These days, what can a dollar get you? A few sticks of gum. Some candy out of the office vending machine. Maybe a couple of items from the dollar store. How about a trip to Reno Tahoe USA!

Beginning December 12, Megabus.com will offer express travel between Sparks/Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco with fare starting as low as $1. So, if you’re traveling from the Bay Area, you can enjoy some of the best skiing in the world, 24-hour nightlife and extraordinary specials events for an unprecedented $2.50 round trip! And to celebrate the new service, all tickets booked for the first week of travel, December 12-19, will be $1!

The sleek, green-certified double-decker buses are equipped with everything you need to travel in comfort and convenience, including free Wi-Fi and power outlets for those who need to get some work done before playing.

Be sure to plan ahead and book your trip in advance as fares start as low as $1 and gradually increase as the traveling date nears.

A Warm Bed for a Great Price

If you need a place stay once you get into Sparks, take advantage of the Strike It Rich package at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, starting at $38.39 per night. Enjoy:

• FREE room upgrade to the Premier East Tower
• Daily breakfast for two – American Breakfast in Rosie’s Café
• 30% off purchases in Chonne’s Salon
• 30% off purchases in the Nugget Gift Shop

Available now through December 31.

For information on the adventure awaiting you in Reno Tahoe USA, please visit our activities page.

Reno Santa Pub Crawl

‘Tis the season to gather in downtown Reno with thousands of Santas, elves, candy canes and Rudolphs for the 2012 Santa Pub Crawl! Dawn your Santa suit, ugly sweater, or any other Christmas costume and join the wassailing masses on December 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. You’ll have a merry time caroling through the streets while enjoying drink specials at a slew of bars with the purchase of a $5 commemorative cup. Pick up your cups early at participating locations, or purchase it the night of the crawl at participating bars.

Before you hit the crawl, check out these additional spirited events:

Bowling with the Elves – December 14

If you’re arriving in Reno on the Friday before the Crawl, make your way to the National Bowling Stadium for the first ever Bowling with Elves. Santa’s little helpers (and apparently little bowlers) are teaming up with Toys for Tots, so bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation and receive a discount on your entry fee.

The Great Santa Dash – December 15

Before taking advantage of the jolly drink specials at the crawl, burn a few extra calories at The Great Santa Dash 5k run/walk at Winfield Park. Runners of all levels are welcome and holiday attire is strongly encouraged. So slip into your Santa suit a little early and join the fun.  The run kicks off at 10:00 a.m., rain, snow or shine!

Event fees: $32 Adults, $22 Youth (17 and younger)

Santa Ski Crawl – December 15

Forget the one-horse open slay. Grab your skis or board and dash through the snow in style at Mt Rose Ski Tahoe. Anyone dressed up as Jolly St. Nick or in similar festive garb will receive a $39 lift ticket on the day of the crawl (just wearing a Santa hat will not qualify). Be sure to gather on the stairs of the Main Lodge at 11:00 am for the group photo shoot, followed by a massive Santa group ski from the top of the KC Bowl at 11:30 am.

For more information on holiday events in Reno Tahoe, take a look at our events calendar.

There are a lot of reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving. In addition to our loving fans and family, we have 7 more reasons Reno Tahoe is the place to spend your Thanksgiving holiday.

1. We encourage you to step away from the roaster

Relax. Let us take care of Thanksgiving this year, we’ll even do all of your dishes – said no one ever …said our culinary experts!!

2. Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts are OPEN

Snow dumped the mountains allowing ski resorts to open early, then the storm cleared out for a blue sky Thanksgiving weekend… Mother Nature, we thank you!

3. Party Thanksgiving Eve at BuBinga

NYE has some friendly competition. Before the family dysfunction and food-induced coma, burn off that extra helping stuffing and gravy by dancing the night away at BuBinga Lounge. Feast on $3 drink specials – like pumpkin pie shots, Wild Turkey and Coors Lights.

4. It’s Opening Weekend of Rink on the River

There is nothing like introducing the holidays with a few laps around the ice rink, hot cocoa in hand, and taking in the sights of Reno’s downtown Christmas tree glistening next to the Truckee River.

5. Time for the annual Scheels Turkey Trot

Trot away extra calories with friends and family, and give thanks to good health Thanksgiving morning at the Sparks Marina.

6. There is a wide variety of entertainment lined up

What do Rodney Carrington, Alice Cooper and The Commodores have in common? Not much, aside from they are famous and performing in Reno Tahoe Thanksgiving weekend!

7. Hotel deals!

Stay and ski packages, 3^rd night FREE, our hotels want you to sleep comfortably this holiday season.

If you believe…

All aboard the enchanting Polar Express this holiday season! V&T Railroad by Rail Events, Inc. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. invite you to believe. The classic The Polar Express story comes to life on a roundtrip journey from Carson to the North Pole.

