Travel Nurse Assignments: Live Like a Local – Reno, NV!
Welcome to Reno, NV! Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno is Nevada’s second largest city behind Las Vegas, and has been dubbed “The Biggest Little City in the World.” With it’s Vegas-style casinos, diverse selection of restaurants and craft breweries, and abundance of outdoor recreation, Reno is sure to please every personality. Just 20 minutes east of the city, lies the beautiful Lake Tahoe! This massive natural glacial lake has inspired tourists and locals alike with it’s stunning scenery, and offers world class opportunities for both summer and winter activities. If you love to explore the outdoors, and are always down for a good time, this has to be a must see!
The City of Reno
As evidenced by its nickname, Reno has steadily grown into a large metropolis, while still maintaining its small town vibes. Before the emergence of Las Vegas, Reno was the state’s premier gambling spot, and attracted people from all over the country to their casinos. Peppermill Resort and Casino is Reno’s crown jewel: a four diamond resort featuring a spa with a caldarium, numerous bars and restaurants, and three swimming pools heated with natural geothermal energy.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, try Baldini’s Sports Casino in nearby Sparks. They have restaurants, live music, games and sports betting, and also market themselves as “the locals favorite place to play.”
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Despite being known as a mini Vegas, there’s more to Reno than just casinos. The National Automobile Museum is the top rated activity for Reno on TripAdvisor, and houses a collection of more than 200 unique automobiles. The collection was started by William Harrah, founder of Harrah’s Casinos and Resorts, and is considered one of America’s best car museums!
In addition, Reno has countless parks and walking trails that will inspire you to explore the surrounding countryside. The Truckee River Trail is a 2 mile paved trail along the mighty Truckee River. It’s the perfect spot to take your dog for a walk, or enjoy a nice bike ride! Furthermore, Washoe Lake State Park is popular with the locals, and offers activities like camping, boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
Lake Tahoe
Without question, the pride and joy of the Reno area is undoubtedly Lake Tahoe. Situated 20 miles east of Reno, the lake has attracted visitors with it’s crystal clear deep-blue waters and sweeping vistas for centuries. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and is the second deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,645 ft.
It was formed roughly 25 million years ago, and trails only the Great Lakes in terms of total area. It straddles the border between California and Nevada, and is a popular vacation spot for residents of both states. The south side of the lake is more populated, with South Lake Tahoe being the largest town. However, the north side is quieter and more scenic. Looking to take a staycation during your travel contract? Check out Incline Village, NV on the north side.
Traveling solo? Check out our tips on navigating adventures alone.
It’s impossible to be bored here, no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Popular summer activities include hiking, swimming, mountain and road biking, fishing, kayaking…you name it, they’ve got it! There are several places to rent bikes in Incline Village, such as Village Ski Loft and there’s a scenic bike trail that circumnavigates the entire lake. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a mountain bike and check out one of the countless mountain trails. Nearby, is the charming community of Kings Beach, with fun for all ages. Grab some friends and hit up the mini-golf course. Insider Rock Star tip? Bring your own alcohol, totally permissible as long as its not glass!
Finally, of course, there are several state parks and beaches along the lake that are worth seeing. Sand Harbor State Park on the lake’s northwest side is a fun place to relax on the beach and take in the views. They offer kayak and paddle board rentals, and the Kokanee Bar and Grill in the visitors center is great for refreshments.
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On the southwest side, Emerald Bay State Park has stunning views of the bay, and a nice paved trail that leads down to a beach area. There’s also a castle that’s considered one of the earliest vacation homes to be built in the area. Moreover, it’s the perfect launching point for hikes into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
In the winter, Lake Tahoe becomes a mecca for ski/snowboard enthusiasts, and features some of the best terrain on the planet. Squaw Valley and Northstar are the two world class resorts, but there are over a dozen different ski areas around the lake to choose from. Other fun winter activities include, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice-skating. And of course, the casinos of Lake Tahoe are open year round to welcome tourists and locals alike.
Food and Drink
There’s no shortage of restaurants in the Reno area, ranging from traditional American to world favorites! Midtown Eats is a great family owned restaurant known for their Bison and Elk Burgers. Try the Seven Troughs Speakeasy for delicious breakfast and brunch. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with one of the many craft breweries. Lead Dog Brewing has been a staple of Reno since 2017, and recently opened a new tap room in Sparks!
Around Lake Tahoe, Lanza’s Italian Restaurant in Kings Beach serves up huge portions of gourmet Italian dishes at an affordable price. Also, Mofo’s Pizza and Pasta in Incline Village is a local favorite, with carry out and delivery options. In South Lake Tahoe, Himmel Haus is an authentic German pub featuring bratwurst and bar trivia. Or, try Artemis’s Lakefront Cafe, with gorgeous views, greek food, and cocktails.
So what are you waiting for? Apply today to start your Reno adventure!
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