Written by guest blogger: Aimee Claire

Situated on the beautiful California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is spoken of with bated breath by vacationers, and is a stunning testimonial to the United States’ classic Big Country. It’s a diverse location, with four main shores each with a different character; all with azure waters, lovely beaches and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Where is North Lake Tahoe?

The North Lake Tahoe coast on the Nevada side is a relatively quiet, upmarket affair.  It is part of the Nevada State Park, and it is very well looked after. The area can be identified via the southwards meandering of Highway 28 until it reaches Spooner Lake and US Route 50. Highway 28 takes the traveler through heavily wooded pine forests with blue skies overhead, and with plenty of wildlife to be seen.

Obviously, this type of backdrop lends itself to outdoors pursuits of all kinds, and the choice of holiday amusement is dependent on the places where travelers stay. The choices are many, even in the relatively unsullied North Lake Tahoe area, and there is something for every desire, guaranteed.

The best places to be

Three of the best places to visit for first time travelers to the area are Incline Village, Crystal Bay, and Sand Harbor; all three are great activity bases and there are differing types of accommodations available.

Incline Village

For a relaxing game of golf in the summer months, hiking, mountain biking, or horse riding, Incline Village (named for the Great Incline Tramway, built by loggers back in 1878) is the place to stay. During the winter, and early spring, diehard skiers and snowboarders can plunge through the annual average 10 feet of snow to their hearts’ content, although the less sporting visitor can still enjoy it with the yearly North Lake Tahoe SnowFest, involving parades, competitions, parties and theater.

The Hyatt High Sierra Lodge condos can be rented on a nightly basis, or savvy regulars can buy timeshares in that location, making it a good value, comfort-driven stay. For travelers who prefer hotel set ups, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino provides 4.5* accommodation with all the trappings, but if a cheap hotel with bed and breakfast is required, the Parkside Inn offers lovely big rooms and a continental breakfast; it is recommended to book with them direct, rather than through an affiliate travel site.

Crystal Bay

For those that prefer to play in the casinos of Nevada, Crystal Bay offers four of these buzzing establishments, which include hotels and restaurants, allowing game play, water sports, live entertainment and excellent food for the duration of any stay. The Cal-Neva Casino Resort has a swimming pool that crosses the state line, and the staff service there is impeccable.

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is the real North Lake Tahoe home of water sports, with Jet Ski rentals that allow visitors to explore the entire coastline of the area if they wish. There’s also scuba diving and kayaking for a couple of quieter ways to investigate the beautiful clear crystal waters. The beach at Sand Harbor is renowned for the cleanest standards and even in the summer months is unlikely to be overcrowded.

Sand Harbor itself has no accommodations, so the nearest places to stay are based at Incline Village, and slightly further away at Crystal Bay.

Cowboys, comedians, crawls, concerts and even a few clunkers will be coming to Reno Tahoe for Memorial Day Weekend – and you should too! Check out the star-studded lineup!

Nugget Country Crossroads

May 24-26

A three-day celebration of music featuring well-known country acts, country music DJs, free line dancing lessons, country karaoke contests and more.

Headliners:

May 24 -  Gloriana

May 25 – Jerrod Niemann

May 26 – Dwight Yoakam

Reno Street Food

May 24

Reno Street Food celebrates the street food culture produces artisan and gourmet food truck, food trailer and pop-up restaurant events weekly for people that love good food.

Redneck Rodeo Truck Show

May 24

The Redneck Rodeo Truck show is what it says – a competition just for trucks . . . .  old, new, funky or just plain cool.

Amy Schumer

May 25

Amy Schumer is quickly becoming the hottest star in the world of comedy, not to mention the creator, star and writer of “Inside Amy,” her Comedy Central television show.

Carson City Ghost Walking Tour

May 25

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically relived in our seasonal Ghost Walking Tours led by Madame Curry. The Carson City Ghost Walk is a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City’s Victorian Era and diverse past.

