Reno: Beyond the casinos

May 5, 12:16 PMNY Budget Travel ExaminerSusan Finch

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When I was in Reno recently, I was intrigued to learn the city had largely been built up around their divorce trade. People moved in for about a month, took lodging in hotels and homes, and waited for their divorce to become official. Over the years, as casinos and gaming arenas built up around the city and Reno got the wrap for being a poor man's version of Las Vegas without the quality glitz and glam of Celine Dion, Circus Soleil, and its local lounge lizards and card sharks.

But what Reno offers that few bother to mention in their travelogues is endless opportunity for outdoor resources among a backdrop of snow-peaked mountaintops. Just 30-40 minutes from Tahoe, there's plenty of skiing, snowboarding, doglsedding, snowmobiling, concerts, and water sports abounding. My favorite find was the city's free kayaking park, running right downtown on the Truckee River Whitewater Park. The $1.5 million investment offers Class 2 and 3 rapids with plenty of guided tours and classes including the beginner's Never Ever. The park is also open year-round and in walking distance to most of the downtown resort areas and casinos. It features a constant flow of fresh water and is about one-half mile in length. The man-made rapids were impressive, almost as impressive as kayakers in wet suits showing off on a cold January day.

Wingfield Park is the hub of the activity where kayakers, tubers, water races, and completions take place year-round. There's also a free amphitheater and festivals that draw in thousands. We didn't have time for our own kayaking expedition, nor did I have any desire to brave the frigid waters. Regardless, I'd like to go back for a visit in warmer climate and test my skills all while taking in a unique tour of Reno's downtown.

The park is free for visitors to explore. If you have a kayak handy, you can show up and start kayaking. For those who need rentals, a kayaking lesson, or want to take a water tour, try Wild Sierra.

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