On Sunday May 20th, 2012, a solar eclipse will sweep across East Asia, over the northern Pacific Ocean, and then into the southwestern United States.

Reno and Albuquerque are the only major cities along the shadow’s narrow path – the center of the path sweeps directly through the south shore of Pyramid Lake. Yes, that’s right, one of the best places in the world to view this astronomical event will be right in our backyard!

In Reno, a free solar eclipse viewing will be offered at UNR:

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. (maximum eclipse, 6:28-6:33 p.m.)

Where: MacLean Observatory on the Redfield Campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, 18600 Wedge Parkway in southwest Reno

Out-of-town visitors: The Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering discount rates for eclipse visitors! Visit this Visitors page for more information.

As you get starry-eyed over this opportunity of a lifetime, don’t forget how dangerous looking directly into the sun can be! For maximum protection, the Planetarium will provide solar viewers for sale in the Science Store. For safe viewing tips, and how to build your own safe-viewing devices, see these resources.

As ski season heats up, Zimride partners with all major resorts and bus operators to a make a one-stop shop for fun, affordable and sustainable Tahoe travel.

Zimride, the largest online ride-sharing service in North America, announced it has established partnerships with all major Lake Tahoe ski resorts and two connecting bus services, making traveling to the Bay Area’s hottest winter tourist destination more simple and economical than ever before.

Tahoe travelers choosing to rideshare with Zimride will be entered to win free gas.  Additionally, for the first time Zimride has extended its rideshare offerings to include bus options as well.  Bay Area Ski Bus and Quality Assurance Travel have partnered with Zimride to sell tickets through the Zimride.com website, making the company a one-stop shop for Bay Area residents looking to find less expensive and more social rides to Tahoe.

“We’re not just providing an alternative to Tahoe travel, we’re reinventing it,” says John Zimmer, co-founder and COO of Zimride. “There’s huge demand for social, sustainable and affordable travel, and this week our users have posted over 1,000 seats available for purchase along our Tahoe route.  That’s the equivalent of four airline flights and we’re just getting started.  The unprecedented collaboration from the major resorts and bus operators demonstrates the need for Zimride as a new form of transportation.”

If just 10 percent of Tahoe travelers choose to travel with 2 additional people this season, Zimride estimates it would take 60,000 cars off the rode, save $12 million in vehicle operating costs and eliminate 18.6 million lbs of carbon dioxide from being emitted.

To be a driver or passenger along the Zimride Tahoe route simply go to: www.zimride.com

About Zimride:

Zimride, the largest online social rideshare community in North America, is building a marketplace for drivers to sell empty seats in their car by matching them with passengers traveling along the same route. In addition to public routes like San Francisco to Los Angeles, Zimride has implemented networks for over 120 of the nation’s leading universities and companies including Stanford, UCLA, University of Michigan, Facebook and Jet Blue.

Zimride makes sharing rides for drivers and passengers fun, easy and social. It’s a new spin on ridesharing, using social networks to enable real connections. In seconds you can set up a profile, see and book a ride in your area, or post a ride of your own. With Zimride profiles, you can view photos, music and radio preferences to ensure an enjoyable ride.

Zimride proves that “life is better when you share the ride”

Get started at: www.zimride.com

We’ve all heard it… Pray For Snow, Pray for Snow, Pray For Snow. And we’ll be the first ones to admit some snow would be nice (hence our Snow Dance Competition where we’re giving away a 2-Night Ski Vacation to the best snow dance in order to increase the frequency of snow… Mother Nature, are you watching?), but we must share the numerous upsides for a delayed ski season that have been compelling visitors to come before snow coats our mountains for the remainder of winter. 

Last weekend a visitor told us they skied, mountain biked and golfed in the same day – that’s pretty awesome. 

1.       Learn to ski. Let’s face it, if you’re a first-timer, you aren’t going to be dropping 10-foot lips that require a snow pillow for landing, and you aren’t skiing in waist deep powder through the trees. The freshly groomed runs paired with endless blue skies create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing day on the slopes.  Plus, January is National Learn to Ski Month so resorts are offering massive discounts to first-timers!

2.       Golf. Our courses pride themselves on being open all year long, so hit them up! We have 50 within 90 minutes of downtown Reno, most of which are inside 15 minutes.

3.       Hike. It’s a rare occasion that our trails are hikeable this time of year without strapping on snowshoes.  See what’s usually hiding underneath all that snow!

4.       Rock climb. Climbers know their grips are easier to hold when it’s cold out. So what are you waiting for?

5.       Mountain bike. The trail conditions are excellent right now, so grab a friend and escape into the towering pines in the Sierra Mountains. 

6.       Ice skate. Enjoy this chilly wintertime activity, without the chill.

7.       Perfect road conditions. No moisture, no snow, no ice, no sliding. It’s faster and easier than ever to get here!

