Reno, Nevada is known as the “Biggest Little City in the World” and with a dichotomous character, both for its urbanity and its nature escapes, it has character like no other city. Although many compare Reno to Las Vegas because of the number of casinos, Reno is more than that. Its central location to Lake Tahoe makes it an outdoor enthusiasts’ retreat, and the food and beverage scene is blooming. Here’s your guide to Reno, Nevada.
Located in the hip, Midtown area of South Reno, Aiden by Best Western @ South Reno is in a central location that allows you to embark on new adventures in Reno. Steps away from the Meadowbrook Mall, and only half an hour from Lake Tahoe, start your day by dining at the in-hotel eatery, Two Chicks, then get ready to explore all Reno has to offer.
“A hipster, a sports fan and a craft beer connoisseur walk into a Reno bar; the bartender brings them all delicious drinks and they all have a wonderful time. That’s no joke. Reno bars are actually like that,” reports Reno Tourism. With the free, Reno Tahoe Brewery Pass, you can visit some of the tasty breweries in the area and see for yourself how well they do craft brews, while simultaneously receiving deep discounts. Don’t miss The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery, built in 1910 as the headquarters for the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway, and serving up delicious craft beers. With your pass you can buy one beer and get one 50% off.
We’ve already mentioned that Two Chicks is your go-to in-hotel eatery. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, start your day with a Simply Sinful Sandwich which includes Nutella, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and bananas. For a heavier, savory meal, go to the Great Basin Brewery and Restaurant. Not only are they Nevada’s Most Award-Winning Brewery, (order the Ichthyosaur “Icky” IPA named after an extinct 200-million-year-old reptile), but their Mac Attack burger will fill you up: it includes beef, mac n’ cheese, smoked provolone, bacon and a pretzel bun.
You can’t visit Reno without visiting Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, complete with 72 miles of pristine, crystal-clear water. For beach access try Sand Harbor, Chimney Beach, North Tahoe Beach, or Kings Beach.
If white water rafting is more your scene, go on a Truckee River Float Trip. The Truckee River has wild, rushing rapids, Class 3 & 4, and you can rent a raft with Truckee River Rafting Co. But the river doesn’t just have rapids, much of the river is tranquil, so enjoy the sunshine and a beachy spot to unpack a cooler and relax.
And of course, in Reno there is a vibrant nightlife that leaves much to explore. With casinos set against mountain backdrops, live music across all genres and nightclubs where you can dance the night away, the neon lights never seem to turn off in Reno, Nevada.