Passing over Reno for the assumedly glitzier Las Vegas has become an inexplicably common mistake of many Nevada-bound travellers. With the same high-end casinos and fabulous clubs, Reno has offered the excitement of Sin City for years but its’ eclectic style brings far more to the table than just a hand of blackjack.

Beyond an exhilarating nightlife and gambling scene, Reno’s outdoorsy opportunities attract the risk takers both on and off the roulette table. Just walking distance from the casino strip, an 11-pool whitewater park attracts kayakers, rafters, and inner tubers of all levels. Meanwhile, ‘The Biggest Little City’ lies just 40 miles north of Lake Tahoe; a skier’s dream destination and sprawling beaches make this region a go-to vacation for any time of year. In fact, any Reno tour guide will tell you the heart of summer and depths of winter are the busiest tourist seasons, followed closely behind by fall’s hiker-friendly months. Remember, Burning Man Music Festival takes place in a desert north of Reno and annually draws thousands of visitors to the city every August.