Post #15420 by annalulu on Wed, Dec 4, 2002 9:51 PM

Spent my holiday week in my old stomping grounds of the Nevada/California border. (You haven't truly seen the best and worst of humanity until you've lived in Reno for 2 years...) I was glad to see it all through new eyes because I missed a lot those years I was there. Reno has a WEALTH of great vintage signs on old motels (some still quite tidy) and old dive bars off the beaten path. Even the strip downtown has some adorable motel signs.

We hit Trader Dick's at the Nugget in Sparks, which was unfortunately closed for the day, only open at night.
Their gift shop had some drink bowls with painted on hula gals and raised lettering that said "Trader Dick's" so I was glad to fork over the $8.95. Antique malls on South Virginia had typical prices for mugs, but I couldn't resist a large black Moai for $25 (my max ever for a mug.) Lot's of Sneaky Tiki mugs, most in the $25 range...

Thrifting regularly in the Carson Valley is probably still pretty bountiful. I found one coconut mug for $3.00 and a giant carved fork and spoon pair for $5.00. Our fork and spoon collection is up to 10 sets now.

Also saw the giant Moai mini golf course off the 395 in Reno, didn't have time to stop and play.

Finally, the drive from L.A. to Tahoe on 395 was a fascinating time warp. Those of you who love roadside stuff like wagon wheel motels should definitely take the trip.
Towns like Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Independence seem almost untouched.