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The 81st Annual FWSA Convention willbe held in Reno - June 6-9, 2013. This is anideal time to come early and/or stay longer.Or, to grab some quality time in the LakeTahoe area during the rest of the year.Reno has a reputation as a top yeararound outdoor destination. It is a gateway tounlimited adventures both within the city andthe nearby Virginia City and Lake Tahoeareas.The FWSA Convention hotel - the GrandSierra Resort alone provides everything youcould want or need with its numerous andvaried restaurants; its extensive spa, massageand body treatments; the on-site sandy beach;miniature and indoor golf, casino and muchmore. But, if you venture out, there are numerousother activities available.The city of Reno/Sparks was foundedalong the Truckee River back in the late 1800snear the first bridge that crossed it. The cityhas subsequently grown along the river banks.Back in the 1990s, a revitalization programwas created to accent the river front.A Visit to Reno and Lake Tahoe - Part I: Summer AdventuresCome Early-Stay Longerby Leigh Gieringerphotos / VisitRenoTahoe.comBring your clubs! Thereare over 50 golf coursesin the Reno/Lake Tahoe/Carson City area. Thehigher elevations allowthe balls to travel further!Merchants opened boutiques, shops and galleriesalong the River Walk. It became a hubfor dining, a center for artistic events and musicalentertainment. When the sun goes down,there are plenty of options for some eveningrelaxation.Many feel it was the development of theTruckee River Whitewater Kayak Park thatwas the impetus for the downtown area’s revival.Eleven drop pools over a half milestretch provide kayakers the opportunity tolearn and improve their skills. After all, thereare numerous additional rivers, lakes andstreams to practice the techniques.TOP AND LEFT: Reno has been famous for gaming and nightlife for decades, but in the 1990s,a scenic riverwalk was developed to revitalize the downtown area along the Truckee River.Dining and entertainment, shopping and cultural events, as well as a whitewater park,provide a fun atmosphere for the locals and visitors alike. RIGHT: Approximately 25 milesfrom Reno is Historic Virginia City. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in theearly 1960s, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. photos / VisitRenoTahoe.comThe National Automobile Museumhouses a collection of over 200 restored antiquecars, most of which were once ownedby Bill Harrah, the founder of Harrah’s Casinos.Viewing these well-preserved vehicles islike stepping back into a very different placeand time. Some of the surroundings wherethey are showcased have been replicated torepresent the eras in which the cars were built.One now only hears about certain manufacturersthat have lasted throughout the years,but there were many more who built beautifulautomobiles, then faded into history. Even ifyou are not a car buff, it is well worth seeing.It’s also fun to visit Virginia City, approximatelya forty-five minute drive away. VirginiaCity became a silver-mining boom townin 1859 as a result of the Comstock Lode SilverStrike. Within the next 20 years, it wasknown as the “Richest City in America” as $400million worth of silver was taken out of themines. About 40 years after its founding, themine was exhausted. Inhabitants left. It becamea Ghost Town. The town is very charmingas it’s filled with history of a by-gone era.Some may even say it could be called “America’sLiveliest Ghost Town”, as it now draws overtwo million tourists each year.46 Far West Skier’s Guide 2O12 - 2O13 / See the Digital Edition of the Far West Skier’s Guide at www.fwsa.org.