1. The Original “Biggest Little City in The World” Arch
Most people are familiar with Reno’s biggest claim to fame: its bright large arch touting the phrase, “The Biggest Little City in the World.” However, the original arch that displayed Reno’s famed slogan is no longer there, instead donated to the city of Willits, CA several years back where it still resides, with new lettering.
2. Swimmers In Virginia Lake
Reno locals used to use Virginia Lake as it is was intended—for swimming. Today visitors are only allowed to fish in, view or stroll along the lake, so long as they can get around all the geese and ducks that now live there! But hey, at least something’s still taking a dip in the waters.
3. The Historic Mapes Hotel And Casino
Many were disappointed when Mapes, one of Reno’s original casino-hotels, was demolished because it wasn’t able to keep up with the onset of newer, more modern casinos. The spot may now be an outdoor ice skating rink, but locals will forever remember it as the place where that beloved hotel once stood, with its famous Sky Room nightclub and celebrity guests of the 50s.
4. 775 Gastropub And Its Artery-Clogging Burger Challenge
775 Gastropub was not the type of restaurant you’d expect to find in a shopping complex. People would stop by the Meadowville Mall just for the spot’s delicious array of juicy burgers, crisp fries and addictive hot wings. Some were even brave enough to try their hand (or stomach) at the 775 burger challenge, where the competitor attempted to eat a humongous burger monstrosity in 30 minutes for a free meal, t-shirt and name on the wall of fame.
5. Frank Sinatra And The Gang At Cal Neva Resort & Casino
While the Cal Neva Resort & Casino is still open (just undergoing remodeling at the time), gone are the days when the resort was a booming celebrity hot spot. Built in 1926, the casino became a favorite place for Frank Sinatra to frequent; he even owned the Cal Neva from 1960 to 1963. Plenty of other stars spent time there as well, like Marilyn Monroe, members of the Rat Pack and Clara Bow.
6. A Good Old Reno Silver Sox Game
Today, minor league baseball is all about the Reno Aces, but, in the past, the Reno Silver Sox ruled the city ball park. The Silver Sox played in Reno from 1947 to 1992, and many residents still have fond memories of cheering them on at Moana stadium. After the 1992 season, the team left to become the Riverside Pilots and then later the Lancaster JetJawks.
7. The Scrumptious Treats At Brickhouse Bakery
Locals used to be able to count on the Brickhouse Bakery to satisfy their sweet cravings with delicacies like crème brulee cookies or slices of chocolate espresso cream pie. What one wouldn’t give for them to open their doors for just one more day again!
8. Fitzgerald’s Gaming Meccas
Fitzgerald Gaming Corp, a successful gaming company based in Reno, played a huge part in the city’s history. The company is responsible for producing two of Reno’s favorite casinos: Fitzgeralds Casino and Hotel and the Nevada Club. Both spots were iconic Reno destinations that are now closed and have been replaced with newer developments.
9. Being The Gambling Capital Of The Nation
Once upon a time Reno was the country’s gambling hot spot. People traveled from all around the nation to try their hand at winning some cash in the bright and shiny new casinos once gambling was made legal in Nevada in 1931. Nowadays, Las Vegas has got all the world’s gambling attention and those nearby in California have no need to travel to Reno now that the Native American casino laws have been relaxed.
10. The Old Downtown Reno Post Office
Reno’s previous post office building wasn’t like other post offices you find today. No, it was a quintessential landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with fantastic art deco architecture. The post office has moved out and the building is being turned into a retail center (although the original architecture and character will be preserved).
11. Ex-Wives Tossing Their Rings Over Virginia Street Bridge
After travelling to Reno to file for a divorce, legend has it that the ex-wives would kiss the column outside the courthouse and toss their ring over the Virginia Street Bridge after receiving their final dissolution of marriage decree. While the tradition technically hasn’t ever been proven, divers have been finding rings in the water beneath the bridge for years. Either way, good luck finding a woman who’ll toss her ring in the river nowadays.
12. A Slice Of New York Style Pie From Bronx Pizzeria
Manhattan native and Bronx Pizzeria owner David Nicol brought a little piece of New York City to Reno when he opened up his restaurant. He gave the city delicious thin Neapolitan-style crust in a single 18” size. A local favorite was Tom’s Pick 4, which was basically four pizzas in one, with two slices each of cheese, Bronx Zoo, Yonkers and White Plains.
13. The Iconic Riverside Hotel… As A Hotel
While the Riverside Hotel, also a former casino, still sits in its same spot where Reno began in 1859, it’s no longer operating in the way it used to. The building is now used as housing for local artists.
14. A Cup Of Coffee From Deux Gros Nez
There was nothing quite like the quirky coffee shop, Deux Gros Nez, that served locals fresh juices, full meals, sweet frappes and, of course, fantastic coffee.
