Nevada's
Reno-Tahoe Region Is America’s Adventure Destination, By Iris Dean:
Where can you find a hip play all day and night atmosphere? Reno-Tahoe, Nevada! This 24-hour destination offers year round entertainment, adventure, and attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
The Annual Reno River Festival
Head to Reno-Tahoe
in Mid May for the kick-off of the Annual
Reno River Festival. Festivities start on Thursday at 10am with the Whitewater
Expo, Food and Beer Garden Move-In. The Annual Reno River Festival unites the
best paddling competitors in the world for a weekend of kayaking competitions
and demos on the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Festival-goers who want to
experience the excitement first-hand are invited to get in the water and test
out the rapids with a full menu of classes and clinics led by local and regional
paddling experts. Those with basic knowledge of kayaking can participate in a
number of clinics to hones skills, including the Roll Session, Rolling and
Bracing and Eddy Line Techniques.
The Reno River Festival is held at the $1.5 million Truckee River Whitewater Park, located in the heart of Reno's booming downtown business and arts district. The park, with rapids rated class 2 and 3, is both Nevada's and the region's first whitewater park and kayak slalom racing course, totaling 2,600 feet in length and featuring north and south channels that surround an outdoor amphitheater and park. There are 11 "drop pools" and specially-placed boulders for kayaking maneuvers, a slalom racing course, and 7,000 tons of smooth flat rocks along the shores for easy river access and spectator seating.
Experience the thrill of dancing with Lady Luck with 24-hour Nevada-style gaming at the casinos. From beginners games for those just starting to learn the ropes to craps, roulette, blackjack, classic table games, plus the ever-popular poker and progressive slot machines. There's plenty of high-rolling action to experience in Reno-Tahoe.
A family favorite is the Reno Hilton's indoor golf center where visitors can play virtual courses from around the world all
year long. Boomtown Casino Hotel also boasts indoor fun at its 30,000-square-foot Family Fun Center, complete with miniature golf, a 3D movie theater, an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel and arcade. Circus Circus in downtown Reno has all the Big Top fun under one roof with live acrobat and trapeze acts, midway games for the kids and a full range of gaming for the adults. With all this and more, there's no shortage of ways to find fun after a day of skiing in Reno-Tahoe.
Outdoor Adventures
Reno is known for blackjack and 24-hour neon lights. Few know there's more than 960 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Add in the 300-plus days of sunshine and you have an outdoor paradise. From water sports to hang gliding to over 50 golf courses within 90 minutes of the
Reno-Tahoe International Airport, there's an abundance of outdoor adventures to explore, which is how Reno-Tahoe earned its claim as America's Adventure Place.
Annual events in Reno-Tahoe are just as exciting as the night life. Events like Artown, Hot August Nights, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the Reno River Festival, Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival, the Great Reno Balloon Races and the National Championship Air Races draw national and international attention. With more than 40 events attracting thousands of attendees, Reno-Tahoe always has something new to experience.
Kayaking Along The Truckee River
Capt. Elisha Stevens, who led fellow pioneers along the Truckee River in 1844, created a trail that rivaled the more famous Carson and Walker River routes. Stevens, credited with naming the Truckee River after the group's Native American guide, which runs through downtown Reno and historic Sparks would be amazed at the exciting kayaking competitions taking place on the Truckee River today.
Photo Credits: © USA Travel Magazine, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority & Reno River Festival
