By Heidi Bethel
This time of year there are many things to be thankful for. Good food. Refreshing drinks. Pretty things to look at. Friends and family. As you plan your menu and Thanksgiving experience, be sure to make it the most memorable yet with elements from the Riverwalk District.
Set the tablescape
First things first, a beautifully decorated table sets the tone for the entire shindig. This can be done several days in advance and incorporate everything from a festive tablecloth, chargers and cloth napkins, to paper placemats the children can decorate, unique place cards and fun runners. No matter the design, the centerpiece says it all and Bumblebee Blooms Flower Boutique is known for their creative displays for the table. bumblebeeblooms.com
Prior and prep
Elevate the trip to get food and supplies with a stop by Urban Market. Pop in for fresh foods, affordable staples, armfuls of snacks and locally produced goods … all in a friendly, know-you-by-name atmosphere. Head to Liberty Food & Wine Exchange to peruse their boutique market for some special additions to the menu (and don’t forget to grab a caramel budino or two). umreno.com; libertyfoodandwine.com
Delicious libations
Greet guests with a beverage station featuring some local favorites. The Brewer’s Cabinet is always a hit with delicious seasonal and always favorite beer choices to go. Coffee from Darkshot Coffee will help with those sleepy moments after dinner is served. And, be sure to stop in some of the great bars along the way including Ole’ Bridge Pub, Old Granite Street Eatery, and Pignic Pub and Patio to have a drink and ponder the event some more. thebrewerscabinet.com; darkshotcoffee.com; facebook.com/olebridgepub; oldgranitestreeteatery.com; pignicpubandpatio.com
Something sweet
Satisfy that sweet tooth with a treat from Dorinda’s Chocolates. Or order some dessert to-go frommany of the eateries around including Wild River Grille, while you’re at it, be sure to stop in and enjoy their beignets that come out piping hot with some tasty dipping sauces. dorindaschocolates.com; wildrivergrille.com
Some favorite party favors
As guests leave, commemorate the memorable event with a token they can take home with them. Home Means Nevada carries great branded gear with a creative flair that locals and out-of-towners will appreciate. The gift shop inside the Nevada Museum of Art also carries fun locally made wares and The Refuge Spa inside the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa is just the place to buy some products that’ll help them relax after an amazing day. homemeansnevada.com; nevadaart.org; therefugespa.com
Choose your dream adventure, and treat friends and family to a winter-wonderland excursion with a personalized experience from Sierra Adventures; located on the Riverwalk this diverse tour company offers tours and rentals for every season – Earth, Wind, Water, and Snow.
Get your fill of Thanksgiving delight and treat your guests to a holiday like no other featuring food, drink and wares from the businesses making up the Riverwalk District. You’ll be thankful that you did! renoriver.org