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Ghost Towns Outside of Reno

August 25, 2020/in Lifestyle /by Shauna Morris

In times of social distancing, what better way to spend the day than exploring historic ghost towns? Just outside of Reno, you’ll find several towns with little to no residents, but buildings reminiscent of when it was a bustling town. Below are some of the most beloved ghost towns outside of Reno to explore.

Fort Churchill State Historic Park

About an hour outside of Carson City lies the Fort Churchill State Park. It’s a former United States Army Fort that was built to protect early settlers as they made their way across the American West. The fort’s ruins make a great adventure spot and can help you picture what life was like 150 years ago.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

With a rich mining history, a crumbling ghost town, and 225 million-year-old marine reptile fossils, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park has it all. You can check out many of the original buildings from 1890 when the town was first built.

Gold Point Ghost Town

Near the Nevada/California border lies a silver mining camp that was established in the early 1860s. The buildings from the Gold Point Ghost Town are still intact, so be sure to check out these historic homes, an old general store, bank buildings, stamp mill sites, and even a modern-day Sagebrush Saloon or two.

Unionville Ghost Town

Between Lovelock and Winnemucca is a little backcountry town with a population of fewer than 24 people and has the cabin ruins of a pretty famous former resident, Mark Twain! Unionville Ghost Town was founded in 1861, and it’s a must-visit for any history buff.

Virginia City

It wouldn’t be a true list of the best Nevada ghost towns without including Virginia City. It was home of the largest silver strike in the world, and visitors can stroll original wooden boardwalk-lined streets, visit haunted hotels, and sit in old-time saloons.

There are tons of places in Reno that are full of history, and we love all of the new and old places there are to explore. If you have questions about any of the communities in the area, or if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

Get to Know Old Southwest Reno

August 12, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Outdoor adventures will never be far from your front door in the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood. As the oldest neighborhood in Reno, there’s a lot of history and charm attached to the community. We’re here to take you through the neighborhood virtually and help you get to know what draws residents to the community. Put on your seatbelts and keep all hands and feet inside the virtual car until the ride is over!

Homes

Old Southwest Reno has an eclectic vibe, like a lot of Reno neighborhoods, and is made up of mostly older homes built between 1920 and 1960. The tree-lined streets feature quaint brick homes as well as modern mansions located within blocks of one another. No matter what your style and list of wants and needs from your home, the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood is sure to have it in spades.

Amenities

As a resident of the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood, you’ll be in close proximity to parks, well-kept outdoor spaces, and eateries of all sorts. You can fish for bass or trout along the Truckee River; enjoy a round of golf at Washoe County Golf Course and the Lakeridge Golf Course; and head out for a bike ride, run, or walk along one of the nearby trails.

Located just five minutes from Midtown and Downtown Reno, residents can easily walk or bike to work, and they’re never far from the events taking place.

Schools

Roy Gomm Elementary School, Hunter Lake Elementary School, Jessie Beck Elementary School, Mount Rose Elementary School, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School of the Washoe County School District all serve the students in the Old Southwest neighborhood.

Old Southwest Reno has widely been regarded as one of the most desirable areas to live in, and if you have any questions about what we love about the community or which homes in the neighborhood are currently on the market, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

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.

5 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Reno

July 16, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Shauna Morris

If you’ve been contemplating making a move to America’s Best Small City or know someone who is, there are some things you should familiarize yourself with before packing up your home and making the trek to our beautiful town!

1. We’re all about art, and we take our quirky culture seriously!

If you’re an artist or creative free spirit, you’ll feel right at home here. From our massive sculptures throughout the city, eye-catching murals, and variety of performance artists putting on a show, there’s always something to see. We even have a month-long event dedicated to artists called Artown.

2. Taking a lake day every few months is mandatory.

Ok, maybe “mandatory” is a little harsh, but if you get to a point where you can’t remember the last time you were in Tahoe, you’re doing something wrong. The water is every shade of blue you could imagine, and it’s so refreshing in the summer.

3. Keep an ice brush, raincoat, and a few outfit choices in your car.

The weather in Reno is fickle on a good day, and you’re likely to find that the weather in one part of town is completely different than the other. Having items in your car that keep you prepared for any type of weather is a necessity. Trust us, keeping a raincoat and umbrella in your car will save you on more than one occasion, like when the prefect sunny weather changes to thunderstorms in a matter of minutes.

