onsite parking.

City of Sparks, Nevada

Sparks Marina Park
300 Howard Drive
Sparks, Nevada 89434
United States
Telephone: +1-775-353-2376
Website: www.cityofsparks.us/resources/resource/sparks-marina

Where to Shop – The Outlets at Legends in Sparks

Shoppers will enjoy the many shopping possibilities at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks which boasts a Ferris Wheel inside Scheels, a 2-story sports and outdoor merchandise store.In keeping with Reno’s art theme, the attractive shopping experience includes many interesting sculptures located throughout the property.

Indoor Ferris Wheel - Sparks, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Indoor Ferris Wheel

The Outlets at Legends is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm.

The Outlets at Legends
1310 Scheels Drive
Sparks, Nevada 89434
United States
Telephone: +1-775-358-3800
Website: www.reddevelopment.com/outlets-at-legends/

Where to Spa

Spa Atlantis - Reno, Nevada
Couples Massage

Talk about all the bells and whistles! We had a fabulous Spa experience at Spa Atlantis at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa with its 30,000 square feet of luxurious space to pamper its guests with an exceptionally, diverse Spa treatment menu provided in its stunning state-of-the-art 15 treatment room facility. Now add year-round atrium and outdoor pools and whirlpools, a Cardio-Fitness Center, Laconian Relaxation Lounge, Nature Experiential Shower, Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge, Steam and Sauna rooms, Tea Lounges, a Salon, and much more, and you have a world-class Spa experience. Spa Atlantis holds the prestigious distinction of being a Forbes 4-Star Luxury Spa.

Aqua Lounge - Spa Atlantis  - Reno, Nevada
Aqua Spa Lounge

Spa Atlantis is located on the 3rd floor. The Spa is open from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm. The Salon is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. The Retail Store is open 8:00 am until 9:00 pm. The Fitness Center is open from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm. The Pools are open from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm.

Read more about our experience in the Spas section.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada

Spa Atlantis
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800 S. VirginiaStreet
Reno, Nevada 89502
United States
Telephone: +1-775-954-4135
Website: www.atlantiscasino.com/spa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantiscasinoresortspa
Twitter: @atlantiscasino
Instagram: @atlantiscasino

Where to Dine

Bistro Napa at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Bistro Napa - Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada
Bistro Napa

Bistro Napa at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has several Spirted Dinners throughout the year, and we had the great pleasure of experiencing Bistro Napa Presents the El Fogonero Tequila Dinner, which was a five-course gastronomic evening of dining and spirits pairing. Chef de Cuisine Clayton Slieff and Master Mixologist Steven Sedillos created a perfect pairing of cuisine, cocktails, and conversation.

Lobster Tamale - Bistro Napa - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Lobster Tamale

A few of the many highlights of the dinner included Lobster Tamale, which was Butter Poached Lobster, with White Corn Masa, Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, and Jicama Slaw, paired with the cocktail Veni, Vedi, Verde made with El Fogonero Blanco Tequila; Chile Relleno Con Pollo with Fire Roasted Peppers, Chicken Confit and Queso Blanco, Pepita-Cumin Rice, and prickly Pear Salsa, paired with the cocktail, Prickly Pear Paloma made with El Fogonero Reposado Tequila, and Sopapillas Con Helado for dessert, which were New exico-style Puffed Pastry, with Honey-Orange Ice Cream with Pine Nuts and Dulce de Leche.

Sopapillas Con Helado - Bistro Napa - Reno, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Sopapillas Con Helado

Read more about our dining experience at Bistro Napa in the Restaurants section.

Read our interview with Chef de Cuisine Clayton Slieff who graciously provides his recipe for Seafood Ravioli to tempt your palatein the Chefs’ Recipes section.

Chef Clayton Slieff - Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa - photo by Luxury Experience
Chef Clayton Slieff

VIDEO – Luxury Experience catches up with Chef de Cuisine Clayton Slieff – https://youtu.be/mE7mW1qbPOQ

VIDEO – Luxury Experience talks with Master Mixologist Steven Sedillos on how he created the cocktails for the El Fogonero dinner – https://youtu.be/F5mlksnwMng

Bistro Napa is located on the second floor of Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and is open for Dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Bistro Napa Upcoming Spirited Dinners