Memorial Day Parade

May 25

Celebrate our nation’s military heroes, past, present and future with a beautiful parade down the streets of Virginia City.

Reno Beer Crawl

May 25

For just $5, you get a wrist band, map & glass to use for $1 refills of 6 ounce samples (that’s half a beer folks!) at multiple downtown Reno locations.

And that’s not all, folks. Check out our complete Events Calendar.

Next Stop TV Show, powered by Alaska Airlines, recently ventured to Reno Tahoe to get an insiders guide to an epic Reno Tahoe vacation.  Their adventure leads them to mountaintop panoramic views with Lake Tahoe Snowmobile, an “over-the-top crazy” event at SnowFest, bluebird skiing at Diamond Peak, Tahoe-style luxury at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Casino and Spa, great eats at Campo Reno, the mixology behind EDGE Nightspot, and a taste of local music with former NBC “The Voice” contestant Whitney Myer. Check it out:

For the River Fest fanatics to potential first-timers, here are 13 reasons this year’s 2013 Reno River Festival is going to be extra splash-tacular!

1. Reno River Festival is celebrating their 10^th anniversary at the Truckee River Whitewater Park
2. The event is back to its original weekend to take advantage of spring runoff – big rapids are rolling through
3. All of the events’ whitewater competitions are happening, pitting some of the world’s top kayakers against each other for top honors, and top prize money, in freestyle, slalom, boatercross and SUP events
4. Daily yoga in the park
5. Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a fun day for all
6. Weekend temps are predicted to be in the 80s
7. Food, drink and top industry vendors will be selling their best in an outdoor expo
8. Children’s play area – keep kids entertained while parents soak up some sun.
9. A dozen outdoor adventure clinics lead by Cabela’s experts
10. 7 FREE concerts
11. Some of the world’s top kayakers will be competing; national and international champions such as Eric Jackson, Adam Chapel, Courtney Kerin and Nick Troutman, as well as local favorites including Sage Donnelly, Jessica Yurtinas, Jason Craig and Colin Kemp.
12. Zip Line across the Truckee River
13. One of the toughest fields in the festival’s history

SATURDAY

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Buster Blue
1 – 2:30 p.m. –  Whitney Myer
3 – 4:30 p.m. – Mark Sexton Band
5 – 6:30 p.m. – Keyser Soze

SUNDAY

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Oddly Enough
1:30 – 3 p.m. – GrooveSession
3:30 – 5 p.m. – Jelly Bread

It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, it’s not superman… it’s JETMAN!

Jetman is headed to the National Championship Reno Air Races, September 11-15, to WOW the audience at the air race’s 50th anniversary.

Almost everyone has dreamed they could fly at least once in their life. Jetman made this dream a reality.

In 2006, the Swiss pilot Yves Rossy became the first and only man in the history of aviation to fly with a jet-propelled wing, and still is to this day.

From soaring over the Alps, to weaving through the Grand Canyon, to crossing the English Channel, his “jetwing” powered performance is a sight to see. Jetman can reach speeds of 150pmh, and plans to hit top speeds at the Reno Air Races this September.

The 50th anniversary of the Reno Air Races will be more impressive than ever – save the dates now!

A monthly roundup of museum events, exhibits and deals you won’t want to pass by!

Sparks Museum and Cultural Center

Through June 14

Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada

The exhibit features 35 pieces of art from Wally Cuchine’s collection. In 1987, Life Magazine described US HWY 50 across the center of Nevada as the ―The Loneliest Road in America.‖ The magazine particularly mentioned the 287-mile stretch between Fernley and Ely as ―remote with few points of interest‖ and it urged travelers to have ―survival skills‖ to make the journey.

Sierra Arts Foundation

May 28-June 27

You could say Nancy Pippin, a Twinkies and Northern Nevada enthusiast, creates one-of-a-kind art. The real Twinkies used in the mixed media pieces were purchased on the day that the Hostess Company announced it was going out of business – November 16, 2012. Nancy Peppin is a watercolor painter, known for her images of Twinkies in history and in images of the Nevada landscape. Return of the Twinkies!

