• Years before Northern Nevada became my home, I would occasionally grab my friends and head to Reno for a weekend of shenanigans that included all-you-can-eat buffets, $2 minimum blackjack, and dirt-cheap hotel rooms with questionable standards. In my opinion, if you stayed too long, you saw too much.

• Fast forward to today, and Reno is at the top of my list of favorite places. With a vibrant food scene, 300+ days of sunshine, trendy shops, great entertainment, and incredibly cool locals, Reno has more to offer in just 110 square miles than any other town I’ve visited. 

Case in point. Reno is filled with art. From Burning Man installations to unexpected masterpieces painted under an overpass or on the side of a 3 story building. Art is everywhere. As a local, I stumble upon the coolest works of art all the time.

Here’s a fun find. Hidden under Reno’s historic 1934 post office is The Basement, where you can grab a coffee or a cocktail shop for an e-bike, furniture, and some crystals, grab a bite or get a haircut. In the city of hidden gems, this place is just the right amount of peculiar and awesome. 

Looking for something a little more sophisticated? The Nevada Museum of Art features a diverse collection of visual arts,  guided tours, Sunday Music Brunch, Book Club discussions, and live music. The building itself is a work of art.

• I’m not really a car person, but I’ve been to this museum at least 5 times a year for over a decade. I LOVE The National Automobile Museum! This remarkable collection of more than 225 vintage and rare automobiles will have you oooing and awing through the entire exhibit. A must-see for the car enthusiast or anyone who just loves a beautiful paint job. 

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• Grab the kids and head to the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum.  An interactive, hands-on museum where curiosity and science live. Sure, you can pretend you’re there solely for the benefit of your child, but we guarantee you will have as much fun as they do.

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• Wilbur D. May Center: This cultural center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and is home to one of my favorite Reno experiences. Adventurer Wilbur May was a rancher, pilot, and philanthropist. His collection of oddities is filled with the unexpected. Summer visitors will delight in the expansive botanical garden, the perfect afternoon stroll. This is also the home of the Great Reno Balloon Race in September.

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• Artown Is an annual arts and culture festival occupying the entire month of July. This event features art installations, performances, music, festivals, and a local vibe that will set your inner artist free.

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• Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts: If you're interested in live performances, check out the Pioneer

• Center for concerts, theater productions, and other cultural events. Located in the heart of downtown Reno,

• you can grab dinner and walk to the venue, then stroll along the river for a nightcap.