Lifestyle - David Morris Group

Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Are you someone who can’t wait for sweater weather, loves seeing the leaves change colors, and enjoys the slight nip in the air? Those are all signs that fall is on the horizon, and there’s no better time to live in Reno than when the fall season starts. We’ve put together some family-friendly fall activities to help everyone in your household get into the spirit of the season!

Decorate Your Home

Front porch – a simple fall wreath, a few hay bales, and some pumpkins are all easy ways to add some warmth and cheer to your home. It also makes for a great place to take family photos for your holiday cards.
Table – Adding some plaid fabrics brightens up your meals, and if you want to kick it up a notch, get the family to help you create a centerpiece. You can add fall flowers, mini pumpkins, candles, and anything that reminds you of fall.

Have a Backyard Sleepover

Gather up all of your extra blankets and layer up your clothes to head outdoors. Enjoy the cool air and snuggle together to pick out the constellations. You can kick it up a notch by hanging a bed sheet on your fence to create a big screen and watch your favorite movies or by sharing your favorite ghost stories.

Jump in a Pile of Leaves

Raking up the colorful leaves may be the least fun fall activity, but diving into them before packing them up makes it all worth it!

Make Your Own Halloween Costume

Get clever and think outside of the box! Come up with a Halloween costume that you’re unlikely to see anyone else wear.

Tour the Neighborhood

Check out how everyone is getting into the fall and Halloween spirit by driving around or walking around to see the decorations.

Go Hiking

The best time to enjoy the views on one of the hundreds of trails in and around the city is when nature is bursting with color. Go hiking and discover your new favorite spot.

Decorate Pumpkins and Gourds

Carve, paint, or craft pumpkins and gourds. It’s a seasonal must!

Make Something Seasonal

Try out a new recipe or find a way to add a new twist to a classic by using the fruits and veggies in season. The produce in season includes:

Apples
Bananas
Beets
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard Greens
Cranberries
Garlic
Ginger
Grapes
Green Beans
Kale
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Lettuce
Limes
Mangos
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Pears
Peas
Pineapples
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radishes
Raspberries
Rutabagas
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Winter Squash

There are all kinds of ways you can make autumn special. Take part in a few family-friendly fall activities and make it a memorable time for your loved ones. If you need more ideas on fall activities you can enjoy this season or if you’d like to know what’s happening in the local real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Senior Services in Reno and Sparks

August 9, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

Nevada has seen a large influx of relocators over the years, especially in the last few months. Some of those new residents include retirees who are drawn to Nevada for its beautiful landscape, wonderful amenities, and various tax benefits — low property tax rates, no state income tax, no estate tax, no inheritance tax, and no taxes on withdrawals from retirement accounts and public and private pension income. The benefits for retirees don’t stop there — the senior services in Reno and Sparks are always growing!

Caregiving

Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD)
Alzheimer Association of Northern Nevada
Care Chest of Northern Nevada (Medical Equipment/Supplies)
Daybreak (Adult Day Health Care)
More To Life Adult Day Health Center
Nevada Care Connections (ADRC)
NNV Center for Independent Living
Senior In Services (Senior Companion)
Senior Outreach Services (SOS)
The Continuum

General Resources

Health Care

Local Senior Services

Transportation

There are tons of resources and services to help Nevada residents age in place and live a comfortable life. Reno and Sparks will always be wonderful places to live and retire. For more information on the senior services in Reno and Sparks or for help navigating the real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

What You Need to Know: Hot August Nights 2021

July 23, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Hot August Nights is one of the most well-known and highly-anticipated events hitting Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City each year. It draws in thousands of tourists, car enthusiasts, and residents alike to take part in the festivities. The Virginia City celebration will take place July 30-31 and the Reno-Sparks celebration will take place August 3-8. Here’s what you need to know about Hot August Nights 2021.

Entertainment

August 3, 2021 – Long Time: A Tribute to the Band Boston | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage
August 4, 2021 – Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to the Bee Gees | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage
August 4, 2021 – The Stars of Beatlemania | Nugget Event Center outdoor stage
August 5, 2021 – Peter Noone’s Herman’s Hermits | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage
August 5, 2021 – Hollywood Stones Tribute | Nugget Event Center outdoor stage
August 6, 2021 – The Guess Who | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage
August 6, 2021 – Surfin The Beach Boys Tribute | Nugget Event Center outdoor stage
August 7, 2021 – The Commodores | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage
August 7, 2021 – Chubby Checker | Nugget Event Center outdoor stage

