Reno Off The Beaten Path

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The Cal Nevada Casino at North Lake Tahoe features the state line separating California and Nevada running through the parking lot, the lobby area, and the pool.

The casino of course is only on the Nevada side and there is no agricultural inspection station for 20 miles.

Heading south toward Virginia City, take Highway 395 south from Reno (it's called S. Virginia St). It merges with a four-lane highway. Take the 341 turnoff, and follow it into the mountains. Up there is a fine view of Reno and the surrounding valley. It's worth seeing if you're on your way to Virginia City.

Actually, it is probably pretty easy to do for travellers. Lots of people find that it is easy to stay up all night in the casino. And, when you finally leave, take a gander at the skyline. Lots of pretty sunrises in Reno.

If you are traveling with kids, there are several animal parks in the Reno area. My nephew enjoyed seeing the tigers, the bears, and other wildcats. But he loved the ants and bugs stuck in the cactus flowers the most.

Unless you get lost or go looking for it, you might miss this bridge near the old arch of Reno. It's on the edge of town, away from the most popular casinos. But I'd suggest wandering along the riverfront. From this bridge you can look upriver and see artwork in the middle of the river.

It is a common sight to see wild horses east of Reno. This small band of mustangs was behind Rattlesnake Hill on the eastern edge of Reno.

One of my favorite country music singers Lacy J. Dalton is very active in the protection of mustangs. She lives in Virginia City, nestled in the mountains to the east of Reno. When you come down the Geiger Grade into Reno from Virginia City, you'll even see warning signs that help remind drivers they are running around.

Behind Rattlesnake Hill on the eastern edge of Reno (off McCarren) you can drive back into the hills. You'd get to see some scenery shots like this, lots of sagebrush, mustangs, and a nice view of "the biggest little city". Another scenic drive up into the hills would be to go east on State Route 431 to Virginia City.

Look for the movie Cobb at the video rental store and you'll see what Reno looked like in the 1940's. The movie company worked to track down the old arch, and had it restored and temporarily hung on 4th Street where the buildings looked older so that they could recreate an older version of Reno. After the movie production was completed the City of Reno moved the old arch and it can be found near the William F. Harrah National Automobile Museum on Lake Street.