Party Planning Reno-Style
Working in a downtown Reno casino, I meet people everyday who've traveled many miles to celebrate that special something under the bright lights of the Biggest Little City. Be it a wedding anniversary, a 21st birthday, a bachelor party or finally making parole (kidding!), Reno seems to be where it's at for celebrating on a budget. Let me make this a little easier.
The big 2-1: Okay we get it. You're 21 and you're here to sample the sweet nectar our forefathers, Jack, Jim, Jose and Smirnoff (he was the Russian one) created for us, all to the symphonious sounds of the Wheel of Fortune jackpot machine in the background. No problem. First things first: Whittlesea Taxi and Reno-Sparks Cab Co. are your best options when it comes to safely navigating the night ahead. Once you get that straightened out, you'll probably be hungry. Ichiban's Japanese Steakhouse, located inside the glorious Harrah's Hotel and Casino, gives the birthday girl or boy a free meal. Yes, they ask for i.d., so no, you and your friends can't all be triplets. Another fun place for groups is B.J.'s Restaurant and Brewery on the south end of town. Although it's a little (okay, a lot) far from the downtown area, they're willing to accomodate big groups and the food is really good, as is the beer. Once your belly is full and you've decided it's time to celebrate you have one of two choices to make: The Casino or The Bar. Gambling wise, it's probably smarter to head on down to The Silver Legacy, Eldorado or some other casino that doesn't have the word "Lucky" or "Saloon" in it's name. Unless video poker is your game, then the world is your oyster, my friend.
The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: Before anything else, both should begin here. Okay, I know this sounds cheesy, and perhaps a little "Elimidate-ish," but we're talking safe transportation and a disco-like atmosphere! Or you could just walk. Whatever you decide, the Eldorado seems to be a popular place to kick off the festivities. If I had a nickel for every bride-to-be I've seen there with a prophylactic stuck to her dress, I'd buy my own party bus. But for a one-stop-shop featuring food, drinks, dancing and enough sparingly-dressed eye candy to make you re-think the whole "I Do" thing (for a minute), you can't beat the old Eldo. And being that this is a family-oriented, wholesome web site, I'm not going to tell you where to go next, and I'm not talking about Jack-in-the-Box.
The Anniversary: Two words: Adventure Inn. I'm serious! It's a theme room fantasy land! Want to feel like a pirate? No problem! Ever dream of sleeping in space? Done! And if all that weren't enough, it's within walking distance to Red Lobster. No joke. But if you're in the mood for something a bit more, uh, shall we say tame, you might want to check out the Sienna. It kind of has that whole Italian villa thing going for it. For a nice dinner (note to boyfriend), try the 4th Street Bistro or Harrah's Steakhouse. Both are great, or so I've heard. Again, note to boyfriend.
