Geiger Lookout Wayside Park- A Nice Stop with Great Views on the way to and from Virginia City

1990 Geiger Grade Rd. 

Reno, NV, 89521

Directions

Old Geiger Grade OHV Trail
Directions

Virginia City Website | Instagram

Geiger lookout is frequented by sunset enthusiasts, people looking to stretch their legs out, In-N-Out lovers wanting to enjoy their food with a great view, people looking to take a step back in history, vista enjoyers, and curious travelers going to and coming from Virginia City.  

The lookout can be found a little ways up a winding route to Virginia City from Reno at a turnout with about 11 parking spaces. 

One of the best things about Reno is how varied it can be within such a short distance.  

The river, country-style farm land, the forest, old west, Lake, and more can all be found within a short distance of one another.

With rock-lined paths, muted colors of nature and vibrant red mineralize mountains, Geiger Lookout provides a unique experience.  

There are multiple lookout points where you will find sweeping views of Mt. Rose, the Sierra Mountains and Downtown Reno.  

At about 1,000ft. elevation above the Truckee Meadows, you will feel amazing being surrounded by amazing views. 

The park and its 1938 ruins of barbecues, wells, restrooms, and a "love seat" help bring people back in time and activate their wonders of the history behind them.  

Just a short 15-min drive up a scenic and winding road, you'll find Virginia City, a small town with an "old west" feel, known for its rich mining history.  There's truly no better feeling than taking a step back in time in the "Wild  Wild West."  

Throughout the year, Virginia City hosts many annual events, parades, tours and is a popular place for tourists, with rad experiences, ghost tours, saloons, restaurants, and unique boutique shops.

Notes:

-Plaque at stone stairs commemorate Davison M. Geiger, a local physician who funded the Geiger Grade Rd. Stairs lead to lookout and "loveseat" where you can sit and hang out

-2 acres.

-you can bring lawn chairs to enjoy the view for a little while and have a picnic

-Partial shade available under areas with trees

-No restrooms

-It can get windy.  Don't forget to check the weather for wind speed and conditions to dress appropriately

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" & "Scenic Overlooks"

Photography 

©Katherine Fung

All Rights Reserved

Enjoy Wildlife at Virginia Lake Park in Reno, NV

1980 Lakeside Dr

Reno, NV 89509

Directions

Website

Rentable Shelter

Reviews and Photos on Yelp

In this 32-acre, beautifully landscaped park that has a man-made lake, you will find tranquility, beautiful houses, and wildlife (Pigeons, Geese, Crows, Double Crested Cormorants, Snowy Egrets, and California Gulls).

Virginia Lake is like a setting you'd find next to a beach, with the plenty scents of nature, sounds of water (from fountains) and activity of birds overhead and all around.

The short, flat loop,1-mile-trail is lined with parking and houses and is a pleasure to walk all year-round.

The park offers many amenities: 

-Grassy area with two play structures, swings, and a small stage for play

-rentable pavilion with BBQ (100 person capacity)

-trees lining the lake provide partial shade in summer

-restrooms (year round) 

-exercise area

-pier

-fishing

-benches lining the lake

-bird watching

-dog park (all dirt so not ideal in wet conditions)

-picnic areas

-lake

-dog waste station

Notes:

-You may want to consider another park if you're bothered by bird droppings as they're everywhere on the ground.

-ice cream truck parks in front of the playgrounds during summer

-multiple areas shaded by trees for picnicking

-giant dragonfly statue on the northside of the lake

-there's a cool island in the center that has tons of birds

-dog friendly but must be kept on leash

-in addition to a paved trail is a concentric dirt trail that goes all around the lake

-stroller and wheelchair friendly

-no bikes and horses allowed on path

-no smoking or vaping

-There's a cool area next to the pier that has a cute stone-benched garden

-lots of flora to look at

-designated feeding areas for wild birds (one on each end)

-small parking lot next to exercise area

-within walking distance from Peppermill, theater, and restaurants

-people like to picnic in their cars while watching scenery

-not ideal for dogs that tend to eat poop

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds," "Family Friendly Trails," "Picnic spots," "Event/Birthday Spots"

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Aladdin's Market & Kitchen - A Magic Carpet Ride to Amazing Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Homecooked Food

Chicken Shawarma Plate

1180 Holcomb Ave Reno, NV 89502 (Midtown)

(775) 737-4244

Directions

Website

Reviews & Pictures on Yelp

Menu

Click to Enlarge

If you've ever wandered the streets of New York with a growling stomach and a love for good eats, chances are you've spotted the legendary Halal Guys' food carts. They're hard to miss, with lines snaking down the block and the smell of grilled meats wafting through the air.

People flock to these carts for their mouthwatering dishes – think grilled meats, rice, hummus, and veggies all smothered in a delicious tahini/hummus sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

But if you're in Reno and craving that same flavor without the wait, look no further than Aladdin's. Tucked away in a local Mediterranean market, Aladdin's Market & Kitchen is the creation of a friendly owner, Radi.

I recently tried their sampler and chicken kabob plate (a personal fave), and let me tell you, I was practically doing a happy dance after that first bite. The chicken kabob plate? Pure perfection – juicy chicken, a kickass garlic tahini sauce, and tzatziki that had me licking my fingers clean. Don't be shy about asking for extra sauce!

The beef kabob (or kofta) could've used a bit more oomph in the flavor department, but it was still pretty darn good, especially considering how fresh it was.

Now, let's talk desserts. Some of them were a tad too sweet for my liking, but hey, if you've got a sweet tooth, give 'em a shot – they're popular for a reason.

Their tabouli salad was a refreshing side dish, packed with parsley, tomato, cucumber, bulgur wheat, and a zesty citrus dressing.

I'm already planning my next visit to dig into their kibbeh, fries, and soup. And can we take a moment to appreciate Radi? He moved to Reno four decades ago and saw a gap in the food scene – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. I'm so glad he took the leap and brought us this gem of a spot. Here's to good food and following your passion!

Aladdin's Sampler

What You Will Find at the Market:

-Hot, Fresh Food Made to Order

    Kabobs

    Sandwiches

    Appetizers (Dolmas, Hummus, Fries, Flatbreads)

    Shawarma Plates (thinly sliced meat, stacked, and roasted)

    Vegetarian and Vegan Options (Falafel Plates, Hummus, and Sides)

    -Desserts like Baklava

    -Specials

-Grocery Items - Frozen and Pantry (No Fresh Produce), Snacks, and Drinks

-Hookahs

Their Tabouli Salad is the BOMB

Notes:

- While waiting, feel free to browse the grocery side for some added excitement.

- Customizing your meal is a breeze; just give them your preferences.

- For ultimate convenience, order online for pickup or delivery via their website (link provided above).

- Depending on the time of day, the parking lot might be packed, but you can usually find street parking nearby.

- Inside the market, you'll find a few tables available for dining in.

- Rest assured, their food and products are Halal Certified, meeting Islamic Law standards.

- Don't forget to check out their selection of prepackaged sides and desserts for sale.

Falafel Wrap

Categorized Under Good Eats and International Markets