Reno Local attractions and Activities
DINING AND SHOPS
Midtown District: Midtown is a growing Reno shopping scene with a myriad of locally-owned stores. With more than 20 shops ranging from thrift shops and boutiques to record stores, this area has everything. Stop by Junkee Clothing Exchange for a unique thrifting experience filled with lots of vintage finds in both clothing and lifestyle items. Sticks is a center filled with distinct shops such as Nomad Boutique and Sierra Belle. Find your zen at Hello Yoga, which offers a selection of eco-friendly clothing. Another local favorite is Sundance Bookstore, where book lovers can find both best sellers and a selection of local books. Click here for more information.
2 miles from Peppermill Hotel
The Outlets at Legends: Once you’ve done all your shopping in Reno, head to The Outlets at Legends located at the Legends at Sparks Marina. This beautiful shopping, dining and entertainment destination is located just minutes from downtown Reno and offers top shopping in a fresh, upscale outdoor setting bursting with appealing amenities.
Big brand outlets such as the Adidas Outlet, Banana Republic Factory, Carter’s Outlet, Express Factory Outlet, Gap Factory, Guess Factory and the Nike Factory offer up to 25-70 percent off everyday prices. Also at the Legends at Sparks Marina is SCHEELS, a 248,000-square-foot retail space with a 65-foot tall Ferris Wheel, two 16,000-gallon aquariums, 32+ flavors of fudge in the Fudge Factory, 14 presidents in the Walk of Presidents, a NASCAR Simulator and a 35-foot tall Wildlife Mountain.
If you need a break from shopping, consider taking a break and catching a movie at the Galaxy IMAX theatre. Click here for more information.
7.7 miles from Peppermill Hotel
ART & CULTURE
Nevada Museum of Art: Founded in 1931, the Nevada Museum of Art is the oldest established cultural center in the state. But you wouldn't know that by looking at it. In 2001, the museum underwent a $22 million move and renovation; the building that now stands at the southern end of the Truckee Riverwalk is a fantastic example of modern architecture inspired by the landscape and the geological formations of the Black Rock Desert.
The interior is just as fascinating with permanent collections that are divided into four thematic areas featuring a variety of media: "Altered Landscape Photography," "Art of the Greater West," "Contemporary Art" and the "Work Ethic." Aside from its permanent collections and temporary exhibits, the museum also boasts two outdoor sculpture gardens, not to mention its Center for Art + Environment, which is a research center that studies the creative interactions between people and their environments. Aside from the art, the building itself is a sight to see: its torqued exterior wall, suspended atrium staircase, and stunning views of the Reno skyline and the Sierra Nevada impressed recent visitors. Click here for more information.
2 miles from Peppermill Hotel
National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection): Car enthusiasts will want to be sure to visit the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection). This museum — based on a private collection that originally held 1,450 vehicles — is home to some 200 vehicles and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Reno, with everything from vintage cars right through to modern vehicles. The museum is divided into four galleries: 1890s-1910, teens-1930s, 1930s-1950s, and the 1950s and beyond. Of special note are luxury cars once owned by stars and celebrities, including Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado, Frank Sinatra's 1961 Ghia L6.4, and John Wayne's 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
Also on display are two art collections that encompass auto-related pieces, as well as costumes and accessories. The museum offers historical lectures on the development of cars and a "Passports to Adventure" program, which helps children learn about the history of cars in the United States. Check the museum's calendar for upcoming events, activities, and exhibits. Click here for more information.
2.3 miles from Peppermill Hotel
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Reno’s Riverwalk: Downtown Reno's updated Riverwalk area – located along the Truckee River between Arlington Avenue and Lake Street – draws art lovers and gourmands alike with its collection of galleries and restaurants. You'll find most of these up-and-coming establishments lining the southern end, which residents have come to refer to as CalAve. Recent visitors frequently described this area as a clean, pleasant reprieve from the casinos and highly recommend it for those traveling with kids.
You're free to stroll at any time of day for no cost. You'll find plenty of public and metered parking around the district, but if you have to park in the nearby parking garage, you can get your ticket validated by many of the Riverwalk's businesses. Click here for more information.
2.4 miles from Peppermill Hotel
Lake Tahoe: Sitting about 40 miles south of Reno on the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, boasting soaring mountains and crystal-clear waters. It's best known as a skiing destination, where visitors will find top-notch facilities like Squaw Valley (which hosted the 1960s Olympic Winter Games) and the massive Heavenly Ski Resort. But Lake Tahoe also makes for an excellent summer getaway thanks to its sprawling beaches, ample boating and fishing opportunities, and well-maintained hiking trails. For the best views (no matter the season), visitors recommend a stop at Emerald Bay State Park on the California side of the lake.
You can get to the area from Reno by following Interstate 395 south to Route 431 and then hopping onto Route 28, which traces the entire perimeter of the lake. You don't have to pay to tour Lake Tahoe, but different attractions around town may charge admission. Click here for more information.
34.2 miles from Peppermill Hotel
Animal Ark: Animal Ark spans 38 acres in the north of Reno and prides itself on being a safe sanctuary for animals, rather than a zoo or wildlife enclosure.
To that end Animal Ark rescues animals that are no longer able to live in the wild, and you will find a mixture of different species here, including some that are indigenous to the Reno area.
You can view the animals that live here in this semi-natural habitat, and there are dedicated feeding times when visitors will have more chance of catching sight of some of the furry residents such as bears.
As well as seeing the animals, the Ark also tells the story of how they came to be here and aims to educate visitors on animal preservation and ecology. Click here for more information.
27.4 miles from Peppermill Hotel