Take A Short and Scenic Stroll by the Truckee River at the Oxbow Nature Study Center

3100 Dickerson Road

Reno NV 89503

Hours: 
Open Year-Round from 8AM to 4pm

(The gates close, so make sure to head out before they lock up.)

Website
Yelp

Oxbow Nature Study Area is a 22-acre conservation spot in Reno, perfect for families or anyone looking to escape into nature without actually leaving the city.

Highlights

-Beautiful scenery

-Tranquility

-Wildlife

-Picnic-worthy spots

-Soothing sounds of nature

-Fun 0.8-mile loop trail

-Partial shade from trees

-Right next to the Truckee River

-Visitor’s center

When I first visited this park years ago, I immediately fell in love with the whole vibe. The towering trees, the winding ramps, the interpretive signs that make you pause and learn something new, the visitor center, wildlife, picnic tables, and the peaceful sounds of nature—all nestled right by the Truckee River. 

Growing up, some of my best memories were with my grandma, walking in parks near my house. We'd sit around, relax, snack, and just enjoy being together. Those were the moments of peace and connection that I knew I wanted to share with my own kids.

Parks like Oxbow have become my favorite for that reason—they’re the perfect backdrop for building memories, just like the ones I had with my grandparents.

The Oxbow Nature Study Area is truly the best place for a quick escape from the city. It’s somewhere you can just relax, take a breath, and really soak in Reno’s natural beauty.

NOTES

-No dogs allowed

-Restrooms and a water fountain are available during park hours

-Benches are scattered around the visitor's center & along the trail, with a couple right by the river. 

-To get to the deck by the river, take the path all the way to the left, opposite of the education exhibit next to the observation deck

-The trail has lots of shady spots, which is a huge plus, especially during Reno’s hot summers 

-I had no issues navigating the trail with my stroller, but after rain, it can get a bit muddy. Toward the end of the trail, there’s a log bridge that isn’t stroller or wheelchair-friendly, so it’s best to turn back before that

Pictures taken during winter, 2020

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

Dazzle Your Taste Buds at Icecycle Creamery & Pedaler's Deli in Reno

6147 Lakeside Dr. Suite 102
Reno, NV, 89511

Yelp
Website

Icecycle Creamery is where you go for the most adventurous flavors in town.  Along with ice cream, they serve up fresh & tasty sandwiches (bread made in house), salads, comforting soups, and drinks.

Some crowd favorites—like Cookie Roulette, Chocolate, and Home Means Nevada—are staples you’ll almost always find. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, check out their rotating unique flavors, such as Lemon Lavender, Horchata, Earl Grey, Salted Pretzel, Apple Pie, Mango Cardamom, and a variety of Asian-inspired options.

The original owner of the shop, Jeremy, started out selling his ice cream from the back of his bike out of a cooler. After a ton of encouragement, he opened up a brick-and-mortar shop. When it was time for him to focus on other goals, he passed the business to Juan, who's still keeping Jeremy's bold, amazing flavors alive with just as much passion.  Juan’s even added his own twist, introducing flavors inspired by his Mexican culture, like a mango tajin flavor that’ll remind you of those delicious & highly sought after mangonada drinks from Mexican snack shops.

Did I mention how awesome Juan is? He kept my three high-energy kids entertained for quite a while, and if you're a parent, you know how challenging that can be. Beyond that, he’s just a genuinely nice person, dedicated to creating fun, flavorful ice cream and food for the whole community to enjoy.

Everything here is made in-house, and I love the deli/ice cream combo because it satisfies both hot and cold cravings year-round. 

With so many unique ice cream flavors to choose from, you might find yourself unsure of what to get. In that case, I recommend trying their 6-flavor flight—perfect for a foodie adventure.

Prime location, quality products, awesome service, and adventurous flavors—it's always a good time at Icecycle Creamery.

Notes

-Pints available for purchase

-They have an actual espresso machine on hand - affogato anyone?!

-Deli closes an hour before closing (varies depending on day)

-Deli features hot/cold sandwiches, salads, and drinks (beer included!)

-Bartley Ranch Park, just a minute drive away, is a perfect spot to enjoy your treats.  Grassy areas, picnic tables, restrooms, and views included.

Categorized under "Good Eats"