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The Neon Babylon

Reno, Nevada, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” shines brightly for gatherings with casinos, mountains, and an eclectic vibe

By Todd R. Berger

The mountain town of Reno, Nevada || Photo by John, courtesy of Adobe

Reno, Nevada, famously bills itself as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Although it has a population one-third the size of Las Vegas, there is a whole lot going on in this mountain town with legal gambling right up to the Nevada/California border. Lake Tahoe and Carson City are each about 45 minutes away, and multiple ski resorts inhabit the surrounding mountains.

“As an urban basecamp where the Sierra Nevada meets the dynamic city streets of Reno and Sparks, Reno Tahoe is a destination that sets itself apart for every type of meeting,” says Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, which covers Reno and the North Lake Tahoe area.

Vibe: “Reno Tahoe is a vibrant, eclectic destination,” says Larragueta. “The mix of the city and mountain atmospheres brings unlimited possibilities for meetings and events.” With gambling, world-class skiing, the National Bowling Stadium, and J Resort’s Reno Neon Line of Burning Man sculptures, “eclectic” seems spot on.

Reno Arch downtown
Reno Arch downtown || Photo by ravelview, courtesy of Adobe

Transportation: All major airlines serve Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which can be reached nonstop from 20 cities across the country and from Mexico. Many hotels have free shuttles to and from the airport, and there are also private shuttles; city buses; and Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Multiple car rental companies are at the airport.

Hotels: Reno boasts some 15,000 hotel rooms, many with event space. Grand Sierra Resort has 200,000 square feet of function space and was recently renovated. Resorts Eldorado Reno Hotel & Casino, which has room for 1,000 attendees; Atlantis Casino, Resort & Spa, with extensive upgrades to both towers last year; and Whitney Peak Hotel, which rebranded as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton last year, all accommodate gatherings.

Reno Riverwalk along the Truckee River || Photo by donyanedomam, courtesy of Adobe

Venues: The Reno-Sparks Convention Center can fit up to 12,000 people reception-style, and the smaller-but-still-cavernous Reno Events Center has 118,000 square feet of event space. Planners for smaller gatherings might prefer The Chateau at Incline Village, which is near the shores of Lake Tahoe; Greater Nevada Field, home to the AAA Reno Aces baseball team; or The National Automobile Museum, with event space among its 200 cars on exhibit.

Restaurants: La Strada at Eldorado Reno Hotel & Casino serves a notable mushroom ravioli, accommodates large groups, and offers catering; Atlantis Steakhouse in the Atlantis Casino, Resort & Spa has wet-aged USDA prime steaks, 336 wine varietals, and private dining space for up to 50; and Oceano serves up the fresh catch of the day and all-you-can-eat sushi, and is a good choice for intimate gatherings. The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery, in a one-time railway company headquarters building, has three floors and two warehouses suitable for events.

Must-Sees & -Dos: In addition to skiing and gambling, planners with groups in Reno might meander the galleries at the Nevada Museum of Art; toss the pallina at Bundox Bocce, an indoor/outdoor dining, event, and entertainment venue; explore the Reno Riverwalk along the Truckee River downtown; gather for dinner at the Reno Public Market food hall; or book a tour bus from Gogo Charters and circumnavigate Lake Tahoe.

rscva.com

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