Reno, Nevada
Famous as the "Biggest Little City in the World", Reno is a bustling city located in Nevada, on east of Sierra Nevada in the Washoe County. Reckoned for its casinos, Reno is one of the most populous cities of Nevada, bordering the city of Sparks.
Home to innumerable recreation and sports activities conducted mostly along the Lake Tahoe, the Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, Reno offers more than ten ski resorts, golf courses, many biking options and hiking trails along the Truckee River. In addition, Reno invites a commodious exploration of a bevy of splendid museums and art galleries such as the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum. With numerous highly affordable and budget-friendly accommodations available in Reno, mostly in the center of the city near Sparks and Spanish Springs, and around the Reno Tahoe International Airport, Reno is a haven for tourists. Reno also hosts the oldest university of Nevada and historically it is considered as a significant city in the region.
The lively city draws hordes of tourists primarily during the winter season due to its reputable skiing and snowboarding provisions. The residents here are called Renoites, and of late, Reno's burgeoning nightlife and convenient touristic facilities had made it a much sought after travel destination.
Reno is a great place to live in. There are intriquing options in entertainment, education, affordable living and many other benefits the city offers its residents. Many businesses in the city also thrive.
Reno History
The initial settlements in Reno happened in the 1850s during the Gold Rush era. The early residents settled in the fertile valley of Truckee Meadow, along the Truckee River. It was in the 1850's that the Truckee Meadows was made a major settlement as the proximity to the Truckee River which flowed from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake made the area hospitable to farming. Besides, the residents of the Truckee Meadows also did profitable business with the travelers who used to pass through the area, on their way to Donner Lake. From 1870's onwards, Reno flourished as a town and became a residential hub sandwiched between Salt Lake City and Sacramento.
Gold was discovered in 1850 in Virginia City and a bridge was built by Charles Fuller on Truckee River in 1859 which connected California to Virginia City. Fuller created shelters for travelers and also provided meals to the travelers at a price which created prospects for settlement and employment in the area. An early settlement of a community which served the travelers grew close to the bridge. Later the bridge was sold to Myron C. Lake and it further helped in the growth of community.
Reno town site is named after Jesse Reno, the Civil War General and it was established in 1868. In 1872, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad were extended to Reno which helped the city to grow and prosper economically. Reno spread across Truckee meadows in initial decades and spread to the valley between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the desert areas. In the 20th century, the city became the center for business and politics, as the business activities shifted from mining to other fields.
In 1926, the city got the Reno Arch on the Virginia Street, which further enhanced its business activities and in 1929, the city earned itself the moniker "the biggest little city of the world". Casino was legalized in Nevada in 1931, and gambling was the major industry in Reno till 1950. The city is also famous as the "gateway to the old west" and is the place where the Johnson-Jeffries fight took place. Historically, it is also known for "the Misfits" featuring Marylyn Monroe and Clark Gable, in 1961.
In the last decade of 20th century cut-throat competition in gambling marred business prospects in the region and people started investing in other areas. However, the improved interstate highway and the inexpensive land provisions aggrandized the prospects of home construction and multiple construction projects were created close to Sparks and Reno. Hordes of luxury communities have grown in Truckee, 28 miles from Reno and hence, Reno is now ever-growing as a recreation destination.
About Reno, Nevada
Replete with an array of matchless adventure opportunities, bustling events and myriad attractions, Reno has earned itself the tag "America's Adventure Place" with much panache. A very dynamic and well-connected city, Reno can be easily reached by car, railroad, bus, train or plane. Almost all the national car rental agencies provide service to the Reno - Tahoe International Airport. The bus system, also known as RTC RID is operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, while, RTC RAPID can be used to travel to shops, casinos or for dining within the city. Long distance buses run from Reno to Chicago and Northern California mostly along the 1-80 corridors.
The city's residents enjoy a decent quality of life and witness all the four seasons including the winter and summer here. The average highest temperature of 91 degrees F is observed in July while, the region is coldest in the month of January witnessing an average temperature of 19 degrees F.
Reno is famous for its Truckee River Wingfield Park which hosts the Reno River festival annually. The park features a grandiose amphitheater in which performances are organized in summers along with a kayak park to spend a memorable evening. To the north of the University of Nevada, you can reach Rancho San Rafael Park which offers multitudinous museums and adventures for children. It is also the venue for the Reno Balloon races, which are mostly held in summers.
The Reno Central Library is renowned for its majestic architecture and those interested in astronomy and related subjects can visit the nearby Fleischmann Planetarium. To stroll along the river side you can go to the Idlewild Park located on the southern banks of Truckee River featuring the Rose Garden, a driving range, a state park, kiddie park and several walking trails.
Lake Tahoe is one of the most visited attractions of the city featuring the Vikingsholm Castle and the tourist center. A plenitude of awe-inspiring beaches and parks are located at a distance of 30 to 40 minutes drive from the city including the Crystal Bay, King's Beach and Zephyr Cove. The Pyramid Lake is located at a distance of 1 hour from the town. A desert lake featuring some amazing rock formations, this spot is also home for several endangered species, along with being a holy site for Paiute Indians. Travelers can go for swimming, boating and fishing in the region.
Travelers to Reno also visit the picturesque Washoe Valley located on the south of Reno, accessible by car. The valley features regional parks offering swimming pools, boat landing and windsurfing. Die-hard shoppers can enjoy shopping in the leading shopping areas of Reno such as the "Riverwalk" area and The "CalAve" area. Those seeking to enjoy restaurants and casinos can go to California Avenue. Some of the well-known casinos of Reno are Silver Legacy, Circus Circus, Harrah's Reno, Eldorado and Grand Sierra Resort.
The famous ski resorts of Reno are Mt. Rose, Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, Squaw Valley and Diamond Peak. Recent construction of largest ski lodge on the Lake Tahoe in Reno has further attracted visitors to the place.
About Washoe County, Nevada
Washoe County was formed in 1861 and was named after the Washoe people, who once inhabited the region. It is one of the 9 counties of Nevada and is the part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. The County population is 421,407 (2010 census) and the racial makeup consists of more than 80% of whites. The county shares borders with thirteen other counties, and has two leading cities Reno and Sparks. Earlier, the county seat was in Washoe city but since 1871, Reno has been made the county seat. The total area space is of 6,551 square miles.
The county has devised a plan for protection of its multifarious ecosystems and there are mainly four national protected areas in Washoe County which include Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, High Rock NCA (Black Rock), Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and Toiyabe National Forest. Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge is a refuge built on Pyramid Lake and it hosts colonial nesting birds including the Great Blue Herons, California Gulls and Snowy Egrets. Boats are not allowed into the refuge and the refuge staff is responsible for keeping a track of incoming birds and juvenile pelicans.
High Rock NCA (Black Rock) offers a wide plenitude of recreational activities and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge is famous for wild horses. It also serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds. There are many free range flora and fauna found in the region, and it is also the home for rare fish. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is famous for white pine, Elko and Nye trees, and it is divided in more than 10 different ranger districts.
The desert terrain close to Reno offers a biking range which starts at the Rancho San Rafael Park and is managed by the local government, and road biking is frequently organized along the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway. Washoe County School District offers public education in the region and Washoe County Library System serves the local communities. Reno intercity bus transportation system is also under the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. Travelers to the county can go to Virginia City and Carson City on V & T tourist trains. Virginia City is renowned for its historical heritage and Carson City offers a plethora of entertainment options.