Visiting the Reno Arch is an absolute must!!! No ifs, ands, or buts!!!…read more This place is located in downtown Reno and is the iconic landmark. Visitors from near and far set time aside to make a quick visit and takes the very obligated selfie. I personally enjoy coming here at night because the sign looks so much more beautiful with it's bright lights and sparkly-ness in full effect. 5/5 stars. I will religiously continue to make a visit at each and every trip to Reno. While selfies are a lot easier to control how your photos end up, I lowkey get kicks and giggles from the uncertainty of things when you trouble someone to take photos for you. Life's too short- sometimes you just need to laugh+cringe at the photo where your hair is flying in all directions, when you are captured with the most awkward poses and the most hideous angles. LOLz.

I was born in Grass Valley, California, so Reno has been part of my life for as long as I can…read moreremember. As a kid, driving into town felt like arriving somewhere magical. Back then, the casino doors were wide open. You could hear the constant soundtrack of coins pouring out of slot machines before you even stepped inside. Maybe it's nostalgia talking, but there was just something about Reno in the late '70s and '80s that felt electric. I've got more memories in this town than I probably should admit. When I was 17, I somehow wandered into a casino, got free drinks, and not one person asked for an ID. Different times... or maybe I just had the world's worst fake mustache. Either way, I survived, and apparently so did the casino. My first marriage happened in Reno. I've played golf here, stayed in a penthouse overlooking the river and the casinos, wandered downtown with family, and now I've brought my son here to make a few memories of his own. Every visit seems to add another chapter. Of course, you can't come to Reno without stopping at the famous arch. It's iconic. During the day it's cool. At night? That's when it really comes alive. The lights, the energy, the people it just feels like Reno. Now, I'll admit I'm an old-school guy. I remember when casinos practically begged you to come inside. You'd get steak and eggs for $1.99, and somehow it was actually good. Drinks were free, people were winning enough coins to need a bucket, and every slot machine sounded like it was celebrating somebody. These days you slide your money into a machine, blink twice, and somehow you've just made a generous donation to the casino's remodeling fund. The funny thing is, Reno has changed, but in some ways it's gotten even better. These days I come for the food just as much as the lights. Yelp has introduced me to little hole-in-the-wall restaurants that looked like they'd fail a beauty contest but absolutely crushed it in the kitchen. One place had us wondering if we took a wrong turn... until the food showed up and suddenly we were planning our next visit before we'd finished the meal. Fancy casino restaurant? Fantastic. Tiny local diner with faded paint? Also fantastic. Reno's food scene doesn't care what the building looks like it just shows up and delivers. So yes, stop and grab your picture under the Reno Arch. It's part of the experience. Then put the phone away, wander around downtown, enjoy the lights, take in the river, and most importantly... go eat somewhere the locals recommend. The house may always win, but if you come for the scenery, the memories, and especially the food... you'll leave feeling like you beat the odds. Five stars. Some things change. Thankfully, Reno still knows how to make a trip worth remembering.

This was such a fun event. I wish I had taken more pictures. Everybody was dressed up and looked…read moreamazing! The mansion was beyond beautiful and each room featured a cocktail from four different bars. They were all delicious and perfectly crafted, it was so hard to choose a favorite. Our night ended with a little crafting where we got to decorate our own candle holder. I hope there's another event like this one. 10/10!!

We came for the free event last week sponsored by Nevada Arts For All. Our 3 yo got to create…read moreseveral Christmas themed art projects, got a free Christmas themed book, and told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. We had a great time watching our boy learn to create, without spending much money. I really love this organization and location and encourage parents to check out their offerings. Truly a blessing to our community.

Paulette was exceptional. She explained everything we were looking at and then some. She was very…read moreopen to questions. The tour was perfect. Got to see Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Virginia City. I sat back and enjoyed the sights and narration

This was a great tour and we loved all the stops. We were picked up at our hotel, and went to…read moreTruckee, CA for a brief stop (but long enough), then multiple scenic stops around Lake Tahoe, and finally making our way to Virginia City where we had some quality time to eat lunch and shop at the eclectic western town. Paulette was great and always willing to take a photo of us, and Roger our driver loved to add to the experience with some well timed and placed music! We are glad we did this tour!

What a wonderful way to spend an evening! Our hostess was so knowledgeable, funny, and shared some…read moregreat ghost stories, as well as a lot of Carson City history with us! The night was perfect, and we did the flashlight tour, which made things a little spooky! If you've never done the Carson City goes to her I highly suggest you give it a try! It was a fun evening out & a fun date nigh!

