The Biggest Little City in the World

I went to Reno for a couple of days for work earlier this week. Other than two layovers in the Las Vegas airport over the years, it was the first time I've ever been in Nevada.

We stayed at the Peppermill ... resort ... spa ... and casino.

You can't see all the jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, but Jack would've loved this restaurant.

(Taken from my hotel room.) Now that's a cloud bank.

Monday evening, I made sure to be in my room to see the sunset.

Then my aunt (or is it first cousin, once removed, by marriage?) Mickey, who lives in Reno, came to pick me up for dinner. It was the first time I'd been outside the hotel in 48 hours.

After the conference was done on Tuesday, I had 2½ hours before having to be at the airport, so I walked around downtown Reno a little.

This is a brand new children's museum that just opened last month. Its namesake benefactor is the cousin of Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island," and has ties to Wells Fargo.

It took me a while to figure this out, but "A.L." stands for Anno Lucis, Latin for “in the year of light.”

A school, that's on the south side.

The National Automobile Museum. The National Automobile Museum.


I would've loved to experience their "fine food."

The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Maybe "A.L." is a Masonic thing.

I originally thought these people mingling on the county courthouse steps were just enjoying the weather over their lunchhour. Then I noticed they weren't smoking and that that entrance is closed, so I realized they were supposed to be "Occupy Reno" protesters.

Mr. Reno himself.

Perhaps they're missing a "P."

Don't know which I'd prefer more — to meet Peg, or try her glorified ham 'n' eggs.

A security guard definitely kept his eye on me as I investigated this sculpture...

then walked to the opposite side of the federal courthouse...

to find the missing circles.

Finally, I made my way to the art museum where Mickey's served as a docent for the past 10 years.

Unfortunately it's closed on Tuesdays, hence the exterior pics ... but this rooftop patio looked pretty cool.

At least you can't say this guy's dumber than a box of rocks.

That first step's a doozie.

And a glimpse of Lake Tahoe (in the background) on my way home.