By Guest Blogger,
Logan Baker

Lake Tahoe is one of the most picturesque places in America. In the summer, the sun rises over the calm lake and creates the perfect setting for a dip in the cool water or an exciting Jet Ski adventure. In the winter however, the lake and the Tahoe National Forest take on a serene and peaceful quality that you must see to believe. Whether you’re traveling by car or air charter, once you get to Reno, Tahoe or one of the surrounding areas, you need to stop by the lake. To really get the full Tahoe experience, you should consider taking a trip through the forest and around the lake on a horse-drawn sleigh or a sled led by a team of Huskies.

Dottie Dennis has been carving trails though the Hope Valley, about half an hour south of the lake, for more than 30 years. She and her team of dogs are familiar with every twist and turn of the valley has remained largely untouched over the last 160 years. If you’ve ever wanted to vacation in the Alaskan wilderness but weren’t willing to travel so far, the Hope Valley is probably the most Alaskan landscape south of the Canadian border. Dennis’ Husky Express is $240 for a 375 lb. weight limit and box lunches can be provided for an extra $10 per person.

Borges Family Sleigh Rides offer excursions around the lake and through the forest on a variety of old-fashioned sleighs. The sleighs are entirely handmade by the Borges family and are pulled by two blonde Belgian draft horses. The trip takes travelers all over the beautiful snow-covered landscape and will conclude at the top of a scenic lookout over Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or just that special someone, a Borges Family sleigh trip might be the perfect thing to spice up your vacation. The trip costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 11.

If you’re vacationing in Reno or one of the surrounding areas, make it a point to head to Lake Tahoe. The lake takes on a spectral kind of beauty in the winter that is simply unparalleled.

MAPES HOTEL SITE

The original Mapes Hotel, a grand beauty of a building near the Truckee River, was haunted for decades by an unknown spirit. After it was torn down, the same presence has been reported lingering near the ice rink on the spot of the old hotel that is set up in the winter months.

GOLD HILL HOTEL

A few miles out of Virginia City is the little town of Gold Hill.  This is the town where the actual gold strikes began just prior to the biggest gold and silver strike ever (called the Comstock Lode) occurred in Virginia City.

Gold Hill has its share of mines that are still under the ground.  The Yellow Jacket mine, the Commons mine and all the rest are still here.  Miners were killed in some of these mines due to accidents.  Right behind the Gold Hill Hotel is the Yellow Jacket mine.  The miners didn’t have electricity with which to do their work.  They had to use candlelight.  Oxygen was limited underground and the gases that emanated from under the ground combined and fires were a constant danger.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the Yellow Jacket mine in 1873 and 37 miners were killed and were left buried at the bottom of the mine shafts behind this hotel.

THE OLD WASHOE CLUB

~ AKA ~

The Millionaires Club

“Locals and tourists rub shoulders and swap stories at The Old Washoe Club. Originally called The Millionaires Club, it was built so that nouveau riche gentlemen might enjoy the pleasures of wealth, in comfort and style. At one time, the building was even used to store corpses when the ground was frozen too solid for digging graves.

“Three ghosts haunt The Old Washoe Club; A lovely, blonde apparition, known as the lady in blue, the specter of a scared little girl, and a grizzled prospector who occasionally cadges drinks from unsuspecting patrons. Ladies be warned, the door to the women’s room locks and unlocks itself.” – Janice Oberding, Suite 101 Article.

These stories and more are part of the Old Washoe Club.  What people don’t know is that there are two totally different sites of the Old Washoe Club.  There are two different “parts” to the Old Washoe Club.  There is the bar and snack bar downstairs.  There you will find the winding staircase.  This staircase was the original front door to The Millionaires Club.  This would be where respectable men turned millionaires would be greeted.  Behind the scenes was where the real action took place.

OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNTING EVENT

Halloween is just around the corner! Spend it with us as we Ghost Hunt and attempt to communicate with the lovely spirits here at St. Mary’s Art Center, fondly known as The St. Mary Louise Hospital, established in 1876 located in Virginia City, NV.  Mark your calendar and make your reservation now. Price includes overnight accommodations plus we have a special 2 nighter package as well.  Go to the following link for more info and to purchase your ticket.

http://www.virginiacityparanormal.com/upcoming-events.html

If you’re looking for a place to take the kids, dog, or that costume you’ve been meticulously planning since last year, you’ve clicked to the right spot.

Friday, Oct 28

Trick or Treat Street

• Bring your trick or treaters to the Circus Circus midway for our free and safe Trick or Treat Street where kids of all ages will enjoy free candy, prizes, and complimentary child ID.

Saturday, Oct 29

Monsters and Mayhem

• Guys, ghouls and ghosts will scare up some wicked fun in downtown Reno’s Riverwalk District during the 5th annual Riverwalk Merchants Halloween Hollow event. This year’s theme is “Monsters and Mayhem” and costumes are heavily encouraged. Halloween fun is kicked up a notch with free family games, trick-or-treating, live music, a doggie costume contest and more at the West Street Plaza Halloween Weekend. This year we have also included a special trick-or-treat route for your pets. Maps can be downloaded from renoriver.org/halloween the week of the event or picked up the day of the event at the Riverwalk booth.