What a gas! Our "scary tour" was given by the spirited spirit of madam Curry, the founders funny…read moreand most entertaining ghost! It was 90 minutes, an easy walk past many of our most haunted homes and businesses. Take the kids, grandkids or make it a group outing ! Description SUMMER SEASON 2021 SATURDAY EVENING TOURS: 28th season JUNE - OCTOBER 2021 DATES: 6/19, 7/3, 7/10, 8/14, 8/21 TIME: 7 PM DATES: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9 TIME: 6 PM Ninety Minute Evening Tours Tickets: $15 Advance. $20 @ the Tour All Day October Ghost Walk - Saturday, October 23, 2021 The Carson City Ghost Walk reopens to the public for evening walking tours! Carson City's rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived in our seasonal tours, led by Madame Curry, a ghostly and witty community spirit based on the widow of Carson City's founder, Abe Curry. The Carson City Ghost Walks evening walking tours are a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City's Victorian era and diverse history. Hear about lingering spirits of the long ago centuries, haunted and paranormal stories and gossip from the past. This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district's west side historic homes and businesses. This is an outside tour leaving rain or shine. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins. Please dress for weather & walking. Tickets: All tickets $15 in advance with an additional online fee. $20 at the door. Under 3 Free. Tickets in advance available online at: purplepass or by mail. Location: Tours depart from 3rd & Carson Street next to the St. Charles Hotel (Firkin & Fox Pub). Early summer tours leave @ 7:00 PM. September and October Tours leave @ 6:00 PM The Carson City Ghost Walk follows all CDC Guidelines for Covid - 19 and community safety. Items Not Allowed

Always, always fun to take the 35 minute train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back. Sit…read moreinside or outside as you wish. The day we went it was very hot so most chose inside. Windows are open with no glass, cool breeze all the way. The charming conductor gives such fun and interesting information about all that you are seeing. He talks all the way there and back and makes it so much more interesting and you come away with all this knowledge about the Comstock. Don't suggest walking to the station from the Main Street as there is a parking lot provided and those hills are not for the weak! This fun train experience is just another reason a visit to Virginia City is always so much fun!

What a fantastic way to spend Valentine's Day in my favorite city in the sky!…read more This is our third time on the Murder Mystery Train Trip! Every year it's a different who duh it theme! It's fun to ask the characters questions before the murder happens. Then you have time to fill out your paperwork with the correct answers to win a prize! While on the train you can enjoy a well arrange Valentine's Day snack pack for two with sandwich's, fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries and cookies along with wine, water and beer! At the end, as you're exiting the train, they give out beautiful red roses to the ladies to enjoy. This is a favorite thing for us to do! Sometimes I wish it was much longer! They have about three trips a day Noon, 2, 4pm. All the characters are Knowledge, the train staff are awesome when checking in! The grounds are perfect for parking and bathroom facilities. There are many other train trips to take throughout the year, so definitely hop aboard and experience the beauty of the region and explore the gold rush time of Virginia City NV.

The Historic Reno Preservation Society sponsored a walking tour of the 4th Street area and beer…read moresampling of craft breweries along the way. The tour covered the area on 4th Street between Evans and Morrill Streets. We met at the corner of Morrill and 4th Streets, immediately east of the wells overpass. This area has a very distinct and colorful history that I was not aware of. 4th Street went from being a dirt road to becoming a key industrial and commercial road, to a highway. As the road connected east and west cities, it attracted many big businesses that thrived on 4th Street in years gone by. There were even railroad tracks that came right into the area. In that small four block area of 4th Street there were slaughter houses, a commercial brewery and other industries that had attracted the railroad to that area. In fact, the Depot brewery and restaurant, was indeed a train depot and there are remnants of the vault that once was part of the train depot. The door to the vault for some strange reason is in the men's room. My feeling is that it should be on display so all who come in can see it. It is a very impressive piece of history. . We had four staff members from the Reno Historical Society that took us on the walk and explained the businesses that thrived along the 4th Street Corridor and lectured on the architecture of some of the buildings that are still there that are over a hundred fifty years old, the significance of businesses having access to the train, and the evolution and development of 4th Street from a simple dirt road to a major road linking cities east and west until Interstate 80 was built. Along the way we made three stops at 3 craft breweries the first Brewery was the pigeon Head Brewery. the second was the lead Dog Brewery, and the third and final stop was the Depot Restaurant and Brewery. I am a huge fan of the craft beers and each one of the breweries definitely had something to my taste and liking even. it was interesting to go tour the breweries and sample their beers and have an appreciation of the brewmasters' special ingredients and talents as they practice their craft and make us all happy, happy. A very special way to spend part of your Sunday, thanks to the Historic Reno Preservation Society. Check out their website for future tours. Probst!

