Reno-Tahoe

Each Thursday vendors set up their tents, bands tune up on stage and the local pubs roll out the kegs for the biggest weekly party in the region at the Sparks Hometown Farmer’s Market.

The market runs throughout the summer, offering visitors a taste of Northern Nevada fun at Victorian Square in downtown Sparks.

In addition to traditional farmer’s market fare, there’s music on three stages, demonstrations, dance and plenty of partying. Check out this video to get a taste of one of Sparks’ signature events.

The region’s preeminent holiday celebration and fireworks display – Star Spangled Sparks – takes place on July 4 with events at locations including Victorian Square in downtown Sparks, the Sparks Marina and the Legends at Sparks Marina destination retail center. The fireworks show, launched from John Ascuaga’s Nugget and viewable from Victorian Square at 9:30 p.m., is equally impressive.

• Reno’s new baseball team is offering its own show with fireworks launched at Aces Stadium in downtown Reno after the game.
• In North Tahoe/Truckee, several shows in Incline Village (Incline Beach), Tahoe City (Commons Beach) and Donner Lake (West End Beach) start at 9:30. If you’re headed to Truckee be sure to check out the parade downtown.
• And in Carson City, Mills Park offers revelers a party atmosphere highlighted by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

A summer tradition kicks off again this week in Sparks as the Hometowne Farmer’s Market brings dozens of vendors, hundreds of people and a party atmosphere to Victorian Square.

The Sparks Farmer’s Market runs Thursday evenings throughout the summer. And while visitors can score great produce and family-farm fare, the market is as much of a party as a place to get the groceries.

See bands and dance the night away. Drink an “Icky” from Great Basin Brewing Co. (also located at Victorian Square) and check out local art. Thousands converge on the Square – young and old – and the party goes into the evening.

Sparks Farmer’s Market

• When: Thursdays, 4-9 p.m., June 11-Aug. 20 (except Aug. 6)
• Where: Victorian Square, Sparks, Nev.
• Web: Sparks Hometown Farmer’s Market

In the Sierra Nevada it’s known as the “shoulder season,” the period between ski season and summer. The kids are still in school and the crowds are thin. But spring is the time to get to Reno-Tahoe for a visit. Check out these spring highlights:

1 – Down by the River

A trickle turns to a roar as Tahoe snowmelt feeds the Truckee River in downtown Reno. The Riverwalk area is prime for lazy walks, shopping and a streamside drink under the sun. Read More

2 – Catch a Homer

A new ballpark has risen on the banks of the Truckee River. The Reno Aces, a Triple A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, offer exciting professional baseball action in the heart of the city. Read More

3 – Get Teed Off

Reno-Tahoe might be golf’s best-kept secret in the West. Here 50 courses from high-mountain to high-desert challenge players with variety at a great value. Read More

4 – Try Lady Luck

The gaming action is always hopping in Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe. Dozens of properties offer a unique experience on the casino floor. And who knows? You could get lucky. Read More

5 – Shop Till You Drop

Power shoppers have a new destination in Sparks. The Legends at Sparks Marina destination center is opening shops in phases, and it’s home to Scheels, the World’s Largest All Sports Star at nearly 300,000 square feet. Read More

6 – Cast a Lure

Cast a fly for big brown and rainbow trout, catch a cutthroat at Pyramid Lake, or hit the mackinaw in Lake Tahoe. Spring fishing is a right of passage for any Sierra Nevada adventurer. Read More

7 – Wine and Dine

A nice cab … perhaps a pinot or a chardonnay. Several downtown Reno establishments – including the West Street Wine Bar, Jungle Vino and the Siena Hotel Spa Casino – cater to wine-lovers pallets, while a fine-dining experience waits just around the corner. Read More

8 – Exit Stage Left

There’s always a show to see in Reno-Tahoe. The newest offering, Celtic Legends playing at the Eldorado Hotel Casino from May 15-July 26, offers Irish music and breathtaking dance on center stage. Read More

9 – Lake Tahoe

When the ski lifts stop turning, Lake Tahoe is all about beaches, sun and getting out on the water. Experience “Big Blue,” just a 45-minute drive from downtown Reno and Sparks. Read More

10 – Arts and Culture

Reno-Tahoe is the cultural hub of Northern Nevada, boasting 31 museums. The Nevada Museum of Art is an architectural delight housing local works and traveling exhibits. Or find your niche, with great offerings from the National Automobile Museum to the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Read More

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.