4. Learn how to pronounce Nevada.

You will see bumper stickers that say things like, “It’s Nev-AD-duh, not Nev-AH-duh.” People around here take the pronunciation of Nevada seriously, so be sure to drop the “ah” sound before moving here.

5. What’s traffic?

If you’ve lived in a major city, you may have gotten used to it taking you anywhere from minutes to hours to get you to your destination due to traffic. We’ll tell you now that the “traffic” that some residents speak of is really just slowing down by five mph on I-80. The arrival time estimate that Siri gives you when you type a destination into Google Maps is more or less spot-on.

Reno is a wonderful place to call home, and if you’re looking for more information on what you should know before moving here, 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.

The Best Beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks

June 26, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Mild summers, nearly 80% of the year is full of sunshine, and a generous number of outdoor activities make Reno one of the best places to live. As soon as the last bits of the chilly weather moves out, many are looking to break out the sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits for a much-deserved beach day. Below are some of the best beaches in Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks to check out this summer!

Kings Beach State Recreation Area – If you’re looking for a great family-friendly beach with some great shops and restaurants to stop in for lunch, Kings Beach is a great option. With a large stretch of white sand beaches and some of the warmest waters in Tahoe, you’ll love splashing around all day.
Sand Harbor State Park – Spend the day soaking up the sun in some of the bluest waters in Tahoe. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for a great beach picnic.
Hidden Beach – If Sand Harbor is a little too crowded for you, you may want to check out Hidden Beach. Several areas of this beach are only accessible if you hike in, but the remote beach has some great boulders for sunbathing and jumping into the beautiful waters.
Chimney Beach – Chimney Beach is known for the stone chimney that’s still there from an old caretaker’s cabin. With deeper waters and a challenging hike, it’s a great beach for those looking to burn a few calories while having a fun day on the beach.
Zephyr Cove Beach – Zephyr Cove is one of the larger and more popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. It’s a great place to gather with larger groups. Play a few games of beach volleyball, rent water equipment, and go boating while you’re at Zephyr Cove.
Nevada Beach – Nevada Beach has some great views, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or go swimming with friends.
The Sparks Marina – The Sparks Marina has it all. There are walking paths, trees, and sandy beaches surrounding a 77-acre lake that are used for windsurfing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and boating.

There are a lot of great beaches to explore and a ton of outdoor activities to keep you and the family busy all summer long. If you’re hoping to move closer to your favorite beaches or are just curious about what the real estate market looks like currently, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Ultimate Renoite Checklist

June 19, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Reno continues to draw in people from all over the world, especially as our city develops, and as we see companies open their doors. The Biggest Little City becomes a beacon to big businesses, small startups, and entrepreneurs at heart, but the move to a new city can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this checklist of things to do, places to visit, and experiences to make you feel like a Renoite in no time.

Kayak the Truckee River Whitewater Park – Or if kayaking isn’t your thing, grab your floaties and go tubing along the Truckee River!
Try out some of the local breweries and distilleries in the area – We recommend checking out 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing, Brasserie Saint James Brewing, and The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery.
Mountain bike the Flume Trail.
Participate in a Wine Walk.
Have a lazy day in North Lake Tahoe – Bonsai Rock, Sand Harbor, and Chimney Beach are great destination spots.
Watch the sunrise over Emerald Bay.
Participate in a bar crawl.
Have a ski/snowboard day, or at least sip some cocoa in a lodge – There are tons of resorts in the area including Donner Ski Ranch, Squaw Valley, and Mt. Rose.
Have a museum day and learn about the history of some amazing artifacts – Check out the National Automobile Museum, The Discovery, Nevada State Museum, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Soak in some of the most beautiful and relaxing hot springs in the world.
Take a selfie under the Reno arch.
Go coffee tasting and find your favorite local spot – There’s a reason Reno has become one of the biggest coffee cultures in the west. Hub Coffee Roasters, Lighthouse Coffee, and Old World Coffee Lab are great places to start.
Catch a movie at West Wind El Rancho.
Visit the world’s largest all-sports store – Be sure to ride the Scheels Ferris wheel while you’re there!
Take a cruise on South Lake Tahoe’s MS Dixie II.
Hike the iconic “N.”
Catch an Aces game.
Step back in time, and explore the Wild West of Virginia City.

