BriaN,
I spent all my youth summers at Lake Tahoe (South Shore), only 45 minutes from Reno. Other side trips not to be missed (less than an hour from Reno) Virginia City and Carson City. If you're on a Chip Hunt, add Minden, Sparks, and Crystal Bay/Incline Village (North Shore Lake Tahoe).

If you spend winter there, don't forget Squaw Valley. If summer, definitely the lake (Lake Tahoe).

Reno... The Biggest Little City