Reno is a city in and the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. Reno, Nevada is located 26 miles north of the capital of Nevada, Carson City, and 22 miles northeast of beautiful Lake Tahoe, and is adjacent to Sparks. The 2000 census put Reno’s population at 180,480, second highest in the state, behind Las Vegas. The latest population estimates for Reno put their population around 214,000, an impressive increase over 2000, but Henderson Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas, has grown even faster and now exceeds Reno in population. The population of western Nevada near Reno now has a population of 650,000 and is growing rapidly.

Reno was once the legal gambling capital of the United States, but was eclipsed by Las Vegas in the early 1960’s. Reno has seen a few casinos come and go, and unlike Las Vegas as one closes its not automatic that another, bigger hotel will take its place. That said, Reno is home to some outstanding casinos, including the Peppermill and Atlantis. Reno has also become an attractive housing market for Californians looking for more reasonably priced real estate, and for anyone looking for decent weather.

The most notable characteristic of Reno weather is the frequently wide spread between the daily high temperature and the daily low temperature. This spread is about 25 degrees farenheit in the winter and widens to over 40 degrees in the summer. Towards the end of July the daily high in Reno is typically over 90, while the low is barely above 50. Reno’s high elevation and low humidity are the major causes of this wide difference in daily temperatures.

Winters are cool in Reno, with high temperatures in the mid-40’s and lows in the low to mid-20’s. Snow is common, but heavy snows and blizzards are not, although Reno averages one ten inch snowstorm per decade over the past 100 years. Great skiing is close by in the Lake Tahoe area. The spring weather in Reno tends to be dry and cool. Daytime high temperatures start in the 50’s in the beginning of spring and climb over 70 by the end of spring. Summers are warm but rarely oppressive. July and August are the driest months of the year in Reno. The temperatures drop and the chance of rain climb in the fall, especially near the end of the season.

Reno is an interesting little big town located in the desert of Nevada. No, it is certainly not as popular as its Las Vegas sibling, but it can definitely hold its own and offers a wide assortment of entertainment options aside from gambling. However, it should be noted that gambling does remain the biggest draw for Reno but it is certainly not the only thing this desert jewel has to offer visitors.

The largest nature attraction in Reno is Lake Tahoe. The lake has over 70 miles of shoreline to see. You can camp, hike, and trudge around the countryside for fun. Lake Tahoe has a bevy of fun outdoor activities and is a great place to spend your vacation when you have lost most of your money gambling at the casinos in Reno.

Interested in fun, wet, wild activities? Go to Wild Waters in Sparks. It has access from Interstate 80. Wild Waters offers activities that the entire family will love. You can play miniature golf or race go-karts. Yummy food is available at Wild Waters. Now if you don’t feel like making a drive to popular spots around Reno, there is no need. Whitewater Park on the Truckee was created by the city of Reno for kayakers. It is located conveniently downtown and even if you are not into kayaking, walking along the water is a great way to calm down after losing at blackjack.

You can also add to your artistic experience by visiting the great number of art studios and galleries. Stop by the galleries on 1st street, South Virignia Street, and California Avenue. They are an exciting adventure for any art admirer. They offer impeccable Southwestern art plus art from all over the glob. You can soak in the local culture here. If you want to head the more traditional activity route, you can spend time in the Reno casinos. Wedding services such as chapels are available just like they are in Las Vegas. As you can see, Reno has so much to offer. Take a trip to Reno today.