Even if you aren’t a Reno native, you’ll be feeling like a Renoite after completing just a few of the items on this list. If you’re curious about what the Biggest Little City has to offer and you’re considering making the move to Reno, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community, give you a snapshot at the real estate market, and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

A Glimpse at Midtown Reno

June 15, 2020/in Reno Neighborhoods /by Shauna Morris

Midtown has been revamped and has transformed over the years. It’s become a hotspot for businesses, residences, and tourists alike. It’s a cultural experience that continues to evolve, grow, and thrive. The eclectic vibe draws many people in, but what is it that makes it such a desirable neighborhood for living, working, and touring?

Character and Charisma Everywhere

The Midtown district has a variety of historic homes that have been around since the ‘20s and ‘30s. These homes are also surrounded by some newer construction homes that again add to the eclectic vibe and draw in buyers of all kinds. With the walkable streets, you’re never far from stumbling upon a quirky coffee shop, funky retailer, or mouth-watering restaurant.

Restaurants, Retailers, and Local Businesses

Reno residents know how important it is to support local businesses, and the city continues to draw in entrepreneurs working to make their dreams of owning their own business and being their own boss a reality. Midtown continues to see a boom in small businesses opening their doors, so if you’re in the neighborhood check out:

Two Chicks – The breakfast menu will blow your mind.
Sierra Belle and Nomad Boutique – If you’re looking for clothes, boots, hats, gifts, they’ll have it in spades.
Junkee Clothing Exchange – There’s never been a more infamous thrift store.
Sundance Bookstore – Bookworms, welcome home.
Old World Coffee Lab – Anytime you need a coffee pick-me-up, Old World is a must.

A Paradise of Art

The murals you’ll find throughout Midtown are just some of the artistic flair you’ll find in the neighborhood. From museums, performing art venues, and galleries, it’s a beacon for those with creativity. If you’re looking to explore a few museums, be sure to visit the Nevada Museum of Art, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, and the National Automobile Museum.

Great Schools

Midtown is a part of the Washoe County School District. Families living in Midtown are zoned for Mount Rose Elementary, Swope Middle School, and Reno High School.

If you’re curious about the Midtown area and think it could be a great place to settle down, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to share everything we’ve learned about the community, give you a snapshot at the real estate market, and help you begin your home search. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.

The Ultimate Summer To-Do List

June 10, 2020/in Reno Events and Activities /by Shauna Morris

Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, summer is the designated season for fun, adventure, and family memories. Reno’s summer season may look a little different than what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a time to remember, especially if you set out to check off the items on our ultimate summer to-do list!

Create your own backyard Olympics – Set up backyard bowling, croquet, mini-golf, and cornhole, and have a gold-en time competing for a medal — pun intended.
Have a backyard movie night – Find a large white space or throw a sheet over your fence in the backyard. Then set up a projector to play your family’s favorite movies. Don’t forget the homemade snacks to much on!
Create your own waterpark – Set up an inflatable pool, slip ‘n slide, and sprinklers to keep everyone cool and having fun during the warmer days.
Build a birdhouse – It’s a staple of many summer camps to teach kids how to build a birdhouse and then decorate it. Spend a couple of dollars on a few birdhouse kits, and make them as a family.
Host an art competition: sidewalk chalk edition – Give everyone in your family a section of sidewalk or driveway to work on, a theme to work with, and a time limit, then see who can create the best piece of art.
Have your own summer concert – Break out the pots and pans, warm up those voices, and have a karaoke night. You may even be crowned the best performance of the night if you decide to be a one-man show who sings, dances, and plays the pans (makeshift drums).
Make your own Hot August Nights – With the recent news to postpone Hot August Nights till next year, it’s up to you to celebrate. Grab crepe paper, balloons, and all your favorite art supplies to decorate your bike, and create your own one-of-a-kind ride for people to admire.
Turn your cardboard boxes into beautiful creations – With a few cuts and colorful markers, you can turn your purchases into houses, cars, and planes.
Have a blind taste test of your family’s favorite foods – Whether your family loves potato chips, gummy bears, or popcorn, there are tons of varieties. Pick up a few different ones, then have the family put on a blindfold as you give them snacks to try and have them rank their favorites.
Camp out in the living room – Spend the day building an epic fort in the living room, then bring out the blankets and pillows for a family camp out complete with stories, snacks, and sweet memories.

We hope you have a wonderful summer, and if you decide to buy or sell your home at any point this season, contact the David Morris Group at (775) 828-3292. We have some great real estate resources for you to use, and we’re always offering helpful information on our blog.

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