Reno, NV July 2024

Get Lost

When was the last time you got lost? I mean really lost. Like when your heart jumps a little and perhaps even a second or two of panic seeps into your mind.

In late May, my son and I went on a backcountry skiing trip just outside of Bridgeport. We knew where we were and were somewhat familiar with the straightforward route but before we left my wife, as she always does, sent us off with a “call me when you’re out there!” I warned her of the possibility that we’d have no service and lo and behold, once we took off, we had no service. No phone, no texting, no maps, no GPS. Honestly (and no, this is not about being out of range of my significant other), it was pure bliss. We locked into our route finding, we took extra time to look around, and despite being comfortable in our surroundings, we had to pay close attention so we really didn’t get lost.

While I’ll readily admit that we are creatures of habit and many of us cherish routine and familiarity, we live in an amazing place with nearly unlimited potential to explore. Whether it’s out the front door, a trip to a part of town or a neighboring area or region that we never or don’t often visit, there’s so much to see and do in Reno and beyond. While I might have gotten just a wee bit nostalgic with my getting lost intro, my point is really much more along the lines of get out there and do something new. A new hike, a new drive, a new restaurant, a new park. Whatever inspires you, just go explore.

Welcome to our Explore issue my intrepid readers. Now get inspired and go get lost.

MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nora Heston Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kurt Fehling, Britton Griffith, Angela Rudolph

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jesse Bradford, Kurt Fehling, Marcello Rostagni, Angela Rudolph

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

Summer n with the David M ris Gr p! Summer n with the David M ris Gr p!

Summer brings the “selling season” for most folks looking to make a move during better weather. To get the most out of your sale, we at the David Morris Group highly recommend the following tips to boost curb appeal and first impressions:

1. Tidy front landscaping and add brightly colored flowers by the front door. Using flowerpots is an inexpensive way to create a welcoming entrance.

2. Tour current model homes for décor inspiration. Depersonalize your home so buyers can envision themselves living there.

3. Air out your home for a fresh scent. Avoid overpowering fragrances.

4. Open blinds and turn on lights in every room to create a cheerful and open atmosphere.

For more information or to schedule a listing consultation, Contact us today!

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Downtown Reno Partnership team attended Nevada Women’s Fund's Women of Achievement event May 23. 2: Sol-Up celebrated its grand opening on Earth Day, April 20. 3: On May 9, the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce held the Biggest Business Expo Ever. 4: On April 30, the Edison Apartments celebrated its grand opening with an official ribbon cutting. 5: The Riverwalk District held its inaugural Pup Crawl on May 18 to support local non-profits. 6: Nevada Throwing Company competed in the Great Basin Scottish Highland Games on May 4. 7: Bronze Olympic Medalist Krysta Palmer poses at Home Means Nevada Poster Signing on May 18.

Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Nowhere Go Somewhere,

A vacation doesn’t have to mean going far; in fact, sometimes the best plans are the ones made close to home. Get out of town without the hassle and enjoy a long weekend in Carson Valley, a bucolic rural community made up of Minden, Gardnerville, and Genoa.

Any adventure here will combine the small town charm of one of the state’s oldest (and most scenic) areas, plus outdoor adventure and culinary delights you wouldn’t imagine outside of a big city.

MINDEN

For your accommodations, we recommend booking a room at the Carson Valley Inn. The simple yet expansive resort includes everything from dining to indoor swimming, plus a solid line-up of entertainment both indoors and out that ramps up in the summer months. Enjoy headliners at TJ’s Corral or listen to musical stylings in the cabaret lounge in between visits to the sports book and casino.

When you’re ready to venture out for the evening— which isn’t strictly necessary—the Minden Mill is next door. The old mill building has been reimagined as a distillery with distinct touches, from the green, Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging above the spiral staircase to the brick walls encasing three floors of places to taste local spirits.

A tour will take visitors through the distilling process before ending with a tasting. If you want to keep the party going, hop over to Corner Bar, which sits perhaps-not-surprisingly, on the corner of Minden’s short but sweet main street.

GENOA

Genoa is the oldest town in Nevada, established before the Silver State became an official member of the U.S.A. With a population of around 1,000 people, it’s still small, but mighty.

It’s easy to imagine an old western town, and that’s not completely inaccurate, but the culinary excellence in Genoa is perhaps the best kept surprise. Stop by Daniel’s Fine Dining for a menu that melds French cuisine with Old Nevada hospitality. Before dinner, enjoy a drink in The Ice House, a separate building on property that features a full bar and sweeping views of the town.