Halloween Hoedown

• Make the Nugget your place for Halloween fun this year! Join us in the Casino Cabaret  for our Halloween Hoedown featuring:$1,000 costume contest: $500 1st place, $300 2nd place, and $200 3rd place, FREE live music with Rick Hays & American Steel, $1 Coors, Coors Light, Margarita or Bloody Mary for patrons in costume and KBUL 98 FM live radio remote.

Spooky Slots Tournament

• Don’t chicken out of this slot tournament at Harrah’s Reno, $25,000 is one the line!

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Sunday, Oct 30

Atlantis Fun Center’s Spooktacular Halloween Party

• Reveal your funky, funny and frightening side at the Atlantis Fun Center’s Spooktacular Halloween Party on Sunday, October 30, 2011.  Bring your kids, dressed in their best Halloween costumes, for an all-day safe Trick-or-Treating event and FREE Costume Contest.

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Monday, Oct 31

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Looking for a night out on the town with your crew? Check out our list of 2011 Halloween Hotspots.

The newest issue of Nevada Magazine features the one and only, Reno Tahoe! We couldn’t help but share these breath-taking images and well written articles on our favorite destination. Features in the magazine include the area’s top ski resorts (including the largest ski resort in the US!), the Black Rock Desert beyond Burning Man (their photos will wow you), lakes, parks, towns, venues…. everything you’d want to know!

Want your own copy? Take advantage of Groupon’s 50% off deal through 10/22! http://www.groupon.com/deals/nevada-magazine-2 .

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe would like to invite all fishermen to come out and experience Pyramid Lake on opening day, Saturday October 1. Last year Pyramid was named as one of the top public fisheries in the world by Fly Fishing and Tying Journal!

Known for one of the best places to catch the famous Lohanton Cutthroat Trout, Pyramid will keep your luck, lines, and lures busy!

The Tribe would like to remind all visitors to the lake that day use, camping and other permits are required for all non-tribal members to access the lake. Tribal permit fees have not increased from last year and can be purchased online. Proceeds from permits help support programs that protect public safety and the unique eco-system of Pyramid Lake year round.

Finally, the Tribe reminds all fisherman and boaters to do their part to “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” by taking preventative measures to keep the waters of Pyramid Lake clean. For additional information or questions about what aquatic invasive species or Pyramid Lake, please log onto www.pyramidlake.us or call the Ranger Station at 775-476-1155.

Reward yourself with an incredible experience: this event gives you the chance to watch cheetahs running off-leash, across the desert, at speeds over 50 mph as part of their enrichment program.   Learn about the behavior, habitat, conservation and diet of these extraordinary animals, as you watch them at very close proximity.  Enjoy these purring, powerful predators as they run for you prior to the Ark’s seasonal closure.  This opportunity won’t come again until Spring of 2012, so don’t wait!

PLEASE RSVP:  reservations are required due to limited seating.  Children must be at least ten years old to attend.

When: Sunday October 16^th, promptly at 4:30 PM

Where: Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary & Nature Center

Directions:  From Reno: Take US 395 North to Red Rock Road (Exit 78). Turn right and drive 11.5 miles to Deerlodge Road.  Turn right on Deerlodge Road, drive 1 mile and turn right into signed driveway.

Admission: $40 for Adults, $25 for Children & Seniors

Phone: 1-775-970-3431 (area code required)

Websites: www.AnimalArk.org or www.facebook.com/AnimalArk.Nevada

Whether you’re planning your next vacation to Reno Tahoe, or you’re a local in need of a stay-cation, you will love these incredible deals.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Coming for a Special Event? Save with one of the many hotels who offer event packages! To name a few, John Ascuaga’s Nugget has packages for Street Vibrations and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has packages for Thunder From Down Under.

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Maybe a romantic stay in the Biggest Little City with that significant other is more what you’re looking for? If so, these generous offers from the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino will sweep you off your feet. Take advantage of these dueling discounts on everything you need for a sizzling stay; including, your room, dinner, chocolate covered strawberries and couples massage.

FAMILY FIRST

Recover from a brain freeze after scarfing down a waffle cone, play in the arcades, or hit the slopes with these unique packages designed for families.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino We are Family Package

Circus Circus Vacation Ski and Midway Package

SHOW ME SOME LOVE

Eldorado Hotel Casino is offering room packages for those looking to see one of their hit shows Peter Pan or Hairspray!

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe is a pristine vacation destination where you can enjoy your favorite summer or winter activities among the beautiful surroundings of crystal clear water, towering pine trees and the often snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. From kayaking and paddle boarding to skiing and spa treatments, there are endless savings in Tahoe.

SKI TAHOE

With an abundance of world-class ski resorts and unsurpassed conditions, Reno Tahoe is one of the most sought-after winter sports destinations on the globe. Now combine our excellent skiing/snowboarding with the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and you’re in for a getaway you’ll never forget.  Experience it for yourself with these great ski packages that will get you on the slopes without breaking the bank.

From weekend getaways to week-long retreats, the possibilities for a great time are endless in Reno-Tahoe. Here are few more deals to make your trip even better:

Grand Sierra Resort Golf Packages

Eldorado Hotel Casino Extended Stay Packages

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Wine and Dine Package

Written by, Cody Haener