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Every Thursday, Say Hello To America will be 
showcasing the voices behind official Twitter accounts of destinations all across the United States and the city they represent. This week, say hello to Christina Erny from @RenoTahoe. Christina was born and raised in Reno Tahoe, leaving only for college. She has been in her current position with Visit Reno Tahoe for almost two years.
1. What time of the year is best to travel to Reno Tahoe?
Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall… o wait, that’s all of them! Reno Tahoe USA is a four season destination. Skiing the summits of the Sierra Mountains in the winter, kayaking the large snowmelt fueled rapids of the Truckee River in the spring, paddleboarding the peaceful harbors of Lake Tahoe in the fall, joining fellow fans for special events season in the summer, and dining on the Riverwalk any time of year make the top of my list. The area’s diverse terrain allows visitors to find their passions year-round.
2. How would you describe the people of Reno Tahoe?
Friendly, enthusiastic and outdoorsy. Locals are extremely proud of Reno Tahoe, they will drop everything to help a visitor with a question. The small town atmosphere is definitely noticeable. Biggest Little City in the World, baby!
3. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about Reno Tahoe? 
Favorite: I’ve lived in Reno most of my life, I have yet to experience a day of boredom, and I don’t expect it to happen anytime soon. The number of diverse activities on any given day is still shocking to me.
Least favorite: Reno Tahoe is at a pretty high elevation, with over 300 days of sunshine, and predominantly outdoor activities… getting sunburned is easy without proper protection. Bring your sunnies on the boat, wear goggles on the slopes, and get a wide-brim hat for the golf course. Always wear sunscreen, even when you think the sun will be covered with clouds. Clouds move.
4. What is Reno Tahoe’s most famous landmark or attraction?
Toss-up: Reno Arch and Lake Tahoe. Thankfully, they are less than an hour away from each other so you can take the two signature Reno Tahoe photographs in the same afternoon.
5. Name one “secret” location that a traveler must visit.
The Truckee River. You can raft it, kayak it, paddleboard it; fish or swim in it; hike, bike or dine along it… the river stretches from lake to dessert, providing endless opportunities.
6. What is the best/easiest mode of transportation to get around the city?
Traveling around by car is highly recommended to maximize seeing as many sights as possible.
7. Is there any festival or event in Reno Tahoe that a traveler should specifically plan a trip around? 
To say summer events season in Reno Tahoe is HUGE would be an understatement (even with the use of caps). A few of my favorites include: PGA TOUR’s Reno-Tahoe Open, Burning Man, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (the audience sits in the sandy beach of Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor), Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Dawn Patrol at the Great Reno Balloon Races, Reno Rodeo, Reno 500 (a 500 mile off-road race!), Artown, and the Nugget Rib Cook-Off (over a half million attendees will line up for ribs that one weekend – the ribs are that good). New this year, Barrett-Jackson will be hosting their famous car auction during Hot August Nights. My list goes on, but I’ll wrap up with this year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Championship Air Races – it’s “the world’s fastest motorsport,” with P51s racing side-by-side like NASCAR in the sky!
Be sure to check out our Events and Festivals Brochure for a full special events listing.
8. What are the best family-friendly attractions that Reno Tahoe has to offer? 
Families love visiting Reno Tahoe! Kids adore all of the special events, Reno Aces ballpark, The Discovery (a hands-on children’s museum), and spotting fish in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe. The Outlets at Legends is another hotspot for families. The Scheels adjacent to the mall is the “World’s Largest Sporting Goods Store” – it has a Ferris wheel inside!
9. What is Reno Tahoe’s signature food that every visitor has to try?
All-you-can-eat sushi is a staple meal in Reno Tahoe. And if you don’t order all-you-can-eat, be prepared to get the look of shame from your waiter.
Basque is in our roots, so eating at one of the local Basque restaurants, like Louis or Santa Fe, is highly recommended for an authentic dining experience.
The Picon Punch at Louis Basque restaurant, and the Awful Awful Burger at the Little Nugget, are probably the two most popular menu items in the area.
10. If I only had one day to explore Reno Tahoe, what MUST I see or do? 
Reno, Sparks, and North Lake Tahoe each have their own attractions, and visiting all three in one day is very doable. Ask me @renotahoe while you’re planning your trip or visiting! Depending on the weather and season, the must-dos can change drastically.
Reno Tahoe Visitor Centers
Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority – 135 North Sierra Street
Hours: 7 Days a Week | 9am to 6pm
Connect with Reno Tahoe USA
Website: Visit Reno Tahoe
Twitter: @RenoTahoe
Facebook: Reno Tahoe USA
Instagram: renotahoeusa
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