exploring reno | David Morris Group

Beat the Summer Heat in Reno-Sparks

July 7, 2022/in Blog /by Shauna Morris

Reno packs some serious summer heat but also provides some of the best and most beautiful places to cool off! From Kayaking to water parks, we have plenty of cool activities to explore. Here are a few ways to beat the summer heat in Reno-Sparks:

KAYAKING

The Truckee River Whitewater Park is in the heart of downtown Reno. This 2,600-foot-long park has class 2 and 3 rapids for kayakers, canoes, and boats. Whether you’re a novice or new to the sport, kayak lessons and clinics are offered by Sierra Adventures.

PADDLEBOARDING

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest-growing watersports. The Sparks Marina is an excellent location in Reno, and if you’re looking for more action, the Truckee River is a must! Lakeshore is based in Reno and has turned into a premier paddleboard spot. You can rent a paddleboard at Marina PaddleFit, and they offer clinics to learn new SUP skills.

TRUCKEE RIVER RAFTING

Reno is a perfect place for whitewater enthusiasts. It’s close to the Truckee and the Carson River, both of which have fantastic whitewater options. The Truckee River delivers some wilder rapids with classes 3 & 4 if you’re down for a hair-raising adventure, while the Carson River is known for its milder rapids. The most popular route down the Carson River is a 21-mile stretch called “Hangman’s Run.” Tahoe Whitewater Tours and Sierra Adventures offer excellent guided tours down the rivers.

FLOAT ABOUT

Truckee River rafting is right in the heart of the city, with easy access through Wingfield Park. The park is the endpoint for most float trips, and you can find plenty of places to launch your raft. Popular launching points include Crissie Caughlin Park, Dorostkar Park, and Mayberry Park. If you’re looking for something less extreme, floating the day away is a great way to enjoy the river without rapids.

RENO-SPARKS’ WATER PARK

Wild Island Family Adventure Park offers summer fun for everyone! With water slides, a wave pool, go-karts, mini-golf, and bowling, it’s a great way to wear out the kiddos and have a little fun yourself.

We haven’t forgotten about fun in the sun at Lake Tahoe ~ Keep an eye out for our next blog to get the latest on the lake’s summer options!

To stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Murals of Reno

May 14, 2022/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Reno’s Downtown and Midtown Districts are home to more than 100 larger-than-life murals painted by local, national, and international artists. These murals add color and vibrance to Reno’s urban landscapes as they tell their stories. The art ranges from topics as serious as racism or as whimsical as flowers, either commissioned by a local business or simply the product of an artist’s inspiration. Some portray historical figures, old friends, departed companions, legends, or lost loves. New designs appear on brick, plaster, wood, and concrete surfaces, and sometimes murals that once were visible get surrounded by new buildings or become hidden. The transient nature of these murals matches that of Midtown, as it is always fluid and changing.

Just south of downtown Reno, the Midtown District is a less than five square-mile section of town that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Rather than demolishing the old brick buildings and forgetting about this unused section in the city, an ambitious collection of artists and small business owners took over and created a neighborhood with an artisan approach. They turned the district into a unique cultural experience with top-tier shopping, dining, and a vibrant array of spectacular murals that other metro areas simply don’t have.

It wasn’t until Geralda Miller and Eric Brooks that the Midtown murals became so well known. According to Eric, the murals of Midtown are considered to be the most extensive collection of public art per capita in the entire country. As Miller explains it, “Murals are a way for every man to see art. It’s that grassroots arts movement for those who may not want to go to a museum or an art gallery.”

Geralda and Eric founded Art Spot Reno to develop a way to showcase the city’s murals, and Eric began giving mural tours to friends for fun. Soon, folks started coming in from all directions to catch a glimpse of the art, so Geralda and Eric created the Midtown Mural Tour. The tour is now offered twice a month, and Eric continues to proudly guide visits through Midtown with his encyclopedic knowledge of the works and the artists. The mural tours have been organized into two distinct paths – the Midtown Mural Tour and the Downtown Reno Mural and Public Art Tour.

Midtown Murals

While many of Midtown’s murals are visible from main streets, several are tucked in alleyways and hidden in unlikely spots. Tours are taken at a leisurely pace over roughly two hours, and knowledgeable guides provide stories and insight that make the art even more enjoyable. Every month, the Midtown Mural Tour alternates between a north route and a south route, as there are too many pieces in just this neighborhood to be seen in a single afternoon.

