Mmm…the fresh air with a cool, crisp breeze that grazes the face and brings out a natural, rosy glow on your cheeks. Kayakers and ducks paddling around in crystal clear water, while joggers, walkers and bikers traverse the river walk. All of these are a stones throw away from the exciting clanging and ringing of slot machines.

The Reno Truckee Riverwalk, located in the heart of downtown Reno, seems to transport one away to the country side. Getting out of town can be exhilarating. No deadlines, no work… Letting go and relaxing can be a bit hard. Taking a nice long stroll down the Riverwalk is a wonderful way to let all the stresses go and ease into a beautiful vacation.

You can rent tubes for tubing down the river in water so clean, you can see the rocks on the riverbed as clear as a bell. There are plenty of places along the river to rent bikes, as well. Some of the world’s best professional and Olympic kayakers go to Reno for white-water competitions, clinics, and demonstrations. The mile-long course features 11 drop pools and a slalom racing course, and with 7,000 tons of smooth flat rocks along the riverbanks,creates the perfect spot for picnicking and dipping your feet on hot summer days. Friday nights in the summer you can enjoy music from the River concert series while floating down the river.

There are unique shops on Riverwalk which have fun, adventurous, and fresh fashion. If you prefer Not to look like everyone else, the Riverwalk clothing stores will suit your sensibilities. After a day of shopping and walking, many people enjoy the latest flick at the Century Riverside 12 Theatre.  The theater has plush stadium seating, HD theaters and digital sound.  It is always clean, spacious and a pleasure to visit.  The cost is reasonable, as well.

Harrah’s is a few blocks from the fabulous Truckee Riverwalk, and is a great place to stay while in Reno. Harrah’s has a reputation of special offerings for their hotel-casino. Click here to register for email and direct mail specials. Harrah’s will send you offers discounts on rooms, money for gambling, and often discounts on meals, plus two-for-one shows.

The hotel has seven restaurants, a 60,000 square foot, 24 hour casino and lovely rooms to boot. The service is friendly and the ambiance lovely. Harrah’s has a way of making you feel like royalty. They have free outdoor concerts, headline entertainment and boxing events. Their spa is newly remodeled and offers first class services; ranging from specialty massage therapy, to body polishing as well as facials, sunless tanning, manicures, etc. You can work out at the fitness center, or take a dip in the pool depending on the season. The fitness center features Wolff Tanning beds, too. Just indulging in the food and amenities Harrah’s has to offer could take up a whole week-end, with still more amenities to enjoy.  Harrah’s has free concerts on Friday nights, loose slots, and a top of the line luxury spa.

Reno has a rich and thriving art scene, with many galleries to choose from. Several are a short walk from Harrah’s. The new Nevada Museum of Art has seven galleries and a rooftop terrace, plus two sculpture gardens. Tours with an art docent every Saturday at 2:00 PM are free of charge. The NMA is located at 160 West Liberty Street. Click here for event schedules visit.

The sophistication of Reno doesn’t stop at the NMA or art galleries. The furniture stores are galleries in and of themselves, too. Again, many within walking distance of the hotels.

Rainy, or too cold during your visit? Go to the National Bowling Stadium for a state of the art game. Or, visit the National Automobile Museum where they have 200 plus restored cars on display.

Reno is a great secret get away. It is more than a gambling Mecca. From shows like The Blues Brothers, Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers to exquisite hotel stays; specialty German Bakeries, to the water activities at Riverwalk, there are so many choices that Reno calls you back again and again to experience more of that mountain fresh air and sophisticated culture.