With a history rich in silver and influenced by the transcontinental railroad, Reno, Nevada has more organic origins than its more famous gambling sister city, Las Vegas. As part of the California Trail headed toward the Gold Rush, Reno grew as a town that serviced travelers heading west. By the 1930s, gambling and easy divorces were its trade. Today, visitors know Reno as the Biggest Little City in the World.

Know Your Destination

Enjoy the entire area. Reno is situated in an area full of choices for vacation diversions. Just 20 minutes away is the stunning Lake Tahoe, which is a vacation destination for winter sports lovers as well as summer sun worshippers.

Be prepared. Reno's high-desert valley location in the mountains gives it great mountain air and beautiful vistas, but some winters have seen wild snowstorms that can close main road arteries.

Get ready for some fun. In addition to Reno's bustling casinos downtown, a new wave of nightlife is also coming into the area. Famous Virginia Street features many bars and restaurants that can be a nice break from the gambling tables.

Choose Your Accommodations

To book accommodations, contact Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority at (800) FOR RENO or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

Stay cheap by finding a room close to the casinos in downtown Reno in one of many of the local drive-up motels. The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (see Web site, below) can provide many specific names and phone numbers.

Contact the casino of your choice to find out about deals on rooms. Casinos tend to be on the cheap side since they know they are most likely to get some of your gambling business when you stay there.

Check for special events going on in the Reno area. The bigger events draw thousands who fill up hotel rooms and drive up prices.

Aim for a Special Event

Book your vacation to Reno around one of the city's annual parties. Contact the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority for exact dates.

Ride into town for the annual motorcycle rally known as Street Vibrations.

Drive into town for the annual Hot August Nights, which is a rally and convention featuring dozens of classic cars.

Head to nearby Sparks for their famous Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off.

Dive into history. Nearby Carson City, Nevada's capital, retains much of its Silver Rush legacy with a large area of historic mansions and more.