Portions of the writer’s trip were hosted.
Some may say that casinos are the main reason to visit Reno, Nevada. But along with the glitz of neon signs and the thrill of the gaming floor, the city also offers scenic outdoor adventures, vibrant arts and culture, and a growing food scene that gives visitors plenty more to explore.
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, or exploring solo– as I did– Reno offers so much more to see, do, and eat– beyond the casino floors. Here’s how I spent the perfect day in Reno.
Kickstarting Your Day: Breakfast at Two Chicks Reno
The best way to begin is with breakfast at Two Chicks Reno. The female-owned eatery got its start as a food truck, and is open daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and cocktails.
The menu includes classic items like Benedicts, omelettes, and skillets, plus biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and French toasts. For lunch there’s a variety of salads, melts, and sandwiches, with fun names like the Mother Clucker (diced chicken, artichoke, cheese, red onion, and dijon on sourdough). They also offer catering.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
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Dine in to enjoy the full ‘Breakfast and Booze’ experience, complete with a lively atmosphere, delicious aromas, and a splash of color all around. With two locations, each wheelchair accessible, you can choose the one that best fits your plans and still enjoy the same great food and welcoming atmosphere.
I stopped at the original Midtown Two Chicks location at 752 S. Virginia Street around mid-morning, and grabbed a seat at the bar. The place was bustling, and it turned out to be a perfect spot for people-watching. It’s the kind of place where– even if you are dining alone– you feel like you’re part of the scene.
I ordered the classic eggs benedict, and my friendly server easily convinced me to try a Bloody Mary, made with their signature spicy house mix. And I’d do it all again, no questions asked.
Mid-Morning Stroll: Discovering the Reno Riverwalk
A great way to make the most of your day in Reno is with a peaceful stroll along the Reno Riverwalk, which winds beside the Truckee River in the heart of downtown. And that’s just what I did after breakfast. It was a beautiful day for soaking in river views as I made my way toward my next destination.
With over 45 dining options, bars, and entertainment venues, over 15 local boutiques offering gifts, antiques, and clothing, plus four museums, three theaters, eight parks, and even a baseball stadium, there’s something for everyone. For outdoor fun, you can hit the water at Truckee River Whitewater Park with kayaking and tubing rentals available.
The free and paved trail is accessible at multiple points between the west side of Idlewild Park and Wingfield Park, and is open 24/7.
Afternoon Culture Immersion: The Nevada Museum of Art
From the Riverwalk, take a short walk to one of Reno’s true cultural gems– The Nevada Museum of Art. Home to a permanent collection of over 2,000 works, the museum also features rotating special exhibitions, and engaging STEM-focused programs.
The four-level modern building, a work of art itself, has 15,337 square-feet of gallery space, a multimedia theater, on-site cafe, gift shop, sculpture garden, and a rentable rooftop event space. It is currently undergoing the addition of an entire new wing.
Take your time– or breeze through– exploring multiple exhibits in the museum’s bright modern indoor and outdoor spaces. Grab a bite or a quick pick-me-up in the cafe, or mementoes to take home from the gift shop.
Hosted by the museum on a tour with Valerie Primeau, museum Director of Communications, I enjoyed the intricate large-scale art of Judith Lowry, both colorful and powerful. I was especially captivated and surprised by the Sea Dragons of Nevada exhibit, the largest gathering of giant Ichthyosaur fossils in one place. Experiencing both art and science side by side made for an inspiring and memorable visit.
Shifting Gears: Exploring The National Automobile Museum
Shift gears– literally– by heading just a few blocks away to the National Automobile Museum, home to the impressive collection of vintage and rare cars once owned by hotel and gaming pioneer Bill Harrah, of Harrah Hotels and Casinos.
Here, you can view the ‘Cars of the Stars’ exhibit, featuring vehicles owned by icons like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. A collection of Paul Newman’s race cars is currently on display, as well as a collection of limited edition cars and rare early model automobiles.
Visit during weekday and weekend hours with paid admission, and prepare to spend some time here, there is a lot to see in the four galleries and areas in between.
I joined a tour led by volunteer and car enthusiast, John Sell– an unforgettable guide whose stories brought the cars to life. I was especially excited to see one of Elvis’ Cadillacs, and a vehicle once owned by Frank Sinatra. The museum’s scale and the number of cars were impressive, with some displays designed to resemble old streets– making it feel like stepping back in time. It’s also one of the few places my Model T driving school certificate earned me real street cred.
Evening Indulgence: Dinner at Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
After a full day of exploring, I made my way to Liberty Food & Wine Exchange to unwind and savor a locally inspired meal. A cool foodie destination in an eclectic space– Liberty blends global culinary influences with the fresh seasonal flavors of Nevada’s local farmers and purveyors.
Enjoy scratch-made, delightfully shareable plates paired with wIne and cocktails for dinner Monday through Friday, along with Happy Hour, and brunch on weekends.
Hosted by restaurateur/owner and chef, Mark Estee, the welcoming atmosphere made it just as tempting to sit at the bar as it was to enjoy a cozy table for one. My server, Cody, was attentive and offered spot-on recommendations. The wood roasted cauliflower with Calabrian chili oil and garlic breadcrumbs was packed with flavor, but the real standout was that night’s fish special: wood fired ocean trout, with clams, shrimp, chorizo, a tomato fennel broth, and flatbread. I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.
Winding Down: Checking in to J Resort
As dinner came to a close and the day wound down, I made my way to my home base for the night. Located in the heart of downtown, J Resort is a new addition to Reno’s revitalized West 4th Street district, part of the exciting Neon Line project.
In addition to upscale accommodations, luxurious amenities, and a prime position to art and vibrant nightlife, the resort is undergoing some exciting redevelopment. The north side will offer enhanced gaming, dining, and a banquet hall, while the west side will offer a larger banquet hall, modern meeting spaces, a full-service spa, and a stunning indoor-outdoor rooftop pool. Also on the horizon is a new Festival Grounds, featuring a main stage and grassy area designed to host over 15,000 guests for concerts and summer festivals.
I was thoroughly impressed with my mountain view room, which offered breathtaking panoramas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The hotel features striking sculptures from past Burning Man festivals, a vast collection of contemporary art both indoors and outdoors, along with an open air concert venue at Glow Plaza. Inside, be sure to visit the Afterglow Lounge for cocktails and live music, and several on-site restaurants.
Seamless Travel: Getting There and Getting Around
Getting there to spend your perfect day in Reno couldn’t be easier by air via the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is just a few miles from downtown.
To get around in the city, public transportation like RTC Ride provides bus service throughout Reno and surrounding areas. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles, including J Resort, which provides one to and from the airport. Personally, I found ride-sharing services like Uber to be the most convenient and efficient way to explore the city.
Go to VisitRenoTahoe to help plan your trip.
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