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Think of these next few pages as your cheat sheet to enjoying the region as if you’ve lived here your whole life. In no time, you’ll be talking our talk, walking our walk and squeezing so much flavor out of your visit that you’ll be truly living it like a local.
One of the most accomplished skiers on the planet, Glen Plake spends most of his time scaling up and carving down the biggest, baddest slopes near his winter home in Chamonix, France. But in the off season, Glen often finds himself back in his hometown of South Lake Tahoe, where he’s content to trade the ice and snow for a few laid back summer days at the lake. Follow Glen on his picture-perfect summer day in and around his hometown.
 Dawn: Glen’s 24 hours of perfection start with a perfectly-cooked breakfast at his favorite local waffle house, The Red Hut Cafe. Forget the snooze button and get yourself over to the original eatery located in the heart of town.
 Day: After you’re stuffed full of syrupy goodness, Glen says it’s time to head towards the lake. Nope, not Tahoe. He’s talking about Fallen Leaf Lake, tucked away below Lake Tahoe’s south shore. On a hot summer day, you’ll likely find Glen out on his boat water skiing or paddling a canoe. “Fallen Leaf’s a lake you can enjoy. Plus, you’re close if you want to climb Mt. Tallac and you’re at a bunch of trailheads.”
 Dusk: If you’re on the west shore at sunset you’re in for a real treat. Glen says the west shore is one of the best places to watch a sunset in all of Tahoe, especially if there’s cloud cover over the Carson Valley to the east. “It’ll be just mind-boggling. Even if it’s just thunderheads, man those things will go ballistic come sunset.”
 Night: For a “full-on nostalgic casino-type dinner,” Glen says you can’t do better than the Big Fat Cat Dinner inside the Sage Room at Harvey’s. And if you’d want to do some cheap gambling with the locals, Lakeside Inn is “the place to go.”
Virginia City: “They didn’t turn it into Frontierland. It’s a great place to daydream about a time gone by.” Glen says it’s even better if you get a chance to visit when there’s a special event like the Grand Prix motorcycle race in May. “It’s a great place to go see events, because the whole town gets involved.”
Sailboat on Lake Tahoe: Glen says that if you want to get out on Tahoe, do it right and go out on a sailboat. “Rent one, find one, whatever. Sailing is the prettiest way to see Tahoe, hands down.”
 Emerald Bay: Happen to miss the turnoff to Fallen Leaf? Don’t flip a u-ee just yet. Sightseeing at Emerald Bay and hiking at Eagle Falls are also high on Glen’s must-do list and both are only a few miles further west on Highway 89. “I don’t care how many times you look at Emerald Bay. The views there, whether you’re able bodied and can get out and enjoy it or are just car touring, are pretty stunning.”
Andy Chapman - Director of Tourism, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association
Andy Chapman is the director of tourism for the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. He’s also a native northern Nevadan who has called Tahoe home for almost 20 years. So it’s safe to say he knows the lay of the land like the back of his, well, you know. Andy has stuffed his perfect summer and winter days at North Lake like a pair of giant piñatas at a 5-year-old’s b-day bash. Let’s break’em open.
Dawn: First things first: breakfast. Andy suggests the Log Cabin Caffe in King’s Beach.
“It’s a great historic restaurant. They serve great meals to start your winter day.”
Day: Andy wastes no time hitting the slopes at one of North Lake Tahoe’s 12 downhill ski resorts. Can’t decide which one to go to? Get an interchangeable lift ticket that’s good at seven of the area’s main resorts, says Andy.
“You can just grab the ticket and say I’m gonna go here this day and there another day.”
Dusk: Slaloming, carving and McTwisting all day long is enough to wear out Olympian ski and snowboard gods, to say nothing of us mere mortals. So follow Andy’s lead and recuperate by enjoying the après ski scene at the Northstar Resort or Squaw Valley USA. “You’ve got the fire pits that are going, ice skating, music playing and people just hanging out. It’s a great deal.”
Night: Time for din-din. When it comes to fine dining in North Lake Tahoe, you’re simply spoiled for choices. Don’t feel bad if it comes down to eenie, meanie, miney, moe.
Post-grubbing, Andy likes to end a winter day with some hot tubbing. Sorry, no hot-tub time machines here. “The final evening piece is the nightcap and Jacuzzi outdoors under the stars with a hot toddy of some kind.”
Andy knows winter, but he also has loads of ideas for stuff to make the perfect summer day, too.
Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail: Try the section between Brockway Summit (near King’s Beach) and Tahoe Meadows on Mt. Rose. “That section is just beautiful – great wildflowers in the summer time.”
Boat-in restaurants and bars: Drop anchor at one of the many boat-in restaurants around the lake for cocktails, dinner or appetizers. “A couple of them actually have boat valet.”
