If fairies were real, this is where you would find them.
Lush areas of green grass, a winding dirt trail among tall, whimsical trees, rocks overgrown with moss, a creek with an inviting stone pathway leading to the unknown, and the indescribable feeling of being surrounded by magic will get me coming back time and time again.
Me and my family visited BOA Vista Orchards (open year-round) one weekend and ran into a minor problem upon arrival- we had forgotten our 2-year-old son's shoes back at home 1.5 hours away. The nearest place we could find a store that had his shoe size was in Folsom. After buying shoes, we looked up a family-friendly hike nearby and Google pointed us to Hinkle trail.
The fact that we found this place in unforeseen circumstances makes it very special because it's not often you'd find such a special place.
Notes:
-36 acres
-1 mile loop
-address brings you to the nature center where you can learn more about nature animals and plants and educational programs in the area
-if traveling in winter, be sure to check that the roads high in the mountains are clear of snow. If taking the 80, check weather for donner pass as it is one of the highest points on the route to Folsom. If taking 50, check the weather at adventure mountain, also one of the highest points on the route
-trails get muddy in wet weather during the winter
-equestrian and dog friendly
-there is seating at some areas including the beginning of trail and at nature center ideal for picnics
-lots of space to step to the sides for social distancing
-half of trail is in among grass and trees. Other half on paved path back to parking lot.
-you can find a makeshift fairy garden near the beginning of trail
-Folsom Zoo is nearby if you want to make a day trip complete with entertainment. You can also find the Folsom Railway in the same area.
-coyotes out early morning
-Folsom is practically neighbors with the bay area and the bay area always has the best bubble tea (or commonly known as Boba). I always take advantage and get Boba when visiting these areas. We found a great place called T4, if you're interested. Online ordering available.
When I first moved to Reno, I was on the hunt for the coolest playgrounds for my kids, and Damonte Ranch Park consistently topped Google’s recommendations. After visiting for the first time, it quickly became a family favorite over the past six years.
Whether you’re a wildlife watcher, a wetland lover, a casual walker, biker, or skater, an eager jogger, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this park has something for everyone.
Notes -Trail:3.1-mile loop trail with no elevation gain, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. -8-acre park with plenty of open space. -The park is completely exposed, making early morning or sunset visits ideal during summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the higher elevation in Reno means stronger sun exposure. -There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water. -Play Structures: Two play areas—one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids. -Popularity: This park can get busy on weekends, after school, and during holidays. However, you might find it more peaceful during colder, windier days. -Picnic Area: 1 picnic shelter with 4 tables and a BBQ, conveniently located near year-round restrooms. -Basketball Court: Features two half-courts -Hills: A couple of cute hills are perfect for running or rolling down. In winter, they’re great for sledding. -Open Grass Areas: Ideal for flying kites or playing fetch with dogs, though it can get muddy when wet. -Photography: The park offers stunning views of sunsets, snow-covered mountains, and local wildlife -Parking: The parking lot can fill up during peak hours; street parking is available if needed. - Biking: The wide trail is great for family biking or for those learning to ride. -Neighborhood: The trail is lined with residential backyards -Pet Waste Stations: Poop bags are available at a couple of locations for dog owners. -Nearby Amenities: If you need to grab a bite or run errands, there’s a plaza down the street with McDonald's, Starbucks, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, & Safeway
Do you know how you can tell how awesome In-N-Out Burger is? I think the lines coming out the street to the stop light speaks for itself.
I've been eating here since I was a child, and there's a lot of tastes associated with childhood, but all that aside, you will not find a fresher burger anywhere. Do you know how fast the turnover rate is for their ingredients? Weekdays, weekends... they are busy 24/7. They're like the DMV for hamburgers. Coming back to my point- their ingredients don't have time to spoil and they cook burgers so fast that they don't need to freeze their meat.
What's special about their burger is how it all comes together. You can have the freshest ingredients in the world, but putting them together in a balanced way is what makes a burger outstanding. In-N-Out does it with ease. No matter how you alter the burger to your taste- protein style without the bun, animal style with grilled onions and pickles, or 4x4-style with four patties, you cannot go wrong with taste.
The cherry on top is In-N-Out's fast and friendly service. You would think that there are thousands of minions working inside. They are just so fast and efficient that a line never scares me away when I'm craving burgers.
Did I mention how affordable their burgers are? You can go all-out for the whole family and it will likely not break the bank.
Notes: -Why
only four stars? The low reviews are from people that are trying
to shoo away others so they don't have to wait any longer in line.
-If you want extra crispy fries, toss them in an air fryer for a few minutes. If you want them in stock at home, fresh fries freeze well. -Do
you want an impossible In-N-Out burger? Go across the street
and order the impossible patty from Burger King and toss it into a
vegetarian In-N-Out Cheeseburger. Yes, I've done it for my father and
he loved it! -We
love animal style: mustard grilled into the patty, pickles, chopped
grilled onion and an extra helping of their famous sauce -I
always get animal style with yellow chili peppers, raw onion, &
extra tomato added. Beyond delicious! -you can get a whole grilled or chopped grilled onions! -You
can ask for extra spread packets, whole chili peppers, ketchup, salt
& pepper on the side. -animal
style fries- fresh cut potatoes fried in sunflower oil topped with
their famous sauce, cheese and chopped grilled onions -You
can regulate the salt on your burger and fries. You can also
ask for your bun extra toasted if that's your thing. -their
milkshakes have always been too thick for my taste but you can remedy
it by ordering a side of milk and adding it in to your shake to thin
it out, leave room in the cup. Neapolitan is a combination of all
three flavors- vanilla, chocolate & strawberry -you
can pay with Apple or Samsung pay for a contact free transaction -There
are plenty ways to customize your burger. -I
always wear a mask when ordering and picking up from the window to
keep everyone safe. A Covid outbreak at In-N-Out would
definitely not be good for everyone's sanity, soul and tummy. -There
have been little to no changes to their menu throughout history.
The old-fashioned way is the best way. -The
workers are always nice to my kids. Some have offered stickers to
them -They
control all their ingredients. process their own meat, make their own
buns, source the best produce from farms.
Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City.
For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more.
*Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees
*Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature
*Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions
*Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time
*Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground
I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby—a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.
2020 hours of operation. Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.
Bower's Mansion Tours
Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day.
I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).
The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.
Notes
-49-acre park
-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals
-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis
-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion
-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park
-Plenty of grassy areas available
-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)
-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift
-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos
-Great shade during summer
-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit
-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street
-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals
-Flushable toilets available
-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park
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