Venues

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa – Check out the Cruise of Champions, daily Show-n-Shines, food, and free entertainment.
Baldini’s Sports Casino & Restaurant – Home of the car participant breakfast specials.
The Garage – 21+ area will allow you to enjoy complimentary drinks in comfort and style.
Downtown Reno – Host of Celebrity Show-n-Shine along with nightly cruising.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino – Home to Car Participant Check-in & Registration, Celebrity Choice Show-n-Shine, free live headline entertainment, sponsor displays, and food.
Nugget Casino Resort – Host of the Official Hot August Nights Drag Races & Burnouts, the Nugget Ultimate Classic Car Competition, Best Stock Original and Best Stock Restored Competition, food, and more.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino – Check out the Official Kick-Off Party, specialty car displays, food, vendors, Night Life, and the Mill Mile Show-n-Shine Competition.
Reno Events Center – Explore over 300 booths featuring the latest in hot rod, street rod, and truck accessories.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center – The destination for the Hot August Nights Auction.
Reno Sparks Livestock Event Center – Home to the Hot August Nights Swap Meet and Cool Car Corral & Showroom.
Virginia City – Venture along the wooden boardwalk to check out the Pre-Kickoff event, the array of classics cars, food, and entertainment.
Victorian Square Sparks – Home to the Ultimate Classic Competition, a craft fair, free headliner entertainment, a cruise down Victorian Avenue, and a Celebrity Choice Show-n-Shine.

Hot August Nights is full of back-to-back events. For the full schedule, click here. If you have questions about what else Reno has to offer or you’d simply like to chat about the changes to the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group.

Public Pools in Reno and Sparks

July 1, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

A dip in the pool is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months. The refreshing water can rejuvenate you and have you ready to take on the rest of the week. If Tahoe is too far a drive for you to make often this summer, there are some public pools in Reno and Sparks you can visit.

Reno Pools

Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center Pool (EMNECC) | 1301 Valley Road | Open Now – August 8, 2021
Idlewild Pool | 1805 Idlewild Drive | Open Now – August 8, 2021
Northwest Pool | 2925 Apollo Way | Open Now – August 8, 2021
Traner Pool | 1600 Carville Drive | Open Now – August 8, 2021

The City of Reno offers swimming lessons, water fitness, and aquatic training and certifications. There are several programs that fall under each of these categories, so be sure to check out the website here for more information.

Sparks Pools

Alf Sorensen Community Center Pool | 1400 Baring Boulevard | Operating in a limited capacity
Deer Park and Pool | 1700 Prater Way | Now – August 8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, September 4-6, 2021

The City of Sparks offers a variety of swimming and water fitness classes, including aquacise, senior aquacise, senior water fitness, parent/child with autism learn-to-swim program, and adapted aquatics and swim lessons. For more information, check out the website here.

Other Water Attractions Nearby:

Visiting a public pool and spending an afternoon splashing around with friends is a standard summer activity. Be sure to dive into the summer by visiting one of the many water attractions and pools we have in the area. For more information on what we love about calling Reno home and the best places to visit to stay cool in the summer, contact the David Morris Group. Our expertise is unparalleled, and we’re happy to be your guides.

Where to Enjoy a Cold Treat This Summer

June 25, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

With Tahoe 45 minutes away, you may not be able to slip away for a dip in the cool waters every time you feel a trickle of sweat drip down your neck this summer, but there are other ways to beat the heat! One of the best ways to cool off is to enjoy a little ice cream or bite into a cold treat this summer, and we have the scoop on where you should visit.

Bibo Freddo Gelato

Bibo Freddo Gelato is a locally owned small-batch gelato and sorbetto shop. There are an array of flavors to choose from, with classic and unique combos that appeal to everyone. Bart’s Revenge is a fan favorite!

Black Rock Dessert

If you love Icycle Creamery, you’ll love Black Rock Dessert. As a new extension of Icecycle Creamery, they continue to handcraft ice cream and desserts using local products. Their ice cream, shakes, and sundaes are worth savoring all through summer.

Honey Treat Yogurt

Since 1982, Honey Treat Yogurt has been serving delicious non-fat, no sugar added, low carb, gluten-free, non-dairy frozen yogurt. There are over 35 toppings to make your dessert special.

KRĒM

Bringing you cake and soft serve, KRĒM is the best of both worlds! This soft serve shop adds a new twist by ditching the cone and replacing it with cake. The flavors are unique and always changing.

Paleteria del Angel

Located in Sparks, Paleteria del Angel serves some of the freshest and best-tasting handmade ice cream pops with traditional Mexican flavors and flair.

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard

The famous Italian ice is a sweet frozen treat that is made fresh daily in small batches, just like their frozen custards. Visit Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard for a hand-scooped treat.

Rolled Mountain Creamery

Inspired by the street vendors of Thailand, Rolled Mountain Creamery offers made-to-order ice cream rolls, which is both fun to watch and delicious to eat.

The Arch Society

Known as Reno’s one and only dessert bar, The Arch Society specializes in cocktails, milkshakes, desserts, and ice cream perfections. Be sure to check out the monthly specials as well as the specials running Tuesday through Friday.

