The Insiders Guide to Awesome

The Flume Trail is a mountain biker's dream ride -- no matter your level. Pedal 14 miles of sun-soaked Tahoe views at 8,000 ft above sea-level. Grab a recovery bite, or brew, at Tunnel Creek Cafe next door.

Few Tahoe institutions are as beloved as the MS Dixie II. South Lake’s largest cruising vessel has been charming passengers (up to 500 at a time) for years with daytime, dinner and private cruises.

The Lahontan cutthroat trout is renowned for putting up a helluva fight and they call the shores of Pyramid Lake their home. Grab a Pyramid Lake fishing permit and chase these trophy giants.

Ever wonder where the massive art installations at Burning Man are made? For many of them, it’s at The Generator in Sparks, where artists, builders and first-time crafters can use the creative space for their personal projects or take workshop classes. Photo courtesy of TravelNevada

The National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno houses some of the rarest cars known to man. Admire yourself in the side of a copper and teak Rolls Royce or check out celebrity rides like The Duke’s ‘53 Corvette while in downtown Reno.

Nevada’s only accredited art museum also knows how to throw a party. When you’re not contemplating the intricacies of art from around the world and Nevada, belly up to the bloody mary bar at Sunday brunch or sip a cocktail on the roof at First Thursdays.

We firmly believe in “you grow old once you stop playing,” so that’s why we recommend The Discovery. Downtown Reno’s exploratorium is an everyday science and learning center for kids and an after-hours special event space for young-at-heart adults.

If you ask us, every day is a perfect day for baseball. But no day is quite like Sunday, when the Reno Aces sling $1 hot dogs all afternoon long. Take the family (heck, might as well invite extended relatives at that price) and gain some serious MVP status (Most Valuable Parent).

There are go-karts, and then there’s Need 2 Speed. We’re talking high performance, white-knuckle karts that kick it up to 45 mph, leaving lesser vehicles eating their dust. Who will win the bragging rights in your group?

Luxuriously designed and beautifully appointed, Spa Atlantis is the only spa in Northern Nevada to receive the highly-coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star designation. Check in at 8 a.m. and stay till close at 9 p.m. for a true spa day.

So you had a perfect day on the slopes. Know what would make it better? A muscle-melting soak at David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort, conveniently located at the base of the Sierras.

Ain’t no party like a pool party, and Grand Sierra Resort is where it’s at. Light up your nights with the pool's live DJ and then wind down poolside in a cabana or at the GSR Spa in a cozy robe and some of those delightfully fuzzy slippers.

One of Midtown’s long standing cultural institutions is Junkee Clothing Exchange, a one-of-a-kind store that’s part costume shop, part thrift store and part vintage shop. Don’t be surprised to find yourself leaving the parking lot with a truck load of goods from the undisputed champion of eclectic Midtown vibes.

When in Reno Tahoe, right? Head over to Home Means Nevada for Silver State-themed shirts, hats, and souvenirs before checking out the Reno Tahoe Visitor Center. You'll be looking Battle Born-and-raised in no time.

The Outlets at Legends definitely doesn’t fit the typical outdoor mall bill. Sure, there are the upscale bargains and good eats among its 45 stores and restaurants, but also historic markers of Nevada’s history and state lore scattered throughout.

Did you know Northern Nevada is rich in Basque heritage and culture? It’s on full display at Louis’ Basque Corner, where they serve up traditional comfort food “family style” (lots of food, lots of sharing) along with their famous Picon Punch, which hits more like a haymaker.

Of course, Nevada’s oldest brewery would sell a flagship beer named after a dinosaur. Thus, the Icky IPA (short for Ichthyosaur, Nevada’s state fossil) was born and, subsequently, loved by Reno’s original craft beer scene. Don't leave Reno without trying this quintessential Northern Nevada brew.

Simple Ice Cream Sandwiches are really anything but when you consider the flavor combinations. Chocolate chip cookies sandwiching peanut butter ice cream? Pumpkin ice cream crammed between cronut slices? Clean yourself up, you’re drooling.

Reno’s first combined brewery and distillery is also one of the more beautiful places to grab brunch. Originally the main stop on the NV-CA-OR Railway, the Depot now serves comforting American fare and their own brand of craft beer and spirits.

If you haven’t noticed by now, we’ve got a thing for our Wild West roots. That’s why there’ll always be soft spots in our hearts for the Genoa Bar and Saloon, where Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor has been wetting whistles since 1853. Photo courtesy of Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Move over, cornhole. The newest lawn game of the moment is bocce ball, and the absolute best spot to play is Bundox Bocce. Play on their full size, freshly carpeted courts, then settle any disputes with skeeball and table tennis. Loser buys drinks.