then Silver City and on to Carson City. Take 50 up the East side of Lake Tahoe stop at the scenic view

to Tahoe City. after visiting, take 28 down the West side to Mt Rose Highway and back to the Interstate, home to Reno.

You can do the trip in a day. Sun behind you both ways.

Also one more vote for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad trip. It wasn't running last time I was there, I'd love to take the ride. http://www.virginiatruckee.com/

There's no lack of things to do around Reno for days. Used to be an Asian restaurant if you take the walkover bridge to Atlantis from the parking lot. All you can eat sushi bar.