Jonathan Wright Dinner

September 24, 2019

Opus One Winery Dinner

October 29, 2019

Perrier-Jouët Champagne Dinner

December 19, 2019

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada

Bistro Napa
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800S. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
United States
Telephone: +1-775-335-4539
Website: https://www.atlantiscasino.com/reno-restaurants/bistro-napa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantiscasinoresortspa
Twitter: @atlantiscasino
Instagram: @atlantiscasino

Atlantis Steakhouse - Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa - photo by Luxury Experience
Atlantis Steakhouse

Atlantis Steakhouse

We had a memorable evening of fine dining at AAA Four Diamond Atlantis Steakhouse at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada. Executive Chef Darren Stanley is the talent for the restaurant where a gracious ambience complements the culinary delights of American steakhouse classics and the freshest of seafood. The restaurant features an impeccable wine list selected by Sommelier Christian O’Kuinghttons the"Somm" and creative cocktails by Master Mixologist Steven Sedillos. As expected, professional, knowledgeable, and attentive service made our dining experience there one to remember.

Bone-in-Rib_Eye - Atlantis Steakhouse - Atlantis Casino Resort and spa - photo by Luxury Experience
Bone-in Rib Eye and Scallops

A few of the many highlights from our dinner included the Lobster Bisque, Classic Caesar Salad made tableside, Bone-in Rib Eye and Scallops, presented with roasted garlic, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed wild forest mushrooms, and the Diver Scallops that were seared and presented with pea and mint puree, lemon beurre blanc, and grilled fennel and asparagus. For dessert there was Cherries Jubilee and Café Diablo, both expertly made tableside.

Read about our dining experience at Atlantis Steakhouse in the Restaurants section.

Read Chefs’ Recipes where Chef Darren Stanley provides his tasty recipe for Seared Scallops with Pea and Mint Puree.

Chef Darren Stanley - Atlantis Steakhouse - photo By Luxury Experience
Chef Darren Stanley

 

VIDEO– Luxury Experience video interview with Chef Darren Stanley – https://youtu.be/GihOsJdTMMs

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno, Nevada

Atlantis Steakhouse
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
United States
Telephone: +1-775-335-4539
Website: https://www.atlantiscasino.com/reno-restaurants/bistro-napa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantiscasinoresortspa
Twitter: @atlantiscasino
Instagram: @atlantiscasino

Our postcard ends with, Love from Luxury Experience. Come and experience Reno and Lake Tahoe!

Until next time, keep enjoying traveling with Luxury Experience!

Read more about the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes, and Spas sections.

Read more about Reno and Tahoe in the Destinations, Arts, Adventures, and Performances sections.

Adventure Kid, Edward F. Nesta and Debra C. Argen - Action water sports - Incline, Nevada - photo by Luxury Experience
Cheers!
See You in Reno, Nevada!

Important Travel Information:

When is the best time to visit Reno and Tahoe? Anytime! There is always something exciting happening throughout the year! From special events and festivals or just taking it easy, the area offers a rich diversity of possibilities.

A Few Festival Ideas for Inspiration – Month-By-Month

January

Reno Latin Dance Fest

February

SnowFest!

March

Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry

April

Reno Jazz Festival

May

Reno River Festival

June

Reno Rodeo

July

Artown

July – August

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

August

Hot August Nights

September

The Great Reno Balloon Race

October

Lake Tahoe Marathon

November

Reno Pop Culture Con

December

Northern Lights Festival

Need more inspiration to plan your trip to Reno, Nevada, visit the website: https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/plan-your-trip/special-events/

Flight Information

Reno, Neva is accessible with non-stop flights from many US cities making it an easy destination for visitors.

Direct Flights to Reno from:

Airport

Airport Code

Boise

BOI

Chicago

MDW/ORD

Dallas

Dal/DFW

Denver

DEN

Houston

HOU

Las Vegas

LAS

Los Angeles

LAX

Minneapolis

MSP

New York

JFK/LGA/EWR

Phoenix

PHX

Portland

PDX/PWN

Salt Lake City

SLC

San Diego

SAN

San Francisco

SFO

San Jose

SJC

Seattle

SEA

For more information on direct flights to Reno, please visit the website: https://www.atlantiscasino.com/activities/direct-flights-to-reno/

For more information on the Reno and Lake Tahoe area please visit the website: www.VisitRenoTahoe.com

Follow Atlantis Casino Resort Spa at www.facebook.com/atlantiscasinoresortspa

Follow Visit Reno Tahoe on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/renotahoe

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© August 2019. LuxuryExperience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.

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