Reno-Tahoe

In the Western United States, there may be no more exciting celebration of Cinco de Mayo than the annual Sparks, Nev., celebration May 2-3. Here, the festival claims more than 100,000 attendees. Northern Nevada’s rich Latino heritage is on display in the city’s Victorian Square.


A food-lover’s delight

Cinco de Mayo Festivalgoers have a virtual buffet at their fingertips, from classic Mexican specialties like tacos, flautas, burritos and barbecue, to south-of-the-border deserts and beverages. Dozens of local and regional vendors fill the square with their wares – so bring an empty stomach.

Center stage

The festival may be best known for the variety and quality of entertainment. The event features world-class music artists, hot new acts, dancing, Charro (equestrian) presentations, sporting events, film showcases, beauty pageants, gaming tournaments, auto showcase, and a gala banquet.

Cinco de Mayo at Victorian Square

• Where: Victorian Square in Sparks, Nev.
• When: May 2-3
• Highlights: Music from Ellas Son, Los Pilotos de Guamuchil, Los Pasteles Verdes, El Felino de Sinaloa; dozens of local and regional food vendors featuring specialty dishes; dance, auto, Charro, beauty pageant and sporting event exhibitions.

For more information on Northern Nevada’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, check out their Web site.

The crack of the bat, a hotdog and a cool beer under the warm sun in Reno-Tahoe … the first season for the Reno Aces is finally under way with a new ballpark on the banks of the Truckee River in downtown Reno.

Triple A baseball’s newest team will take to the field tonight with a home opener that promises to be a spectacle for both locals and visitors. And it’s a long time coming. Residents, investors and fans of the sport have long pursued the dream of building a world-class baseball stadium in the Reno-Sparks region, to take advantage of the region’s growing population, great weather and tourism base. The stadium, located in the heart of downtown Reno’s redevelopment district, offers another reason to head downtown – the Aces will offer 73 home games, playing in the exciting Pacific Coast League.

The stadium is just another in a long line of improvements to the visitor experience in Reno. The city’s “Renaissance” has included construction of a riverwalk district complete with boutiques, pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, a movie complex and public areas, including an outdoor amphitheater. Within the last couple years, train tracks through downtown Reno were rerouted through a trench to create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, while part of the trench was covered, allowing for a new public space, a boon for the many special events held throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

Last fall saw the opening of the West Street Market, a rehabilitated commercial area that now houses a wine bar, a teahouse, coffee shops and stores. It also plays host to farmers and craft markets, as well as live performances.

Several city-style condominium projects in downtown have also enlivened the culture of the area, creating a new market for everything for everything from the arts to commerce. Downtown hotel-casinos have also undergone first-class remodels.

If you haven’t planned to attend a Reno Aces game yet, log on and get your tickets. Baseball is finally here and you’re going to love it.

Wine Walks in downtown Reno are kicking into high gear as the spring weather brings sunshine and long afternoons. The April 18 Wine Walk (2-5 p.m.) benefits the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Northern Nevada.

The Riverwalk Merchants Association presents wine walks every month along the Truckee River and on neighboring streets in the Riverwalk District.

You must be 21 or older to participate in Wine Walks. Visit any participating Riverwalk District merchant on Wine Walk day and for a $20 wine tasting fee and a valid photo I.D. you will receive a wine glass, wristband and a map of the merchants pouring wine. Parking is available in public lots.

To see a list of participating merchants, visit www.renoriver.org.

A charity benefits from a portion of Wine Walk proceeds monthly. The SPCA of Northern Nevada is Reno’s pioneer “no-kill” animal shelter.

Strollers and pets are not advised during Wine Walks and participants are encouraged to enjoy a responsible taste of the Riverwalk District.

For more information on events at the Reno Riverwalk District go online, or call 775-825-WALK (825-9255).

If you saw Greg London walking down Virginia Street in downtown Reno, you may not recognize him … Reno’s own “Master of Disguise” and star of the stage show ICONMAN at Harrah’s may be better known for the characters he impersonates. Whether it’s the hip-shaking swagger of Elvis Presley, the showmanship of Elton John or the charm of Austin Powers, London’s return to Harrah’s center stage – running through May 31 at Sammy’s Showroom – wows the audience with accurate portrayals wrapped in a humorous package.