Nevada Museum of Art

Linda Besemer: Sine Language

Through May 19

Linda Besemer (b. 1957) is an abstract painter based in Southern California celebrated for her stunning, optical works that upend commonly held notions of what makes a painting. Her work subtly expresses, through formal means, her distinct political outlook. Normally one expects a painting to consist of pigment, whether oil, acrylic or watercolor, applied to some sort of ground, whether canvas, panel or paper. In an exciting subversion of tradition, Besemer creates double-sided paintings (“folds”) of pure acrylic pigment without a ground.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ARTBITE Linda Besemer on Sine Language

Friday, May 3 / noon

Join artist Linda Besemer for an exploration of her optical works that upend commonly held notions of what makes a painting. Cost: Free for members or with paid admission.

Mother’s Day Trunk Show

Saturday, May 11 / 12 – 3 pm

The Mother’s Day Trunk Show features ceramics artist Dane Meier whose pieces celebrate nature and crafting with clay. Cost: Admission to the Trunk Show is FREE.

ARTBITE Tamara Kostianovsky on Meat, Sculpture, and Identity

Friday, May 17 / noon

New York-based Argentine artist Tamara Kostianovsky explores ideas about identity, geography, culture, and history in her fabric sculptures of meat in Voces y Visiones. Cost: Free for members or with paid admission.

Artown takes the stage for its 18th season beginning Monday, July 1, presenting hundreds of imagination-stretching, mind-bending music, arts and theater performances. Kicking off with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in Wingfield Park, Artown 2013 also brings a variety of arts and cultural influences to other venues in the community including the Grand Sierra Resort, John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Lake Mansion, the Nevada Museum of Art, Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch, Sierra Arts, and more. The annual event closes Wednesday, July 31, when Shuggie Otis brings down the house at the Festival’s home base, Wingfield Park.

Artown gets things started with a trip back in time to 1973, paying homage to the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic “Dark Side of the Moon” with a funk-fusion twist. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. and opens with acclaimed Lake Tahoe band, Jelly Bread. Immediately following, vocalist Corey Glover, saxophonist Karl Denson and bassist and composer Melvin Gibbs entertain audiences with an awesome presentation of the world-famous Pink Floyd album.

Artown’s array of events for families, kids, musicians and more begin bright and early July 2 with the free children’s educational series, Discover the Arts, which takes place each weekday throughout the month. The festival’s World Music Series gets its start Wednesday, July 3 with reggae band Midnite followed each Wednesday evening throughout the month. Grammy-winning mariachi band Mariachi Los Camperos di Nato Cano take the stage in Wingfield Park July 10, followed by lauded multi-instrumental band Yemen Blues July 17 and the series wraps up with acclaimed eight-piece brass and drum global fusion band Red Baraat July 24.

Thursday, July 4th is truly a day to celebrate with an evening of patriotic music in the park and fireworks. On the weekends, cultural festivals entertain audiences in Wingfield Park, after which families abound for the Monday night Family Series presenting the “Cat in the Hat” July 8; festival favorite the Unique Derique July 15; action-packed Story Pirates July 22; and to close, the Giant Puppets present classic fairy tale Hansel & Gretel July 29. Mondays also bring the free Monday Night Music Series to The Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch featuring the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra alongside the Reno Youth Philharmonic July 8. The renowned Glenn Miller

Orchestra wows audiences July 15, with local musicians Contraband July 22, and “Those Were the Days™” featuring former lead vocalist of the New Christy Minstrels, William Florian July 29.

In addition to its array of free events each season, Artown strives to produce select ticketed performances by renowned national and international talent. Featured artists for 2013 include Grammy Award-winning musician Rickie Lee Jones July 7 at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch, famed jazz musician Dave Koz July 20 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, and Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra with special guest Sheila E. July 25 at Bartley Ranch. Tickets are $30-$40, $69, and $25-$35, respectively and can be purchased  online or at each venue’s box office.

