Spent today in Reno Nevada, and came away impressed with the city. I’m intimately familiar with Reno’s flashier cousin to the South, but this was my first gambling trip to Northern Nevada. Known as “The Biggest Little City In The World”, Reno is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada, in the Northwest portion of the state. I originally didn’t have a Reno trip scheduled until later in the year. But after a month of traveling, I was ready for a vacation from my vacation. Naturally, I headed to the nearest casino town. Reno lacks the the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, but it’s particularly well suited for laid back weekend trips.
After sleeping in until noon, fully recovered from my snow fiasco, I headed downstairs to the casino. Exiting the elevator, I immediately headed for one of my favorite places on Earth, the sportsbook. Being the middle of the afternoon on a weekday, I unsurprisingly had the run of the place. I plop myself down in a comfy chair, facing a bank of big screen TVs. I’ve always appreciated the design of sportsbooks, not trying to conceal their identity as giant man caves. Usually I like the hustle and bustle, but the experience of having the place to myself was really cool. The one downside though, was the lack of lines to actually place a wager. Usually this would serve as my first line of defense. Typically when I get some hair brained idea, like betting on the Nebraska Girl’s Volleyball match, a quick glance at the line would assuage my betting desire. Something along the lines of, “This bet is a winner, but I don’t want to stand in line”. Now there was no barrier, and I’ll admit I placed some real doosies, full blown degenerate type wagers.
All jokes aside. If you enjoy gambling, and are looking for something more relaxing than Las Vegas, Reno might be the destination for you. In a lot of ways it’s preferable. Reno attracts a much different crowd than Las Vegas. No need to worry about obnoxious bachelorette parties, or groups of college kids who just turned 21. Reno also has more varied day trip possibilities, with Lake Tahoe right next door. Plus the city is very family friendly. Unlike Vegas, no need to worry about your kids reading an inappropriate billboard, or seeing something unseemly in broad daylight.
I’ll have to make a return trip during a busier weekend, to get a different perspective. But my initial experience was very positive. Reno probably isn’t going to appeal to a younger crowd. But if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend destination, Reno is a very good option.
I’ve been to Reno a number of times when the crowds were in town and it still felt different than Vegas. There aren’t a gazillion hotels to wander through, but there is one kind of offbeat indoor extravaganza spot. I can’t remember which hotel, but I could find it in a minute if I was there because there’s not much to choose from in the version of the strip, just beyond the “Biggest Little City in The World” sign.
Great nighttime photo, by the way. That’s a Chamber of Commerce shot.