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Reno, Nevada

The Biggest Little City in the World

September 2024

14 Days
1 Country
3 Destinations
Reno, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City — September 2024

In September 2024, we traveled to northern Nevada to visit my brother Steve and his wife, Claudia. They had recently moved from Las Vegas to a new home just outside Reno, giving us the perfect reason to explore a different part of Nevada while enjoying some family time together.

We stayed at the large Peppermill Casino Resort in Reno, surrounded by the bright lights, gaming floors, restaurants and constant activity that give the city its distinctive character. Reno proudly calls itself “The Biggest Little City in the World,” and although it is smaller and more relaxed than Las Vegas, it still has plenty of classic Nevada energy.

One of our outings took us into the Sierra Nevada mountains and over to Zephyr Cove on Lake Tahoe. It was a beautiful, clear and sunny day, although the wind was strong as it swept across the lake. The brilliant blue water, mountain scenery and tall pine trees made a striking contrast with the dry Nevada landscape around Reno. Even with the wind, it was a wonderful day to spend along the shoreline and enjoy one of the most scenic lakes in the country.

We also made the drive to Virginia City, the historic mining town that grew during Nevada’s Comstock silver boom. By coincidence, we arrived during a major motorcycle gathering, and the streets were packed with bikes and riders. The roar of motorcycles echoed between the old storefronts, wooden sidewalks, saloons and historic buildings, giving the town an entirely different kind of Wild West atmosphere.

At the edge of Virginia City, we visited its historic cemetery. The weathered headstones, iron fences and hillside setting offered a quieter glimpse into the lives of the miners, settlers and families who lived there during the town’s boom years. Looking across the dry Nevada hills from among the old graves, it was easy to imagine how remote and demanding life must have been when Virginia City was one of the richest mining communities in the West.

More than anything, the trip was about spending time with Steve and Claudia and seeing the place they now called home. We shared good meals, explored Reno, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City, and enjoyed a relaxed visit filled with conversation, laughter and family. It was a good visit, with good food and a very good time together.

Reno, Nevada Trip Map

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Trip Highlight

Reno Nevada

Reno, Nevada, United States

Richard and I had a wonderful dinner with my brother Steve and his wife Claudia, along with my sister Cindy, at La Cucina, a cozy Italian restaurant in Reno, Nevada. The warm ambiance and delicious food made for a perfect evening of laughter, stories, and family connection. It was a memorable night shared over pizza, pasta, beer, wine, and heartfelt conversation.

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Trip Highlight

Lake Tahoe - Zephyr Point - Nevada

Zephyr Cove, Nevada, United States

While visiting my brother and his wife in Reno, we took a scenic day trip to Lake Tahoe. The drive was a striking contrast—leaving the dry Nevada desert behind and climbing into the forested elevations where pine trees began to dominate the landscape. It felt like entering a completely different world. We stopped at Zephyr Point for a break, taking in the crisp mountain air and views of the deep blue lake. The...

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Trip Highlight

Virginia City Nevada

Virginia City, Nevada, United States

While visiting Reno, we took a trip out to Virginia City, a historic mining town that feels frozen in time. Perched in the hills with views stretching across the high desert, the town oozes Old West charm—wooden boardwalks, swinging saloon doors, and stores filled with quirky, tourist-friendly goods. It happened to be “Biker Day” during our visit, and the town was packed with thousands of motorcycles—every...

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