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Good Eats - Reno, Nevada

"Part of the Secret of Success in Life is to eat what you like." .... Mark Twain, as quoted on the take out menu for Claim Jumper restaurant, in Reno. I couldn't agree more. We discovered this place, while driving down South Virigina street, looking for places to eat our first night here in Reno.

Lots to choose from on the menu.. from homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, to entrees like chicken pot pie, and whiskey apple glazed chicken. We settled on appetizers, (fire roasted artichokes, and a blue cheese wedge salad) so we could save room for dessert... a fabulous overly large slice of pumpkin cream cheese cake. Yummm! The glasses of wine we ordered were generous, and the wait staff was friendly and efficient. Great place. Check them out on-line.... www.claimjumper.com

Breakast lovers can't go wrong at Peg's Glorified Ham and Eggs. The local guidebook states that the lines outside their original location got so long, that the owner decided to open up 2 other locations in Reno. We had no problem walking in to get a table at their S. Meadows Parkway location this morning. We were warmly greeted by an alert staff (is this the norm here in Reno?- last night's wait staff at the Claim Jumper was extremely friendly as well)..... and were quickly escorted to a booth in this bright, airy, no frills, but clean and neat breakfast and brunch style eatery. Everything from pancakes, to omelets.... to eggs benedict. Way too much food - but totally good. The veggie omelet I had was literally stuffed with fresh veggies, but evenly cooked to make a scrumptious omelet. Hubby likewise enjoyed his vege eggs benedict.  Highly recommended, when you want to venture out for breakfast fixings instead of eating at your hotel.

 

 

How to Save Money on Car Rentals - A Reminder

I should have thought of this before. I let hubby make the car rental for our Reno/Lake Tahoe trip,forgetting that WHERE you rent the vehicle makes a difference in price. In many, if not all cases (?), it costs more to rent on-site at the airports, than at off-site locations. We were reminded by one of the local Avis reps in Reno, when you rent at the airport locations, extra charges are added on for "convenience" factors, like airport vendors. Somehow, these conveniences end up being paid for by us, the travelers, when we rent vehicles at airport locations. Amazingly disgusting! We could have saved about $200, by renting with Avis off-site. Another lesson learned!

Sandals Announces Holiday Toy Drive for Children in the Caribbean

I've been to Jamaica on several occasions. One of the most vivid memories I have is of river tubing. It was a lot of fun, but the memory that stands out the most is of the people I met on the excursion. The man who guided us down the river wore sneakers that were barren, and his toes were sticking out the sides. Something as simple as a pair of sneakers could make the man smile.

Likewise for the children we encountered at a rest stop on the river. They were excited to meet "the Americans", but they were also curious to know if I had something with me that they could keep. That visit prompted me to connect with a couple who were taking a cruise the next month. Together, we bought sneakers, and toys and pencils and pinwheels, and small items that could be distributed to the villagers in Jamaica. I know they appreciated the gesture.

Now Sandals has created the Holiday Toy Drive, and getting donations to people in Jamaica and other islands that Sandals/Beaches resorts are in is a lot easier.  I applaud them for the efforts, and encourage my friends and clients to contribute to this worthy cause.