But, while its food and drinks were undeniably delicious, it was the décor that really stole the show; the walls were littered with plenty of cycling themed décor and biking memorabilia, like old autographed bike jerseys and interesting photos, that you couldn’t find anywhere else.
15. The Dazzling Golden Phoenix Hotel & Casino Sign All Lit Up
Seeing the radiant Golden Phoenix sign lit up at night in all its splendor was nothing short of fantastic. Its bright red and orange colors and flame-like design above the marquee just demanded that people passing by look at in awe. It’s just too bad that the inner workings of the casino didn’t live up to its glorious exterior, as it didn’t take long for the business to close and get turned into a high rise condo tower.
16. Maytan Music Center
Open since 1979, Maytans used to be the place to go for any type of musical needs. It closed only a few months ago but, during its time, it provided everything from on-site instrument lessons and music programs to instrument rentals and sales.
17. The Primadonna Club Ladies
Remember the five, 20-foot tall, neon ladies that towered above the entrance of the Primadonna Club on Virginia Street? When you saw those figures, you knew that you were “in the middle of the action” in Reno.
18. A Big Plate Of Breakfast From Jack’s Café
Source: Youtube user Felipe Estrada
When the local favorite breakfast spot, Jack’s Café, closed down, it left many of its fans drooling over memories of their delicious and affordable morning fare. But I just dare you to try and not miss a place that serves up such mouthwatering, steaming-hot and enormously portioned plates of things like eggs benedict, French toast, omelets, hash browns and biscuits and gravy.
19. Ty Murray Competing At The Reno Rodeo
For several years, Ty Murray, a renowned rodeo star with numerous world champion titles under his belt, graced the annual Reno Rodeo as a competitor. You won’t see him there any more though, or any rodeo for that matter, as Murray is now retired.
20. Ice Skating Along The Truckee River
Many years ago, Reno winters were cold enough that the Truckee River froze over hard enough for locals to go ice skating. But if you tried that today, you’d likely end up very cold and wet since the ice doesn’t get as thick as it once did. There is an ice skating rink in Reno located right by the Truckee River, but it just isn’t the same.
21. Rare Finds At Zephyr Books
Book-lovers adored Zephyr Books and its rare, collectable, used and out-of print selection. The spot started out as a small bookstore called Black & White Books before it changed its named and moved to a larger location on South Virginia Street, complete with an espresso bar and tables chairs for meetings and readings. While you can still order books from the business online, its brick-and-mortar location is closed.
22. Peppermill Before Its Casino Days
Peppermill Resort-Spa-Casino, today one of the most well-known spots in the city, had a rather humble beginning. It started out as a simple coffee shop and lounge in 1971 before expanding into the gaming business. Today, you’ll find an extravagant building with lots of bright lights, big-name performers, hotel suites and slot machines.
23. Locals Out For A Beer At Buckbean Brewery
Buckbean Brewery used to be a great spot to relax with friends and kick-back with a drink after a long day. They had plenty of their own craft canned beers that could be found throughout the state. The brewery may have only been open for a short span of four years, closing in 2012, but it sure did leave its mark on the city.
24. Harold’s Club
During Reno’s early gambling years, Harold’s Club dominated all other casinos, drawing visitors in from out the state just to stop by the club. Even though it was the city’s hot spot for years, its reign eventually ended and the club was bought out by Harrah’s and demolished to make room for the new casino.
25. The Fine Food At Sezmu
Sezmu, with its tasty food, fantastic wine selection and outstanding service, was a great spot to take a date for a classy meal in Reno. The restaurant was small and local, something that all Reno residents were craving. Many were left disappointed when it closed down after the landlord refused to renew the restaurant’s lease, despite the booming business. But let’s keep our fingers crossed that they might find a new location someday!
26. Park Lane Mall
Park Lane Mall, formerly Park Lane Center, was one of Reno’s first modern shopping centers. It was a widely recognized landmark on the retail strip of Virginia Street, and even had a 25 foot clock inside that once stood in downtown Reno. However, despite renovations, the mall just couldn’t keep up with competitors. It was closed and demolished and, now, the only thing that stands in its place is an empty lot.
27. Rock Climbers And Bar Drinkers At Commrow
Commrow, if nothing else, was certainly an original spot. Located in the old Fitzgerald Casino and Hotel, this 16-story complex was home to the world’s largest climbing wall, located out on its exterior. On the inside, however, it offered much much more, including a bouldering park, live music venues, a night club, plenty of food and numerous types of beverages (think a martini bar, tequila bar AND a juice bar). Commrow didn’t last for long though, and now the Whitney Peak Hotel stands in its place.
Featured Image Source: SportSuburban
What do you miss in Reno? Tell us in the comments below!
