A new kayak tour is bringing Tahoe’s rich history and boundless recreational opportunities together on the North Shore.

Tahoe Adventure Company introduced a kayak tour that has groups launching at Sand Harbor State Park (in Incline Village), with a stop at Thunderbird Lodge, to enjoy a walking tour of the 1930s estate and learn the story of George Whittell, the eccentric man who built it, followed by a fantastic deli spread lunch on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

If you’d rather hoof it, try the Tahoe City guided walking tour put on by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. Participants start at the Gatekeeper’s Museum and make their way to Watson Cabin, which turns 100 this year.

History is king on the West Shore as well. Head down the 1-mile, steep trail to visit Lake Tahoe’s only castle. Vikingsholm offers a sandy beach perfect for a picnic and a quick dip in the region’s clear blue waters. Tours are available. Also on the West Shore is the 1903 Ehrman Mansion, the opulent summer home of a San Francisco businessman.

For event details, along with deals on lodging, activities and entertainment, click to www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival completes its summer score with the premiere of the Urban Village Monday Night Music Series, July 13 through Aug. 17. The weekly series covers a wide range of styles from Afro-Cuban to Broadway.

The six-week Urban Village Monday Night Music Series takes place at the Festival’s Sand Harbor location with performances by:

• July 13 – Reno Philharmonic, Broadway on the Beach with Broadway star Hugh Panero
• July 20 – Ricardo Lemvo, Afro-Cuban World Music
• July 27 – Babbo, Jazz Ensemble
• Aug. 3 – Sugaray, Blues
• Aug. 10 – Omar Alexander, Latin Funk
• Aug. 17 – Karen Briggs, Soulchestra

Tickets for the Urban Village Monday Night Music Series start at $22 and are available online at www.UrbanVillageMusic.com or by calling 800-74-SHOWS (800-747-4697).

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.

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.

Our own Jill Stockton went for a ride aboard Amtrak’s Fun Train for a scenic ride from Sacramento to Reno. But this was no tame sightseeing tour …

There may be no easier way to get to Reno-Tahoe than aboard the Weekend Fun Train or Midweek Snow Train. There is no other train like it in America. The Fun Train is ideal for anyone looking to have a good time while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Donner Pass route – one of the most historic and scenic rail lines in America.

From departure to arrival, traveling on the Fun Train was, well, fun! I boarded the train in Sacramento and was greeted by ‘Fun Rick,’ a member of the Fun Train team. Fun Rick helped me feel welcome aboard and made finding my seat a breeze.  After boarding the train, which was decorated with a Western theme, we promptly departed for Reno. The ride through the Sacramento valley and along Donner Pass was simply spectacular. The views were amazing and fresh snow was falling, making this ride to Reno extra special.

The entertainment on board was outstanding. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Dozens of people dancing to the live music of the “FunAntics” while winding through the mountains headed for Reno. This is surely something that you’d never experience in a car or airplane!

If listening, not dancing, to live music is more your style, then the Piano Lounge Car is for you. With live entertainment in the Piano Car you can meet new friends, enjoy a drink from the cocktail bar and relax. The Fun Train also has strolling minstrels, musicians, and magicians to entertain you – if the beautiful scenery is not enough.

When we arrived in Reno, the good times just got better. After exiting the train, passengers were greeted by a jazz band directing them to their chartered bus which would take them to their designated hotel. The simplicity and ease of this trip was truly amazing.

The trip includes a roundtrip rail ticket from Emeryville, Martinez, Suisun, Sacramento or Roseville to Reno with reserved seat, two nights hotel accommodations, a Winner’s Book – good for discounted meals, 50 percent off the show at Harrah’s and more. For more information on packages and pricing information visit Key Holidays online or call (800) 783-0783.