The Garden in Reno - Cafe, Wedding Styling, Event Design, Floral Deliveries, Classes, Event Venue, and a Magical Place to Hang Out

Location

700 S Wells Ave

Reno, NV 89502

Website

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Business Snapshot

The Garden in Reno is a beautiful and delightful place to hang out and enjoy a good cup of quality coffee, tea, and tasty bites, and also offers services like wedding styling, venue rental, event design, floral deliveries, classes (like succulent arrangements), and much more.  

I've heard about The Garden in Reno, but I haven't heard the part about it being made of magic. 

When you take a beautiful space, thoughtfully decorated with floral accents and loads of personality, and add in stellar event services (known as Q Designs), class offerings, good drinks and eats, and friendly service, you get more of a secret garden that you'll want to keep a secret because you'll want the magic all to yourself.

Out of a need to meet with clients in a more comfortable setting that showcases their craft, owners Nathan and Christina, along with their daughter, Jessica, created the Garden.

This amazing family has been in the game for many years (12+ years as I recall), crafting magical bouquets, floral arrangements, and wedding/event-scapes, and built up their success to make their vision of the perfect meeting spot for clients come to life.

Not only do they strive to provide stellar services, they've dedicated time and energy to creating an amazing and pleasant space for people in Reno to enjoy and gather around.

I've had the pleasure of talking to Nathan and he was such a kind and genuine owner that I was honored to talk to.  

The time he took to inform me, a random customer, about his successful business was humbling.  

I've found that the common denominator to happy business owners is their passion and genuine love for what they do.  This couldn't be more true in the case of Nathan, his family, and The Garden. 

He spoke with such passion and spoke so highly of his wife and daughter and their role in the success of their family-owned business.  

What he didn't mention was the fact that he was part of the equation in their success.  He is a master wood craftsman that builds custom structures for company rentals (as noted on their website).  If you have a vision, they can make it come to life.

If you take a look at their portfolio, you'll see loads of pictures of their work from numerous events.  Their work speaks for iteself, and I would gladly hire them in a heartbeat for any future special occasion. 

They are currently working on building a space outside their building for all to enjoy.  Seeing how much effort they put into the inside of their building so far, I have no doubt it will be amazing.

I am so excited to know that soon there will be a place to enjoy great drinks, good eats, and good company in a fun outdoor area among magnificent vines growing up the walls of their building.

It's businesses like The Garden that I love writing about and supporting.  If you're looking for a fun experience while supporting an amazing local business, check out The Garden.  

Thanks so much for reading and supporting our local businesses.  

I also post about our local gems and finds on Instagram if you'd like to follow, message me,  drop a hello, and/or tell me about your experiences and favorite local businesses.  

Peace, Love, & Kindness,

Kat

What's to Love About The Garden

*They support other local businesses — Find pastries from Round's Bakery and chocolates and other treats from Dorinada's at the front. 

*They've made strong connections with other vendors and businesses for events and have a list of recommendations for customers that are looking for referrals. 

*They have a huge floral fridgerator where they make floral arrangements on site.

*They offer classes 

*You can rent out The Garden for all of your special occasions.  Imagine an elegant party catered by one of our amazing local businesses like Cherry Bomb Catering, Roundabout Catering, The Cheeseboard Catering, Yosh's Unique Deli, and so much more. 

*They have an espresso bar and offer delicious coffee drinks and lattes.  Their Rose Latte is a must try.  

*They have all sorts of cute arrangements and merchandise for sale spread all around the shop.

*They have the perfect atmosphere to get lost in a book/book club meeting or in a study session.

*Their shop is so beautiful that you can have a photoshoot there. 

*Their merchandise is awesome

*They have a method of preserving flowers for a longer time, so anyone looking to find a real dry floral arrangement for decorating or giving as a gift, they have beautiful options

*They offer more than floral arrangements.  Check out their full list of rentals here, including sofas, arches, tables, chairs photo booths, games, signs, and more.  

Why Shop & Support Local?

*Buying local helps keep diverse and unique businesses open, which are generally run by passionate local business owners who provide outstanding service and create quality products and offerings.

*Local businesses that are successful at what they do have the power to create more jobs and opportunities for the local community.   

*Local businesses are generally great employers.

*Local businesses are more likely to support other local businesses like themselves, helping strengthen our community, making it a happier and more personal place to live. 

*Local businesses are more involved in the betterment of their community and are more likely to contribute to a good cause

*You're supporting a neighbor's dreams. 

Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Cafes" & "Event Venues"

Photos

© Katherine Fung 

All rights reserved.

*Information subject to change. Please check in with the business for the latest updates and info. 

