We are going to Lake Tahoe with friends, and are considering staying a night or two in Reno. I've been to Las Vegas, and none of us are particularly into gambling. Are there other things in the city itself to warrant consideration, or should we allow extra time elsewhere? We're flying into Reno, and are looking for somewhere close by for the start and end of our trip.

Having been to the area many times to stay at my partner's brother's house north of Tahoe, let me say there isn't a whole lot to do or see in Reno. There is a pretty good car museum and the hot summer nights car show is pretty amazing if you happen to be there then, but otherwise your time is far better spent heading west to Tahoe, Donner, and Truckee for a few examples. On the other hand you can still get some pretty fantastic hotel rooms in Reno for $50 or so, thanks to their casinos.

Thanks for the suggestions Neopolitan. Since we are already staying in Lake Tahoe for a week, what town should we consider, as an option for an added day at the beginning or end. I guess I'm really looking for a good first day experience most of all, in a spot either on the way, or as a different experience. Any suggestions? I'm working on three trips all at once, and admit I've spent the least amt. of time on this one, even though it's our next trip, just over a month away.

If you are at the Lake over Labor Day weekend, the Best In The West Rib Cookoff is held for four days in Sparks. There are 24 or 25 rib cookers from all over the country. Craft fair, live entertainment and ribs, ribs, ribs, if you like that kind of thing. If you aren't in town at that time, Virginia City can be either totally tourist tacky or very interesting historically...just depends on how you want to approach it. Also the museum in Carson City is very interesting..lots of works by native americans..baskets and reed duck decoys. These are dying arts and the duck decoys are actually copies, with the originals being in the Smithsonian. Genoa is a cute town..it's just south of Carson City next to the mountains. A couple of good restaurants and Wally's Hot Springs.

Reno used to call itself "The biggest little city in the world." You be the judge.

If you expect anything like Las Vegas, you will be sorely disappointed.

I have happy memories of Reno because I used to go there to visit a beloved relative who lived there most of her life.

Virginia City is interesting for an afternoon, and San Francisco is a three-hour drive.

Bodie National Park (a fascinating ghost town) is a beautiful 135-mile drive south of Reno.

I'd spend the days at Squaw Valley and go up to High Camp. Wadda view!

creffers...we went to the BBQ cook off for 3-4 straight years and it is ono-liscious!
We got a room right there at the Nugget the last 3x and it was "poifect".

Well Kal, it's coming up here in a few weeks...we have to get through Hot August Nights first...going on even as we "speak"..but I'm lickin' my chops. Those famouse words come to mind: Oh Yummo!!!!!! LOL

Last year was my first at Hot August Nights. Lotta fun!

As for the BBQ fest, what I'd give for a basket of BBQ'd Chicago Tri Tip "tips"! Allll Pittshburgh'd up! And a 32oz MGD!

...or stumble down the street for an "Icky"!