For seven days, we’re taking you on a fall road trip through the Eastern Sierra of California and Nevada. We’ll go behind the scenes of our September issue’s cover story, “The Road to Gold,” with bonus photographs and videos.
Follow along and use our daily itinerary to plan your own trip up quiet, gorgeous U.S. Highway 395. See days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7.
Reno, NV
8 a.m.Peg’s Glorified Ham N Eggs At Peg’s, the menu is all about the numbers: 23 rotating versions of eggs Benedict (try Chef George’s if it’s available), three layers of french toast holding up the Monte Cristo, and specialties from the 50th state—loco moco and island pork chops. $; 420 S Sierra St.
10 a.m.Nevada Museum of Art
Make your way to the Nevada Museum of Art, a four-level jewel built by architect-sculptor Will Bruder. $10; 160 W. Liberty St.
12 p.m.National Automobile Museum
Americans love their automobiles, but Bill Harrah loved them best. The casino mogul owned most of the 200-plus cars and motorcycles on display, including John Wayne’s 1953 Corvette and James Dean’s 1949 Mercury. $10; 10 S. Lake St.
1 p.m.Reno River Walk & Arts District
The Reno Arts District has infused the Biggest Little City with flair. Revive your muses with an artsy stroll along the River Walk, where the Truckee traipses through the city.
1:30 p.m.Sundance Books
In a lovely 1907 mansion, Sundance Books and Music has new and used fiction and cookbooks galore. The magazines alone will make you toss your Kindle. 121 California Ave.
2 p.m.Natural Selection
A postprandial amble may take you past Natural Selection, where you can start your own cabinet of curiosities with oddities like Venus flytraps and Marimo balls (Japanese algae). 39 St. Lawrence Ave.
3 p.m.Truckee River Whitewater Park
Kayakers paddle in 11 drop pools in the heart of downtown Reno.
7 p.m.Wild River Grille
The Wild River Grille has riverside seating. Order a salmon BLT or a warm brie sandwich and let the crumbs fall to Rover, who’s welcome on the patio. $$; 17 S. Virginia St.
