Reno Offers A Unique and Unexpected Vacation Experience

Let's face it, when most people think about Reno, Nevada, what comes to mind is a smaller Las Vegas that hasn't managed to keep up with the times. For some people, this is actually a plus, and a welcome change from the many tourist destinations out to gouge tourists with overpriced food, accommodations and entertainment.

For example, while those truly cheap, all-you-can-eat buffets Las Vegas was once famous for have long since been replaced by expensive, five-star restaurants that showcase the names of famous chefs, in Reno, the casinos still offer true dining bargains, not to mention shows, gaming tables and a vast array of slot machines. Here, penny slots are as prevalent as $1 slots, allowing people on a budget to enjoy a casino experience for hours at a time, without risking more than a few dollars.

I recently returned from a short, but very enlightening trip to Reno, and was very pleasantly surprised by all that's offered here, not to mention the incredible hospitality and friendliness of everyone I encountered.

The people living in Reno and volunteering at the special events held here, for example, are truly passionate about where they live, and anxious to share what Reno has to offer with visitors. In many ways, a lot has changed in Reno since my last visit a decade ago. Yet, in some ways, however, Reno has remained timeless.

Reno can't compete with the ultra-modern, trendy and costly accommodations, mega-casinos, shopping and world-class entertainment Las Vegas is known for...and as a city, it's not trying to. What Reno does offer on the surface, however, is a much more affordable experience for someone who enjoys gambling. But, that's just on the surface.

What's offered in and around Reno has grown over the past decade. For example, about a year ago, phase one of Legends (www.ExperienceLegends.com) opened. This is a massive outlet mall which offers bargain shopping for designer and name brand merchandise in a lovely setting that features restaurants, more than 50 shops, plus one of the largest sporting goods mega-stores in the country. Phase two of this development will include an IMAX theater, a multiplex movie theater, additional shopping, and a modern casino.

For vacationers, what truly makes Reno worth visiting, however, are the incredible special events held here throughout the year. Many of these events are offered nowhere else in America, and each attract more than 100,000 participants and spectators each year. It's not just the uniqueness of the events themselves, but how they're produced that make them special. Most incorporate a wide range of family-friendly activities and entertainment around the main events, designed to make each memorable and fun for everyone.

For example, there's the National Air Races Championships (www.airrace.org), which is one of the most spectacular air shows in the world, and the only one which offers in-air pylon racing, featuring a handful of different vintage aircraft categories, including many from WWII. This event is designed for everyone, not just aviation enthusiasts, and is a visually amazing spectacle offered in a truly festive atmosphere. It’s been held annually since 1964, and continues to grow each year. The event entertains and amazes people of all ages. Each year, some of the most accomplished civilian, commercial and military pilots in America gather for this unique and thrilling event.

In Reno, a massive event is held almost every weekend. There's also the annual Great Reno Balloon Race (www.RenoBalloon.com) held in September, which showcases more than 100 hot air balloons. The Hot August Nights (www.hotaugustnights.net) event is one of the only classic car shows in America where spectators can see over 6,000 vintage automobiles up-close, while experiencing live entertainment, food vendors and a county fair-like atmosphere.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the annual Street Vibrations event should not be missed.

Reno is also home to the PGA Reno/Tahoe Open (www.RenoTahoeOpen.com), which is attended by some of the PGA's most respected golfers, and is home to the prestigious Montreux Golf Course (www.Montreusgolf.com), one of several in the region that attracts amateur and professional golfers alike, because of it's breathtaking setting and unique terrain.

The annual Reno Rodeo (www.RenoRodeo.com) is also a fun-filled family activity which attracts some of the most highly skilled and competitive cowboys in the country. Yet, attendees needn't know anything about rodeos to enjoy the festivities held here annually in conjunction with this event.

Whether your passion is bowling, golf, classic cars, aviation, shopping, gambling, barbecuing, or countless other activities, the Reno of today offers a refreshingly affordable destination with extremely fun and unique events and activities almost every week of the year. The city also features theatre and other cultural entertainment experiences outside of the casinos, plus headline musical and comedy entertainment nightly.

Reno is within a one hour drive from Lake Tahoe, which offers an incredible vacation experience onto itself - with spectacular skiing in the winter, and boating and other indoor and outdoor activities during the warmer months.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (http://renoairport.com) is serviced by a handful of major airlines, including Southwest and US Airways, which offer low-cost direct and connecting flights from most major U.S. cities.

For accommodations, there are the large casinos (which are very affordable compared to Las Vegas, with rooms starting at well under $100 per night). You'll also find even more affordable motels and even RV parks that offer comfortable accommodations, with special packages offered in conjunction with the ongoing events being held in the city.

So, if you haven't been to Reno in years, or if you've avoided this very special city due to misconceptions about it being an outdated and much smaller than Las Vegas, rethink your vacation options, learn more about some of the events being hosted here, and seriously consider a weekend or week-long visit.

Unfortunately, the main strip of casinos in Reno in the "downtown" area is in major need of refurbishment. The "mom and pop" owned businesses are mostly comprised of liqueur stores, walk-in wedding chapels, tattoo parlors, pawn shops, cheap souvenir stores and fast food dining establishments. However, a major attempt is underway to give this region a much-needed make-over.

Many of the casinos, however, are modern, clean, comfortable and very safe for tourists, so don't let the impact the bad economy has had on Reno deter you from visiting. I am confident you too will be pleasantly surprised by what's offered throughout the city and surrounding areas.

To learn more about the vacation opportunities, special events, casinos and attractions in and around Reno, visit Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority at www.visitrenotahoe.com, or call (800) FOR-RENO. After all, if you believe the hype, what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas. But, what you experience in Reno, you'll most likely be telling your friends, co-workers and relatives about for months to come.

Below is a selection of photos from my trip to Reno which offers a sampling of what you can expect from the various special events held here throughout the year.

All photos (c)2010 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.