Many times in life it's the simple things…read more Along the Truckee River there's a gentleman that takes rocks from the river and creates small sculptures of people and animals. He manages to balance these various sized river rocks to make his creations. It amazes me the size of the sculpture he can produce and how perfect they appear. I'm glad he has the passion and time to make these. I enjoy checking them all out when Sheela and I walk along the Truckee River. It is really disappointing to know that some people thinks it's ok to destroy the works; they are in anyone's way or bothering. Just enjoy.

I love art when it just sort of happens unexpectedly…read more I have been a fan of Mr. Hobo for awhile now as I am a frequent walker along the Truckee Riverwalk. His works are thoughtful, humorous, beautiful and poignant. I really love his reclining people and the little stories each one seems to tell. He is a gifted artist. The creativity of closing, arranging and balancing pieces of river rock to make his sculptures is truly a sight to behold. He does have pieces for sale that have the rocks attached, but most of his displays are completely stacked and balanced. When the water level is low enough, he adds pieces in the river between the Sierra and Virginia Street bridges. This guy Rocks! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)

I really thought this was a formal event. I wore a gown and the husband was in a tux. We had…read moretickets for the 8:30 portion of the event. When we arrived, it was more like a low key night club with loud music, lights and the with booths for samples. Some people were dressed in formal wear and others in Halloween costumes. The theme was Nightmare Before Christmas and some people leaned more with the Halloween part. The booths were giving out samples, like popcorn from Galaxy Theaters, tiny samples of Kettle's espresso martini, a bit sized sample of fudge, and ice cream. It reminded me of a craft fair with the random samples. For an event titled, "Fantasies in Chocolate", I would have thought there would be more chocolate. For the event, I was surprised there weren't more places for photo ops with good lighting. All in all, this wasn't my style. I was thinking it was more of a formal event.

Incredible night!! We love every minute of Fantasies in Chocolate!! This was my 3rd time at this…read moreVIP event!! Best ever!! We'll be back for more!!

Free Event yearly!!! It was an amazing experience seeing all the balloons up close. Rancho San…read moreRafael is such a big place it can accommodate all balloons that are joining the race. It's not a regret waking up 2 in the morning to see this magical event. The dawn patrol started at 5am so we were there about 3:30. Parking starts to fill at that time and we were all bundled up. If you plan to do this event, wear comfy shoes as there's a lot of walking to get to the parking and going into the park itself. There's $25 cash parking fee if you park at San Rafael. But if you park outside, it's always free. Bring blankets and folded chairs. There's merchants selling food and other things which start serving at about 5:30 am. The place is almost at full capacity as early as 5am so be there at least 3:30am. I'm sure you will have an amazing time! All balloons for Dawn Patrol ascended at 5:30. Then about 7am all the other balloons started going up. See you again, next year!

What a cool event!! I am kicking myself for being here in town for the last 4 years and not…read moreattending this awesome event. Its an early wake up for sure as the gates open at 3:30 and you should probably be there by 4:30 at the latest. the illuminations (glow) of the balloons before dawn is an incredible sight. They have all kinds of vendors selling food, drinks (including good bloody marys) and crafts. Its super cool being so close to the balloon crews and pilots. You are right there it the mix of it all and sometimes they might even ask you for a little help, which is fun. I got to help hold down a balloon basket just before launch. You can bet that I will be back each and every year to this very fun event. Another feather in the cap for Reno!

Today was the inaugural opening for the event they hope to be annual. It was held at Rancho San…read moreRafael Park in north Reno. The park is plenty big for the event, but lacks any shade for humans or pets. And by the opening at 10 am it was getting pretty warm. Wild Island sponsored four covered areas with large wading pools for the pets to cool off in. There could have been a few more drinking water areas, although I always carry my own in case. The event was set up in a large circle of awning for each vendor. There were several adoption agencies to look at and even take home a new loved today. It wasn't really advertised as a recue pet event, but that is what I truly took from it. It was nice to see so many organizations that take in various animals and trying to relocate them to loving homes. There were also tents that offered pet supplies, boarding facilities and groomers. For those who brought their 2 legged kids there was an area for them to enjoy with a bounce house and rock climbing wall. A couple of food trucks were also on hand to feed humans. Jump from Vegas set up some bleachers and an arena for agility runs and three dog performances. It was cool that the owner noted all his dogs in the show were all rescues. It seemed very busy for the early time I was there and yet there was plenty of space for everyone to move around with out getting their noses and tails out of joint. I hope they do even better next year and will watch for the event again

Great event to support mans best friend. There was a nice balance of vendor booths, food trucks,…read moreand activities for everyone to enjoy.