Downtown Reno Mural and Public Art Tour

Like Midtown, the city center contains many murals from highly respected local, national and international artists. The murals are also done in various styles, including graffiti lettering, illustration, landscapes, and realism portraits. During Artown, an annual arts-themed festival, Circus Circus Reno holds a Mural Marathon Competition where qualifying artists paint an original 14-foot-high by 20-foot-wide mural on the side of the Hotel & Casino in just 24 hours.

The murals throughout Reno truly celebrate creativity, and they evoke emotions within every person who views them. This open-air art is a visual language of the city, and to catch a glimpse of it – all you have to do is take a walk!

To stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group or give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

We’re happy to be your guide to The Biggest Little City in the World!

Best Restaurants in Reno

April 29, 2022/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

From perfect steaks to fresh seafood to gourmet soups, Reno has a delicious dining scene. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, here are a few of the best restaurants in Reno so you can treat the Family CEO to a lovely brunch or dinner!

Atlantis Steakhouse

Experience the attention to detail and art of unsurpassed service at this award-winning fine dining steakhouse. Set in a glitzy, casino-based setting, Atlantis Steakhouse is considered one of the best dinner spots in Reno.

Atlantis Sky Terrace Sushi & Oyster Bar

This sushi bar offers a selection of over 50 types of nigiri and maki sushi. The scenic Sky Terrace offers a unique dining experience under the sea!

Bimini Steakhouse

This tropical-inspired steakhouse is located in the Peppermill resort and has quite the dining room! With savory, wood-grilled meats, fresh, delicate fish, enticing small plates, and magnificent desserts to choose from, Bimini Steakhouse will not disappoint!

Beaujolais Bistro

This charming French cafe celebrates authentic French cuisine and French-style cocktails and is one of the most popular restaurants in the Arts District of downtown Reno.

Fourk Kitchen

Experience the best lunch in Reno at Fourk Kitchen. This formal four-course dining experience with a casual vibe serves a “prix-fixe” menu that changes with the seasons.

Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery

The Great Full Gardens Cafe & Eatery in MidTown Reno is a casual restaurant that serves items from local farms and its own greenhouse. While their menu caters to vegan, gluten-free, and Paleo diets, there are plenty of delicious options for the whole family!

The Grill At Quail Corners

The Grill at Quail Corners offers an upscale-casual vibe with a stunning view. This restaurant offers a bright atmosphere and courtyard seating to enjoy the surrounding landscape and mountains.

La Strada

Located at the Eldorado Resort Casino, La Strada was voted one of America’s top ten Italian restaurants.

Laughing Planet Cafe

Laughing Planet Cafe brings healthful, organic, and sustainable food to the Midtown Reno area. With a philosophy that one doesn’t have to sacrifice taste to eat healthily, this charming cafe is one of the coolest local restaurants.

Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs

This family-owned and operated diner serves up comforting American breakfast and lunch. The charming restaurant offers some of the best egg dishes and sandwiches in Reno.

Squeeze In

The fun and eclectic vibe at Squeeze In is matched by its extensive menu and giant omelets prepared in various ways. They specialize in breakfast and lunch and offer the best bloody marys and mimosas!

Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille

Toucan Charlie’s Buffet offers a champagne brunch and a buffet like no other! With eight live-action stations, including Sauté & Grille, Charcuterie, Far East fare, Pho, Seafood, Southwest, Specialty Salads, and Carving stations, you’d better bring your appetite!

Von Bismarck

With two patios and an outside grill, this modern family-style restaurant takes authenticity and tradition seriously with its German and Eastern European cuisine.

If you’d like to stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Why Does A Bunny Have Eggs?

April 4, 2022/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

Have you ever wondered how eggs became part of our Easter tradition? Not only that but why the heck does a magic bunny hide those eggs?? What came first, the bunny or the egg?

The Bunny

The exact origins of the mythical hare are unclear. A straightforward explanation could be that rabbits, known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. New life is strongly associated with Christianity and Easter, as is new life associated with spring. Therefore a bunny makes symbolic sense. But when did the magic one hop into the picture? And why does it hide eggs?

Some say the root of the egg-laying cottontail came from German origin and was introduced to American folklore by German settlers in the 1700s. The tale of an egg-laying rabbit called “Osterhase” (Ostern-Easter Hase-Hare). German legend has it that an impoverished mother didn’t have the means to buy her children a hearty meal to mark the end of Lent. Instead, she decorated eggs for her children on Easter morning and hid them in the garden for them to find. As the children collected the hidden eggs, they saw a giant rabbit hopping away. The children thought the hare had left the eggs. Hence, Osterhase! As the legend became more well-known, German children began making nests for Osterhase. They would put carrots in the nest in exchange for colorful eggs. The story and custom spread across the U.S. over time, and the nests eventually became decorated baskets. Chocolates and gifts in baskets are American traditions that have turned Easter into the 3rd highest retail spending holiday behind Christmas and Mother’s Day.

