The Truckee River is what first drew people to this area and modern-day Reno is trying hard to continue to capitalize on its appeal.  The River walk is a combination of city sidewalk and winding bike path that follows the river bank.  We stroll about 1 ½ miles through neighborhoods dotted with small green spaces then a stretch lined with restaurants and larger city parks.  Public art is scattered throughout.  Rhino Man, an enormous abstract flower arrangement, and a whale (it lights up at night).  They have created a short whitewater section for kayakers to play where the river splits around an island park.  There are trout in the river, or so they say.  Several fishermen are waist deep is the snow melt swollen river trying to bring one in. 

We grab lunch at Smee’s along the river.  Their specialty is Alaskan Cod.  Both the fish and chips and clam chowder are a hit.     

Reno lays claim to Burning Man, the mega gathering that happens every August out in the Black Rock Desert some 100 miles from here.  Art Parks scattered around town contain a number of the works first created out there.  We have to visit a few.

I spy a coffee shop as we stroll back toward the car and decide to check it out.  There is more, a gourmet chocolate shop and an ice cream parlor called Rolled Mountain Creamery.  Intriguing. I couldn’t resist.  I choose lemon raspberry and the show begins.  Milk/cream is measured into about a cup jar and natural lemon extract added, shake.  A scoop of berries goes onto a 24” diameter freezing tray-thingy.  Out come two wide scrappers artistically wielded to move the quickly freezing treat into creamy goodness.  More fruit is added, it is all smoothed into a thin layer then the final step, it is rolled into four tight little rolls which are stood in the serving bowl.  It does not look at all like ice cream…ok by me, it tastes delicious.  Tart lemon and bright raspberry flavor with a smooth yet icy texture.  Go there if you get the chance.       

The forecast rain is holding off and part of the plan all day has been to check out the Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park.  It is a weekly summer gathering of some 35 trucks with a huge range of fare including beer and wine and the bright green Mr. Margarita truck.  The most fun food truck name, Codfather, serving many things from the ocean.  Lots of BBQ, tacos, dogs and burgers, Thai, Indian, Italian…just about anything you can think of. 

 

We have a hard time deciding but settle on a Thai spicy rice bowl and lamb gyro plus dessert from Still Rolling…a twist on the eggroll, they say.  I wouldn’t really call it an eggroll but the deep fried tiramisu with ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate covered coffee beans is fantastic.

Weather is closing in and we head on home as the entertainment is just starting and the crowd is still flooding in.  It looks like it is a pretty popular Friday evening event.