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Reno , Nevada
Reno, Nevada is famous for being the
"Biggest Little City in the World", and is the third biggest city in the
state of Nevada. World known for its casinos, and the starting place of
Harrah's Entertainment, during the 1950s, it was the gaming capital of the
world. However, Las Vegas grew exponentially, and the Native Americans in
California opened their casinos, and the city started a steady decline.
Many of the older casinos have been torn down, while still many others have
closed. A number of players come to the city from the San Francisco and
Sacramento areas, while those in the Los Angeles area head to Vegas. During
the winter months, the city slows down quite a bit, since the roads over the
Sierra Nevada mountains get closed due to heavy snows. Presently, some of
the larger new hotel casinos are showing good growth; namely the Peppermill,
Grand Sierra Resort and the Atlantis. With new venues like the Great Reno
Balloon Race, bowling tournaments, Hot August Nights, which are a classic
car convention; the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, a Cinco de Mayo
celebration, Street Vibrations with a motorcycle gathering and rally, and
the Reno Air Races; the city stays fairly busy.
The area
was first settled in the 1850s, in the Truckee Meadows, which is a fertile
valley that the Truckee River flows through on its way to Pyramid Lake. The
river flows out of Lake Tahoe in California, goes through the mountains and
passes by Reno. Although the early settlers farmed, they earned a majority
of their income from the many travelers going to California from the east.
During that time, gold was discovered in the Virginia City area and
settlements grew from that event; but the main impetus to growth was the
huge silver discover in 1859 which became known as the Comstock Lode. The
main connection to the rest of the country was in the Truckee Meadows area
and Reno. Over the next fifty years, the area grew, first with the
railroads and then with the first Transcontinental Railroad itself bringing
in many immigrants. It became a business and agricultural center and the
main supply depot between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. While the gold
mining industry has subsided a little, the state is still the third biggest
producer in the world. In 1931, gambling was legalized and easy divorce
laws were passed which started another growth period in the city. At one
point, whenever anyone was going to Reno, it was surmised that it was for a
divorce.
With many
casinos closing and the housing market growing, the idea of condos helped
spark another growth time for the city. The University of Nevada, Reno is
the oldest in the state, teaching agriculture, journalism, mining
engineering and Basque; being one of two in the country to teach that
language. The only judicial college in the country is part of the
university. Numerous nightclubs and bars have opened in the downtown area,
sparking a renewed interest in the after hours business. With the Union
Pacific Railroad, Interstate 80 and US 395, as well as Amtrak and bus
service, the city is well traveled and easily accessible. The Reno/Tahoe
International Airport also brings in many visitors each year. The sports
venue is well represented, with many recreational activities available in
the area. There are three wonderful water areas near the city; Lake Tahoe,
Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Many beautiful parks lay within the region
and the ski resorts in the vicinity bring in a tremendous amount of
tourists.
The city in
conjunction with Tahoe is trying to get the 2018 Winter Olympic games to
come to the area, but it may be passed by in favor of it being in Chicago
for the 2016 Olympic bid. There are some museums located in the city, with
art galleries, orchestras, performing arts and other venues that bring in
visitors often. Reno 911 has helped the city, although it is not filmed
here. A number of movies have been shot here, including Pink Cadillac,
Magnolia, The Wizard, the Misfits, Kingpin, Sister Act, Ocean's Eleven,
Matilda the Dancing Kangaroo and Austin Powers in Goldmember. Also many
great songs have mentioned the city, including; Woodie Guthrie in Reno
Blues, Johnny Cash mentions it in Folsom Prison Blues, R.E.M., Beck, Kanye
West, Tom Waits, Grateful Dead, Southern Pacific and many more.
When you go
to Reno, do yourself a favor and rent a
car to get around the area easier. By renting a vehicle, you will gain some
great flexibility to your holiday and take away any worries about
traveling. Many people pick up their rental car at or near the Reno/Tahoe
International Airport since they have a greater selection. The rental car
companies can pick you up at or near the Reno/Tahoe International Airport to
make it even easier on you. Whatever you needs are, we can help with a
compact, mid-size, full-size or luxury car, SUV or minivan. So, the next
time you are in Reno, or going to Reno let us help you choose the right
vehicle for your vacation or trip needs.
Dollar Rental Car Specials
Dollar Rental Car - Reno International
Airport
The museum opened in 1989 and
created quite a stir, with its special details and interactive exhibits.
With exquisite examples of autos from 1892 to the present, the collection of
the late Bill Harrah, are in excellent condition. When Bill died in 1978,
the Holiday Corporation bought his holdings, including the wonderful
collection of autos he had acquired over the years. Using private donations
and funding the governor of Nevada opened the museum with 175 cars donated
with the automobile artifacts and research library; making it one of the
biggest corporate gifts in history. Named one of the top ten museums by Car
Collector Magazine, it is a fabulous collection to enjoy and makes a trip to
Reno even that much more interesting.
Thrifty Rental
Car Specials
Thrifty Rental Car - Reno Airport
Another exciting venue in the city of slots, is the
Animal Ark, that houses neglected or hurt animals that would otherwise have
no place to go and would certainly end up dying. With tigers, bears and
cheetahs, oh my; foxes, birds of prey and wolves, lynx and mountain lion;
this wildlife sanctuary is a marvelous place to visit and take the family.
They accept donations, will let you adopt and have many great events that go
on all year. Set on 38 fantastic acres, it is a great opportunity to view
these beautiful creatures in their natural environments. The mountain lion
was hit by a car and would have died had it not been for the compassionate
folks at the ark. Some of the other species include; coyote, white tiger,
leopard, desert tortoise, barn owl, great horned owl, black bear and
raccoon. This haven for wild animals will thrill you with their beauty and
wild eyed looks; come and see, it is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy in
Reno. |