If you're looking for something fun to do in Northern Nevada, I can't recommend the Chollar Mine…read moreTour enough! Our tour guide, Gary, absolutely made the experience! He has an incredible knowledge of Virginia City and Northern Nevada history, but he shares it in a way that's engaging, funny, and easy to follow. His sense of humor was the perfect mix of clever and classic jokes, which kept both the adults and the kids entertained! Before we even stepped into the mine, Gary sat us under a tree and told the story of Virginia City and The Comstock Load. I've lived in Northern Nevada for years, and he still taught me things I had never heard before! It was a great reminder of just how much fascinating history we have right here in our own backyard. I also appreciated how patient and thoughtful he was with everyone in our group, especially the children and those who needed a little extra time walking through the mine. He made sure everyone felt included. As a bonus, Gary is also an author! I ended up buying one of his books (I collect children's books for my office), and he has written other books too. I may have to buy the others with my next visit. Whether you're visiting from out of town, or you've lived here for years, the Chollar Mine Tour is absolutely worth experiencing. We had a wonderful time and plan to come back with more friends and family! p.s. Ask for a ghost story or two!

Super interesting tour. A must if you really want to learn about mining in the old days. Tours…read moretypically run once an hour at 15 past the hour during the hours they are open. Check the website for the hours as they change seasonally. All the old artifacts lying around the yard are also quite interesting to look at. If you can't walk the length of a football field hunched over so your head (with helmet) doesn't hit the low beams, or are highly claustrophobic, this tour is NOT for you. CASH ONLY.

Great ghost tour. Steps and sounds were there as well as shadows. Don't forget to check your photos…read morelater, captured a blue mist

This tour was amazing!!! Informative and so much detail to the local history! I LOVED every moment!read more

My boyfriend and I came here for a drink and stayed for the underground mine tour! This is a…read morecash-only establishment (or at least the mine tour tickets are) so make sure you have your money on you. Otherwise, there is an ATM machine inside. The tour itself was so neat and unique! Our guide was entertaining and well informed. I definitely recommend if you're in the area!

I think the last time I was in this saloon was about 40 years ago. I remember taking a field trip…read morein elementary school in the mid 80's to tour VC. I remember taking the mine tour and being amazed that it is a part of our local history. I met some friends on a chilly Friday evening for drinks and karaoke. There was quite the crowd already at 8pm and I could tell it was a popular local watering hole. All the patrons were singing along with each karaoke guest and having a great time. The bartender was a very nice guy that was doing a great job keeping up with everyone despite being the only one behind the bar that night. We made sure to tip him well. He was slinging fresh cocktails, fresh draft pours, and some ready to drink cocktails. A couple of us put our names and song choices in for karaoke, the DJ had pretty much everything available to him. The songs ranged from classic rock, classic country, modern rock, modern country, 80's chart toppers, and some obscure songs that a number of locals got pumped up to hear! I got up to belt out my raspy rendition of The Promise, it was fun to get to 'perform' in front of a crowd again. A couple others in my group sang their hearts out as well. We will be back soon!

Gayle, Jim, Marti, and I took this most enjoyable walking tour yesterday on a nice warm Sunday…read moreafternoon. The tour started with the lower level of the Renaissance Hotel (who provided water and a snack) for a introduction, a historical set-up (in costume) and fun "throw the cards" warm-up. Once outside (fully masked) and "on the road", our tour stops included the old Post Office/West Elm, the Reno Courthouse, the Virginia Street Bridge, Space Whale/Site of old Mapes Hotel, Old Riverside Hotel, one of Reno's historic old Alleys, and Belle Island. In between were stories of hangings, rings thrown from the bridge, missing person/mob hits, possible prohibition liquor runs through alleged tunnels, and of course the church where the finale of Sister Act was filmed. There were also magic tricks, bad jokes, a look up in the sky gag for tour add-ons, a fake birthday song tribute to a surprised restaurant patron, and a very enjoyable and interactive outdoor experience. The expedition ended back at the hotel with a ring magic trick, a bit historical letter reveal, and appreciation for a job well done. This expedition actually left me with wanting more in terms of local historical tidbits and stories. Maybe sometime post-COVID, a longer and smaller attended walking tour would be "in the cards". In the meantime, please buy a ticket to the Weird Reno walking tour and thank you Kalin, Jinger, Jacques, and family for a bringing a little welcome joy to such a challenging time. Sincerely - Shorty

True magic from beginning to end! Very interactive with the…read moreaudience and I know some of us left wondering- how did they do that? I like how they integrated past, present and future. It was nice to experience something new and much needed in a long time. I definitely recommend getting tickets. We were laughing throughout the tour. So much history of which I learned about that I had no idea.., which left me truly inspired. I'll keep an eye out as I overheard there would be special events around Halloween and the holidays yay! It was a great Saturday in which we were enchanted, outdoors and walking triple points. Even celebrating someone's birthday! If I have friends come from out of town I'll be sure to let them know to check out Weird Reno!