Take a Scenic Stroll Back in Time and Walk the Lands of the Cowboys at Bartley Ranch, Nevada.

6000 Bartley Ranch Road,

Reno, NV 89511

Website

2024 Winter Concert Series

Map of trails

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Pavilion Reservations (775) 823-6501

Bartley Ranch holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite parks in Reno. Its Western vibe, natural beauty, and endless amenities, combined with the unique events hosted here, make it an absolute must-visit.

This park has something for everyone—whether you’re looking to picnic, take a relaxing walk, spot wildlife, bring your dog for a stroll, or even host a special event like a wedding, concert, or party. Stepping into Bartley Ranch is like stepping back in time. The park has vintage tractors and wooden shacks that give you a glimpse of the past. The horse tracks along the trails only add to that old-timey charm.

One of the highlights of the park is the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, a cool vintage Huffaker School, and an amphitheater that you can rent for special occasions. Right outside the interpretive center, you’ll find pamphlets with interesting tidbits about the park’s plants, wildlife, and history.

Coming in from the south, you’re greeted with a scenic lookout - Audrey Harris Park - that offers stunning views before you descend into the ranch. From there, you can spot everything from the white picket fence shaped like Nevada to runners hitting the trails, dog walkers, and people simply soaking in the views from the benches.

In just a short 30-minute walk at the park, I encountered so much—tons of wildlife, different landscapes, and a cute nature trail that leads to a charming wooden bridge. From there, a wooden walkway takes you along the gorgeous hills, and a zigzagging trail brings you right back to the heart of the ranch.

Whether you’re attending a special event, taking a scenic walk, watching wildlife, enjoying the views, walking your furry friends, or just relaxing with a picnic, Bartley Ranch Park never disappoints. It’s a place I keep coming back to, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you.

2024

Notes

-Plenty of parking available

-For special events, get there early—parking fills up quickly

-Bartley Ranch is a hot spot for photo sessions

-Bartley Ranch is host to one cool annual fall harvest festival

Bartley Ranch in Fall

Park at Audrey Harris Park for lookout.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots"

***Information subject to change.

***All opinions are my own.

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Amazing Birth Experience at Renown Medical Center, Reno NV

1155 Mill St.

Reno, NV 89502

Pre-Registration Form

Yelp

Renown Medical Center brings a crazy number of babies into the world every day (4,063 in 2016 alone), and I was lucky enough to be one of those moms who experienced their care firsthand. It's one of the main hospitals in Reno (right alongside St. Mary's), and I honestly couldn’t have been happier with both of my birth experiences there.

As a mom of three, I had two of my babies at Renown, and both times were nothing short of amazing. From the seamless check-in to the skilled doctors and nurses, to the level of comfort and resources, everything about it made me feel taken care of. And yes, if I ever had another baby, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

For my second child (who you can spot in my photos), things moved much faster than with my first. Instead of 12 hours of labor, it took only six. I was at home when my water suddenly broke, and I knew right away that things were progressing fast. My sister rushed over, and we made it to the hospital just ten minutes before I gave birth. We pulled up to the emergency entrance, and someone whisked me to the delivery room. The nurses literally heard me coming and were ready and waiting.

Once in the delivery room, they quickly transferred me to the bed and paged the doctor. He arrived right away and was incredible—he used a technique that helped me avoid any tears. I was beyond grateful, especially after my first birth, which left me with a third-degree tear. 

Tip: It’s worth asking your doctor about ways to prevent tearing ahead of time.

After my baby was born, they wiped him down, and I got that immediate skin-to-skin bonding moment. It’s amazing how it calms the baby, keeps them warm, and even helps with breastfeeding. They also applied antibiotic eye drops to prevent any infections.

As I held my baby, the doctor made sure the placenta came out with one firm press on my stomach.  The nurses then took my little one to a table right next to me to suction out extra fluids, check his vitals, and take his measurements.

After that, I was moved to my recovery room, where the nurse helped me with my first bathroom trip and gave me all the post-birth care info I needed. The bathroom was stocked with everything—underwear, pads, wash bottles, gowns, & towels. She even offered me an ice pack for my bottom, which was pure relief.

My husband got to be involved too—he went with the nurses for my second baby's first bath, and for our third, I got to watch the bath myself. They kept a close eye on both of us, checking our vitals regularly to make sure we were doing okay, and a lactation consultant came by to offer breastfeeding support. If you can’t breastfeed, they have plenty of other resources available as well.

The next day, my doctor checked in on me and gave the all-clear for us to go home. Renown monitors new mothers for at least 24 hours after delivery.  Most moms stay 24–48 hours. 

Renown exceeded all my expectations. The hospital was beautiful, my husband was able to stay with me overnight, and the snack room (reserved just for new moms) was such a treat. We couldn’t have been happier with the care we received.

Renown Medical Center truly makes the birthing experience comfortable, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any expecting mom.

Renown has created the ultimate pregnancy guide, including all the information you need to know to have the best pregnancy and birthing experience.  

