Gone are the days when people flocked to Reno to waste dollar bills on slot machines and tables. Today, the Biggest Little City is completely different.

Just south of the Truckee River is the hip Midtown area, the “it” place to enjoy the city. Shops, restaurants and bars inhabit early 20th century bungalows and give it an eclectic feel. This neighborhood arose from entrepreneurs finding their way during the recession and because of that there is a feeling of authenticity found there. Business owners will recommend their competition with a smile and a sense of community is in the air. The people here have one thing in common – they’ve all come together to create something special from what was once considered seedy.

There is no shortage of events

From lakeside concerts, Fourth of July weekend fireworks and special events, Lake Tahoe has tons to offer this summer.

This is list is just a small sampling of the different festivals, from beer and wine to yoga-centric and races in the sky.

Valhalla Renaissance Faire

June 2 – 3 & June 9 – 10, @ the Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina

Enjoy two weekends of renaissance fun, including archery, javelin throws, magicians and more. The Faire is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year and will display more than 800 actors on 3 stages. There will be plenty of pageantry, food & drink, fine artisans, games, crafts, art shows, music and dance.

Tahoe Brewfest

June 2, @ Heavenly’s Cal Lodge

Join fellow beer lovers from around the

The Reno area stays fit with a new indoor climbing facility.

Mesa Rim Climbing and Fitness Center has just opened at 970 Harvard Way in Reno and will provide another of the many fitness options for Northern Nevadans. Reno and Tahoe have a large population of fitness enthusiasts, most likely due to the many fantastic outdoor recreation options.

“Reno is such an amazing outdoor community,” said Marlowe Kulley, co-founder and manager of the Reno facility. “For people who love the outdoors, this is a great way to train. The goal with our facility is to create not only a big and impressive facility, but an all encompassing facility.”

Mesa Rim has 23,000 stretching square feet of climbing terrain and 52-foot climbing walls, for the adrenaline