Finally Went to Reno and got out of the casino-it's nice! (Sparks: 2013, hotel)

[ippi76]

Just came back from a weekend in Reno and was actually able to see some of the city instead of just the casinos.

The Truckee River Walk was fantastic and I loved the Nevada Museum of Art. We walked down Virginia St and Sierra St and really liked everything, there was even a cool pizza spot for lunch. We didn't feel unsafe at all since there was foot traffic with the weekend Wine Walk-seemed like a very cool event to get people out and about.

The weather was great too, mid-fifties and brilliant sunshine.
Next time I want to do the car museum and Discovery Museum as well as see UNR. The Pioneer Theater looked very nice as well.

The only cons were it was sort of empty the further you go south of the river around the museum, especially around Sierra and Liberty barely any people and just an empty parking lot, but I guess that is typical on a non-business day. Not a lot of businesses open either.
It also seems near the casinos there is not a lot except liquor stores and pawn shops. I know Reno is in a prolonged recession which is unfortunate since it is such a scenic city.

Is there any real industry in Reno other than casinos/gambling? Just curious I have heard there is not much jobs for anything.

[MrWillys]

My wife and I retired up here 2 years ago from Livermore (I grew up in Pleasanton) and just love it. We go to the theatre down on the River walk, and just enjoy being down there on occasion. The greater Reno area is quite diverse really. It's a shipping hub for the Western US, and a fair weather area for support of the Tahoe industries. The gaming industry has struggled in recent years, but we constantly have events going on to draw in tourists. It does get colder here, and it does snow, but as long as you're snug in your home it's really kind of cool.
Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself, and keep branching out on your visits. There's so much more than just downtown. South Reno, North Sparks, and many other areas will remind you of some in the Bay area without all the people.

[braindead0]

Don't forget the surrounding areas either, we like to get out of town and off into the desert for rockhounding and hiking, this time of year is perfect IMO.

[wolfdog]

We've been torn between retiring in Reno vs Boise. Reno has the edge. There are a lot more things to do.

[humboldtrat]

Check out the midtown area next time. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/tr...-in-style.html

[ippi76]

Really can't wait to go back, but can't say for sure when that will be (spring maybe). Will try to do Midtown and the University area for sure. Seems like a good idea is just to find a cheap casino hotel to stay and then not even go in the casinos lol.

Wolfdog- Never been to Boise though I have driven through Idaho and it is very green and pretty. You are right however I don't know of much in Boise other than the football team.

[Biggest Little Drunk]

The casino/tourism industry in Reno is shrinking. Countless California companies have relocated to Reno including a lot of high-tech companies. Microsoft Licensing is in Reno and saves that company billions. Apple recently created a server farm way out east but plan on having corporate offices downtown. Our low taxes and regulations will keep attracting Cali companies. Also, since we're east of the Sierra mountains, it's quicker to ship stuff east from Reno. We have an Amazon distribution center nearby. I get a lot of my Amazon books the very next day after ordering.