Next door, The Pink House gets its name from its vibrant hue, and the menu is impressive for three meals each day. At night, live music under a neon sign in the restaurant’s courtyard is the perfect spot for a nightcap.

One of Genoa’s best attractions is Genoa Bar and Saloon, the oldest bar in the state. Dust-covered bralettes hang from antlers on the ceilings and drinks won’t break the bank. It’s a nod to the watering holes popular throughout Nevada’s more rural areas, and it sits next door to an antique shop and across the street from a market serving delicious sandwiches and more.

Before you leave, stop by River Fork Ranch or Mormon Station and walk the picturesque trails. The silence is almost as breathtaking as the snow-capped mountain views.

GARDNERVILLE

Before leaving town, stop in Gardnerville. The town is a hub for antiques, featuring kitschy and cute shops donning everything from 1970s dishware to sports memorabilia.

25 Activities to Enhance Your Summer in Reno

1. TAKE A CRUISE WITH PINEAPPLE PEDICABS

Pineapple Pedicabs are a unique, environmentally friendly, and adventurous way to explore Reno. With options ranging from booking a guided pedicab to party pedicabs like the brew bike, there are options to fit every type of adventure you’re in the mood for.

2. HIT THE WATER RANGE AT THE GRAND SIERRA RESORT

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned golfer, you’ll have fun at the Grand Bay Driving Range at the Grand Sierra Resort. Open every day until 10 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, this is a must-do as you can laugh with your friends trying to hit golf balls onto the eight floating island greens in the water feature. Club rentals are available.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH

3. MAKE MEMORIES AT THE SPARKS MARINA

Beat the heat by catching the latest feature film at the Galaxy Theaters Legends IMAX, then grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, (we recommend a Wet Woody and delicious food at the Sparks Water Bar). Top off the evening with an escape room from Key & Code Escape Rooms located at the Outlets at the Legends. Then, walk the 1.9-mile loop around the water as the sun sets.

4. SHOP THE BOUTIQUES IN MIDTOWN

There’s nothing quite as fun as grabbing an iced coffee and walking around the boutique shops in Midtown Reno with your friends for an afternoon of sightseeing in your own town. Start at the Sticks shopping mall and weave your way down South Virginia Street and the adjacent side streets. You never know quite what you’ll find.

5. GRAB A SCOOP AT BLACK ROCK DESSERT

Hot summer days call for delicious icy treats to cool off. Black Rock Dessert offers decadent, handcrafted desserts that’ll please your tastebuds and give you a sweet escape. Follow on Instagram to see what specials they are concocting. Or try an ice cream flight.

6. STARGAZING AT PYRAMID LAKE

Worth the drive! Head to Pyramid Lake for an unrivaled view of the night sky close to home. The untouched nature of a rare desert lake will take your breath away. A day pass is available from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

7. DIP YOUR TOES INTO THE TRUCKEE RIVER DOWNTOWN

Even if you missed the Reno River Festival in June, there is always good people-watching by the river with swimmers, fishers, and rafters enjoying the natural beauty of the Truckee in downtown Reno.

Barracuda Championship

8. SUMMER CONCERTS DURING ARTOWN

Pull up a lawn chair or bring a blanket and take part in the Artown Summer Concert Series. This year there are artists like Jake Shimabukuro, Dionne Warwick, Ann Hampton Callaway, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Steep Canyon Rangers, and more. Check online for their full schedule and all the other family-friendly events offered throughout July during Artown.

9. JAM TO SOME MUSIC FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The annual Pops on the River Fundraiser for the Reno Phil will take you on a trip to Nashville from the comfort of Reno with “Nashville to Neon” on July 13 at the Glow Plaza.

10. FLOAT THE TRUCKEE

Grab an inflatable river raft or tube, bring some water and sunscreen, and hop into the Truckee River for an afternoon of leisurely floating as you take in the sights waterside. A great place to pop in is from Mayberry Park in Reno to float straight into downtown.

11. HAVE A PICNIC IN OXBOW NATURE PARK

Just a few blocks down the road from local art and unique shopping boutiques on Dickerson Road, you’ll find the peaceful and lush Oxbow Nature Park tucked along the Truckee River. It’s a great place to take a stroll, get fresh air, and listen to the babbling of the river.