Reno is a sweet place to dine and an even sweeter place to live! Enjoy a few cold treats this summer, and if you need help navigating the hot Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Relaxing in Reno: Where to Have a Spa Day

June 7, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

With the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding the city, Reno has some of the most beautiful scenery. Taking in the sights is but one of the ways you can relax and unwind in the city. There are also a variety of luxury spas to bring peace to your mind, body, and soul. Check out where to have a spa day in Reno.

The Refuge Spa

Pamper yourself by choosing from the various body scrubs, body wraps, couple’s massages, eye treatments, facials, hair and scalp treatments, lip treatments, paraffin hand treatments, and therapy baths at The Refuge Spa at the Renaissance Hotel.

Spa Atlantis

Located inside the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Spa Atlantis has been awarded Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star designation for six consecutive years. There are various amenities and treatments to choose from. You can relax in one of the lounges, sit in the pool, enjoy a massage, get a facial, have a body wrap or scrub, and more!

Spa at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

The Spa at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino blends rich minerals and botanicals to deliver a relaxing experience during the various signature massage and skincare rituals offered. There are also some great salon services for a full day of self-care.

The Spa at Silver Legacy

Soothe your soul at The Spa at Silver Legacy. The facility features 12 treatment rooms for massages, wraps, scrubs, and skincare; three relaxation lounges with appropriate social distancing; seven hydrotherapy soaking tubs with spa service only; and a full-service salon.

Spa Toscana

Spa Toscana, located inside Peppermill Reno, was rated the third-best hotel spa in the country by USA TODAY 10 Best. Their facilities include an indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, showers, locker rooms, Himalayan salt room, and a relaxation room.

Take a little time for yourself and enjoy a few of the services, amenities, and treatments from the luxury spas and resorts around Reno. For more information on what we love about calling Reno home and the best places to visit, contact the David Morris Group. Our expertise is unparalleled, and we’re happy to be your guides.

Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Over the Weekend

May 18, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Summer is the season of fun. With more time spent outdoors and enjoying the company of friends and family, it’s important to make sure your home is in tip-top shape. If you’re looking to make your home the perfect paradise during the warmer months, start with these home maintenance tasks to tackle over the weekend!

Replace outdoor lighting

Check that porch lights, landscape lights, and motion-sensor lights are all in working order. Replace any bulbs or schedule repairs for anything that’s not working. You can also add some twinkly lights to your backyard for a true outdoor retreat.

Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures

In order to prevent costly water damage and repairs, keep an eye on kitchen and bath fixtures. Regrout and recaulk areas around counters and tile that are in need of a refresh and have any slow leaks repaired immediately.

Check all alarms and detectors

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that smoke alarms are tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years. Take care to test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other security measures you have in place to make sure everything is in working order.

Prep the grill

Deep cleaning the grill before you start the summer BBQ season will keep your grill working more efficiently. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush, but don’t neglect the exterior. Warm, soapy water will have it shining and ready to serve up burgers and hot dogs all summer long.

Don’t neglect the walls of your home

Walls can collect dust as much as the rest of the surfaces in your home can. Use a dusting attachment on your vacuum or an electrostatic duster to remove dust from walls, then touch up paint as needed on interior walls and trim.

Check what’s on your shelves

Dust the items on your shelves that have collected a thin layer of dust since your last cleaning session. For areas with a thicker layer of dust, use warm, soapy water to wash off the grime, rinse, and let dry.

Prepare bedrooms for the new season

Swap out heavier bedding for lighter blankets, quilts, and sheets to help you keep cool in the warmer months. Rotate the mattresses on all beds and flip over if possible, to make sure the bed wears evenly.

Savor the summer season in style and tackle a few projects each weekend to keep your home ready for guests and fun! If you’re curious about what home maintenance tasks you should add to your to-do list each month and at the start of each season, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about maintaining a home, buying a home, or selling a home.

Where To Go Rock Climbing In Reno-Tahoe

May 11, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

The city of Reno continues to climb the ranks as one of the best mid-size cities in the country for various reasons, but it’s also a great place to fall in love with rock climbing. With the tallest rock climbing wall in the world located in the heart of downtown Reno, our community is home to some of the best rock climbing destinations in the country. Not sure where to go rock climbing in the Reno-Tahoe area? Start with:

Base Camp at Whitney Peak

The 164 foot climbing wall on the side of the Whitney Peak hotel is not only the tallest rock climbing wall in the world, but it also offers some of the best views as well. Inside, you’ll also find an awesome bouldering park.

Big Chief

If you find yourself in the North Lake Tahoe area, be sure to stop in to check out Big Chief. With walls reaching over 250 feet, several short and well-bolted sport climbs, and more than 50 routes, it’s a great place for all levels of climbers.

