Sparks Vacation Rentals

A charming town with different ethnic groups, Sparks has varied restaurants, where foodies can sample local flavors and ingredients. BJ's Nevada Barbecue Company is a popular restaurant among locals and visitors for its mouth-watering grilled meats. Order BJ's tri-meat combo or the in-house Eggs Benedict, and feel a burst of savory flavor on your palate. This charming restaurant also creates classic Southern breakfasts, including biscuits with gravy and chicken fried steak.

Food enthusiasts looking for a twist of European cooking should visit Pietro's Famiglia Ristorante Italiano. Established in 2005, Pietro's welcomes guests to a warm and friendly atmosphere where they can enjoy authentic Italian dining, combined with an assortment of salads and soups to elevate your appetite. Try the linguine pasta with basil sauce or Pollo Parmigiana (fried chicken breast with mozzarella and marinara sauce). There is also an excellent collection of fine wine sourced from Napa Valley in Italy that will pair perfectly with your choice of food.

Culture lovers can venture out of their house rentals and explore the museums and performance arts centers that showcase Sparks' heritage. Begin your tour at the Sparks Museum & Cultural Center, which features a 4000sq ft. display room with several artifacts and relics that chronicle the history of the city as a mining and ranching outpost. Outside, there is an open-air exhibition consisting of a caboose, ancient steam-powered locomotive, and a Pullman business car - vestiges of Sparks' historic railroad.

If you or your kids love dancing, several performance arts centers provide an opportunity to nurture dancing skills or discover new talent. Visit the Creative Sparks Performance Studio and learn compelling dance tricks on various techniques that include Broadway jazz, tap dancing, ballet, and tumbling. The center also organizes occasional staged performances and an annual 2-night musical. Alternatively, check out Xscape Performance Arts Center. The spot teaches several dance moves that combine acrobatic and gymnastic tricks.

Sparks Marina Park offers plenty of activities all in one place. There are two playgrounds and volleyball courts for sports enthusiasts, and the park lies on the shores of the stunning 77-acre Sparks Marina Lake, where guests can relax on one of the beaches while the kids cool off in the water. Later, take a boat ride across the lake or go scuba diving, before embarking on a family lunch in the picnic area within the park.

The Wild Island Family Adventure Park is a reason to spend time outside your house rentals and enjoy fun water sports. Young ones who don't mind getting wet can get in the Little Lagoon and enjoy every splash of water. Older kids and teenagers can take on adrenaline-inducing slides and water tunnels in the park's splish-splashing Adventureland. After burning a few calories, grab a quick meal at one of the cafés or a sweet treat from Dippin' Dots Ice Cream parlor. Pick your preferred pint at Kokomo's Island Bar and relax in the warm summer sun.

Commemorate Independence Day by joining other revelers at the Nugget Casino on the 4th of July. This family-friendly event lines up delicious culinary delights and live entertainment from several acclaimed local bands. There are also craft vendor booths for guests who wish to purchase a souvenir. The pinnacle of the festivities is the colorful fireworks display.

In fall, watch out for the Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Taking place in September, this festival features a cooking competition that brings together professional barbecue brands that showcase and serve tasty ribs and other meat cuts to attendees. The 6-day rib-cooking spree is perfect for the avid rib eater, and you can vote for the best creator of rib-based meals in the People's Choice Award. Apart from that, judges select the most outstanding barbecue creators who stand a chance to bag trophies and cash prizes.