The Insiders Guide to Awesome

At 8260', Mt. Rose boasts the highest base elevation of Reno Tahoe’s ski resorts and its event calendar stands just as tall. After skiing impressive terrain, enjoy cookouts, live music, costume parties and even stein races in ski boots.

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.

Frozen meets Snow White when you snowshoe up to Chickadee Ridge. Take a pocketful of bird seed and enjoy stunning snow-covered views of Lake Tahoe while wild birds eat from the palm of your hand.

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.

If you're looking for some year-round festive fun, Reno Ice is the perfect place. Rent some skates and visit Reno's newest indoor winter attraction.

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.

You read that right. The Scheels store in Sparks is 295,000 square feet of sporting goods, outdoor gear and fitness wear. You could fit a Ferris wheel inside the thing. We know because they did. And yes, you can ride it.

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.

Whether you’re a rock star 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.

Instead of soaking your aching muscles and mind after the fact, take a more preemptive approach at Steamboat Hot Springs. This historical landmark only operates on natural, geothermal springs.

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.”

Out-of-towners might not believe it, but Reno's become one of the biggest coffee cultures in the West. Our pick is one of the oldest and most loved: Hub Coffee Roasters. Come for the meticulously brewed pour-overs and latte art, stay for the river views and dog-friendly atmosphere.

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.

More often than not, the average Renoite will tell you the best drinks in town are at Death and Taxes. Operating out of their speakeasy-style digs, this Midtown stalwart crafts carefully considered cocktails with dazzling flavors that belie their morbid namesake.

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.

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.