That special winter feeling is in full effect here in Northern Nevada. There’s a cold December chill, plenty of short flurries of snow and enough holiday spirit to go around.
One of the amazing things about Reno – and especially its growth in recent years – is the way you can see one part of the city with such a distinct personality, then travel only a few minutes in any direction to experience a completely new and different type of town. The flashy gaming of downtown, the vibrant art of the Riverwalk, the lush greenery and historic buildings of the university and the eclectic bars and businesses of Midtown are all only minutes from each other.
The holiday season, with the bright decorations and festivities happening all over Reno, just amplifies this. To focus on the variety of each and every spot would be mind-bending, so here I’ve found a great, hip and relatively new bunch of small businesses in South Reno, a destination this weekend due to a hugely fun Christmas event.
That spot is SouthCreek, and the event is Grinchmas at the Grove. Here’s your chance to celebrate a classic story/movie with the little ones in your life, while simultaneously indulging in some Christmas nostalgia yourself.
The Grove at SouthCreek is the beautiful, cathedral-sized and garden-themed venue for weddings, events and parties like these. At Grinchmas you’ll get to spend Saturday morning between 7:30 and 10 a.m. at a Whoville Holiday Breakfast Feast (where you’ll be served the carved roast beast), make some holiday crafts, watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and read some Christmas stories with the kids, featuring a special appearance by Santa himself. Plus there’s a pajama contest, so go all out for the grand prize. 
Once you’re all Grinched-out, leave the Grove and experience all the friendly shops that SouthCreek has to offer. You’ve got some holiday shopping to do – why not tour these boutiques and artisan shops? The rustic vibe of SouthCreek makes for a perfect home to a store like the Freckled Frog, where you can peruse all kinds of antiques and holiday gifts for anyone in your family. Or, pick up some adorable handmade ornaments to add some homemade artsy flair to your Christmas tree at home.
Perhaps you’re shopping for someone who enjoys the sweeter things in life. Dorinda’s Chocolates has an outpost here at SouthCreek, where deliciously rich artisan chocolates are made and packaged into a great handcrafted present that anyone would enjoy.
There are a plethora of boutiques at SouthCreek harboring something for every style. Triggers, for example, is high-end Western wear at its finest. Or there’s the resort-y, classy-casual fashion of JHill Boutique. For women and girls there is SouthCreek Clothing Co., which offers a wide selection of bohemian boutique styles at all price points and for all sizes. SouthCreek can truly be a one stop shop for any holiday gifts for the most fashion-forward friends and family. 
If you work up an appetite again, you’re still in the right place. I suggest taking a break to relax with a glass of wine at Whispering Vine, with a massive wine list and the feeling that you’re enjoying your drink in an actual wine cellar, surrounded by bottles (for purchase) and kegs. Or just across the street, there’s Beer NV, where a whopping 60 different beers on tap makes for a completely comprehensive selection. I you can’t seem to decide, you can always opt for a flight.
For an early dinner, end your South Creek experience at Southcreek Pizza Co. The locally owned spot turns pie-making into an art form, with high-end artisan pizzas and so many delicious appetizers and sides, all made from local ingredients. As the night gets chilly, I’m sure the warmth of that brick pizza oven will draw you right in. Try the Afterburner, topped with handmade meatballs!
This little corner of South Reno is easy to drive by and miss, but its offers a perfectly convenient, stylish, delicious and certainly festive spot for Christmas shopping or even just a fantastic mid-December day. You’ll surely be back for more.
For more shopping options, visit our Stores section. For all other events and things to do this weekend, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
