Montessori-Mountain View

The Bartley Ranch Regional Park not only offers a unique, natural environment to take in the area's gorgeous scenery and indigenous animal life, it also affords you the chance to get on horseback and take a ride through the open fields and grassy expanses of this outdoor oasis. The park has drawn rave reviews for how well the staff keeps the horses, grounds and other amenities in top shape, ready for any visitor to enjoy.

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.

Instead of going for dinner and feeling like you both have to get dressed up, just throw on a pair of jeans and head out to Noble Pie Parlor. for a romantic date, enjoying a couple of brews and some of the best pizza in town. And while the menu items are a little pricey, the quality of the food and the fun atmosphere make it all worth it. And don't forget to stick around after you're done eating for a fun round of rock-n-roll bingo!

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.