Reno

There’s something about retro, vintage, and chic that’s practically irresistible. Maybe it’s the way they stir up nostalgia—or maybe people just had better taste back then. And sure, while you could don a pant suit and aviators for your retro revelry, why not go all in with an immersive stay at some of Nevada’s coolest overnighters?

Few road trips brim with as much Western heritage as Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor. And here’s the thing: Interstate 80’s speed limits hit 80 mph but when you come to a town, slow down. Beyond those off-ramps, you’ll find lively communities full of history and engaging attractions, with museums, restaurants, and festivals blend buckaroo, Basque, and American Indian traditions. So, pack your boots, hit the Cowboy Corridor, and become part of the story.

For foodies on the go, nothing beats the chance to eat like a local. One of the best districts in Reno to do this is MidTown. This hip area boasts an eclectic mixture of shops, artsy bars, and innovative restaurants known for delectable cuisine. Some of MidTown Reno’s most inspired restaurants draw on flavors and culinary traditions from around the world. In other words, get ready for 16 blocks chock-full of international, palate-pleasing adventures.  From Korean fusion and Brazilian barbecue to Japanese and Indian fare, MidTown's dining scene is your one-stop shop for tastebud bliss.   

What do you get when you combine wide open spaces with stunning fall foliage? There’s no punchline, and it’s no joke that the Silver State has a lot to offer leaf-peepers. With gorgeous October colors awaiting, a road trip was in order, so Senior Graphic Designer Alexandria Olivares-Wenzel and I grabbed our cameras and hit the road.

For 28 years, Reno has transformed into Artown for the month of July. The nationally recognized event brings hundreds of performances in dance, music, and theater, not to mention art shows. Last year, Artown held more than 600 performances across 125 venues. International performers and headliners joined regional and local artists to entertain more than 300,000 attendees.

America’s favorite food was born in the mid-1800s when vendors started serving “steak in the Hamburg style,” which meant lower-quality beef that was ground, spiced, cooked, and served between bread. First popular with immigrants and sailors, hamburgers soon swept the nation as a meal for the common folk that was cheap, tasty, and portable. Today, hamburgers are ubiquitous: a culinary staple nearly guaranteed on every restaurant menu in the country (and many abroad). Despite this proliferation, burger tourism is a rewarding venture because every region offers a unique spin on the classic. Such is the experience across Nevada, and while every community has at least one great burger option, we HIGHLY recommend these.

At 34 years old, Jessie Beck (born Jessie Renfro) found herself recently divorced and nearly broke. Opportunities for a single mother in 1938 were few, so she was relieved to find work at a diner in Fort Worth. A few months into the job, Beck’s sister Mabel and brother-in-law Raymond “Pappy” Smith entered the restaurant. The two had just arrived from Reno, where Pappy managed the Harolds Club casino.

Very little is a given in this world; in fact, we’re often told the only thing you can count on is death and taxes however there is another incontrovertible fact about humans. We need food. But beyond basic sustenance, food plays an indelible part in our lives and it touches not only our biological needs but also our social and emotional needs as well.