12. ART AFTER DARK

A new limited summer art night market and vending fair called “Art After Dark” from the Reno Generator at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center is running this summer. The market will take place on June 14, July 19, and August 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. each night. Art After Dark features over 70 local artists and crafters, showcasing their work in downtown Reno. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, drinks, and all the local art.

13. CRUISE TO THE DRIVE-IN MOVIES

It isn’t summer without at least one night of a double feature at the West Wind El Rancho Drive-in Movie Theater. Pack up your blankets, buy your popcorn, and enjoy an open-air flick with friends and family.

14. WATCH THE PGA TOUR

Catch the Barracuda Championship golf tournament in Truckee, the region’s only PGA TOUR event, at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood, from July 18 to 21. Pro tip: Avoid the parking hassle and bike in. You can park for free in general parking in Truckee and then bike along the designated route through downtown to enjoy $10 off your ticket, a free beer courtesy of 5050 Brewing Co., and a bike valet.

15. GET A TASTE OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT GALENA CREEK

Located off Mount Rose Highway is a densely forested regional park, Galena Creek. This park offers easy, moderate, and challenging hiking

trails, fishing in Marilyn’s Pond, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits, exhibits in the Galena Creek Visitor’s Center, and summer programming including the Galena Campfire Program, every Friday from June 30 to August 4.

16. CATCH A SHOW AT THE FLEISCHMANN PLANETARIUM

The planetarium has a Full-Dome Theater with a calendar of shows to pick from. Special this summer is a collaboration with Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary “Creatures in the Sky: Summer Stargazing at Animal Ark” where you can use high-tech telescopes to stargaze views of night sky creatures and deep sky objects. July 19 will be the final run in the series, so don’t miss it.

17. SIP ON A COCKTAIL (OR A MOCKTAIL)

Downtown and Midtown Reno have many specialty cocktail bars, which makes barhopping in the summer refreshing and exciting. Some of our favorite spots include Chapel Tavern, Rum Sugar Lime (which offers nine different, freshly made mocktail options) the Emerson, and Tequila Catador.

18. COOL OFF WITH ICE SKATING AT RENO ICE

Public skates are offered weekly and you may even enjoy an evening disco skate session. The schedule is available on RenoIce.com.

19. LEARN TO LINE DANCE

Pure Country Canteen in Sparks features an authentic honky-tonk scene and line-dancing lessons. Beginners can come on Monday nights for $5 and the whole family is welcome on Wednesdays.

20. GET WILD AT ANIMAL ARK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

With discount days and programming events like Summer Stargazing, Ales and Tails, and Ark at Dark, the summer schedule at Northern Nevada’s home for injured or non-releasable wildlife is buzzing.

21. FIND YOUR INNER ARTIST AT THE NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART

Breathtaking exhibits are always available and during the summer there are a number of special events including “Art After Dark: Retro Rewind,” an adults-only, hands-on, immersive experience on July 19, and “An Evening with Cowboy Musicians Brenn Hill and Andy Hedges” on July 27.

22. SPLASH AROUND AT WILD ISLAND WATERPARK

For a truly enjoyable day, rent a cabana and kick back in the sun or shade. The lazy river, the wave pool, and multiple water slides … what’s not to love?!

Pineapple Pedicabs

23. CHECK OUT THE CLASSICS DURING HOT AUGUST NIGHTS

A Reno staple, Hot August Nights, held August 6 to 11, is all about enjoying classic cars and rock ‘n roll while mingling with locals and tourists. More than 5,500 classic cars will take center stage during this iconic and nostalgic event.

24. WAKE UP EARLY FOR THE HOT AIR BALLOON RACES

The glow show before dawn is truly spectacular at the Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. This year the race will take place September 6-8.

25. DINE WELL DURING THE RIB COOK-OFF

Teams of expert culinary chefs compete to cook up the best BBQ you can find August 28-September 2 in Victorian Square in Sparks. The Best in the West Rib Cook-Off spans six blocks and draws in around 350,000 rib enthusiasts. This year the Ying Yang Twins will perform, plus daily performances by other artists. It’s sure to be a finger-licking good time!

We asked some of our favorite locals, where are your favorite getaways close to home?

Where is your favorite place to explore near Reno?

ARTICLE BY BRITTON GRIFFITH

Nicole Theodoulou, Marketing, Communications & PR Specialist for Franklin Energy

“My favorite spot near Reno is Spencer Hot Springs. The natural hot spring pools vary in temperature and size, and the dark skies are perfect for stargazing as there is zero light pollution in the center of Nevada (the middle of nowhere). It's the perfect place to relax, breathe in the beauty of the desert, and let your worries melt away... The closest town is Austin, Nevada."

