Things To Do

Last week, my four kiddos (5, 7, 9, and 11) and I stopped in to the new Defy in Sparks for an afternoon of fun together. Let me tell you, I was so surprised at how much fun we all had, and at how the layout allowed for my often …

They say you can lose your identity when you become a mom, and I do feel that way, because I spend all day every day with my toddler daughter helping her learn and grow. The weekends when dad is home from work, I hope he takes her out of the …

It’s finally here: date night. You’ve arranged a babysitter that is either your extended family that you’ve secured through begging and desperation, or it’s your Next-door neighbor acquired babysitter that comes complete with references, CPR training, and several comments agreeing that they are the best. In all reality, your babysitter …

When Monaciello first opened its doors, I attended a media preview night; I recently dug out my notes from the event, and I noticed these words that I had scribbled down as I was sampling the night’s offerings: “Life-changing carrot.” It’s not often that a root veggie is preceded by …

So there I was, knee deep in planning Thanksgiving dinner for my kids (who, to be honest will only eat bread and maybe one green bean if threatened with life and limb) when I felt this sense of dread fall over me: Thanksgiving is only one day of the year. …

My 7th grade Nevada history instructor from Clayton Middle School, Mr. Gandolfo, would likely do somersaults in his grave if he could hear the following admission: I’ve never ridden the V&T Railroad. So very sorry, Mr. G. But I made it up to him today (and seriously thought about so many of the things …

This past weekend, we surprised our 2-year-old with a “Day out With Thomas,” put on by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City. It’s a 25-minute train ride, and many of the activities can fill a whole day. Here’s what I learned: Ideally, you want to show up about 45 …

  My best friend in the entire world — a woman I have known for 25+ years, my former college roomie, a lifelong friend who has endured 1990s-inspired big hair and bad fashion with me (Exhibit A, left) and my closest confidant — revealed something so jarring during a recent …

I was born and raised in Sparks, Nevada and as such, there are few things I hold more sacred than the Great Hot Air Balloon Race. As a child, my parents packed us into our white Volkswagen bus with sleeping bags, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, and homemade cinnamon …

  Reno has a new resident for three days only, and she’s monstrous — but in a totally educational, fascinating, only slightly unnerving way. Meet Megan, a 50-foot long, 15-foot wide and 12-foot high inflatable replica of the human body that is gracing the interior of The Discovery for three days only. …