Visitreno

VAPA · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 583

My first trip to Reno was in 2007 for HAN and stayed at the Sands Regency and really enjoyed HAN but for some reason(s) didn't get back until 2012 and have been going back ever since. What might have brought you to Reno and do you visit often ?

JSR1968 · Joined: 18 Jan 2011 Posts: 65

My first trip was in the summer of 1990. I lived in the SF Bay Area and drove up with friends for a few hours then turned around and came back.

When I lived in northern California I used to go to Reno probably once a month. Now I got maybe once a year.

I really like Reno

CaSwede · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 866

At the risk of exposing my age, I have been going to Reno since the 1950's. We had close family living in Reno and would go often. We would drive over hwy 40 from Sacramento. It was a two lane road and was slow go behind a truck. I still have bad thoughts about my family leaving me in the Harold's club kid club- I must have been about 4 years old.

I have seen a lot of changes in Reno over the years as I have been going just about every year since.

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

My first trip was in January 1985. And I posted a trip report (in 2009) - with pictures.

http://www.visitreno.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1068

stan_allen · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 1129

I thought of this exact topic recently, but I won't be exhaustive:

Road trip with a guy at work, which he proposed.

I-80 in the dark, first time ever for me, rental car; guy started weaving all over the road, presumably due to exhaustion, as we were on that final stretch of mountains, where it's narrow and annoying, and quite a bit more back then - this was what, 1994? I want to say, but possibly '95, or even '96...

Despite the fact that I'd been pulling regularly from a flask the whole time, I still told the guy to pull over and take a nap, and took over the wheel, knowing that I'd still be the better driver of the two of us.

Proceeded without further incident; eventually, saw the neon skyline, and said, "well, that must be it" - took some local exit, drove towards the lights; my buddy directed to me to what turned out to be the Circus-Circus parking lot. We took a nap in the car.

Woke up, went into the casino, did casino stuff.

Later in the day, went to the adult bookstore to find out about the cathouses - picked up a guide, and headed toward one. Checked it out, decided to look at another one. Went to another one. Utilized the services, then eventually started back, and drove through the Tahoe area, where I got my first look at Lake Tahoe holiday traffic. I think we stopped at the Biltmore, which became my landmark for the area.

Drove back; I really don't remember much more, but it was a great first trip!

Reno's occupied a permanent position in my heart ever since...

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

The year was 1956 or 57. The car was a 1953 two toned Hudson with a window hanging water cooler. The kind that had a cylinder about the size of a mailbox and was filled with maybe two quarts of water. When you pulled the chain, a water soaked cloth was pulled up into the ram air and sprayed a misty spray into the inside of the car without any fan.

My older sister and I fought like cats and dogs in the back seat while we were often stopped by a brush fire in the desert nearing the half way mark on the way to Disneyland (the SECOND year it was open) or the Grand Canyon.

By the time we got to Reno, us kids just HAD to have a pool. In those days, NONE of the casinos had a hotel. So we stayed at one of the many Motor Lodges out 4th Street or South Virginia. The Hill & Sons Motor Lodge was one that had a pool and I came across a post card going thru my parent's stuff. (Bonus to anyone that remembers that Motel).

I'm pretty sure it was THIS trip where I got my photo in Virginia City wearing my red cowboy hat with the white piping and holding my Gene Autrey six shooters. I STILL occasionally get that stale smoke, beer and whiskey smell of the air curtains in front of Harold's Club, Harrah's (met Bill Harrah at maybe age 7) and Nevada Club. Vivid memories of Harold's Club gun collection, the cowboy & Indian slots, and Keno runners. Always had "silver dollar pancakes. Clearly recall bringing Dad the extra money he accidentally left on the restaurant table. I DID NOT get the atta boy I expected.

More on the 1957 trip report on request.

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

Stan's first trip would certainly leave him with vivid memories. I'd ask for more details, but you know - moderators just don't pry like that. JD's trip report from 60 years ago is off to a great start. Please continue!

