Reno / Tahoe

It's time to shift gears into warm weather mode for recreational activities in and around the Truckee Meadows. If you need some ideas about things to do, check out these recreation guides from the cities of Reno and Sparks.

Reno Parks and Recreation Program Brochure for spring/summer 2013.
Image courtesy City of Reno

In Reno, the city's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has a whole host of choices for recreation during spring and summer, including dance, fitness, pools and aquatics, senior activities, youth programs, sports, shelter and facility rentals, summer camps, and lots more. Learn about the who, what, when, and where in the "Reno Recreation Program Brochure" for spring/summer 2013. My article tells where to get a paper copy and how to download it from the city's website.

The City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department puts out a similar publication called the "Sparks Recreation Activity Guide". It covers the same season as Reno's and includes activities like aquatics and swimming, dance, arts, Kids Out-of-School Programs, senior programs, adult sports, and information about community centers. As with Reno, my article tells you where to get a paper copy and how to download it from the Sparks website.

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The Memorial Day three-day weekend offers numerous choices for things to do around Reno / Tahoe. Attractions like Wild Island Family Adventure Park in Sparks will be open. It will be a pleasant time to enjoy a visit to Lake Tahoe. The more adventurous might consider going to the Black Rock Rendezvous up on the Black Rock Desert playa.

Reno / Tahoe Memorial Day.
Photo © Stan White

It's going to be a big weekend for railroad fans. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad will be running trips on Memorial Day weekend, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will be open and offer rides aboard its vintage McKeen Motor Car.

The Reno Aces will be in town over Memorial Day weekend. There will be fireworks on Friday night and other promotions during the rest of this home stand.

If you like to take time on Memorial Day to honor those who have died defending our country, there will be a service on Monday at 1 p.m. at Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City, a Celebration of Heroes Parade in Virginia City, and services at other memorial parks in the area.

Be sure to check the Reno area weather forecast before deciding what to do. Real summer weather isn't quite here, so a turn toward the stormy is still possible. As is always prudent, be ready for just about anything if you are going up to the mountains.

Going to be hitting the road for Memorial Day? Refer to On the Road in Nevada - Information About Driving in Reno and Nevada for stuff like gas prices, driving distances, highway conditions, road construction, and more.

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Virginia City almost died when the Comstock Lode petered out, but the historic town has reinvented itself as one of the top tourist attractions in northern Nevada.

Virginia City, Nevada, a National Historic Landmark.
Photo © Stan White

Visiting Virginia City is a treat for both Reno / Tahoe locals and tourists. Even if you don't have something specific to do, just wandering up and down C Street (the main drag) will inevitably lead you to discover numerous historic sites and a big selection of interesting shops, stores, and restaurants. Since this is Nevada, numerous saloons and gambling halls line the street to tempt you into hoisting a few and losing some money. If you are interested in special attractions, Virginia City has become known for its quirky events, among which are the Virginia City International Camel Races and World Championship Outhouse Races.

Comstock history buffs can get their fix by checking out places in this National Historic Landmark like the Fourth Ward School, Comstock History Center, and Piper's Opera House. Another fun attraction is the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which offers both local rides and longer trips between Virginia City and Carson City.

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Gardening season is here and three plant sales this weekend will help you get a start on growing things that are adapted to the northern Nevada climate. All three are on Saturday, May 18, so you'll have to hustle if you want to attend each one.

The 2013 Master Gardener Plant Faire Extravaganza will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Greenhouse Complex, 920 Valley Road in Reno. This year, the Master Gardeners will be working with Hungry Mother Organics to provide a new and improved plant sale. The sale will focus on offering organically grown vegetables, including over 40 different heirloom tomato varieties. Also new this year, credit cards will be accepted in addition to cash and checks. To see what will be on sale and prices, refer to this online plant sale list.

The City of Reno's annual plant sale will be at its greenhouse, 190 Telegraph Road, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Available plants will include herbs, heirloom tomatoes, other vegetables, and flowers. Four-inch pots and pony plants are $1.50 each. Proceeds benefit the Reno Municipal Rose Garden. For more information, call (775) 657-4616.

The 6th Annual GBCFC* Spring Seedling Sale will feature local farms selling seedlings, compost, and other supplies. Local non-profits will be there to share information and there will be local craftspeple selling goods and local businesses selling food and drinks. The sale will be in Reno on Flint Street between Court and Ridge, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (*Great Basin Community Food Co-Op)

If you can't make these sales, you can still obtain the plants, supplies, and advice you need by visiting one of these "Top Reno Nurseries & Garden Centers." Remember, assigned-day watering begins on Memorial Day, May 27. Learn the rules and don't be a water bandit.

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Learn more about Reno's fascinating history by taking a guided walk through time with the Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS).

Historic Wells Avenue neighborhood in Reno, Nevada.
Photo © Stan White

Guides with the Historic Reno Preservation Society are knowledgeable volunteers who will acquaint you with some significant areas related to Reno's rich history. Among topics for walks this spring and summer are Historic Nevada State Hospital, Ethnic Reno West, DeLongchamps architecture, Powning's Addition, Mansions on the Bluff, and the Newlands Neighborhood.

