Discover Animal Ark: Northern Nevada’s Wildlife Sanctuary

1265 Deerlodge Rd, 

Reno, NV 89508

Located 30 minutes North of Reno

*Website

*Instagram

Animal Ark operates on limited hours during winter and opens fully from late March to late October.

Located in the picturesque foothills of Red Rock, NV, Animal Ark spans 38 acres and serves as a sanctuary for disadvantaged, disabled, orphaned, or unwanted animals. The sanctuary provides these animals with ample space and a nurturing environment, all made possible by the dedicated efforts of workers and volunteers.

During my visits, I've encountered knowledgeable staff and volunteers eager to educate visitors and observed their nurturing relationships with the animals. 

Animal Ark actively engages the community through resources and educational initiatives, including videos and field trip opportunities.

The sanctuary hosts various special events throughout the year, such as the Cheetah Run, fall festival, summer camps for kids, holiday celebrations, and breakfast buffets enjoyed by their animal residents, all of which are enjoyed by many.

As one of my top ten places in Reno, Animal Ark contributes significantly to making the city the "Biggest Little City." I appreciate their commitment to animal welfare, community education, and providing a beautiful environment and engaging events for visitors.

When to Visit:

-Summer can be hot, so it's best to visit early morning when animals are most active before the heat sets in.

-Witness morning feedings by checking the schedule or calling ahead.

-During summer, essential items like a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen are a must.

-Spring sometimes offers the chance to see baby animals; call for details.

-Look out for food trucks during special events.

-The Ark's hours are limited in winter, fully open from April to October; verify before planning your visit.

Weather:

-Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress appropriately, as it can get windy and cold.

-Wear proper footwear as pathways may become muddy when wet.

Membership:

-Consider becoming a member for year-round visits, supporting the animals, and enjoying exercise and fresh air.

-Options include membership, animal adoption, and donations to help with animal care costs.

Volunteer:

-If you love animals and want to gain experience or contribute to the community, volunteering at The Ark is a rewarding opportunity.

Landscape:

-The Ark offers a natural setting with about a mile of walkways.

-Interpretive signs and beautiful grounds with diverse plants make for an enriching experience.

-A nearby playground and picnic tables provide additional amenities.

Learn:

-Docents are available throughout the day to answer questions about the animals, which include bears, wolves, owls, turtles, raccoons, cheetahs, and birds of prey. 

Getting Around:

-Golf carts are available for those needing assistance; check availability by calling.

-Jogging strollers are suitable for navigating the dirt paths.

Shop:

-Explore the gift shop offering jewelry, clothing, toys, books, souvenirs, snacks, ice cream, and drinks.

Pets:

-Service animals are welcome, but other pets are not allowed on the premises.

Categorized Under "Outdoor Attractions" and "Museums & Zoos"

***Information subject to change

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Perenn Bakery - Take your Taste Buds Abroad to Paris Eating Some of the Best Pastries in Reno

20 St Lawrence Ave, Reno, NV 89509 

Midtown location, featured in post.

Other Locations:

The Village at Rancharra

7700 Rancharrah Pkwy, Ste 110, Reno, NV 89511

Perenn Grocery

Located across main bakery at Rancharra

7600 Rancharrah Pkwy Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511

Perenn at the Museum

160 W Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501

*Hot Tip: The Nevada Museum of Art is free and open to the public ever 2nd Saturday of the month.  Check out their rooftop for some killer views on your visit.

Website
Instagram
Order Online

I've been trying to come up with a line to start this review, but I'm having a hard time, so I figured, why not put all of the ways.

1. Why am I only finding out about this bakery just now?
2. It's places like Perenn that make me so proud of Reno and it's movement toward foodie heaven.
3. When typing "best bakeries in Reno" on Google, why doesn't Perenn Bakery pop up? Turns out that there's room for Google to improve.
4. You need to visit this bakery right now!
5. Want to treat yourself or someone you love? This is the place to go.
6. Perenn Bakery brings you the whole experience, exciting all the senses, with super fresh, gorgeous hand-crafted pastries and breads, a fancy & charming rustic bakery seating out in front, and, most importantly, beyond gorgeous & delicious tasting food.

They're even staying in the game with every other aspect of business, including social media, online ordering & bulk ordering, and catering.

Perenn has a professional website, gorgeous, drool-worthy photos on Instagram, offer giveaways, and keeps things fun with the holidays/seasons, offering fun workshops, pop-up dinners, & holiday/seasonal-themed goodies and meal kits.

Their pastries alone win me over and everything else is just a big fat cherry on top.

Yes, you're going to pay a hefty coin, but what you're paying for is ultimate freshness, skill, execution, ambiance, and flavor.  The owners of Perenn Bakery are both chefs, and they've traveled all over the world pulling inspiration from places known for their pastries only to bring that inspo back to us in the form of food and drink. 

As I'm typing this review, I'm on their site adding items into my cart for pick-up tomorrow curbside. LOL

Have you watched LOST? Do you know that line where Jack tells Kate, "We need to go back (to the island)!" That's how I felt when I had my last bite of Prosciutto & Gruyere Croissant. Luckily, I know how to go back, which is what I'm doing first thing in the morning.

NOTES
-local business
-uses high quality ingredients
-If you are a butter lover, you will be a Perenn lover
-vegetarian friendly, not gluten free friendly. Breads are dairy free.
-priced a little more than the usual but totally worth it 
-don't forget to join their rewards program. Free croissant? That's a steal.
-They have the fanciest pastry box ever.
-There was a guy behind me that knew this was my first visit and told straight-up how I was 100% going to enjoy the pastries. Yes, their pastries have that effect.
-Their chocolate croissant will get you talking in a French accent (LOL). Quality chocolate. Flaky and well balanced. 
-They bake everything fresh daily, so come early if you want to get your hands on their best selling pastries, or order online ahead of time.
-Their flaky croissants can get a little messy, so If you're trying to eat them in the car, best put a box right below to catch the crumbs.
-Fancy food calls for fancy drinks and chips. Yes, they have them, along with tons of other pantry goods imported from all sorts of places. Coffee, chips, chocolate bars, tin fish, assorted sparkling beverages... they have it all.
-Check out their cool merchandise.
-Midtown is not the best with parking, but there are spaces out in front across the street and nearby neighborhood parking available.  Making a trip out to their Rancharra lcoation would be worth your time.  Free plentiful parking is always a +.
-Boulangerie/viennoiserie-type bakery.  That means lots of milk & butter.  
-OMG for Avocado Toast!!! I never say OMG, but will make an exception for their toast. Bread-perfection, avocado-perfection, toppings perfection! Just the right balance with fats, acids, starches and magic.
-On my last visit, I went for another box (6 minimum) to try all the other goodies. And every.single.pastry.was.bomb! Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, Chocolate Croissant, Cinnamon roll, Kouign Amann, Cardamom Twist, Earl Grey cookie. Yum in every single bite from start to finish.

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

Categorized Under "Good Eats"

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.