Lifestyle - David Morris Group

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.

Relocation Guide: Annual Events Happening in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe

April 12, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno Events, Reno Events and Activities, Reno Relocation Information /by Shauna Morris

The Reno area has always been a hot spot for tourists. With tons of activities, beautiful weather, and a close proximity to Tahoe, it’s no wonder people looking for a fun vacation head to Northern Nevada. In fact, the annual events happening in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe draw in people from all over the world. Some of the most notable events include:

January

New Year’s Fireworks, Dining, and Celebrations

February

Superbowl Viewings and Parties
Valentine’s Day Dining and Celebrations

March

Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
Leprechaun Race
St. Patrick’s Day Dining and Celebrations

April

May

Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration
Mother’s Day Brunch and Activities
Moms on the Run
Spring Fever Revival
Chili on the Comstock and Craft Brew Tour
Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Cruise
Summer Graduation Ceremonies

June

July

4th of July Parades, Fireworks, and Celebrations
Artown
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

August

September

October

November

Veteran’s Day Cruise Parade

December

Lighted Christmas Parade
Santa Pub Crawl
39 North Pole Village Holiday Lights Festival
Hidden Valley Parade of Lights
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Winter Graduation Ceremonies

There’s always something happening in the Reno area, and these annual events draw in local residents as well as tourists from other cities. Be prepared for a little extra traffic and some street closures during popular events like Street Vibrations and Hot August Nights. It’s good to know what to expect when moving to a mid-sized city with attractions that draw visitors in year-round.

If you have questions about living in a tourist city or you want to know more about what to expect when relocating to the Reno-Sparks area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!

Spring Landscaping – What Grows Well in the Reno Area

April 2, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

If you’re hoping to add some color or personality to your landscaping, choose plants that grow well in the Reno area. The climate, soil, and water can pose problems for plant life in the area, with temperature extremes, low humidity, clay-heavy soils, and lots of wind inhibiting plant growth. Your spring landscaping can include the trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines from the list below that have proven to grow well in Nevada.

Trees:

Apple
Apricot
Arizona Cypress
Ash
Asian pear
Atlas Cedar
Austrian Pine
Bosnian Pine
Bristlecone Pine
Crabapple Blue
Cherries
Gingko
Golden Rain
Hawthorne
Honeylocust
Incense Cedar
Jeffrey Pine
Limber Pine
Maple
Nectarine
Oak
Peach
Pear
Persian Ironwood
Plum
Ponderosa Pine
Redbud
Serviceberry
Scotch Pine
Swiss Stone Pine
Wichita Blue Juniper
White Fir
Zelkova

Shrubs:

Amur Maple
Barberry
Buffaloberry
Butterfly Bush
Caryopteris
Chokeberry
Cistena Plum
Cotoneaster
Diervilla
Juniper
Kinnikinnick
Lilac
Mock Orange
Mugo Pine
Ninebark
Potentilla
Quince
Rose of Sharon
Rose
Serviceberry
Siberian Peashrub
Smokebush
Snowberry
Spiraea
Sumac
Yucca

Perennials:

Agastache
Baptisia
Bee Balm
Blanket Flower
California Fuchsia
Catmint
Centranthus
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Daylily
Dianthus
Fern Bush
Flax
Ice Plant
Iris
Lavender
Lupine
Mexican Primrose
Penstemon
Peony
Red Hot Poker
Red Valerian
Red Yucca
Russian Sage
Salvia
Sedum
Sneezeweed
Snow in Summer
Spirea
Thyme
Veronica
Yarrow

Vines:

Honeysuckle
Silver Lace
Trumpet Vine
Wisteria

Be sure to research the best times to plant, where your plants will thrive in your yard, and what type of soil you have. You can always talk to the local experts at the Moana Nursery for advice on the plants that will work best in your yard.

Plants have the added benefit of adding extra curb appeal to your home. If you’re curious about Reno landscaping, how to improve your home, or the Northern Nevada real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Slice, Slice, Baby: Where to Enjoy Good Pizza in Reno

March 18, 2021/in Lifestyle, Reno-Sparks Businesses /by Shauna Morris

Alright, stop, collaborate and listen; we’re here to tell you about the local pizza spots that’ll be your new addiction! Now that we’ve brought you back to the 90s and made you a little nostalgic, let’s take a look at where to enjoy good pizza in Reno.

Noble Pie Parlor

With three locations, one in Downtown, another in Midtown, and the last at the Summit, it’s likely that you’ve passed Noble Pie several times. If you haven’t found the time to stop in, put it on your list! They use local ingredients and make it all in-house, including their ranch dressing.

Pizzava

Have you ever found yourself reaching for the phone to order pizza at 10 AM? The breakfast pizza at Pizzava proves that pizza can be breakfast food, and a delicious one! The menu is massive, and after your first order, you’ll be back to try everything on the menu.