Kylie Rowe, Executive Director & Advocate for Data-Informed Decision-Making, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow

“We love Grass Valley and Nevada City for the weekend and stopping by the garden at Ananda with its 19,000 tulips each spring, and soaking at the Yuba River in the summer! Feels extended local as it's only 1.5 hours away, so it’s easy to get there for just a day and back with friends and family!”

Debbie McCarthy, Food, Travel, Wine Blogger & Media Influencer

"For a charming getaway in Virginia City... stay at B Street House Inn, a fully restored 1875 Victorian home offering luxurious amenities and a European-style breakfast. Enjoy the Virginia City Outlaws Wild West Comedy Show for family-friendly laughs. Quench your thirst at the historic Bucket of Blood saloon, where you can enjoy live country music and feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Old West. Don’t forget to stop by St. Mary’s in the Mountains Catholic Church, Nevada’s oldest Catholic church, for a glimpse into the area’s rich history."

Connor Naisbitt, Vice President of Operations, The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce

“For me the best getaway to play golf is at Grizzly Ranch outside of Graeagle, they also have camping options and hiking near the Lake Davis and the Feather River Canyon. While in that region I also like the Brewing Lair in Blairsden, California in the Sierra Nevada forest. They have live music, disc golf, and a full selection of brews and bites."

NEVADA’S DIRT TRAILS PROFFER VIEWS, CHALLENGES, AND MORE

Therein lies the beauty of Northern Nevada and all that it has to offer as we are truly fortunate to have such choices; choices that allow each of us to define our own personal adventure.

Adventure. Chances are that word means something different to you and me. For me, adventure almost always centers around cars. Our group, Wide Open Rallies ( http://www.wideopenrallies.com) regularly provides curated adventures that consist of driving through thrilling and scenic routes in the western U.S. My challenge for this article strayed a bit from my usual path: off-road. I readily accepted it though, embracing Northern Nevada and its vast network of off-road trails that include those fit for a complete novice all the way to those willing to push the limits of their purpose-built rock crawlers.

The local Land Rover store was quick to offer their latest and greatest steed as our first contestant in the form of a 2024 Defender 110. I have to confess; I have never driven a Defender of any vintage, so I was quick to accept before a saner mind stepped in to rescind. It was an off-road spec with the requisite knobby(ish) tires, nearly a foot of ground clearance, and impressive approach and departure angles each greater than 30 degrees. The interior was similarly purposeful with easy to clean surfaces, great sight lines, and plenty of grab handles, yet it still had accoutrements that most of us expect from the

brand, such as heated seats, a top of the line stereo, and the now ubiquitous large center touchscreen.

Our second contestant was a proper OG thanks to my good friend and prominent local neurosurgeon, Michael Song. His 1995 D110 Defender with a turbocharged diesel engine was good for all of 85 horsepower and had that anachronistic style with just the right amount of patina to look the business. That classic boxy design that Land Rovers are known for looked every bit ready to tackle anything that lacked pavement.

We set out just as the sun rose early on a spring day that was crisp enough to not threaten any of the remaining snowpack that littered the route. My buddy and founder of Wide Open Rallies,  Gregg  Betonte, led the way towards some native American petroglyphs that we had been wanting to check out.  The “road” (and I use the term loosely) turned into an off-roader’s dream. While the ruts and washed-out gullies would not even phase our conveyances, the ever-narrowing gap between the trees and shrubs threatened to add pin stripes, making this a route best suited for those ok with getting their ride a bit banged up. Neither

CONTINUED >

Defender put a foot wrong to this point as there was no rut deep enough, or rock “rocky” enough that would have stopped our progress. If this sounds like your kind of gig, take Lousetown Road east from the Virginia Highlands.

Once back down Geiger Grade, we steered towards Toll Road instead, which quickly ran out of asphalt but still offered a more paint friendly path. This route threw a bit of everything at us, enough so that we were able to test the mettle of each vehicle as we crept over mud slicked surfaces, ruts deep enough to be named

Lake Toll, and a few rocks large enough to get a wheel or two in the air. The newer Defender barely batted an eye as it was able to attack each obstacle with more poise and grace than either of us expected. It was as sure footed as our indigenous bighorns and required only a judicious right foot to maintain momentum. The OG, meanwhile, had a recalcitrant 5-speed with a right hand drive set up to wrangle. Every input had to be a bit more deliberate and done in anticipation of need. Balancing the rig required a deft left foot on the clutch to set the Defender up for approach.

