Reno Tahoe offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventure. Known as the Biggest Little City, Reno combines public art, local businesses, bike paths, and mountain trails in a compact setting. The region’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee River allows residents to balance career, family, and creative pursuits with nature, all without compromising on convenience or opportunity.
Where Adventure Meets Business
For Jordan Basile, founder of Deso Supply Co., adventure isn’t just an after-work activity—it’s integral to his creative process. Basile spends as much time outdoors as at his desk, believing physical activity fuels creativity. “It’s really hard to sit behind a computer and design when I haven’t moved my legs,” he says. “Creativity depends on outdoor activity and physical exertion.” This philosophy shaped Deso from its inception over a decade ago, when Basile, inspired by the Reno Tahoe region’s environments and the lack of durable outdoor apparel, launched the brand.
The company’s designs reflect the movement and adventure of the area, while its sustainability mission addresses the apparel industry’s waste problem. Basile emphasizes the responsibility brands have to create long-lasting products that respect the environment, ensuring that outdoor adventures don’t come at the expense of the places they happen.
Deso’s approach to sustainability reflects Basile’s deep connection to nature. By prioritizing durability and environmental respect, the brand stands out in an industry often criticized for its waste. In Reno Tahoe, this commitment resonates, as outdoor recreation isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life that supports new ideas and deeper connections to the land.
Raising a Family in an Adventurous Setting
The Hammer family moved to Reno Tahoe 10 years ago, seeking a place that could channel their children’s energy into meaningful experiences. For Max Hammer, Reno’s blend of outdoor access and urban amenities has been a turning point for parenting. “Being a dad of three kids is a lot,” Max says. “But anything we can get to help is truly wonderful.
And Reno itself is like our other parent.” Blurring the line between recreation and life lessons, the Hammers prioritize growth in all its forms. The family’s daily adventures, from climbing The Big Wall to floating down the Truckee River, are more than just fun; they’re opportunities for learning and growth. A bike ride becomes a culinary exploration, and a backyard garden turns into a classroom. This seamless integration of recreation and education helps their children grow curious, capable, and connected to the world around them.
Art and Nature in Harmony
Artist Hannah Eddy finds inspiration in Reno Tahoe’s diverse environments, from the mountains and desert to the open spaces that fuel her creativity. The city’s accessibility, small enough to bike across yet lively with big-city energy, has been instrumental in her career growth. Eddy’s murals, visible throughout Reno, reflect her deep connection to the region and its environments. “Art is everything to me,” she says. “It’s my most authentic self when I’m painting.” That perspective is shaped by more than a sketchbook. Reno’s creative community has opened doors for her, enabling her to develop her voice and share her work globally while remaining rooted in the city.
