Damkier's Travels: Reno & Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe from Sand Harbor

I have been visiting Reno since I moved to Sacramento on a very regular basis. For many years, I had a college friend and her family living up there. It was also the closest place to gamble before the casinos opened up in California. Over the years, Reno has experienced several booms and busts, however they are now in a long boom cycle with lots of tourism related to outdoor adventures and new jobs in warehousing and battery manufacturing.

Geiger Point between Reno and Nevada City

Although I am not a big gambler, the Reno casinos often send me cheap rooms. The Peppermill Reno is a personal favorite with big and comfortable suites at cheap prices. Most include a jacuzzi tub with a television which is a great way to watch a Giants game in the summer! Room service and a heated pool make up for the losses at the table. My July trip was supposed to be for the July 4 baseball game between the Reno Aces and Sacramento River Cats, however I failed to purchase my tickets in advance and showed up to a rare sold out game. Fortunately I was able to watch the game from my room, of course in the hot tub!

Summer Gondola Ride at Heavenly Mountain Resort

It is rather easy to travel through Lake Tahoe coming back to Sacramento. The morning was overcast after the wildfire smoke cleared out, but the lake was bright and sunny when I arrived in mid morning. I stopped at Sand Harbor for some pictures, and then headed to the Heavenly Mountain Resort for some fun. In the summer, they open up the gondola to the mountain adventure area with a rock wall, zip lines, rope course, and summer tubing - my favorite. After a few trips down the hill and a precarious chair lift ride to nearly 10,000 ft, the altitude got to me and I had to head back down to the lake.

Historic Gaming Table at Nevada State Museum

There is always a lot to do in the Reno & Lake Tahoe area. I enjoy visiting Virginia City and seeing the museums in the area. The natural wonders of the lake and desert being so close to each other is really spectacular and worth a trip. Unfortunately, I hit another wildfire on the way home and had to skip a dinner with friends on the way home. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.