Sunday, April 4, 2021

Great Full Gardens- Delicious and Nourishing Food in A Cool & Casual Environment with Great Service



Locations
Midtown 
555 So Virginia #107
Reno, NV 89501

South Reno 
748 South Meadows Parkway Ste A-14
Reno, NV 89521

Legends at Sparks 

The Kitchen 


Great Full Gardens is a restaurant that many locals and tourists are Grateful for.  
You can eat here everyday and not feel guilty about it because their food is wholesome with lots of fresh ingredients.  

People are under the impression that healthy food is not tasty food, but this isn't the case at Great Full Gardens.  This restaurant aims at sourcing the freshest produce and meats (local when possible) and highlights them with complimenting ingredients and simple seasonings.  This allows for true flavors to shine through and for freshness to speak for itself.  There's no shortness of flavor here. 

Great Full Gardens also gives back to the community.  They aim at educating youth - K through 12, homeless shelters, and community gardens with essential tools like greenhouses that they donate and knowledge they impart.  
Everybody wins when you support this restaurant. 

Notes:
-breakfast served until 11:30AM daily (as of 4/2021)
-serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-kid's menu available
-access menus on their website
-super friendly service.  When picking up food at checkout, I once heard the manager giving the staff a pep talk.  It was motivational and nice to see this kind of synergy going on.  It translates to good service and good food. 
-order online and pick up.  schedule orders at specific times
-their serve their own versions of well known dishes from different cuisines
-they cater to people with special dietary needs: dairy-free, paleo, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
-they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-outside seating available
-curbside pickup available
-they have pre-made soups at their bar available for purchase. Take a recipe card found on the counter or save paper and access their recipe online on their website
-they cater. check their website for their full menu
-don't forget to sign up for their rewards program if you're a regular
-gift cards available
-they have a private room you can reserve for different type of gatherings located at their midtown location
-specialty menus during holidays


Categorized Under "Good Eats"

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Adventure Mountain - Premier Tubing Destination in South Lake Tahoe

***Updated 3/1/2024
 *Base Elevation:
7,400 Feet at the top of Echo Summit

*40 Acres

*Up to 18 Machine Groomed Sledding/Tubing Lanes
(dependent on snowfall)

Location:

*My Instagram REEL of Adventure Mountain & Pretty Odd Wieners

Adventure Mountain is a premier tubing resort in South Lake Tahoe that my family and I have been enjoying for years.

Picture a day filled with laughter as you zip down massive snow slides, feeling the crisp wind against your face & your spirits soaring.

There are plenty of lanes for tubing, including a gentle section for the little ones, making it fun for the whole family.

With ample snowfall, it's the ideal spot for snow play, surrounded by a picturesque winter landscape.

The mountain has a cafe for dining & a store stocked with essentials, from bibs to snow boots.

Just a ten-minute drive away lies Pretty Odd Wieners, a beloved local hot dog food truck (located in the Shell gas station parking lot) that's been around for ten years. Every visit to the area warrants a stop here for some of the most delicious and unique hot dogs around.

I was fortunate to encounter the owner of the truck, Brian (featured in my reel), who was as cool as his creations (thanks for entertaining my kids' craziness).

What sets his hot dogs apart?
*Unconventional toppings - pork belly, Mac n cheese, & cream cheese.
*Fusion styles - Hawaiian, Chicago, Mexican, Cali, & Seattle influences.
*Alternatives - elk, boar, bison, Italian sausages, & vegan choices available.

You really can't go wrong with anything you choose.

Tubing is always a blast. Pair that with delicious food made with care, & you've got yourself the makings of a perfect day.

Snow tubing not only provides a thrilling outdoor adventure but also encourages everyone to embrace and appreciate the wonders of winter, fostering a lifelong love for outdoor activities in the snow and creating cherished memories amidst a winter wonderland.

When to Visit
-Adventure Mountain can get busy on weekends.  I suggest visiting on a weekday or getting there early before the resort opens.

Parking and Capacity
- If the entrance road is blocked off, it means Adventure Mountain is at capacity. They periodically open up access every hour, but entry is not guaranteed. Standing by the blocked roads is not permitted as it's located next to a busy highway.  Tube Tahoe is a nearby alternative if Adventure Mountain is unavailable.

-Per vehicle fees at the gate and per person fees for tubing at the gift shop
-Kids tube for free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, limit of 2 per paying adult

Weather and Road Conditions
Ensuring favorable weather conditions and safe road conditions is key for a hassle-free trip. I recommend checking AccuWeather for upcoming forecasts. Personally, my family prefers temperatures above 35°F with minimal wind. For further details, please check out my Winter Travel Guide.

The baby slopes can be found closest to lodge.

Know Before You Go
-Be prepared for some walking uphill, as Adventure Mountain lacks a magic carpet.  Consider the needs of yourself and everyone in your party.
-Slopes cater to various skill levels, with gentler runs near the cabin suitable for kids, while steeper ones are located closer to the entrance of the park
-The lodge's current status can be checked on the website.
-For your convenice, the resort has a small shop that offers essential gear like snow boots, gloves, and beanies.
- Children under 36" inches must be accompanied by an adult.
-No outside food allowed.  I'm guessing they won't mind those that bring in food for special dietary needs.
-Purchase tickets & sign waivers at gift shop. Collect tubes at the slopes.
-Food available for purchase at the resort
-Feel free to pass over at the top to the line of your desired slope.
-Snow gear is essential for staying dry & warm.  Sometimes, snow may get caught in the tubes and melt.
-Eye protection and sunblock (especially on a sunny day) are essential
-Adventure Mountain is the best value for the money spent.
-Throughout the years, I've witnessed adults enjoying the resort even without kids.
-A set of extra clothes for each in your party may come in handy

Tube or Sled?
-For safety reasons, no outside tubes and sleds are allowed.  For convenience, the resort supplies two sizes of tubes.

Nearby Trips
-BOA Vista Orchards, open year-round, is a genuine apple orchard nestled in Apple Hill, an area comprised of 50+ farms. Located just an hour away, it includes a farm store stocked with an array of apple products, pantry essentials, kitchen tools, and beverages such as cider and wine. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and stunning vistas while exploring the orchard's grounds.

Alternatives
-Tube Tahoe is a more kid-friendly resort with less crowds and fewer lanes.

Gabriella Viola is a Lake Tahoe content creator who produced a fantastic video showcasing free tubing spots.

Categorized Under "Outdoor Winter Activities" and "Lake Tahoe"

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

*All opinions are my own
*Information subject to change