Saddle Up For Your Cowboy Summer!
Jeffrey Vanags
Jeffrey Vanags is a So-Cal based director and photographer with a passion for telling stories, and living life to the fullest.
Take on the wild west. Reno Tahoe style.
Director and photographer Jeffrey Vanags hit the trail to Reno Tahoe with a cowboy hat on his head and a hankering for adventure, and boy did he find it!
At the crossroads of concrete and pasture, Reno Tahoe is a first-rate urban cowboy territory. From riding a jet ski across Lake Tahoe to saddling a real horse, you too can let loose your inner cowboy. Just make sure to book a cozy hotel stay at the Best Bet Motor Lodge, and scope out Burning Man art on your way to fly fish the Truckee River while you're at it. Oh, and did we mention the infamous Reno Rodeo? Yeehaw!
Giddy Up and Go!
Vintage vibes meet modern comfort.
Find the ideal mix of nostalgia and relaxation with neon signs, weathered brick, and boutique-worthy decor, all paired with fine furnishings and contemporary amenities. The Reno stalwart Best Bet Motor Lodge has been a staple in the heart of the MidTown District since 1958. Featuring access to the Reno Sauna Club facility, any one of their 21 newly-renovated rooms would ensure you rest up in style.
Make a splash!
Rev your engines and get ready to make some waves! Pilot your own personal water horse and speed across the pristine blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Escape the traffic jams of your daily grind and let loose with the jet ski experts at North Tahoe Watersports. With locations in Kings Beach and Tahoe City, your refreshing adventures are just a short drive away. In addition to jet ski rentals, they can set you up with a kayak, paddleboard, boat and more. Make your summertime dreams come true!
Free as a bird.
Get airborne over the country's largest alpine lake with a parasailing tour. Experience the freedom of flying and let your spirits - and yourself! - soar a few hundred feet over the crystal clear Tahoe waters. Whether you're craving an adrenaline trip or smooth sailing away from the crowds, a North Tahoe Watersports parasailing adventure may be right up your alley. Each tour lasts about an hour, with 8-10 minutes of flight time. Pack your sunscreen and smile for this bucket-list experience.
Cast. Reel. Repeat.
With your waders on and leaders tied, step into the Truckee River and experience world-class fly fishing. The 42-mile water highway between Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake boasts rainbow trout and brown trout galore, ready to bite year-round. Make sure to check in with Reno Fly Shop for everything you need for a great day on the river, from gear to guided trips. Now cast a line and land your trophy catch.
Embrace the strange.
Have we discovered the fourth dimension? Maybe not, but that doesn't mean art can't come close! Downtown Reno is filled with eccentric art installations, most of which debuted on the Playa at Burning Man. Immerse yourself in abstract realities, and admire the depth of detail presented in these jaw-dropping works of art that can be found throughout the city, including City Plaza, Bicentennial Park and the J Resort's Reno Neon Line. They're really larger-than-life!
Happy trails to you.
Slip on your cowboy boots and go for a horseback ride among the high desert landscape. Taking Reno Tahoe by the reins isn't left to the history books, you can ride on today with help from Piping Rock Horses. These equestrian experts have led horseback riding tours in the region since 2011, and they don't plan on saying "Whoa!" anytime soon.
The Wildest Richest Rodeo in the West
What would cowboy summer be without the Reno Rodeo? Dubbed the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo is the city’s longest-running iconic event. Including the rodeo competition, carnival, kick-off concert and Western marketplace, the Reno Rodeo will have you hootin' and hollerin' by sundown, and maybe longer - it's truly the best finale to your ultimate cowboy summer!