Contents:

-what to expect

-information on getting sick during pregnancy

-nutrition and how to stay healthy 

-vitamins

-medications

-frequently asked questions

-prep for the big day

-what to expect during pregnancy, pre and post delivery

-nursing tips

-childbirth classes available

-tips for caring for your newborn 

-safety guidelines

-resources

My Top Ten Items to Bring to the Hospital:
1. Car Seat + Car Seat Base installed in car (All 3 of my kids love their Foonf Clek Carseat.  Purchase with Infant Thingy insert for newborns)
2. Slippers
3. Nursing Bra + Pads(washable or disposable)
4. Aquaphor (they have ointment at the hospital, but I brought my favorite because it makes changing diapers so much easier) + Lanolin nipple cream to soothe nipples .
5. Phone Charger
6. Camera
7. Snacks for you and loved ones staying overnight
8. Going home outfit for you and baby
9.  Everything is supplied at the hospital, but I like to bring my own overnight heavy Always pads for maximum comfort.
10.  Toiletries

Tips:

- Dermoplast spray helps with soreness during bathroom breaks

- Ask for ice packs—they’re soothing post-delivery

- Bring a book to help pass the time

- Need a break? They can watch your baby in the nursery

- Perineal wash bottles are a lifesaver during bathroom trips (spraying cold water while going to the restroom may provide relief, especially if you've had any tares)

- Use baby apps to track feedings, diapers, and sleep

- I used the hospital's disposable underwear, which was super convenient as I was able to easily dispose of any mess

- Get as much rest as possible, especially if you plan to breastfeed

Categorized under "Giving Birth at Renown Hospital"

Enjoy a Classic Burger and Milkshake at Five Guys

6395 S McCarran Blvd.

Reno, NV 89509

Website
Yelp

I grew up on the West Coast in San Diego, so it’s no surprise—I’m a die-hard In-N-Out fan. The only burger I’ve ever known and loved was the "Animal Style" cheeseburger (patty cooked in mustard, with grilled onions, special spread, and pickles). That burger was with me through childhood, through my ups and downs, and still has a special place in my heart.

During my two years living in New Jersey, I was introduced to the East Coast’s go-to burger spot—Five Guys. One day, I was craving In-N-Out, but of course, there were none to be found. So, I gave Five Guys a shot, hoping it would be a decent stand-in. Well, I was blown away. The burger was substantial, huge, loaded with toppings, and insanely fresh. I never thought I’d crave another burger besides In-N-Out, but Five Guys earned a spot in my burger-loving heart. Maybe the love has something to do with the fact that neither place uses freezers—yep, even the fries are never frozen.

At Five Guys, you can customize your burger like crazy or just trust them and “go all the way” with their award-winning combo of toppings: mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, grilled onions, and mustard. Plus, they’ve got other options like jalapeños, green peppers, A-1 sauce, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. The possibilities are endless.

And just when I thought the burger was the main event, my family and friends were like, “Wait, there’s more!” Their Cajun fries and milkshakes are equally as so drool worthy. The Cajun fries hit just the right amount of spice, fried in peanut oil, always fresh, though a little oily in the bag.  And their milkshakes? Absolutely refreshing, packed with flavor, and no weird preservatives.

One day, I decided to step away from the burgers and tried their hot dogs. Turns out, Five Guys also serves delicious hot dogs. I had mine “all the way,” and every bite was a “Yum!” moment.  I’d recommend giving their dogs a try for sure.

Service at Five Guys is on point. The staff has great energy, and they’re always communicating to make sure everything runs smoothly. I love how fast they prep the food, handing it off with a smile.

Five Guys and In-N-Out will forever be at the top of my burger list. They’re different, but both are so good, I honestly can’t choose a favorite. Oh, and one last thing—they have complimentary peanuts, self-serve style. As if burgers, fries, and milkshakes weren’t enough, right?

Notes

-Place an order online without creating an account.  Skip the line, head straight to pickup, and just let them know you ordered online—super convenient.

-They don’t have a veggie patty, but they’ve got enough toppings to build a pretty solid veggie burger. Double up on the cheese.

-Plenty of parking available

-Complimentary self serve roasted peanuts available

-Mix as many flavors as you'd like for your milkshakes

Categorized under "Good Eats" &  "Burgers"

Let You Imagination Run Wild at the Children's Museum, Carson City

Address:

813 N Carson Street

Carson City, NV 89701

Website

Yelp

Carson City, with a population of just about 55,500, has managed to create something really special—a hands-on, play-based museum that’s perfect for young kids. At the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, little ones can let their imaginations run wild through all kinds of creative play.

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed and super engaging. My kids especially love the role-playing areas. In the hospital exhibit, they’re busy treating patients, learning how to care for babies, and even practicing their bedside manner. At the mini supermarket, they “budget” their money and whip up gourmet meals for me. And when they’ve got energy to burn, the indoor climbing structures, tunnels, and slides keep them entertained for hours.

Downstairs, there’s a whole section dedicated to STEM activities and art projects, which is perfect for adding a little learning to the fun.

One of my favorite things about this museum is their storytime and the special events they host throughout the year. My kids and I absolutely love their annual Chinese New Year Celebration. We dive into activities like calligraphy and origami, and watch traditional Chinese dances—it’s such a fun experience. The date changes each year, falling between late January and February, following the lunar calendar.

Encouraging imagination and creative play is a huge deal for me—it’s something I really believe is key to a well-rounded upbringing. That’s why the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada is always a hit with my family.

Now, why do I love visits to Carson City so much? The drive from Reno to Carson is always a treat, with the scenic pastures, Washoe Lake, and the mountains surrounding it. It’s a quick trip, but it always manages to refuel my love for my city and the little adventures nearby. And, of course, places like the Children’s Museum add so much to its charm.

Yes, Carson City is the capital of Nevada, but beyond that, it’s this lovely small town full of local gems that make it special. Nature, great restaurants, museums, wildlife, and so much history—Carson City might be small, but it’s big in its own way.

NOTES

-Visit their website for admission rates

-Snacks are available for purchase at check-in

-Toddler section with alphabet toys, books, and a play table

- Museum store and birthday party packages available

- Yearly memberships and volunteer opportunities offered

- Closed on major holidays

- Special field trip rates available

- Elevator access for strollers and wheelchairs is available—just check in with the front desk for assistance.

-You can join the museum's mailing list by entering your email at the bottom of their homepage

Categorized under "Museums and Birthday/Event Venues"