Charlie Palmer Steak

Maybe hitting the river with a group of experienced rafters who know how to have a good time is more your style of rafting recreation. If that's the case, then get ready for a wild ride along either the American River or Truckee River thanks to the students at the University of Nevada's Campus Recreation Department. They are not only well-versed in riding the whitewater waves, but also in having an excellent time doing it.

Reno's downtown area is rife with historic buildings and architecture; to enjoy it while staying relatively cool, take a walk along the historic The River Walk District. The walkway winds through downtown and is not only scenic in its own right, it highlights the whole downtown area giving it an added touch of natural beauty amid the busy commercial landscape.

After enjoying a stellar meal and walking around a bit, the perfect choice for an after-dinner drink is the Vintage Court Bar. This elegant wine bar features over 30 selections of white, red and sparkling wines and they are all dramatically displayed in a unique wine cellar setting. This very popular addition to Harrah's Hotel and Casino has been a hit with locals and visitors alike, so get a table near the window and enjoy your glass of wine while watching Reno's nightlife unfold before your eyes.

More of nature's wondrous creatures are on display at the Sierra Safari Zoo. Open from April to the first day of November, this surprisingly vivid collection of some of the world's most amazing animals offers you a chance to reach out and touch, feed and play with these exotic creatures. There are more than two hundred animals to see including wallabys, big cats, monkeys, deer and zebras.