VC is still a great short drive weekend from Reno…read more The historic old mining town sits in the mountains southeast of Reno. And offers a day exploring quaint shops, more than its share of bars, interesting restaurants and old school hospitality. For a quiet trip come up when there's not an event. For a parade and full filled day, come up during on the the town's many event weekends. My go to is the Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival or as my friends call it - the Testy Festy. The Saturday before St Patty's where 15 or more groups complete to show off their creativity and cooking skills with testicules. At noon the locals gather for a St Patrick's Day parade, a mix of cowboys and folks celebrating the Iris in them. We choose to come up the day before and enjoy VC before the crowd and spend a couple of nights in one of the old school hotels. Visit shops. And have a few drinks. Explore the old streets and historic sites. Bonus is we are here before the crowd. :). On event weekends there is hardly any parking on the main street C and sometimes a couple of the parking lots are closed. So you'll need to catch one of the side streets off D.

It's an interesting place, no question. A giant tourist trap? Of course it is, that's all it is…read more There's some history squeezed in there, but it's mostly shopping-and walking, all uphill. It's a one time destination. You'll be glad you did it, and you'll be glad you left.

A small city plaza downtown…read more Nestled along the Truckee River as part of the Riverwalk, this area sits between the Cinemark Riverside theater and Java Jungle. It has ramp access from Arlington and Sierra Streets, stairs from West Street. There's also a bridge access across the Truckee to Wingfield Park. And a large stair area into the Truckee for wading on hot days. On beautiful days various artists and musicians set up spots to sell wares and play. Be careful on busy days, as pedestrians, dog walkers and bicyclists can make the area rather congested. During summer events this can often be full of vendors.

Another mini park in downtown Reno…read more This for me, is the entrance to the Riverwalk and Wingfield Park, two of my favorite places in Reno. It is a plaza used for fairs, walking, lounging, acessing the Truckee River and just overall people watching. The parks and plazas that are strung along the riverwalk is one reason I love Reno.

So what happens when you get a group of intrepid, young entrepreneurs together in a rundown seedy…read moresection of town? You get an event like this. East 4th street in Reno is one of those scary areas with homeless shelters and gospel missions, iron works and auto repair shops, empty buildings and dicy looking businesses. Enter the likes of Under the Rose Brewery, Reno Bike Project, and just a few blocks down, the Morris Burner Hotel and soon to be opened craft distillery. I had the great pleasure of attending the second annual Positively 4th Street Event this year and what a great event is was. The real showcase to me was the demonstration of a proposed bike path/street beautification project being proposed along the 4th street corridor. Totally brilliant idea. The street was adorned with potted plants and carefully constructed wood flats benches and the two lane green bike path was carefully roped off with cones and caution tape. A street party was in progress when we arrived with food, bouncy houses, local farmers market (yes truly local!!!), and a bike swap. There were walking, bus and bike tours from the Historical society. There was a pop-up restaurant produced by Campo, Sup, and Homage. All I can say is, "Midtown, watch out. There is a new kid in town."

Private event in the Atrium for 16 people had excellent food and service. We will plan more events…read morehere. The access to the patio and fireplaces was great as well. The ambiance in the entire restaurant is warm and welcoming. Wait service was prompt and fun. Tiffany and crew made our night.

AMAZE! AMAZE! AMAZE! We had the honor of dining at Marcolino's with our volleyball team and parents…read moreon a Saturday night. Highlight of the season for sure! Not only was Billy most gracious with our large squad, he was on point addressing the foodies and backing it up with delicious cuisine! The attention to detail for our private room made us feel like VIP rock starts (thank you Brittany) with the common man price tag. Service was seamless, food delicious, price appropriate, memory remembered. We are for sure on the come back tour! Thank you to the entire Marcolino's staff!

August 8, 2015 Saturday - 4:00 PM for BEER! 2 Adults…read more Atmosphere - 5 stars Food - 5 stars Service - 5 stars Background - Been to Freeze Your Pints Off so I had to go to Sweat Your Pints Off. Atmosphere - A cool night with a little rain which did not damper any ones spirits. I loved how they had covered areas with picnic tables and high top tables to rest, eat, or just get out of the heat, if there was any heat. Food Drinks - I think every brewery came from the area including Tonopah Brewing and The Brewing Lair. I love trying new beers and everyone brought stuff which I had not had before. The twist on the event today was most had two brews listed and soon as one of those beer were gone a new beer was added. So when you went around the second and third times around there were new beers to try. Dinner - With ticket purchase you get a coupon for a food truck, I picked Brothers. That sandwich was out before I could blink. It was so good, packed with meat. One of the things I have learned at these beer events is to eat during it so you are not overwhelmed by the alcohol. I even bring my own pretzels to snack on. Service - To me this event is about beer but more important interacting with the brewers. They all show the pride of their craft. Lots of the brewers were actually hopping around and work other booths to interact with each other. It is a small community and it is great to see them all work together so nicely. Future - Yes.