Reno, NV

October 2020

This was our first overnight trip since the pandemic started and we were looking for something familiar to do as a starting point. Reno is an easy drive up I-80 from the Sacramento area and a place we know well from years of skiing in nearby Tahoe. You can do Reno as a day trip, but a friend was able to get us a great deal for two nights at the Grand Sierra Resort, which I hadn’t stayed at before, so that became our plan. I am happy to report the people we encountered were being careful and the local businesses seemed to be going out of their way to make everyone feel safe. October is a great time to visit Reno as the weather is perfect and the light crowds make for easy social distancing. No question it felt wonderful to escape for a couple of days and to discover both some old favorites and some new treasures.

Grand Sierra Resort (GSR)

Beautiful rooms and everything under one roof you need for a short vacation

Our hotel for this visit was the Grand Sierra Resort which is located near the airport and most attractions. The GSR is huge. Almost a city within Reno, it has an ice rink, movie theater and bowling alley in addition to the casino, a nightclub, restaurants and bars you would expect. The management did a good job of following the CDC protocols and despite it being more crowded than I would have liked, we never felt uncomfortable. Special call out for Fat Tuesday, which makes it far too easy to grab a daiquiri on your way to the pool! 

La Vecchia Italian Ristorante

Excellent food, great service in a great new location

We enjoyed dinner here the first night as this has become our go-to Italian restaurant when visiting Reno. Our  the first time we have been back since they moved, they are a little harder to find but worth the drive. Same great food and service and the new location offers a nice patio that overlooks the Reno skyline. Make sure you leave room for their outstanding desserts.

Two Chicks Reno

Wonderful breakfast, great service nice location

Breakfast can be tricky, grab something at the hotel or look for something special nearby? Tried Two Chicks based on many positive online reviews and was not disappointed. They have limited outdoor seating, but have made all the adjustments you expect to keep customers and staff safe while seated inside. I had their french toast with pork sausage which was excellent! My wife’s eggs, chicken sausage and toast may have been even better. She so enjoyed the toast so much we ended up buying a loaf to take home. Located in midtown, parking was easy and it is surrounded by other fun looking shops.

National Automobile Museum

Movie stars, precious metals and more help tell the history of the cars

I’ve visited several auto museums all over the world and this is certainly one of the best. The collection of truly beautiful cars, trucks and more are organized by time periods with artfully done sets that help create perspective. The docents are very knowledgeable and happy to give you all the details you could want. They have also done a nice job of using displays to highlight cars with a special historical significance.

Reno Riverwalk District

Beautiful park like escape in the middle of Reno

Reno really has done a nice job of creating walkways, parks and public art along the river. Not surprisingly several nice restaurants, pubs and shops have opened nearby as well. This beautiful area does have homeless people who also enjoy everything it offers but the police patrol it often.

Bertha Miranda’s Mexican Restaurant

Traditional Mexican food done really well in an interesting setting

First time trying Bertha’s, which we selected based on the many good reviews. I was a little disappointed initially as we were quickly seated, but then the staff disappeared. Fortunately the rest of the evening was delightful with great chips and salsa, outstanding beans and one of the best chicken enchiladas I’ve ever had. The decor is quite unique with some great live plants and some very unusual artwork. Located across the street from the National Car Museum.

The Daily Bagel

Simple, fresh and good

On our last morning we looked for another local place to have a quick breakfast before starting the trip home. Discovered The Daily Bagel, which based on the constant stream of customers seems to be a local favorite. Catering to a pickup crowd seating is limited and nicely spaced just outside the pickup window. I had a plain bagel with homemade Strawberry cream cheese that was delicious. Vicki had the breakfast sandwich on a croissant which was also good.