Reno is widely known as a casino town, but where can you take visitors who don’t care to gamble? I’ve previously blogged about a few noteworthy educational attractions for kids of all ages, such as the Wilbur D. May Museum at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, the Animal Ark wildlife sanctuary, the scenic campus of University of Nevada, Reno and the free pipe organ concerts at Trinity Episcopal Church near the Truckee River.
But how is it that I’ve so long overlooked Sundance Books and Music? This independent book store has apparently been a Reno institution for 25 years, although not always at its current location, 121 California Ave. (the corner of California and Sierra).
This magnificent building, dating back to 1906, was home to a mining magnate and store owner named William Levy. What a wonderful way to repurpose an historic residence.
Sundance Books and Music has a wide selection of new and old books, CDs, vinyl records, greeting cards and gift items, artfully arranged in themed rooms.
I love collecting cookbooks and the shelves at Sundance offer many titles that I haven’t seen at Reno’s Barnes and Noble, including some that focus on Northern Nevada families and their culinary traditions.
Bookworms and history buffs could spend a long time browsing at Sundance, admiring the handsome environment as much as the wares.
The surrounding neighborhood is a gem, too. It’s just south and west of downtown, but noticeably cleaner, quieter and more civilized. While some online reviewers have described this area as Midtown, I think it’s much more aligned with Reno's artsy “Cal Ave” district.
Within easy walking distance of Sundance are the Nevada Museum of Art, Arte Italia and an array of family-friendly coffee shops and restaurants, including Newman’s Deli, Rubicon Deli, Blue Plate, My Favorite Muffin and more.
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