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park

4005 Bowers Mansion Rd

New Washoe City, NV 89704

775-849-0201

Bower's Mansion Regional Park website

Pool Information 

Pool Facebook

Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)

Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City.

For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. 

*Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees on a lawn that seems endless

*Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature, big enough for everyone to enjoy

*Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions

*Retreat from summer heat under shade trees over a good read

*Take in a piece of history through educational plaques & tours in the most elegant building of its time

*Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, & climbing at the playground

I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby, a park that has served and continues to as the perfect place to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.

Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 

I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).

The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), the Civil War event, & more.

Notes

-49 Acre Park

-Due to historical significance, there are no pets allowed in the park, with exceptions to service animals.

-plenty of day use picnic tables with BBQ grills that are spread throughout the park on a first come, first-served basis

-There are two pavilions on each end of the park that are big enough for special events like weddings.  Comstock Picnic Pavilion & Washoe Picnic Pavilion. Horseshoe and volleyball next to each pavilion

-There are two play (partially shaded) structures on each end of the park

-Plenty of grass for all activities

-There's a trail behind the mansion leading to great views of Washoe Lake and the Bower's family cemetery. Up some stairs and less than 5 minutes up on a dirt trail

-The swimming pool always keeps a lane open for lap swimmers. There's a new gated splash pad for toddlers, easy entry ladders and hydraulic lift available.

-There are plenty of trees around the property that change during fall

-An amazing spot for photos

-Great shade in the summer

-Davis Creek Regional Park is only a couple of minutes away and is family friendly, with trails ranging from easy to difficult, camping grounds, picnic areas, and a place to fish when water is abundant. 

-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory after a long day of fun and exercise just down the street, about 3–5 min. away

-The park is surrounded by farmlands.  You can easily drive around Wahoe Lake and find lots of farm animals to look at. 

-flushable toilets available

-Huge parking lots, one on each side

My kids learned how to bike here.

Photography 

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots & Birthday/Event Venues"

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era

6925 S Virginia St

Reno, NV 89511

Directions

(775) 853-8837

Reviews on Yelp

Website

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:

-family owned and run

-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.

-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  

-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet

-handicap accessible 

-water structures make for a relaxing environment 

-great shade in the summer

-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game

-drink and snack machine available inside building

-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.

-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages

-you don't have to have children to have fun here.  I always see adults on their oown,having fun.

-ideal spot for meetings, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking

-the place is well kept and beautiful 

-closed on Thanksgiving

-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours

-Right next to Target across the street

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events

Take a Scenic Stroll Back in Time and Walk the Lands of the Cowboys at Bartley Ranch, Nevada.

Click Here for map of trails

Location:
6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno, NV 89511

Directions

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Reservations at (775) 823-6501

Bartley Ranch is a unique park with a western feel and is easily one of my favorite parks in Reno.  

It's a park filled with a variety of terrains laid out across 56 acres and is ideal for: picnics, a nice stroll, viewing wildlife, walking pets, holding special events (parties, concerts, weddings, exercise, and taking a step back in history.  

Old vintage tractors and wooden shacks lay across the land, making for a historic experience.  I could imagine how life was like back in the day, just by looking at all the historical machinery.  Horse tracks along the trails added to the experience.  

There's a beautiful Western Heritage Interpretive Center along with a vintage Huffaker School and amphitheater that you can rent out for special occasions.  There are pamphlets in front of the interpretive center where you can find more information about the park and its animals and plants.

Coming from the south, there's a lookout right before going down the hill and turning into the ranch, where you can find great views.  From high above you will see a white picket fence in the shape of Nevada, runners running along the slopes, people walking their dogs, and people sitting on the benches to soak it all in.

I love how within just 30 minutes, I could see lots of wildlife and experience different terrains.  During my short walk, I walked through a short and cute nature trail where I came across a little bridge, and up a short hill was met up with a wooden walkway against some cool mountainous hills and a downward zigzag trail looping back to the ranch.  

This park is charming and I can't wait to check out a concert at the amphitheater, explore the buildings inside, have a BBQ picnic, and finish the long trail that loops all around the ranch.

Reccomended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Activities: BBQ/Picnicking,  Come in from the Cold,  Horseback Riding,  Hiking/Walking,  Junior Ranger Program,  Photography,  Biking
 
Facilities: Flying B Pavilion,  Huffaker Pavilion,  Last Chance Pavilion,  Plaza Pavilion,  Huffaker School,  Western Heritage Interpretive Center,  Brick House,  Robert Z Hawkins Amphitheater,  Horse Arenas

Bartley Ranch in Fall

Park at Audrey Harris Park for lookout.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots"

Photography

©Katherine Fung