London previously starred in his own Harrah’s show, “Icons.” The new show brings new humor, new characters and new stage antics to the production.

“I love the new show,” says London.  “While we were fleshing it out during the winter break, we frequently had to stop so we all could laugh.  I think the new humor added days to our rehearsal time!”

“As exciting as it is to perform this fantastic new show, I’m equally excited to be returning to Reno.” London added.  “This is such a great part of the country. The opportunity to perform in Reno is truly icing on the cake for us.”

In addition to his talent as actor and comedian, London has also won commercial and critical acclaim as a singer. His single, “Everything I own,” has been climbing Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary Charts, with great radio play.

Come see this entertainment impresario at Harrah’s Reno for this limited engagement.

Greg London’s ICONMAN takes the stage in the legendary Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno Wednesday through Sunday.  Showtime is 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.  Showtime on Friday and Saturday is 9 p.m.  The show is dark Monday and Tuesday. Ticket prices are $31.95 and $36.95 plus fees.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 1-775-788-2900 or visit www.HarrahsReno.com.

When auto buffs think of Reno-Tahoe, it usually conjures up images of classic hotrods cruising the streets during Hot August Nights. But the National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno is giving them something new to look at.

Three new art exhibits at the museum showcase America’s (and the world’s) love affair with the automobile, and give museum-goers a new excuses to check out the museum and the ever-changing collection of antique and classic cars.

• The Art Collection of Bill and Jo Janowski showcases speed, emotion and adventure with artwork that takes moments of time and translates them into the art of the automobile in contemporary form.  Racing is the common thread for the exhibit and specific cars, legendary drivers and activities of the sport are the primary subjects. Featured artists include Bill Neale, Niles Nakaoka and Lawrence Braun, all members of the Automotive Fine Arts Society.
• The Roadside Attractions exhibit showcases photography by Howard Goldbaum through June 8.  During a 15,000-mile trip across the nation, Howard Goldbaum explored the artifacts of the American roadway. His photographs capture a unique element of Americana, “roadside attractions” that express the entrepreneurial spirit.
• Even in Africa is a new series of original paintings by Reno artist Robert Cinkel depicting automobiles from the Museum’s collection in intriguing locales. It will be an ongoing display.  The automobiles are pictured under a starry sky in the Nevada desert, in India, Egypt and “Even in Africa.”

The National Automobile Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children 6 to 18 years.  Children ages 5 and younger are free. Parking is free. For more information, call (775) 333-9300 or visit www.automuseum.org.

We all need to get away now and then, so Reno-Tahoe is offering a dose of fun for our furloughed neighbors in California who might appreciate using the unexpected time off to get out of town.

Local hotel-resorts have gotten together to offer State of California workers on furlough an unprecedented buy-one-get-one-night “Extra Day Getaway” deal on hotel stays with a valid state employee identification card or paystub, and a valid photo ID.

So, if you book a night at participating properties, get another night free to extend your weekend or getaway.

Visitors who stay any Friday or Saturday you could get Thursday or Sunday free. Or stay any day Sunday through Thursday and receive the second day of equal or lesser value free (Friday and Saturday are not eligible for free nights).In addition to the free night stay, properties are also offering special “furlough relief offers” to California state employees.

To view getaway offers online, log on the CaliforniaFurlough.com.

