The Insiders Guide to Awesome

Fall in Reno Tahoe makes for the ideal hiking climate. Not only do temps drop, but some hikes, like Whites Creek Trail and its towering aspen groves, change to fiery shades of red, orange and yellow.

Named after the infamous Donner Party, Donner Memorial State Park is home to recreational activities like fishing, camping and swimming. Stop by the Visitor Center for a history lesson of the area including Washoe life and the Chinese railroad builders.

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.

The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack. University of Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack Athletics are year-round conference contenders in just about every major sport. Catch a game or two for a howling good time.

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.

Whether you’re a rockstar on the ropes or a casual climber, you need a place to hone your skills for the real deal. Train safely on the next closest thing at Mesa Rim, Reno’s indoor climbing Mecca.

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.

Natural Selection is a store of conversation starters for any space. Lush exotic plants and natural oddities adorn the shelves. Think ethically-sourced taxidermy, antlers, skulls, insect displays and, in their own words, “all things glorious and natural.”

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.

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

Opened more than four decades ago, the Fireside Lounge is continually voted Reno’s best bar and lounge year after year. This storied watering hole is adored for its vintage vibe, plush booths and an iconic fire pit.