Truckee: It’s easy to miss this nearby railroad town with so much to do up at North Lake Tahoe, but by no means does that mean you should. Stop into Moody’s Bistro and Lounge among all the mom and pop shops downtown and you may even catch a glimpse of Sir Paul McCartney, who pops in at least once a year, for an impromptu jam session. “He’ll show up at some obscure time and jump up on the piano.”
Lake Tahoe Music Festival or Shakespeare at Lake Tahoe: “It’s (Shakespeare at Tahoe) a beautiful place to see a production of that quality under the stars outside.”
Steve Pitts - Deputy Chief, Reno Police Department
Steve Pitts is a 30-year Reno local who protects and serves the city as deputy chief of the Reno Police Department. And as a thank you, the region gladly serves as his recreational playground. Here’s what you’ll find Steve doing on his perfect day when he’s not busy chasing down bad guys.
Dawn: Get your caffeine fix with Steve at one of Reno’s many locally-owned coffee joints. He recommends Emerald City Cafe on Plumb Lane.“I’ll meet my buddies over there, might get a little breakfast.”
Day: Steve’s job requires him to be in tip-top shape, so he always includes some kind of high-intensity interval training on his days off. The region’s stunning natural surroundings double as his personal gym. If you’re a workout-a-holic vacationer, welcome to the most beautiful boot camp on earth.
Listed below are a few of Steve's recommended don't miss things to do while in Reno.
Hike Mt. Rose: Sheep Flats (Tahoe Meadows) to Garson Road (Near Mogul/Verdi)
“That’s definitely a one day gig. There’s a lot of wildlife. You’re walking around at 9,000 ft. and some of the scenery is incredible. I don’t see a lot of people up there. They don’t really get into the backcountry.”
Reno Aces Triple-A Baseball: After a summer day hiking and running up and down our local peaks, what better way to relax than with a ballgame? Catch the Triple-A Reno Aces in action at their brand new downtown ballpark on the river and see if you can guess who’s going to be next to get called up to “the Show.”
Peavine Mountain: You don’t have to go all the way up to Tahoe for amazing mountain biking and hiking trails. See the peak looming over the white-painted “N” on the side of the foothills northwest of downtown Reno? That’s Peavine Mountain, a locals’ favorite and certainly one of Steve’s. It has a sprawling web of networking singletrack spun across it and is less than 15 minutes away from most Reno and Sparks hotels.
Keystone Canyon Trail: One of Peavine’s most convenient access points. Driving north on Virginia St., take a left on N. McCarran Blvd. Continue up the hill, then make a right on Leadership Pkwy. You’ll see the trailhead parking lot about a quarter mile ahead.
Todd Wilcks - Insurance Guy, Fisherman, Carson Valley Native
Two things are certain in this world. Ice cream makes everything better, and Todd Wilcks is the quintessential Carson Valley native. Not only was Todd born and raised here, his entire family has called the region home for four generations (five if you count his kids). Heck, it could have very well been named Wilcks Valley and nobody would’ve blinked an eye. Todd’s an outdoor enthusiast who’s been there, there and there, and done that, that and that in the Carson Valley area. Let him be your tour guide, and you’ll feel just as at home as he does.
Dawn: Todd’s got big plans for you today. Silence your rumbling stomach with some breakfast done right at the Cowboy’s Cafe in Minden. It won’t be bothering you again anytime soon.
Day: To say Todd likes fly fishing would be like saying Winnie the Pooh likes honey. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the next thing on the itinerary is a trip to the Pleasant Valley Fly Fishing Preserve in Alpine County, south of Carson Valley.“That’s the ultimate spot to go if you’re a fly fisherman.” If you’d rather go the cheaper route and do some catch-and-release fishing on public land, check out the Rosaschi Ranch stretch of the East Walker River in Lyon County. And for the best fly-fishing gear and advice, Todd recommends swinging by the Angler’s Edge in Gardnerville and talking to owners Don and Liz.
Dusk: Head back to town for dinner and a Picon Punch (Amer Picon, orange bitters, soda water, grenadine and brandy) at one of Gardnerville’s two signature Basque restaurants.
“Cow’s tongue is Friday night at the JT. That’s the best meat you’ll eat.”
Night: Talk about music to your ears. Todd ends his perfect day back at Minden Park for one of their summer concerts. Be sure to bring a towel or lawn chair to sit on, so you’re nice and comfy. “You’ve got jazz, country western and some pop singers. That’s really become a popular event.”