The Eggs

Eggs have long been associated with Easter as a symbol of fertility, new life, and rebirth, much like the rabbit. One could see how Christianity would associate eggs with Easter, a holiday that celebrates the resurrection. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians also connected eggs with fertility and power. Some early civilizations gifted eggs to the dead as a symbol of revitalization and protection from evil. And some even say Easter eggs are linked to pagan traditions celebrating spring.

Eggs were prohibited in medieval Catholicism during the religious Lenten fast, along with other foods. So while no one could eat eggs during Lent, no one told the chickens, and they continued to lay them. Folks would hard-boil their chicken eggs and store them to eat later. Because Lent ends in the lead-up to Easter, folks would decorate and paint their hard-boiled eggs to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting. This theory connects with the story of the mother in Germany, a predominantly Catholic country at the time, and it explains why she had beautiful eggs to hide in her garden!

Whatever your traditions may be, and whichever theory hops out at you the most, we can all agree that Easter and spring are a time of renewal, new life, and rebirth. We hope you have a wonderful Easter with family and friends! If you have questions about the Reno real estate market, we are happy to help! Contact the David Morris Group, or give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Things To Do Outside in the Reno Area

March 28, 2022/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

The spring equinox was on Sunday, March 20th, which marked the first day of spring! Now that the weather will be getting more agreeable, it’s time to get outside! Here is a list of fun, free outdoor activities to enjoy with friends and family.

HUNTER CREEK TRAIL

The Hunter Creek Trail is situated within 20 minutes of Downtown and Midtown Reno, and locals refer to it as the best urban area hiking trail in Reno. This trail is one of the most popular hikes due to its gorgeous mountain views and a spectacular 30-foot waterfall! A waterfall in the high desert is a rare find, but this one runs all year and makes a picture-perfect end to a hike in the Sierra foothills. The 6.4-mile trail is mainly used for day hiking and trail running from April through October. It’s dog-on-a-leash friendly and an easy-to-moderate hike.

IDLEWILD PARK

Idlewild Park features a skate park, free sports fields, rentable picnic shelters and a barbecue area. This 49-acre park is located on the Truckee River just west of downtown. The park has access to the river and there’s a water play feature for children. There are free parks for children with fun equipment for them to enjoy. The park also offers a beautiful rose garden, public sculptures and the seasonal Idlewild swimming pool. There is plenty of parking in many areas of the park. Idlewild is home to Reno Earth Day, held April 24th this year, and the Food Truck Friday food truck festival on Friday evenings will kick off in June

RIVERWALK AND ARTS DISTRICT

The Reno Arts District is a safe, fun and friendly area that celebrates Reno’s art, culture and history. Here you will find a medley of great restaurants, bars, shopping areas, bistros and cafes, and a walkway along the Truckee River. The central point of this area is Wingfield Park, located on an island in the middle of the river. The Riverwalk offers a Reno Wine Walk every third Saturday of the month, and this district is close to the National Automobile Museum and the Nevada Museum of Art.

MIDTOWN DISTRICT

The Midtown District of Reno is just south of Downtown and offers a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Midtown has hundreds of public artworks and murals. You can spend a whole day just walking around this eclectic and funky part of town! You can hear and participate in musical jams, get your foodie fill at one of the wonderful restaurants, do some antique shopping or pick up some Burning Man gear at one of the unique boutiques! Midtown has regular special events like the annual Art Walk, monthly mural tours, and First Thursdays.

There is no shortage of things to do in Reno and it’s time to get out and about and enjoy! To stay up to date on what’s happening around Reno, follow our blog, and if you have questions about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your helpful guide. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

It’s Not Easy Being Green

March 1, 2022/in Reno Events /by Shauna Morris

On March 17th – if it’s not green, it’s not happenin’! In the United States, the festivities surrounding St. Patrick’s Day include all things green – green clothes, green party décor, and, of course, green beer. Today all it takes to make an emerald ale is just a couple of drops of food coloring, but a century ago, when Americans first hailed the green brew, the ingredients were a wee bit toxic! The first introduction to green beer happened in New York City around 1914, and as the story goes, a club owner wanted to make his St. Patty’s party more festive by making everything he served the color of the lucky Irish – including his hops. However, the secret ingredient to his green concoction was just as shocking to his partygoers as the color of the drink itself. He used an iron-based laundry whitener called “Wash Blue” to turn the drinks green, and as he assured his patrons there wasn’t enough detergent to cause them harm, their concerns seemed to lessen with every emerald sip! Luckily he was right, and not only did his guests live to die another day, but the colorful tradition that this bar owner came up with was here to stay!