Local artists and organizations also present a variety of free and ticketed events during the month, ranging from visual arts to performing arts to culinary arts, and everything in between. Such festival highlights as the internationally-renowned Coeur D’Alene art auction, the festive Pops on the River, the timeless Ageless Repertory Theatre, and even an art exhibit by Alzheimer’s patients further enrich Artown.

Legendary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis closes out the 18th annual Artown festival Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Wingfield Park. Having performed with everyone from Frank Zappa to Mos Def during his 40- plus-year career, the Southern California native recently embarked with his seven-member band on the “NeverEnding World Wide Tour,” visiting venues throughout Europe and North America.

For more information on Artown, visit  www.RenoIsArtown.com or call 775-322-1538.

Searching for that perfect Mother’s Day gift? Try spending some quality time with mom while exploring all the adventures in Reno Tahoe USA! From a relaxing day at the spa to unbeatable room deals, you’ll find everything you need to make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget.

Spoil Mom with a Tahoe Spa Day
May 10 – 13
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Lake Resort Spa & Casino is offering three extravagant treatments for mothers and daughters to share. Experience these lavish treatments at a 25% discount:

• “Mother Makeover” – Hair color, cut, makeup and manicure/pedicure special
• “Mother’s Sierra Dreams” massage special
• “Mother’s Luminous Vitamin C Facial”

In addition, all moms treated to a spa experience will receive a complimentary rose and gift bag.

RSVP Mother’s Day Spring Fun Fair
May 9 – 12
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Mills Park in Carson City featuring carnival rides, crafters and a food court. The fair takes place on Thursday and Friday from 4 – 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon – 10 pm.

Mother’s Day Trunk Show
May 11
For a unique treat, join the Nevada Museum of Art for the Mother’s Day Trunk Show, featuring ceramics artist Dane Meier whose pieces celebrate nature and crafting with clay. Admission is FREE. The exhibit is open from noon – 3 pm.

Moms on the Run
May 12
Deck yourself out in pink and join the run dedicated to supporting women’s fight against cancer. The 13^th annual Mom’s on the Run, held at Reno High School, features four different race options; including, a 5k and 10k run, and a 3k and 5k walk. Bring the whole family to cheer you on and enjoy the fun-packed afternoon with live music, face painting, a bounce house and more.

Sweet Room Deals
For stays on May 10^th and 11^th, Deluxe Rooms at Circus Circus Reno start at $75 when you call 800-648-5010 and mention promo code IMOMS.

Spa Special

20% off Spa Services at Silver Legacy Resort – perfect for Mother’s Day! Call 775-325-7401 to schedule an appointment.

Mother’s Day Giveaway
Moms should be pampered, which is why the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is giving you and your mom an opportunity to win a well-deserved getaway. Enter the Mother’s Day Giveaway by April 30 for a chance to win a luxury package which includes:

• 2 nights in a Tuscany Tower suite
• $200 Spa Toscana credit
• $100 dining credit

The winner will be chosen on May 1.

Make this Mother’s Day extra special with an unforgettable meal in Reno Tahoe USA. For great specials, check out our Mother’s Day Dining Guide.

The Tribe would like to invite the public to come out and experience Pyramid Lake and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and the 100^th Year Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge Centennial Celebration. The celebration begins at 10AM on May 4^th and ends at 3PM. There will a welcoming and blessing ceremony at the Sutcliff Marina at 10AM with the Tribal Chairman, and opening remarks by the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Regional Director, Ren Lohoefener. Other activities include birdwatching, boat tours, an Environmental Fair at the Sutcliffe Marina, several cultural activities at the Pyramid Lake Museum in Nixon, and a tour of the Marble Bluff Fish Facility, operated by the USFWS. Tribal food vendors will also be available for refreshments and food. Come enjoy the fun, and experience this unique lake and landscape, and most importantly, come celebrate 100 years of conservation!

For additional information about Pyramid Lake Bird Day, please visit www.pyramidlake.us or call 888.225.2668.