Visit "Walking Tours with the Historic Reno Preservation Society" to learn about more walks and details on participating. HRPS members may attend the walks for free and there is a $10 fee per walk for non-members. If you are really interested in preserving Reno history, consider joining HRPS and participating as a volunteer. You'll be contributing to a worthy cause and saving quite a bit of money on walking tours.

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You can help homeless dogs and cats and have a great time. Nevada Humane Society is asking animal lovers to help raise $100,000 to provide care for homeless pets by participating in the Walk for Animals on Saturday, May 18, at Sparks Marina Park.

Image courtesy Nevada Humane Society

The event includes a two-mile fun walk, music, contests, face painting, prizes and more. Pets on leashes are also welcome. Participants raising over $30 will receive a Walk for Animals T-shirt featuring artwork by Pickles cartoonist Brian Crane. Other prizes will include sports bottles, supersize tote bags, and more. There will also be contests for Best Dressed Pets, Best Pet Tricks, and Best Look-A-Likes. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, with the Walk itself starting at 9 a.m. Festivities will continue until 1 p.m. Parking is free. Washoe County Regional Animal Services plans to offer free microchipping services at the Walk for Animals event, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can make donations online by supporting an existing team or individual, or registering yourself and soliciting donations. Get the Walk for Animals brochure for additional details and a sponsorship form. For more information, call (775) 856-2000 x335.

Source: Nevada Humane Society.

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The free monthly event for families and children at the Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) - hands/ON! on 2nd Saturdays - will be on Saturday, May 11. It's also a day of free admission for all NMA visitors.

Image courtesy Nevada Museum of Art

The May theme for hands/ON! is "Art Rocks." The May schedule for hands/ON! is in my article about events and activities at the NMA. Remember, free admission to the NMA and hands/ON! on 2nd Saturdays includes all current exhibits, so be sure to check this article for many more things to see and do at the only accredited art museum in Nevada.

To enhance your visit to the NMA and the hands/ON! on 2nd Saturdays experience, be sure to see the newest special exhibit titled A Real Van Gogh? An Unsolved Art World Mystery. Although the painting was acquired from a reputable art dealer and deemed genuine at the time, debate about the painting's authenticity ignited an art world controversy that impacted U.S. foreign affairs. This unique presentation invites viewers and scholars to draw their own conclusions and weigh in on this great Van Gogh debate.

The Nevada Museum of Art is located at 160 W. Liberty Street in downtown Reno.

Don't forget, Sunday is Mother's Day. She just might enjoy a visit to the Nevada Museum of Art, along with brunch at Composition Café.

Source: Nevada Museum of Art.

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The Reno River Festival has moved back to its traditional May time slot for 2013. The event is still at the Truckee River Whitewater Park / Wingfield Park in downtown Reno and as always, spectating is free.

Kayakers at the Reno River Festival.
Photo © Stan White

The 2013 Reno River Festival hits the rapids in downtown Reno starting on Saturday, May 11, continuing through Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12. In addition to pro and amateur kayaking competition, there will be stand up paddleboarding, an expo featuring the latest in outdoor gear, lots of food and drink, and music at the Wingfield Park amphitheater.

The Reno River Festival is returning to its whitewater kayaking roots in 2013. Events from past festivals, such as Run Amuck, are not on the schedule this year. From what I've heard, staging some of these additional events during future festivals is still a possibility.

Online registration for Reno River Festival events is now available. Find out where to park and more about the event from my information about the "Reno River Festival".

Mother's Day is on Sunday during the Reno River Festival. If water sports aren't her thing, check out my article about "Mother's Day Activities in the Reno Area" to find more ways to have fun with Mom, from fun outings like train rides to a Mother's Day brunch or dinner at a local dining establishment.

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Mother's Day 2013 is on Sunday, May 12. Mother's Day in Reno is full of opportunities to treat Mom and show her what a special lady she is. Check out my Mother's Day article for ideas about things to do with Mom and links to more information.

Mother's Day brunch and dinner are a tradition enjoyed by many Moms. The Reno / Tahoe region has plenty of choices for those wanting to take her out for a dining treat.

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Here's our chance to make a difference by volunteering to clean up trash and remove invasive weeds at one of several sites along the Truckee River and in the Reno / Sparks area. Since 2006, more than 2,500 volunteers have removed almost 600 tons of trash and invasive weeds from our open spaces.

Logo image courtesy Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB), together with numerous public agency and private business co-sponsors, needs volunteers to spend Saturday morning, May 11, making the Reno / Sparks area and Washoe County cleaner and nicer for everyone. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are invited to a celebration picnic at Lazy 5 Regional Park following the clean up.

I have participated in past clean ups and am still shocked by how much junk people toss out willy nilly. We do have a trash collection service, recycling options, transfer stations, and a landfill just east of Reno near Lockwood, but the trashy evidence shows some people can't be bothered. Illegal dumping remains an ongoing problem.

KTMB has an online volunteer registration form where you can sign up and pick your site. Get more information by calling (775) 851-5185.

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