If you’re looking to go out and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, Reno, Sparks, and the Lake Tahoe area all have Irish pubs where you can enjoy the day in style. You’ll find Irish food and drinks, live music, Irish dancers, and maybe even bagpipers, depending on where you go.

Irish Pubs and Bars in Reno	Irish Pubs and Bars in Sparks
Ryan’s Saloon and Broiler	O’Skis Pub & Grille
Lucke’s Saloon	Paddy and Irene’s Irish Pub
Shea’s Tavern
Shenanigan’s Olde English Pub	Irish Pubs and Bars at Lake Tahoe
Ole Bridge Pub	Auld Dubliner Irish Pub Palisades Tahoe
Filthy McNasty’s Irish Bar	McP’s Taphouse Grill

Be sure to contact the venue before March 17th to confirm their hours of operation and COVID considerations.

No matter the color of your beer this St. Patrick’s Day, remember to drink responsibly! The RTC is marking its 18th year of providing its FREE Safe RIDE Program to help people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly.

If you’d like more insight on what to do around Reno, or want to chat about the current fast-moving real estate market, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292.

Reno Neon Line District and Workforce Housing

February 18, 2022/in Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

For years, West 4th Street has been falling to the wayside and begging to be fixed up. However, developer, owner, and operator of Jacobs Entertainment, Jeff Jacobs, has a bigger vision than just a renovation or two. Jeff Jacobs’ proposal of The Neon Line District in Downtown Reno is a dynamic, mixed-use entertainment district. This area will include the expansion, renovation, and rebranding of the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, world-class art – including sculptures formerly at the Burning Man festival, and an array of commercial, retail, plaza, green space, convention, and entertainment venues. The development has been in the works since 2019 and is likely the most extensive project Downtown Reno has seen in decades.

The newest buzz around this development is the offer Jeff Jacobs made to City Council to help address the city’s housing affordability crisis. He proposes building 1,000 new affordable workforce housing units but has asked the city to contribute to the deal. Jacobs said his company would contribute land valued at $15 million to the Reno Housing Authority for workforce housing to start about 850 units. He is asking the city to offer additional land for 1,000 affordable housing units. “The idea is teachers, clerks, employees in the casinos who want to live downtown, who work downtown,” said Jacobs. “This gives them an opportunity.” If this proposal works, it would be the most significant housing initiative this region has ever seen from the Reno Housing Authority.

Jeff hopes that when the Neon Line District is complete, it will have as many as 3,000 total housing units, but the City Council has either not made a decision or is not yet ready to announce what the decision may be. The Mayor is quoted as being “definitely interested in an affordable housing partnership.” The idea of having over 2,000 units of affordable housing for Reno’s downtown workforce is exciting and puts a whole new spin on the Mayor’s 1,000 Homes initiative!.

The Reno retail market was hard hit overall by the pandemic, with lower-income workers at the top of the list. While retail demand has rebounded this year, the city could use a win. The Neon Line District might be exactly what Reno needs to revitalize downtown and turn this area back into a walkable destination with bustling businesses and busy sidewalks.

Photo of Neon Line District map (Courtesy: Jacobs Entertainment)

New Year’s Resolutions to Make Your House a Better Home

December 22, 2020/in Lifestyle, Reno Neighborhoods, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

2021 will be here in the blink of an eye, and while we can’t believe that 2020 has passed by already, it is once again time to make resolutions and goals for the new year. If your 2020 resolutions have more than a few things you couldn’t check off thanks to a global pandemic, make a few goals that you can achieve no matter what the year holds. Check out the New Year’s resolutions to make your house a better home.

Minimize energy use

With more time spent at home comes more energy used and higher utility bills. Take time to find ways you can cut costs. You can start by:

Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.
Hang curtains to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Open blinds during the day to use natural light to brighten your home rather than light fixtures.
Add a timer to control how long your lights stay on.
Switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it

Keeping a tidy home can be overwhelming, especially if you find that your weekends are consumed with deep cleaning. There may be some areas of your home that you’re overcleaning and some areas of your home that you’re neglecting. Create daily tasks that will help you maximize your time and keep your home tidy at all times.