Climb Job’s Peak: You’ll need to set aside the better part of the day to make it up to the 10,633 ft. summit and back. To get to the closest trailhead, head a mile past the Luther Pass turnoff on Highway 89 and take a left on the 051 Forest Service road. “That’s a great hike. The views are just phenomenal up there. You can see over Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Reno and
Alpine County.”
Genoa Bar: Nevada’s oldest saloon. “It looks like there are still some cobwebs from 1853. It’s a very fun spot to stop by and have an adult beverage.”
Rafting or kayaking the East Carson River: Start at Hangman’s Bridge near Markleeville and paddle 20 miles of beginner-friendly Class I and II rapids. Look for the signs telling you to get out before the old broken dam south of Gardnerville.
Glider ride at Minden Airport: Get a bird’s-eye view of the region. “The thermals and the wind are just unbelievable. This is supposedly one of the top spots in the entire country for gliders.”
Hiking in the Pine Nut Mountains: If you’re visiting during the fall season, take a morning or afternoon drive to the Pine Nut Mountains for, what else, pine nut picking. Take home your winnings and roast them in the oven with a little salt for a tasty snack.“It’s a really fun outing. You’ll start to see the trees loaded with cones, and when you do just grab your bucket or day sack. They’re worth the work.”
Paul Hamill - Associate Creative Director
 Fly Fishing the Truckee and Little Truckee: Not many people realize it, but some of the best fly fishing in the country can be found on the Truckee River, which conveniently flows within a stone’s throw of most Reno hotels. If you didn’t pack your rod or want to learn how to cast, there are plenty of fly shops and outfitters who can hook you up.
Martis Peak Fire Look Out (Tahoe): If you want to see one of the best views of Tahoe and the Sierra you’ve got to get above the trees. The best way to do that is in a fire look out. This one atop Martis Peak provides 360 degree views and you can see as far as Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta on a clear day.
Crystal Peak (Verdi): Crystal Peak is exactly what it sounds like – a mountain of crystal. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do with the kids, this is a good one. You’ll end up taking home a bagful of crystals.
Sara Piccola - Account Coordinator
El Rancho Drive-In (Sparks): Not many cities still have a real, live drive-in movie theater, but you can find one on the border between Sparks and Reno. The El Rancho plays first run movies and it’s way more fun than a regular theater. Tuesday is family night, so bring the kids and any food and drinks you want! Plus, on weekends it turns into one big fun flea market.
Steamboat Ditch Trail (West Reno): If you’re just starting out on a mountain bike or just want an easy hike right in town, the Steamboat Ditch Trail is perfect. It follows a seasonal stream and you’ll have knockout views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
Ryan Walker - Graphic Designer
University of Nevada Sports (Reno): If you’re here in fall or spring, check the sports schedule for the Wolf Pack. The football team is consistently one of the top ranked in the WAC and it’s a rare year when the men’s basketball team isn’t in the Top 25 – and chances are you’ll be watching a couple of future NBA stars. The baseball and softball teams are always impressive, too.
Truckee River Regional Park Frisbee Golf Course: Frisbee golf is fun no matter where you play, but with mountain views and the high altitude, playing in Truckee just seems a cut above. Seriously, in the thinner air Frisbees seem to fly forever.
Stacy Castillo - Account executive
Sand Mountain (Fallon): Just an hour’s drive east of Reno, you’re suddenly starring in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. So fun. ATVs, dirt bikes, sand surfers – they’re all out taking on this giant sand dune. But be prepared, it can be a pretty wild scene.
Rollin' on the River at Wingfield Park (Reno): If you’re here on a Friday night in the summer and you’re wondering where all the music is coming from, walk towards the river. You’ll see half the city gathered in Wingfield Park for Rollin’ on the River, the city’s Friday night concert series. Stick around after the show for movies, which are always kid friendly.
Brett Rhyne - Creative Director
Black Rock Desert (Gerlach): Burning Man is cool, but to really experience the playa, go when there aren’t 40,000 other people there. Yeah, it’s about two hours away from Reno, but nothing beats high speed driving across the desert, except for the billion stars you’ll see once the sun sets. Before you leave, try to find the secret hot springs for a nice early morning soak.
Kayak or Raft the Truckee(Reno): You can sit and watch the kayakers from the sidelines, but why not put a paddle in your hands and get a taste of the famous Truckee whitewater yourself? It’s way easier than it looks, plus there are tons of places to rent boats and get lessons. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
Nevada Museum of Art (Reno): All of us locals know what a gem this is in our city. A stunning building that’s hosted some pretty high-caliber exhibits – Warhol, Kahlo, Rembrandt. We’re lucky to have it. Plus, Café Musee has the best French fries in town.
Photography by Paul Hamill, Chris Talbot, Daniel Wallish, Jeff Dow, John Richardson and Tom Robinson at Renostock.com
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