Eagle Creek Canyon

Near Emerald Bay, you’ll find two great climbing spots in Eagle Creek Canyon. Mayhem Cove is a great spot for intermediate to advanced climbers, while the Ninety Foot Wall is a popular area for beginners as it offers an amazing view of Lake Tahoe.

Lover’s Leap

With more 150 established climbing routes, Lover’s Leap is a popular climbing spot. Scale a 600-foot chunk of granite and admire the beauty of being surrounded by towering pine trees. Lover’s Leap offers some of the best rock climbing around Lake Tahoe and there are even guided rock climbing and educational courses for all ages and abilities.

Mesa Rim Climbing Center

As the largest rock climbing gym in Reno, the Mesa Rim Climbing Center offers more than 24,000 square feet of climbing space. It’s a great place to build your skills and comfort level with climbing. The gym also features yoga and fitness area, locker rooms, a sauna, community areas, and a variety of classes.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Reno is the best place to call home. From hundreds of trails to go hiking and biking, cliffs to climb, and beautiful waters to paddle through, there are all kinds of ways to explore the Biggest Little City and the surrounding areas. For more information on what we love about calling Reno home, contact the David Morris Group. Our expertise is unparalleled, and we’re happy to be your guide through the city.

Veteran Programs in Reno

May 4, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Reno has been home to an eclectic and close-knit community for many years, and we’re proud to have so many connections to the military. With so many veterans in the area, the city has some great programs to keep our service members connected. The veteran programs in Reno include:

Fit But Not Forgotten

The City of Reno hosts weekly community-based fitness classes in the facility weight room. This program covers equipment, fitness level assessment, strength development techniques, fitness goal discussion, endurance and flexibility. Upon completion of four classes, participants will be eligible for a free all-inclusive one-year facility membership. For more information on the Fit But Not Forgotten program, click here.

Military Sports Camp

The City of Reno will host 15 disabled veterans and injured service members with their spouse/
guest for a multi-day event taking place from September 14-18. There is no cost to military servicemen or women and their guest. Registration preferences will be given to Nevada Service Members and residents. For more information on Military Sports Camp, click here.

Military to the Mountains

22 injured veterans are trained for nine weeks at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center and Double Diamond Athletic Club, preparing them for a week of skiing at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in California each year. The veterans are instructed by Achieve Tahoe adaptive ski program. For more information about the previous year’s program, click here.

Project HERO City of Reno

This national nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Project HERO (Healing Exercise Rehabilitation Opportunity) provides training and supports cycling programs at military hospitals, Army Transition Units, Marine Wounded Warrior Units and Veterans Affairs locations to help healing heroes. For more information on Project HERO’s impact, click here.

These veteran programs are in addition to the generous number of athletic, social, and recreational programs and activities offered by the City of Reno. For more information on what we love about calling Reno home, contact the David Morris Group. Our expertise is unparalleled, and we’re happy to be your guides.

Kayaking in Northern Nevada

April 22, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

There’s nothing better than spending the summer months out on the water. Reno’s location makes water sports easy as there’s no shortage of places to go to hit the water in Northern Nevada. Check out some of the best places to go kayaking in the area.

Kayaking Destinations:

Truckee River Whitewater Park – Located in downtown Reno, this whitewater park has 11 drop pools and tons of features that draw in experienced kayakers every year. It’s even the destination for the Reno River Festival.
Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park – Sand Harbor has secluded beaches and eye-catching rock formations that give you some really amazing views while kayaking. They also offer some great places to rest if you get tired or are in need of a picnicking spot.
Zephyr Cove – As a popular Tahoe beach spot, Zephyr is a great place to go kayaking if you also plan to meet up with friends and family for a sunny beach day.
Kings Beach – With various launch areas, Kings Beach is a pretty easy trek to make with all of your gear. It’s also a great place to go if you’re new to kayaking or only have a limited time to be on the water.
D.L Bliss State Park – This is where you’ll get to experience the bright blue and turquoise water that is so often pictured in Lake Tahoe. The water is also pretty calm, so it’s an easy place to paddle along, but it gives you access to choppier water if you’re an experienced kayaker looking to paddle out to the south shore and check out Emerald Bay.

If you’d like to experience even more of Lake Tahoe this summer, be sure to check out the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. There are over 72 miles to explore and so many fun experiences to be had. Remember to be safe on the water, and always check the Lake Tahoe marine forecast, so you know what the conditions are like before hitting the water.

There’s a lot to do to keep your calendars full this spring and summer. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or just want something fun to do out on the water, kayaking is a great option. For more information on what Northern Nevada has to offer, recommendations on places to check out, or inside knowledge of the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Our expertise is unparalleled, and we’re happy to be your guides.