Hmm, when our kids were in traveling soccer, we played many a game in Reno/Sparks area. We didn't go up in advance so we didn't really have *that* much time to fill in.

We used to stay at The Hilton. The kids loved swimming in the pool and eating at the various places the casino's had to offer. We stayed at Harrah's once and I remember watching the circus at 'Circus Circus'.

We just blended into the culture and people watched like crazy. The kids always had a ball when we stayed at places like this. The kids went bungie jumping near The Hilton.

Guess we weren't very pure when we went to Reno. We don't gamble but we loved swimming, eating and people watching when we weren't on the soccer field competing.

Reno used to have the best thrift stores and antique stores ever! It's been snowing on Donner pass since Friday. When are you going?

You are speaking my language, golddust :) thrift and antique stores? I may have to pull my DD away from them to remember why she came :) Do you think the stores are still there? Any particular ones you remember?

We're going on the 8th, flying from Portland, renting a car at the airport.

If I remember correctly, I would hit both St Vincents . St Vincents is located at 500 E 4th St.

I haven't been there in years. I used to take Aimee to the airport every summer so she could fly to Washington state to visit her dad. I'd spend the day at the thrift stores. I still have a couple chairs I purchased there. They are those heavy oak, can't-ever-kill, mission style kitchen/dining chairs that weigh more than they look like they should. I paid a couple bucks apiece.

Many of the show girls used to donate their skanky outfits as well. It used to be like Florida, lots of estate stuff finding its way into the thrift stores. Used to be great vintage western style outfits/boots too. It has been many years since I thrift store shopped in Reno but it was the most fun ever, back in the day.

Just keep asking the volunteer workers where the other thrift stores are and you can take a tour. That is what I used to do. LOL!

Ach -- look what I just found!

And I'll remember not to touch "those" outfits...who knows where they've been...would be interesting to track one to find out where it goes from a thrift store...

Here is a link that might be useful: well it's almost too easy...

Don't you love the internet? Yes, I wonder where those clothes have been. There is a good university in Reno. I know a few kids who worked their way through school, employed by the casinos and hotels. The hotels and casinos offer lots of employment opportunities for college kids. (Of course, casinos are different than bordellos.)

Hotels can be really cheap in Reno so don't hesitate to check out the ones generally out of budget (like The Hilton).

Flyleft - I asked your questions of a friend who visits Reno regularly and here is her reply, more or less in toto, sorry if some of it is repetitious:

"The amimal sanctuary is closed (they're only open in the summer). I second your thought that Virginia City might be fun (check out virginiacity-nv.org/kids_korner.aspx). The drive to Virginia City goes up a fairly steep grade, so check weather/road conditions.

Since it's Christmas/winter time, there's an ice skating rink down by the River (in Reno). Then there is the automobile museum; it's Bill Harrah's private collection of automobiles.

I'd also suggest a visit to the Lake, espec. Emerald Bay, which is beautiful any time of the year. Maybe ride up the gondola at Heavenly Valley, the view from up there is, umm, heavenly. (Flyleft - I think she's referring to Lake Tahoe; was going to suggest that myself; it's really incredible.)

There's a Railroad Museum and also a Children's Museum (www.cmnn.org/) in Carson City, about 1/2 hour south of Reno: you drive through some genuinely rural, old Nevada towns - horse country - and there's a chocolate place along the road, the Chocolate Nugget, something that might be if interest to those who love chocolate.

Restaurants: Skyline Cafe on Skyline Blvd/corner Cashell in Reno. Great view of the city espec. at night with all the lights, and reasonably priced food. The food is Italian, and they have quite a pizza selection. I also like the buffet at the Atlantis, and the coffee shop at the Grand Sierra Resort for breakfast. For Mexican food, there's Hacienda on 10580 N. Mccarran Blvd., Reno. Rubicon Deli on California St. has wonderful sandwiches."

Hope this helps. My friend has great taste and is a wonder at finding interesting things to do and good places to eat!

sable, how sweet of you to take the trouble to ask your friend and for her to write back! VERY appreciated, all of it. The gondola already has DD excited, and I like knowing which restaurants to head for. we'll look into Carson City, too.

This is really wonderfully useful. Thanks again :)

Fly - No problem, but there is method to my madness, lol. Some day I'll come to you with similar questions, when we're considering a stay in Portland (we have close family in Eugene). The accent would, of course, be on art. And maybe about Medford, too, as I am trying to convince DH that it would be a good *sunny* retirement place nearer to the children.

My friend is a very giving woman. Not only is she good to her friends and their friends, she managed, while living in the Sierras, to adopt a kitten who is a Katrina survivor. And in the middle of a health crisis now, she could use any good thoughts and prayers.

Post us about your trip!

Ah, I see...well, I'll start thinking now. We actually went to the Art Museum for the first time in a long time for the "China Design Now" exhibit--quite significant and informative. Just wish, like I always do, that they would give up a little more precious exhibition space to *benches*! But it's a great exhibit, if you and your family would be inclined...I'm also a big fan of the Museum of Contemporary Craft, and a few others...

Medford, hm? Just from the little acquaintance we have from visiting there, I'd personally be more inclined toward Ashland (in fact I dream about retiring to Ashland someday, or even to Yachats--south/central coast area, somewhere with lots of artists in warmer weather-, but not New Mexico warm)-but your family in Eugene would know more than I do.

Please thank your friend for me and I'll send good thoughts out to her. She's clearly a kind person and kind people never get as many breaks as they deserve.

Fly - thanks for mentioning those museums. Museums are good for us because I can't remove anything from the walls while simultaneously hauling out a credit card. Galleries, on the other hand...

Our Eugene family doesn't know more than you; they've only been there for a couple of years and are busy with DGS. I thought about Medford because of lower real estate prices, a decent emergency medical center, and very convenient shopping. It's rather moot now anyway; we'll probably be approaching walker-dom when and if we move, as DH loves his job. One thing's for sure - the weather in northern Oregon and Washington would be difficult for us.

Just finished reading a detective thriller which takes place in Ashland, during the Shakespeare Festival - Failure to Appear, by J.A. Jance. She is very strong on describing places - buildings, nature, climate. So I definitely want to have a look there!

My friend says thank you for your thank yous. You are so right about kind people!