Kids are encouraged to dress in their pajamas as they ride in the historic passenger cars. Sing along with carolers, and meet Santa on this magical adventure.

The ride includes:
• Hot cocoa, cookies and caroling
• The Polar Express read aloud
• Visits by characters from the story
• Your first Christmas present of a keepsake silver bell. (Will they always hear it ring?)

Carson City is giving believers the opportunity to WIN tickets! Enter by November 16. Click here for details.

For the answers to frequently asked questions about The Polar Express story and Train Ride, as well as a short video, visit www.polarexpressride.com.

The Polar Express, pulled by the V&T’s diesel engine, departs from the Carson City Eastgate Depot, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (5:00pm, 6:30pm and 8:00pm), from November 23 through December 23. Fares for the one-hour, roundtrip experience are:

• Ages 13 and older – $34
• Ages 2 to 12 – $25
• Toddlers and infants sitting on parent’s lap – free

I want tickets!

Dress warm and bring extra blankets. Because the schedule and seating are limited, early reservations are highly recommended. Be sure your family doesn’t miss The Polar Express this season!

*Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. V&T and V&T Railroad used by permission of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co., Virginia City, NV.

Plan and experience all that Reno Tahoe USA has to offer. From event listings to coupons, snow reports to golf information, this application has everything you will need to make the best out of your trip. If you are already in town, simply turn on the location service and only see things that are within walking distance.

Here is what you can do with the Reno Tahoe USA application:

• Search and view all of the amazing events happening now and in the future
• Browse our complete hotel database and find the perfect place to stay
• Find a restaurant that matches your mood
• Explore all of the shopping available in Reno and Lake Tahoe
• View coupons from many of our great partners – For you golfers, the app displays everything you need to pick a course, including yardage, par, cost and much more
• And for the skiers, boarders and snow lovers, the app has everything you need to pick the perfect resort including pricing, lift status and more

“There are so many choices for entertainment, special events, outdoor adventure and relaxation in Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe that it can be difficult for visitors to narrow down their options before they get here,” said RSCVA President and CEO Christopher Baum. “More and more visitors are relying on mobile technology to point them in the right direction for information on their passions at any given moment, and the new Reno Tahoe USA app provides visitors with more information, and more control, of their overall travel experience.”

The Reno Tahoe USA app provides potential visitors with information on which hotels may be best suited to their needs; what concerts, events and entertainment will be offered during their visit; where they can get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, ski resorts and golf courses; as well as where they might find a great restaurant, a world-class spa or unique shopping throughout the destination. Once visitors are here, the app uses their location to help them find activities of interest within walking distance. The app also provides easy access to a variety of coupons, deals and discounts offered by dozens of local businesses.

In support of the popular “buy local” campaigns being launched in destinations across the country, the RSCVA worked with Reno-based KPS3 Marketing to develop the Reno Tahoe USA app, which it designed to maximize, and to simplify, the number of options presented to visitors.

“Travelers have come to depend on their phone for guidance in new destinations,” said KPS3 Vice President of Creative and Technical Services Rob Gaedtke. “This application puts visitors in control of that experience and allows the RSCVA to share the myriad offerings found in the Reno Tahoe area.”

The RSCVA and its partners are also making the new Reno Tahoe USA app more than just a source of information. One new user of the Reno Tahoe USA app will be given a three-day, two-night stay, at their choice of the Eldorado Hotel Casino or Silver Legacy Resort Casino, each month through October 2013.

The Reno Tahoe USA app can be downloaded at the iPhone Mobile App Store, the Android Google Play Store or at www.VisitRenoTahoe.com/mobile.

Members of the American Cowboys Team Roping Association (ACTRA) are saddling up in Reno Tahoe to  compete in the 30^th annual Wrangler/Professionals Choice ACTRA National Finals at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. From October 20-27, enjoy eight days packed with cowboy action as the nation’s most talented team ropers lock horns to earn the top honors in their divisions.

ACTRA, the largest non-profit team roping association in the country, presents the National Finals as the crowning glory for its members, offering ropers an additional chance to win prize money and bragging rights before the season comes to a close. Contestants come from all over the western United States and Canada, ranging in age from teenagers to competitors in their 80s, all vying for the same dream – becoming a national team roping champion.

In addition to the exciting competition in the arena, enjoy the western art show and shopping at a variety of vendor booths. For a complete schedule, click here.

For more Reno Tahoe excitement, please visit our events page.

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is honoring breast cancer survivors throughout the month of October with a complimentary 30 minute spa treatment. Patrons have the choice of being pampered with a ManiCure, PediCure or Pretty in Pink Massage or Facial.