JJ.’s Pie Company

As a staple of the community since 1983, it wouldn’t be a list of great pizza spots without mentioning J.J.’s. The pizza is outstanding and so are their subs. The J.J.’s Special and The Baja are favorites on the menu.

Smiling with Hope Pizza

If you’re looking for New York-style pizza with a good cause, check out Smiling with Hope. They hire workers with disabilities to help them earn money and gather life skills. They were the #1 rated pizzeria in the USA on Yelp, and they will officially be reopening on April 13, so be sure to check them out.

The Pizza Collective

Do you call yourself THE pizza lover in the family? If yes, you’ll find yourself amongst like-minded people at the Pizza Collective. Their handmade sourdough crust takes their recipes to the next level, and their unique flavor combinations are something that you can only get here.

Other Noteworthy Pizza Places to Try:

If you’re in need of more tips, like dip your pizza crust in honey (thank us later), or you’re in need of some insight into the current fast-moving real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Can You Name the Celebrities with Ties to Reno and Northern Nevada?

March 8, 2021/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

The spring season often marks when celebrities are nominated for awards and when some of the most viewed award shows are broadcasted around the world. Before you tune in to root for your favorite artists, actors, and performances, we’re wondering, can you name the celebrities with ties to Reno and Northern Nevada?

Adam Cates – Cates is a director, choreographer, playwright, and best-selling author who has worked on Tony-winning shows on Broadway.
Ben Erway – Erway was a popular actor in the 40s and 50s with roles on The Twilight Zone and The Bishop’s Wife.
Bryce Johnson – The acting reel of Johnson features many guest appearances in a variety of popular T.V. series, but he is most known for his role in Popular.
Chase Ellison – This actor got his start in acting at a young age by appearing on Malcolm in the Middle and 7th Heaven. He also went on to star in Mysterious Skin, Tooth Fairy, and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.
Curtis Hanson – After getting some small films under his belt, Hanson then went on to direct well-known films like The River Wild, L.A. Confidential, and 8 Mile.
Dawn Wells – Wells is known for playing the beloved character of Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island.
Gabriel Damon – From being the voice of Littlefoot in The Land Before Time to rolls on Star Trek: The Next Generation and ER, Damon has a great history in the industry.
Jaylen Barron – Barron began her acting career with guest spots on popular Disney shows like Shake It Up and Good Luck Charlie. She also appeared in a few episodes of Shameless before landing her big role in Free Reign.
Jena Malone – Born in Sparks, Malone has had a successful acting career. Some of her most well-known works include Stepmom and The Hunger Games series.
Kristoffer Polaha – This actor and producer was born in Reno and is known for Jurassic World: Dominion, Wonder Woman 1984, and Where Hope Grows.
Mädchen Amick – Amick is known for her roles in Twin Peaks and Riverdale.
Ron Thomas – Thomas is known for his acting in Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid.

Actors, artists, athletes — there’s no shortage of talented people with ties to Reno and Northern Nevada. This list barely scratches the surface of the celebrities who have a connection with the Biggest Little City. If you have more fun facts about Reno, or you want to chat about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

How to Spend Your Time At Home in Reno and Sparks

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

As a full year passes since our day-to-day lives were completely flipped upside down, it’s important to find new ways to spend the extra time at home. Whether you’re bored or looking for resources to keep you and your loved ones occupied, check out how to spend your time at home in Reno and Sparks.

Hands ON! at Home – The Nevada Museum of Art is inviting everyone to get crafty using basic art supplies and materials found around the house. It’s a great way to look at the world and objects around you in a new light.
Virtual Guided Hikes – Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation offers a virtual hiking experience through some of the most popular parks and trails in the area. They also have park guides to give you some great information on each of the hiking areas.
Digital Library Services – The Washoe County Library offers library cardholders with ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, research, language learning, software tutorials, reading suggestions, and more. You’re sure to find something that you love from the digital library.
Virtual Rec Center – The City of Reno has put together a list of helpful resources on all of the ways you can stay productive at home. The virtual rec center includes everything from Tai Chi and fitness classes to songwriting classes and quilting tips for beginners. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something that will pique your interest.
Learn with Smithsonian – The Smithsonian is offering a variety of activities and games, as well as opportunities to meet the residents of the zoo, explore Smithsonian Augmented Reality on Instagram, join the Smithsonian Learning Lab, and explore some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.
Walt Disney Imagineering – Take a virtual tour of Walt Disney Imagineering, and then be sure to check out Imagineering in a Box – a one-of-a-kind online learning experience from Disney Imagineers!

Your spring can include checking out what’s blooming around town and enjoying some outdoor dining, but there are also some great ways to spend your time indoors. This list is just the jumping-off point for how to spend your time at home in Reno and Sparks. If you have other ideas on how to make the most of your time indoors or you want to chat about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.