Discover New Horizons
Jess.Wandering
Jess.Wandering is a travel blog dedicated to bringing you captivating stories, bucket list destinations, and off-the-beaten-track experiences from near and far.
Where Scenery Meets Serenity
Yes, the mountains are calling, but so is the art and shopping in Reno and the clear waters of Tahoe! Strike the perfect balance between outdoor exploration and urban inspiration with this itinerary inspired by some of the best-known travel content creators - Jess.Wandering, Everchanginghorizon, Chelsea Kauai and ReneeRoaming.
Start your days in nature and then find your way back to Reno and Sparks for tailor-made shopping experiences and mindblowing art spaces. Mix and match to find your perfect blend of nature and nurture. After all, this trip is yours so make it all it can be!
Audience
- Urban explorers
- Arts and culture aficionados
- Those seeking relaxation outdoors
- Solo travelers or couples
When to go
- Summer
- Fall
Find Your Balance
The Air is Fresher Up Here
Set your alarm and take the scenic drive to Lake Tahoe Balloons to start your morning bright and early, setting sail on a hot air balloon. This is an experience unique to Reno Tahoe, where you will take off and land in the middle of Lake Tahoe. The average thrill seeker will enjoy an adrenaline rush that comes with this once-in-a-lifetime Tahoe water adventure. This experience is an unbeatable way to see spectacular views of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake and the Desolation Wilderness. Finish the flight off with a champagne toast, mimosas and snacks upon landing.
Go With the Flow
Since you started your day with views of Lake Tahoe, now it's time to get on the water. Few things are more peaceful that paddling along the shore, finding hidden beaches and secret coves. Stand-up paddleboarding has become synonymous with Tahoe, but Clearly Tahoe also rents kayaks, and yes, they have clear ones! They rent their equipment at Sand Harbar State Park, but you can also book a guided tour.
Casting Call
Some compare fly fishing to meditation, and we can see why. There's something very zen about listening to the sound of the river and finding your rhythm as you cast your line into the water. For seasoned anglers and those curious about the sport, Reno Fly Shop will set you up with everything you need to fish the Truckee River. You can book a private lesson and fishing trip with one of their incredible guides, or get the latest reports if you're heading out on your own.
In Your Thrifting Era
Find some of the best vintage shopping anywhere, right here in the Biggest Little City. Reno is ripe with unique, curated thrifting experiences, and Junkee Clothing Exchange is a must-stop for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces. This has become a favorite for anyone heading to Burning Man, but you can find plenty of things to spruce up your home or your everyday wardrobe. We can guarantee that whatever you take home from Junkee will be unlike anything in your friends' closets.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Get back to nature and find some fresh air on this mellow hike in Incline Village, just short drive from Reno. Starting at Tunnel Creek Cafe, at the same trailhead as the East Shore Trail, is the Monkey Rock hike. This 2.6 mile out-and-back trail is known for its panoramic views of the lake with a granite stone shaped like the face of a monkey at the top. This beautiful trail is the perfect option to explore outside the city with some picture perfect photo ops!
Where Art Comes to Life
Head to Sparks for a guided tour of the artist makerspace known as The Generator - a place that’s sure to get your creative juices flowing. Check out current build projects by the artists who call this workspace home, see Playa art before it relocates to Black Rock City for Burning Man, and learn about the workshops they offer on this free tour of one of the cornerstones of the Reno Tahoe arts community.