Reno-Tahoe is a family-friendly getaway, offering tons of fun for kids and adults alike. Add some of these Top 10 attractions to your travel itinerary:

1. Catch a ballgame: Downtown Reno is home to a new ballpark and the Reno Aces, a Triple A team. The boys of summer are playing in Reno-Tahoe.
2. Hit the slopes: Reno-Tahoe offers the largest concentration of ski and board resorts in North America — 18 within an hour drive of Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
3. Shop till you drop: The shopping is great in Reno-Tahoe, including the new Legends at Sparks Marina in Sparks, Nev., which boasts more than 70 stores and restaurants, including Scheel’s, the World’s Largest All Sports Store at almost 300,000 square feet.
4. A river runs through it: The Truckee River winds through downtown Reno and downtown Sparks, offering great opportunities for recreation and relaxation during the warm months. Whitewater enthusiasts can paddle to their heart’s content in the two whitewater parks.
5. Nevada-style casino action: In Reno-Tahoe the action goes 24-7, with deluxe, modern resort casinos that offer fun gaming action without the Vegas crowds.
6. The Jewel of the Sierra: Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and downtown Reno — a great day trip whether it is summer or winter.
7. The Comstock Lode: Step back to Wild West times in Virginia City. The preserved epicenter of the Comstock Lode features classic buildings, old saloons and a cast of characters that is always entertaining.
8. V&T Railroad: Ride the rails of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad in Carson City, Nevada’s capitol. Working steam engines hearken back to the golden age of rail travel.
9. Wine and dine: Reno-Tahoe is known for adventure and Nevada-style gaming, but hundreds of restaurants serving everything from casual to five-star fare also make it a great destination for culinary enthusiasts.
10. Culture connection: Reno-Tahoe is home to 31 museums, including the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum and the Nevada State Museum – live Nevada’s rich culture.

Downtown Reno

Flickr photo from RenoTahoe

Reno-Tahoe is inviting visitors to break the ‘Reno Rules’ with a new television and ad campaign featuring attractions from skiing to dining and casino action in the Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe markets.

Part of the promotion includes a vacation prize package worth a weekend stay at participating hotel-casinos, plus meals and ski tickets. Enter online

Visitors are also encouraged to break the rules and submit photographic proof – snapshots or video – to enter for a vacation prize package, plus an official Reno Rules Flip Mino video camera. Enter online

Also check out the lodging discounts for hotel-casinos in Reno and Sparks – get a free at participating hotels when you book online.

Reno-Tahoe offers the perfect romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. Here are some options …

• Spas abound

Dozens of Reno-Tahoe spas cater to every taste, from massage to healing mud baths. Two new additions in Reno offer world-class spa experiences: The Tuscan-theme Peppermill Resort Casino Spa Toscana offers customers an old-world experience with modern amenities, while the Spa Atlantis at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa provides indulgent luxury with unique services found nowhere else.

• Dinner for two

Reno-Tahoe is known as an adventure, gaming and nightlife destination, but there are numerous options for the culinary curious. Try Sezmu, LuLou’s or 4th Street Bistro for high-end fair, or how about an Italian experience at La Strada, one of the fine dining options inside the Eldorado Hotel Casino. And don’t forget your red meat fix at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino or The Steakhouse Grill at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Check out all of Reno-Tahoe’s great restaurants online.

• Vacation Packages

Travel deals are abundant right now in Reno-Tahoe, with getaway packages including lodging with skiing, spas and everything in between.

• Take your love to a ‘higher level’ at Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, located high above Incline Village on Tahoe’s sunny North Shore, is inviting couples to “Take your love to a higher level” this Valentine’s day.
For $285 – two people, all inclusive – lovers young and “mature” will be treated to an incredible five-course dinner paired with fine wines at the fabulous Snowflake Lodge at the top of the Lakeview Chair. There may be no better sunset view in all of Tahoe (and maybe the world).

Diamond Peak is located at 1210 Ski Way in Incline Village, Nev., just 45 minutes from Reno. To make reservations go online or call 775-832-1177

The 37th annual Safari Club International convention is taking place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center now through Saturday, January 24, 2009, which marks the seventh consecutive year that SCI has held their annual convention in Reno.

Approximately 23,000 hunting enthusiasts, from 50 countries, are expected in Reno this week, up almost 10% over 2008.

It is estimated that the convention will have a $20 million impact on the local economy, including over 24,000 roomnights.

The show will feature more than 1,000 exhibits, seminars and auctions spread throughout 650,000 square feet of convention space. It’s being held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Peppermill Hotel Casino.

The group also has committed to return to Reno again next year.