The Atlantis is a proud supporter of the fight against breast cancer and is offering everybody the chance to join the fight through their exclusive spa treatments. For every Pretty in Pink treatment purchased during the month of October, Spa Atlantis will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Northern Nevada.

The Pretty in Pink treatments feature an exclusive blend of pomegranate and spice scented body butter soufflés, soothing scrubs and nourishing oils that will leave you feeling relaxed and proud at the same time. Here’s a look at each package:

ManiCure For the Cause

• 60 minutes – $50

PediCure For the Cause

• 60 minutes – $80

Pretty in Pink Massage

• 60 minutes – $105
• 90 minutes – $155

Pretty in Pink Facial

• 60 minutes – $100
• 90 minutes – $130

For more great spa options, visit the Reno Tahoe USA spa and wellness guide.

When Ronnie Deribas and Danielle Garcia tie the knot on October 13^th, they might want to leave “Till death do us part,” out of their vows. Ronnie and Danielle are the lucky winners of the inaugural Zombie Wedding Give-Away, taking place after sunset at Junkee Clothing Exchange.

As the winners, soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Deribas are receiving the ultimate undead wedding package; including, a zombified  wedding dress, tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses, professional zombie makeup for the entire wedding party, a zombie minister, dead flowers, and, of course, a zombie wedding cake (brains not included).

Before the nuptials, watch the walking dead strut down a killer runway during the Zombie Fashion Show, beginning at 3:00 pm. This is a fashion show like no other, where the not-so-living models will showcase the latest in zombie apocalypse trends. It’s the perfect opportunity to get some tips for your Reno Zombie Crawl costume!

Join the excitement with Reno’s trendiest living dead and watch Ronnie and Danielle say “I do” in full zombie garb. For information on more ghoulish fun this October, please visit the Reno Tahoe USA events calendar.

Street Vibrations Fall Rally, September 19-23, is a five-day party with live entertainment, death defying motorcycle stunt shows, America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo, factory trucks, Tattoo Expo, great food, motorcycle vendors, bike games, Miss Street Vibrations Bikini Contest, arm wrestling competitions, and ride-in shows in downtown Reno, Sparks, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe.

Reno based Street Vibrations®, now in its 18^th year, is the 4^th largest motorcycle event in the nation. Roadshows Inc., producer of Street Vibrations®, anticipates 1,000 registered VIP participants this year with more than 29,000 additional motorcycle enthusiasts in town to enjoy the event.

Street Vibrations® Fall Rally is FREE to the public.

Live Entertainment

Enjoy a variety of bands performing a wide spectrum of music throughout the event.  There will be blues, funk and soul music, alternative rock, hard rock and classic rock on stages at numerous venues in multiple cities.

Saturday night, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Crosby, Stills & Nash will perform at Reno Events Center in downtown Reno.

Special Event Locations

Street Vibrations® Fall Rally event activities will take place in venues at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, downtown Reno’s Eldorado Special Events Plaza, the Silver Legacy’s Silver Baron Room and Rum Bullions, Harrah’s Outdoor Plaza, the Reno Ballroom, the Reno Events Center, the Sands Regency and in Virginia City. Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson is an official Street Vibrations® Fall Rally Venue and the Market Street dealership will be hopping throughout the weekend with live entertainment and great deals.

Eldorado: Guests can stop by the Eldorado’s Hog Town bar on Virginia Street in front of the Eldorado to add some libations to their vibrations. The bar will be open on Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Silver Legacy: Watch Silver Legacy’s Fireworks Extravaganza two nights, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and enjoy George Thorogood and The Destroyers who are “Bad to the Bone” on Friday, September 21 at 8 p.m. in Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall.

Stunt Shows in Two Locations

John Stotts exhibits unbelievable speed and controlled balance in his Globe of Death.  Catch his shows in downtown Reno starting Thurs., Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. and on Fri., Sept 21 and Sat. Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Movie stuntman and motorcycle dare devil Monte Perlin will have his Globe-O-Cross in Chrome Alley’s Vendor Village at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks.  Watch his stunt show Thurs., Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.  Catch his break-neck speeds inside a giant steel ball on Fri., Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. and on Sat., Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Endless Shopping for All Things Motorcycle

Roadshows is anticipating more than 250 vendors to participate in special motorcycle malls scattered throughout downtown Reno, in the Eldorado Special Events Plaza, in Sparks at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, at Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson and in Virginia City during the event.

Shuttle Service

New this year, Street Vibrations® will offer free shuttles between the Reno and Sparks venues.

Because a majority of those attending Street Vibrations® are staying in either Reno or Sparks, a free shuttle service will operate between the two major venues in each city.

Contact Information

To see a complete Street Vibrations® Fall Rally schedule and a detailed program visit www.roadshowsreno.com.