In case you missed it, Reno is getting a bit of a makeover.
The gateway to Black Rock City still has the same gritty casino vibes your grandma remembers, but these days, plenty of rad small businesses are popping up around town with specialty, craft offerings. At last count, Reno has 12 (!) local craft breweries. Our favorites? Revision and 10 Torr. Reno is also taking inspiration from our northern neighbor by transforming "Little Portland" near downtown with establishments such as Pine State Biscuits and Sizzle Pie Pizza popping up in recent years. With a fondness for the PNW ourselves, we can't say we mind.
Planning a visit? Here's how we would spend a day in the Biggest Little City In The World.
Where To Stay
Look no further than Reno's first independent, non-gaming hotel conveniently located downtown: Whitney Peak Hotel. Having stayed here multiple times ourselves, Whitney Peak is our favorite hotel in the area, hands down (and we're not just saying that because our coffee is served in the rooms!). Whitney Peak also happens to be home to BaseCamp, the world's tallest outdoor climbing wall. Bonus: Whitney Peak is dog friendly! Need we say more?!
Morning Commute
Situated walking distance from Whitney Peak, you can't miss Global Coffee in The Basement, a beautiful collection of shops and artisan businesses hidden behind the old post office, converted into West Elm. Yes — this space is as cool as it sounds! Bonus: you'll find DRINK COFFEE DO STUFF on tap every day. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work or a spot for your next coffee date, Global dishes up great beverages and a unique ambience.
Surf The Truckee River
No ocean needed — on a sunny day, you can find us surfing the Truckee River! Yep, you read that right. There's a few spots you can catch a wave in both Reno and Sparks. The Reno wave is called Hole Three and is downtown at Wingfield Park, just below the Sierra Tap House craft brewery at the Riverwalk. The Sparks wave is at Rock Park, just a short way downstream from the Grand Sierra Resort. This wave is near the Rivers Edge RV Park end of the parking lot, and can generally be accessed all year. Surf's up!
photo: Kenny Good
Drink Coffee, Catch A Show
Whitney Peak also has a legit music venue onsite: Cargo Concert Hall is one of our favorite spots in town to catch a show! Check out their events calendar to see who's coming into town while you're visiting. We really love this venue: it's small enough to feel intimate, but large enough that some pretty big names roll through.
When was the last time you spent time in Reno? What would you add to this list?