Photo Essay: Summer in Reno

You guys, it's been the summer of Reno. Yes, Reno, Nevada, and yes the same Reno from Reno 9-1-1 (albeit fictionalized, and not even filmed in Reno). The fact is that Reno, and especially summer in Reno, is pretty awesome (<---No one paid me to say that). Reno, as I've experienced it, is one of the most underrated and underappreciated cities in America. Whenever I mention it, the response is often simply, "Reno?" No, it's actually not like Reno 9-1-1, and isn't just a poor man's Vegas (actually, it's not even like Vegas, save for them both having casinos). Perhaps most underrated is Reno's craft food and drink scene, heavily influenced by local farms, and featuring unique establishments you can't find just anywhere, such as a couple of Basque restaurants, Louis' Basque Corner and the Santa Fe Hotel, and the 2014 Great American Beer Festival Mid-Size Brewpub of the Year, Brasserie Saint James.

But summer in Reno is where it's at. Reno is one of the most accessible outdoor adventure destinations in America, highlighted by a whitewater park that runs through downtown, numerous hiking and biking trails that are just minutes away, the tallest rock climbing wall in the world, and Lake Tahoe, which is just 30 miles away. That couples with a great summer festival season in Reno, with events like Reno River Festival, one of the premier kayaking events, CANFEST, an international canned beer festival, Great Reno Balloon Race, National Championship Air Races, and a number of food events.

So having spent most of this summer in Reno, it only seemed appropriate to showcase my first summer in Reno in photos. Below you'll find some of the highlights from my first summer in Reno in photos, from sunset hikes to unique festivals to great food and drinks.