Slots, a man in Reno
It's amazing how well the "Biggest Little City in the World" line fits. Met all kinds of cool people on this month's work trip to Reno and nearly every one of them felt, expressed or participated in the title.
But how best to see? The always fantastic Megg took me on a drive around the city and outskirts, the farmland the city has pushed into and somewhat lost itself it in. Downtown is still there, left to figure itself out, but seems to be beginning to grapple. While the casinos have their deal, neighbors are reasserting themselves. If there are business improvement zones to come (versus traditional casino power or with them?), people seem to know the right directions.
Thumbs up especially to the points between points that satisfied the taste buds: J J's Pie Co, the Little Waldorf Saloon, and the Imperial Bar and Lounge. For a city of neighborhoods guy in a driving town, I felt at home in all of them. Casino food didn't look as satisfying. But between some minor El Dorado slots losses and Circus Circus ticket collecting, a few other casino moments did.
Like … an Elvis coin-pusher smack in the middle of the Circus Circus kiddie section, completely unplayed by the children running around it. Our little group conferred on the point of the game – not even getting to the usual usability talk, or even how the machine was in poor form to back rival Vegas – and spent $1 total before moving on. Didn't look good for EPE's decision or all the coin-pushing games to come before and apparently fail in their storytelling, engagement and enjoyment.
Whack-a-Mole, a ball-shooting game and air hockey all got more love.
And I have to include the cost of booking casino lodging late, getting the standard room instead of the deluxe. The price was the view….
Would I go back? Totally. Might book early enough for the deluxe room.
