When you enter Reno's Virginia Street, you go under a sign that proclaims it as the "Biggest Little City in the World". That's true enough, because Nevada's original casino and divorce mecca was once the prime destination in the United States for gamblers and people who wanted to end their marriages and empty their bank accounts quickly.

For gamblers, vacationers, families and others who want to relax in luxury, enjoy live entertainment and eat great food, today’s Reno in many ways is just as exciting as Las Vegas. Additionally, it still retains its traditional Old West charm, is less crowded and noisy, and boasts four distinct seasons of the year.

The picturesque Truckee River runs through Reno, offering boating, kayaking and other water sports. Celebrations at the riverside Whitewater Park feature entertainment, dining and events.

The Silver Legacy is a casino-hotel in downtown Reno. The mine shaft decor throughout the building represents 19th Century Nevada, when silver mining and ranching were the principal activities. The hotel features six restaurants, four pools, spas, convention center and many specialty shops. Silver Legacy, 407 N. Virginia St., silverlegacyreno.com

Just 45 minutes from Reno is scenic Lake Tahoe, on the border of California. In summer months, Lake Tahoe offers paddleboard, jet ski, sailboat, speedboat and kayak. In winter, the mountainous Tahoe region offers a large variety of world-class skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.