Lake Tahoe
Perhaps you would prefer a renewing mountain escape to gorgeous Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is home to several top ski resorts and with 12,735 total skiable acres, it is one of the nation’s largest ski destinations. Whether you are a beginner looking to take up a new sport or an expert skier looking for runs that will take your breath away, you will find what you are looking for on Tahoe’s slopes. But there is far more to this incredible resort than world-class skiing. Sweeping views of pine forests and the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe can be enjoyed year-round at this sunny mountain retreat. Set off on a guided wildflower hike, mountain bike the invigorating Flume Trail, enjoy a night out on the town complete with first-class dining and entertainment or rent a boat and set sail on Lake Tahoe’s sparkling waters. With a variety of accommodations available to suit every taste and desire, Tahoe is an ideal destination year-round for those seeking to escape the stress of life and those looking for a breath of fresh mountain air.
Although history and beautiful scenery surround Reno, the lure of the green-felt-covered tables can be as strong as a Tahoe zephyr. Reno might not offer a boulevard lined by worldly landmarks and exploding volcanoes like its big-sister city to the south, but it does have casinos that are intimate and often reflect the area’s focus on history and natural splendor.
Outside the casinos, the Raymond I. Smith Truckee River Walk downtown is a stylish, safe walkway that leads to parks and concert pavilions. The River Walk is a popular venue for many of the area’s events, including July’s Uptown Downtown Artown. Nearby, car buffs can meander through the National Automobile Museum, which is parked right on the River Walk. Community theaters are scattered throughout downtown, and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Nevada Opera and other classical concerts and events.
One of the most striking (pun intended) features on the Reno skyline is the silver geodesic dome of the National Bowling Stadium. Here, bowlers and bowling fans find pro tournaments as well as shops and an IMAX theater, proving—like Reno itself—that there’s more to its shiny exterior than meets the eye.