Take on one DIY project a month

If you’re tired of the furniture in your home or you want to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, research a few DIY projects that you may want to try and put them into action. Trying something new and adding some sweat equity into your home can help you love your space.

Try seasonal trends

Home design is a lot like fashion — the trends change quickly and often seasonally. Research the latest home design trends and try them out in your home. It can be a simple change that you don’t spend a lot of time or money on, but it may open your eyes to new styles, colors, and themes that you like and may want to continue in your home.

Focus on your outside space

Your outdoor space is as much a part of making a house a home as the interior space is. Reno has beautiful seasons, and it’s important to have an outdoor area where you can spend time soaking up the sun, breathing in the fall air, and cuddling up by a fire pit in the brisk evenings. Think about investing in outdoor furniture, hammocks, a projector for outdoor movie nights, etc. Make it a fun and usable space.

If you’re in need of more New Year’s resolutions to make your house a home or you’re simply curious about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Latest Construction Projects Around Reno and Sparks

December 17, 2020/in Reno-Sparks Businesses, Reno-Sparks Real Estate /by Shauna Morris

Just as many of us have been using the time at home to build new skills, take on new projects, and think outside the box, the city of Reno has been doing the same. The future of Reno looks bright, and it’s partly because of some exciting developments that are on the horizon. Check out the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks.

Reno City Center

The former Harrah’s casino is a part of a new project to turn downtown Reno into a place where live, work, and play culminate perfectly. The west tower isn’t slated to wrap for another two years, but when finished, it will include apartments, retail space, and public green space.

Keystone Commons

With financing secured, Keystone Commons has begun rolling forward on construction for the parking garage, four-story apartment building, and retail space. Some of the brands that have leased space in the upcoming development include In-N-Out Burger and Starbucks.

The Oddie District

The former Lowe’s building in Sparks is currently the site for a $30 million work-live development. It will feature 40,000 square feet set aside for a maker space component and 60,000 square feet set aside for “flex-tech” spaces that can double as living quarters. The massive project has also set aside 9,000 square feet for small businesses, 10,000 square feet for restaurants, and 8,000 square feet for a brewery/distillery.

Swope Middle School

In an effort to help alleviate any overcrowding, Swope Middle School is undergoing some construction to add a new gym, new classrooms, and new HVAC systems throughout the school. Construction is expected to finish by 2022.

T3

There’s some new momentum to report for the T3 development. Permits for a five-story apartment complex and a five-story parking garage have been submitted. There are also plans for retail and green space, but progress hasn’t started on those projects yet. With a completion date in 2023, this development will be one to watch out for in the coming years.

If you’re curious about any of the latest construction projects around Reno and Sparks or you’re simply curious about the Reno-Sparks real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Christmas Traditions That Will Have You Feeling Merry and Bright

December 9, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

2020 has taken us all on a roller coaster of emotions, and with the holiday season upon us, we’re all looking for ways to spread cheer and good tidings. Don’t worry, there are some great Christmas traditions that will have you feeling merry and bright in no time!

Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

If you’ve been on social media recently, it’s likely that you’ve seen videos of everyone making hot cocoa bombs that release a ton of chocolaty goodness when they are submerged in warm milk. Why not make your own recipe full of all your favorite goodies. Check out this video as a great reference on how to make your own hot cocoa bombs.

Listen to a Christmas Tale

Gather the family to bake cookies or work on a holiday craft together while listening to something a little more entertaining than the usual Christmas tunes. Put on the audio version of A Christmas Carol or create a playlist of Christmas themed stories being read aloud on YouTube. They have a great selection, and you can even find How the Grinch Stole Christmas being read by Keith Morrison.

Buy Matching Pajamas or Make Matching Christmas Sweaters

A great way to stay connected with your loved ones who can’t be with you this year is to put on a matching outfit and hop on a video call with one another. There are all kinds of matching pajama sets being sold in stores, but you can also buy a plain sweater and decorate it in matching styles for a unique spin on the holiday tradition.

Secret Santa, Anyone?

If you are trying to save a little money this year and don’t want to buy a present for everyone on your list, suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange with a spending limit of $20. It will easily cut down the number of people to buy for and comes with a fun guessing game at the end.

Search for the Best Christmas Decorations in the City

Holiday lights are going up around town, and one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go and look at all of the decorations. Take your family and drive around some of the streets in the area and pick out the houses with the best Christmas decorations!

There are all kinds of Christmas traditions that will have you feeling merry and bright this year. We hope your holidays are happy and full of cheer. If you have any other holiday tradition recommendations or you’re simply curious about the Reno real estate market, contact the David Morris Group. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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