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Some of the Most Photographed Places in Northern Nevada

July 30, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

As a city that not only has artists, but welcomes them with open arms, there’s no shortage of museums to visit, murals to check out, and writers taking up residence in local coffee shops. Reno residents have a knack for being creative free spirits, and it draws in tourists and visitors year after year. People are drawn to the areas of the city that show how picturesque the Reno area is. Below are some of the most photographed places in Northern Nevada for you to check out.

University Ridge Park
If you’re looking for a great spot to shoot the Reno skyline, University Ridge Park is a great option. You’re able to see the neon lights of the casinos as well as the mountains in the background. It’s a great place to visit for a sunset photo shoot.
The Reno Arch
As the most iconic symbol of our beloved Biggest Little City in the World, the Reno Arch is photographed, painted, and sculpted by thousands of artists and tourists yearly. The original arch can be found on Lake St. and the latest version of the arch can be found on Virginia St.
West Street Market
West Street Market has a variety of colorful Adirondack chairs set up against a red brick backdrop making it the perfect place for a summer photo shoot. You can often find many groups meeting up there during the Wine Walk for a few selfies.
Midtown and Downtown Reno murals
The murals around Reno provide fun backdrops for anyone visiting or living in Reno. If you’re not sure where you can find a great mural, be sure to check out the Downtown Reno Mural and Public Art Map.
Monkey Rock
Right behind Tunnel Creek, you’ll find a trail for a short hike to Monkey Rock. It offers some of the best views of Tahoe and the fun perk of trying to spot the rock shaped like a monkey.
Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook
The Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook is a pull-off area along Highway 431 that offers an amazing view of the lake and the valley below. The greens of the valley and the blues of the lake make a beautiful backdrop.
Virginia City
As an old mining town, Virginia City is filled with rustic charm and wonderful places to take photos. With old buildings, mining gear, and workers dressed like outlaws, there’s no shortage of photo ops here.

While Artown may be winding down, Reno is still a destination for art. Check out some of the most photographed places in Northern Nevada, and if you know any creative individuals that are looking to move to Reno, be sure to contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you search for a new home, so give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Reno Reads – The Local Authors and Books to Add to Your Reading List

July 27, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Still in need of ways to spend the time inside? Well, we come bearing gifts of some great books and authors to add to your summer reading lists. Check out these great storytellers, and be sure to share what you thought of the books with us!

Owen McKenna mystery series by Todd Borg
Looking for some thrilling mysteries to solve? This 17-book series has all kinds of twists and turns to have you guessing “who done it?” Follow former San Francisco homicide detective McKenna’s adventures through South Lake Tahoe.
Roughing It by Mark Twain
Mark Twain may be the most famous writer to coin a phrase here in Nevada. Go on a trek with the eccentric writer through the Wild West from 1861 through 1867 in this semi-autobiographical piece.
Battleborn by Claire Vay Watkins
The first collection of short stories set in a variety of Nevada settings that digs into the redemption of characters of all kinds. As the winner of several awards, you’ll want to pick up the boom and see why Claire has made her mark in Nevada’s history.
The River Underground: An Anthology of Nevada Fiction edited by Shaun Griffin
If you’re not sure what kind of story you’re looking to get lost in, try this compilation of works written by some of Nevada’s top writers.
This is Burning Man: The Rise of a New American Underground by Brian Doherty
If you find yourself missing Burning Man, pull this book from the shelf and dig into what has been described as the best chronicle of the annual festival.
The Man in the Wheatfield by Robert Laxalt
It wouldn’t be a Nevada reading list without a book from one of the first two writers named to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, Robert Laxalt. Dive into a thrilling read of good vs. evil taking place in Nevada’s desert.

Spend some of the summer digging into Nevada’s history and creating some of your own for you and your family! If you have any recommendations on other great Reno reads, be sure to share them with us, and if you ever want to learn about the current real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you find out what your home is worth, search for a new home, or manage your property. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The History of Hot August Nights

July 20, 2020/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

Usually, businesses, hotels, and venues would be prepping for one of Reno’s most well-known events, Hot August Nights. This year the event has been postponed until 2021. This is the first time in its 34 year history that the event has been postponed, but it’s been making its mark on our community’s history for years. Let’s take a look back.

How did Hot August Nights get its start?

On August 1, 1986, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center was hosting a live event featuring the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean. The event drew in thousands of spectators, and the nostalgia of the event had many talking about the classic cars and music of the 50s and 60s. It was decided that it was something that should be celebrated yearly, and because the event took place on a hot August night, the event practically named itself.

The first Hot August Nights was more of a throwback concert in the parking lot of the Convention Center to raise money for local charities, but the nostalgic feeling it brought sparked the idea of what it could be and what it has turned into.

Hot August Nights Now

That first party with 10,000 spectators has now turned into a flurry of festivities taking place throughout Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City at the beginning of August and drawing in over 800,000 people year after year. Hot August Nights continues to breed nostalgia for the 50s and 60s and celebrates classic cars and good ole rock n’ roll music.

Hot August Nights Foundation

The first Hot August Nights was created to help raise money for local charities, and nonprofit work is still a part of the Hot August Nights legacy. They created their own foundation in 2007 in order to provide children in need with funds and resources to help them with their education. The Hot August Nights Foundation helps provide:

Scholarships for secondary education including colleges, trade schools, junior colleges, and vocational schools.
Support to primary schools and its students in areas of economic hardship and, particularly, where children are at risk of not completing their education.
Promotion and support for other worthy educational and assistance programs for in-need and at-risk children.

Reno has a rich history, and we’re proud that Hot August Nights is a part of that history. We’re excited for its return next year! If you have questions about Reno and how the community has evolved through the years, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search when the time comes. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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