Sierra Nevada Reporters

The Cactus Creek Southwestern Steakhouse is worth the effort it takes to find it, although you might have passed it or may be close to it without even realizing it! The restaurant is in the Bonanza Casino just north of downtown, and both the casino and eatery are local favorites that tourists may not find right away. The steaks are plentiful slabs of beef, and the side dishes are just as delectable. Add in great service, no-hassle parking and a usually short wait for a table and you've found a real jewel of a restaurant.

The Nevada Opera is a nationally recognized group that consistently delivers accomplished performances of classics, and creates some of its own in the form of themed engagements and special nights like Opera in Blue Jeans held at the local Wingfield Park during the summer months. There's also the very popular Juke Box Opera fund raiser that lets you choose the music the opera will interpret. And, of course, there are the touchstone works like The Marriage of Figaro and Trial By Jury that keep opera newcomers and veterans equally satisfied.

Every May, the Reno River Festival signals the beginning of summer, as it has come to be recognized as the first big event of the warmer months. Events that have become synonymous with the Reno River Festival include a whitewater kayaking competition, a 2.5-mile two person relay called Run Amuck, and the very popular Biggest Little Homebrew Challenge where festival goers are encouraged to enter their home-brewed beer in a hotly competitive showcase.

Nothing starts a great, thought-provoking conversation like a great stage play. And you and your date can catch some great local, live theater at Reno's Bruka Theatre. The facility is rustic but the accomplished team of actors, actresses, directors and technical personnel always put on some highly impressive performances from classics like Richard III to lighter fare like Angry Housewives. So grab your tickets, find your seats and hold your date's hand through a romantic evening featuring accomplished local theater.