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

I remember seeing (in the late 80's) the remains of an motel that occupied a lot of real estate well south of town on the west side of Virginia St. I just googled it http://www.terapeak.com/worth/1952-hill-sons-motel-in-reno-nevada-nv-postcard-y2508/370799405252/

I think this is what I saw, but after two or three decades of neglect.

JD · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 956

Yup that's it, Dave. But the run down place YOU recall was likely the "MARK TWAIN MOTEL" ... later to be torn down ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO for a Hooters. Not sure what it is now.

Now if you can find the street address of the Hill & Sons, you MIGHT be able to figure out what is there now. HINT: In 1956 or '57 there was a Denny's style coffee shop with slot machines where that camera angle is in that old post card. A pool AND slots.... everyone was happy.

"Sorry, we don't have 'SILVER DOLLAR' pancakes on the menu, little boy. Would you like a 'short stack'? "

"Can't you make a dozen tiny pancakes ? THAT'S what I want "

Little did anyone know my first real W-2 job would later be in a pancake house. Eventually, a 17 year old grill cook just like in the Cal Neva Top Deck.

remano · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 717

Thanks to all for the very entertaining and interesting reminiscences, especially JD's childhood memories. In '56 or '57 I lived in the Midwest and still recall seeing the Harold's club signs beside the highway (along with the Burma Shave signs) and wondering what that was all about. But never got to Reno until the early 2000's.

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

Your right JD, as soon as I saw a google image for the Mark Twain Motel I recognized it. click here

Did some more arm chair detective work. I found another postcard on ebay that showed the address of the Hill and Sons Motor Lodge being at 2701 South Virginia St click here. That's very close to the Peppermill's location now.

OK, doing some further research (using a real live book*) confirms that "in 1971 land developers, Bill Paganetti and Nate Carsalli, joined motel owner Bill Hill to construct a restaurant and lounge know as the Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge."

* Loosely quoted from "The Rise of the Biggest Little City" by Dwayne King -and thanks go to John for that.

I also found an address for the Mark Twain hotel to be at 2201 South Virginia St. According to google maps that's across for the old Park Lane Mall. El Pollo Loco restaurant maybe?

Zydeco · Joined: 03 Sep 2008 Posts: 302

1992. Friend attended a WorldMark presentation that guaranteed a trip to Reno, just for sitting through a session.

Couple of weeks later, we arrive at the Peppermill, think on Reno Air. Invited another friend. Gambled mostly at Harrah's, but spent time at SL I recall. First and last time I drank Tequila Sunrises as the sun came up. Think the tit & feather show was a fine one from Greg Thompson Productions ("Lipstick"?). $4.99 prime rib. Had to leave room by 12:00, but flight was not until 5:00. So hungover that I slept thru a movie ("The Birdcage"?) at the theater next to Peppermill.

Swore I'd never do it again.

Until I wound up there again a year later, with a few more guests in tow.

Oh and yes, she got sucked into the WorldMark.

Zydeco · Joined: 03 Sep 2008 Posts: 302

Update! It appears the tequila I spoke of had more influence than I thought. As BC Dave correctly pointed out, the SL didn't open until 1995..a full two years after my first visit....I think. But I do know I learned craps at SL and there were Smith & Wesson drinks involved. Hmmm, I detect a theme....

BC Dave · Site Admin Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1599

I visited the site of the Silver Legacy way back in 1985. It was disguised as a grocery store - The Mayfair Market, but I found the slots. It actually had a fairly big slot area - maybe 40 or 50 machines if my memory serves ... ( yup, that's a pretty big if).

stan_allen · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 1129

I think the admitted drinking-and-driving is probably enough, though you have to keep in mind that some people can hold their liquor better than others.

While I could feed in more details, it is in fact, a largely vague memory; one thing that stands out, of course, is just how MANY MORE PLACES there were at the time to party! One could just stumble between casinos endlessly...it's not possible to miss that part of good ol' Reno: Sands to Comstock to Flamingo Hilton to Old Reno to the Nugget to Cal-Neva, etc., etc...

Great topic, and great reminiscences, y'all!