Esther and Jacob Find Adventure Around Every Corner

Adventure does not always require traveling far from the city—or choosing between urban attractions, outdoor recreation and historic discovery.

Travel creators Esther Lee and Jacob Fu, the team behind Local Adventurer, recently explored Reno-Tahoe Territory and shared their experiences through a series of Instagram posts and a detailed travel guide. Their journey introduced followers to a region where city streets, mountain trails, Old West history and unexpected local finds can all be part of the same trip.

In Reno, Esther and Jacob experienced the Biggest Little City from several perspectives. Jacob climbed to the top of BaseCamp’s 164-foot outdoor climbing wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel, while the couple also explored downtown landmarks, Burning Man artwork, colorful murals and the Truckee River. Their visit included time at independent restaurants, coffee shops and The Radical Cat, a bookstore and cat lounge that became one of Esther’s favorite discoveries.

A short drive from Reno transported the creators into the living history of Virginia City. Wooden sidewalks, historic saloons and preserved buildings provided the setting for experiences that included the Mackay Mansion, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and a tour beneath the Ponderosa Saloon. Their visit demonstrated that Virginia City is more than a backdrop from the Old West—it is a place where visitors can still interact with the stories and characters of Nevada’s past.

In Carson City, the trip shifted from history to relaxation and outdoor exploration. Esther and Jacob soaked at Carson Hot Springs, visited the Nevada State Museum and sampled Indonesian cuisine at a locally owned restaurant. They also ventured toward Lake Tahoe on the Skunk Harbor Trail, where forested surroundings open to the lake’s brilliant blue water.

Together, their posts capture the range that defines Reno-Tahoe Territory. A traveler can climb high above downtown, browse a neighborhood bookstore, ride a historic railroad, tour an old mine, soak in natural mineral water and hike to a secluded stretch of Lake Tahoe—all without spending an entire day traveling between destinations.

Esther and Jacob founded Local Adventurer around the belief that meaningful adventures can be found both near home and around the world. Their Reno-Tahoe Territory journey proves that sometimes the best discoveries are closer together than travelers might expect.

Explore their Reno-Tahoe Territory adventures on Instagram and read Local Adventurer’s complete guide, “7 Best Things to Do in Reno + Near Reno Nevada.”