We will be in Reno this weekend...husband has to be there for business. My 15yr old daughter will be tagging along with us. Is it very similar to Vegas? (I know it isn't as big) Also, they have booked us at Circus Circus. Have any of you had good or bad experiences there?

I find Reno almost NOTHING at all like Las Vegas -- at least if you're including the entire strip in Vegas. I suppose if you compared DOWNTOWN Las Vegas only to Reno, the comparison would make some sense, however.

It is nothing like Vegas. Circus Circus is connected to Silver Legacy which is connected to El Dorado. My young kids had fun playing at Circus Circus but we couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Oh great...sounds like maybe daughter and I should have stayed home. Suzie, what was awful about Circus Circus?

Reno is just pretty dumpy. Not my kind of place. I’ve been chastised on TA for being negative about Reno but people ask for opinions and that’s mine. I don’t gamble so nothing in Reno interests me.

My boyfriend and I went to Reno recently since we were at Tahoe, I haven't been back to Reno since I was little and my bf had never been there...we found it depressing and couldn't get out of there fast enough...NOTHING like Vegas.

The best thing about Draino is that it 45 minutes from Tahoe, and the not too much longer to Virginia city. We go occasionally and it's not that bad.

I guess I better take plenty to read. Maybe we can zip over to Tahoe!

"I’ve been chastised on TA for being negative about Reno" - same happened to me on Fodor's, so I am trying to post as little as possible about Reno

I agree with Baybee it's depressing But, Nolefan, try to make the best out of it!

Will you have a car? Can you go to Sacramento, or Virginia city, or Carson city?

Should be an open air skating park at the river in Reno. Go there at daytime.

Will you shop at Silver Legacy? The food is good there.

Watch free circus at Circus and ride the monorails.

If you don't mind driving, it's 45 minutes from Reno to Truckee (all freeway), which is a cool little mountain/ski town with appropriate shopping/restaurants. You and your daughter will both enjoy that much more than Reno. Downtown Reno isn't my fave (although as casinos go, the former Bally's is nice; but your 15-year old can't hang out in a casino anyway).

You need to watch the weather. There is snow on the ground and I think the forecast was for a high of about 34, low in the 20's.

thanks for all in info...we tend to find a way to have a good time in most situations. We will be happy to see snow. Here in B'ham we are having a heat wave!

Suzie, I agree. I found it quite depressing ( and depressed!)

My husband and I were there a few years ago and had a good time. I think any place is what you make of it. We can have fun anywhere. Just enjoy being away from home and exploring a new area!

I echo the others who suggested Virignia City. They have a couple of tours of the old mines, cemeteries, "ghost" walks, and other activities.

In downtown Reno, they have historic walks and a pretty nice auto museum.