Earth Turf & Timber

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.

The Sparks Heritage Museum traces the history and economic significance of how both mining and the development of railroads contributed to Nevada's progress. Through several detailed exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia, you'll gain a much deeper insight to how these two industries came to populate and eventually establish this rustic part of the United States.

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.

Who's got the best ribs in the west? Find out at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off held every Labor Day weekend. For 23 years, the holiday weekend comes alive in Victorian Square in downtown Sparks and with plenty of food, live music, crafts and family-oriented fun to end the summer on a positively spicy note.