Its first gear was appropriately low, allowing a snail’s pace without bogging down. Both vehicles lived up to their pedigree with the only real difficulty being the steering of the older one that was about as accurate as Gieger Grade is straight.

Ultimately, our persistence paid off because as we climbed in altitude the view opened up to reveal that vastness of Washoe Valley with stunning vistas of the snowcapped mountains to the west. I have to confess; I do usually prefer my adventures to be on some sort of macadam but I now better understand the lure of an off-road adventure. You get a totally different experience than those that stay on the beaten path as it allows more intimacy with nature. Having two outstanding vehicles as we did certainly added to the enjoyment. The latest and greatest Defender is the most logical choice for many given the ease at which

it tackled the route and demonstrated just how far modern vehicles have come, especially with its dual purpose nature. The ability of the new Defender to be a relatively plush, everyday grocery getter that is also one of the most capable off-roaders extant is nothing short of amazing.

The OG Defender is no slouch either and offers that sort of throw-back styling and panache that is in vogue today. Betonte and I were more than impressed and found it difficult to decide which we would choose next time. The decision would more than likely come down to the trail with the OG being our choice for the more hardcore route with the newer model reserved for the less risky one so as not to scratch the exterior. Therein lies the beauty of Northern Nevada and all that it has to offer as we are truly fortunate to have such choices; choices that allow each of us to define our own personal adventure.

ooh, BARRACUDA!

From July 15-21, the 2024 Barracuda Championship will be underway. Come out to Old Greenwood at the Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee and watch the excitement with your whole family, whether you consider yourself a golf fan or not.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT.

The PGA Tour event is unlike similar tournaments in large part due to its scoring system. Barracuda uses the Stableford scoring method, where golfers want to earn points. “You’re going to see a lot of pluses and that’s a good thing,” says Tournament Director Chris Hoff. “It kind of incentivizes them to take a little bit more of a risk.”

THE ATMOSPHERE.

“It’s incredibly laid back and… intimate,” Hoff describes. There are less crowds than some other high profile tournaments. “We’re just in a market where we don’t have those kinds of numbers so you’re going to be able to attend the event and literally be right on the rope line watching some of the best professional golfers in the world.”

CHARITABLE GIVING.

“All of our proceeds go back to charity,” Hoff explains. Since the tournament’s inception in 1998, it has raised over $5.5 million, largely giving back to the local community.

DON'T MISS:

While attending the tournament, don’t forget to stop by the autograph zones, especially if you have kids with you. Professional golfers are always looking to sign autographs and give away balls and gloves after rounds.

On the evening of Sunday, July 21, a new champion will be crowned around 6 PM. Buy tickets and learn more at Baracudachampionship.com

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE

The annual PGA Tour event is back in Truckee

JULY 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 1ST - 31ST

Artown

Throughout Reno

Artown is back for its annual month-long celebration of the arts. Throughout Reno, several venues will host free and low-cost events including jazz series, cultural happenings, live art demonstrations, and more. Visit Artown.org to learn more.

JULY 9TH - 14TH

Round Rock Express at Reno Aces

Greater Nevada Field

It’s a packed calendar while the home team is in town. Show up for Taco Tuesday, Dog Day, Fireworks Friday, Grateful Dead Day, or Family Sunday.

JULY 13TH

Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert

National Automobile Museum Patio | 6:00 PM

Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads pay tribute to the one and only Jimmy Buffet. This musical evening offers food trucks, drinks, games, and other activities. It is recommended that you bring your own low-back lawn chair.

JULY 15TH - 21ST

2024 Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee

This official PGA Tour event invites expert golfers to play in a professional tournament at the Old Greenwood Course at Tahoe Mountain Club.

JULY 27TH - 28TH

Bass Camp Festival VII

Wingfield Park

Two days of EDM music will rock Wingfield Park this summer. Held on the Truckee River, this raging music festival features big names including Kill Safari, Bear Grillz, Gigantic Nghtmre, and Zeds Dead.

JULY 27TH - 28TH

Brick Fest Live

Reno-Sparks Convention Center

Thousands of bricks are used to create larger-than-life displays at this cool building event made for families and junior architects of all ages. Dive into a brick pit filled with more than 200,000 bricks, enter the glow zone, create mosaic art, and enjoy other hands-on activities.