Mother's Day Hotel Package, What's In a Name? Are We the Best? More

Mother’s Day Package: Mother’s Day is only two months away and now might be a good time to think about planning a Mother’s Day weekend visit to the Carson Valley Inn with your mother, wife, grandmother, or anyone else who might enjoy a “let’s let someone else worry about the work” getaway. Each year we offer a limited number of Mother’s Day Weekend Hotel Packages and the last year or two we have sold out. Check out the details and give us a call at 775-783-6629 when you’re ready to make your reservations!

We don’t have a Tattoo Parlor, but there are half-dozen categories in the Nevada Magazine Best of Nevada 2017 Survey in which some aspect of the Carson Valley Inn certainly might garner your vote. It doesn’t take long to complete the survey and we hope you’ll give us a nod in those categories where you think we are deserving!

We Guarantee There’s Something in This Section You Will like:

• What’s in a name? Bodines Casino picked up its name from a restaurant named Bodines that was previously located on the same property.  So here’s the question of the day: does anybody know how that restaurant named Bodines got its name?  We’ve heard a couple of different versions but we think we’ve reached the bottom of the story and we’ll have that answer in next week’s blog.
• Anxious for Selection Sunday so you know whether your alma mater’s team made one of the postseason basketball tournaments? Or, perhaps you have a birthday on Sunday and are hoping your wife got you that new set of golf clubs? Either way, we know you “can’t wait” so we have come up with a plan to ease the burden . . .  We have made arrangements to cut an hour out of the darkness of Saturday night/Sunday morning and . . . . Oh heck, we’ll get to the point – this is just a reminder that Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 AM Sunday when all the clocks “spring” ahead one hour here in Nevada (not in every state, ya know.)
• How Many Brackets Will You Complete?  In March of 2015 the American Gaming
  
  Association estimated that 40 million Americans would fill out more than 70 million brackets and wager approximately $9 billion on the NCAA tournament that year . . . and that was according to just-released research. Assuming normal inflation based on population increases and the seeming acceptance of alternate facts these days, let’s assume 75 million brackets will be filled out this year. Since this all happens between this Sunday evening and Tuesday morning, were thinking Monday should fall into the same category as the day after Super Bowl – why not just proclaim it a day off! Here’s even more support for our convoluted logic: since you’re taking the day off, it will help you celebrate National Napping Day (that's one of our blog writers napping in the picture at the link!) In any event, while we don’t book the whole bracketology thing at our sports book, we do handle action on every game in all the postseason tournaments. Place your bets at the CVI, Sharkey’s Casino or Bodines Casino and collect your winnings at whichever location is closest at the conclusion of the game!
• National Name Tag Day is tomorrow and we think it would be a good idea for all of our guests and customers to wear name tags tomorrow . . . Sure would make it easier for us to remember everyone’s name!
• Taxing Times: we were asked a few times again this week, so here’s a link to our 2016 Win/Loss Request Form.
• A Complaining Restaurant Guest Led to What? Tuesday is National Potato Chip Day. This is certainly not something we’re celebrating around here but this all came about because a particular restaurant customer repeatedly complained one day back in 1853 (obviously not here at CVI). The chef’s “I’ll Show Him!” attitude kicked in and  . . . click the link and read about it! Now we aren’t advocating that everyone start complaining, but we sure do want to know if something is not right . . . just ask for the restaurant manager or the Manager on Duty to address any concerns.
• Mike’s 4-year old filly Pretty N Cool won the Las Flores Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita Park. And if betting the ponies is your thing, you can do so 364½ days here at our Race and Sports Book.

Whiskey Maiden Anchors This Week's
Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

George Pickard tonight, Whiskey Maiden Thursday through Saturday, Jonathan Barton Sunday and Monday and Helena and the Bear next Tuesday and Wednesday. Whiskey Maiden is a relatively new country/rock/pop (that’s versatility!) act out of California featuring modern music, high energy performance & nonstop, dance-floor-filling song selections. Fronted by the charismatic & soaring vocals of Sandy Nuyts, the band members are highly skilled musicians that have performed with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Neil McCoy, Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain & other national & international artists.

TJ’s Corral Events Reminders:

• Wynonna and the Big Noise Tour: Saturday night, April 29 - tickets are on sale now.
• Marshall Tucker Band: Friday night, July 28 - ticket availability will be announced in a future Wednesday morning blog.
• World Fighting Championship (WCF) Fights: Saturday, July 1. Watch for ticket information soon.
• The Spinners: Saturday, July 8. Watch for more information soon.

In the Casino

Nickie Cosper Won $2,500 Last Friday,
It It Your Turn This Friday?

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Sink Organizer for the first 150 ladies, Shelly Camp Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and earn entries tonight for the March 29 drawings for a free $500 Shopping Spree.
• $80,000 Pot-O-Gold Giveaways Friday: $10,000 in Cash & Freeplay Guaranteed between CVI and Bodines Casino – CVI Drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM with a chance to win up to $2,500 – like Nickie Cosper did last Friday!!
• 4X Points Saturday: That’s quadruple the benefits for your play!
• Free T-Shirt Monday: Earn 125 points on Monday and receive a Free Long Sleeve CVI T-Shirt . . . plus you keep the points!
• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Tuesday:
• Penny Progressive Over $73,000:  this Progressive Jackpot can only be won on one of the Triple Red Hot 7's slots at the CVI, Sharkey’s or Bodines.
• Sports and Race Book:
• This week you can bet the NBA, College Basketball Tournaments, Pre-Season MLB, NHL and the NASCAR Kobalt 400 in Las Vegas. Futures on the board include winners for NCAA Basketball Championship, Masters, NBA Championship, NHL Stanley Cup and World Series.
• Poker Room: All our Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions are listed on our website, click here for the full story.
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Rack of Venison with cherry brandy demi for $32. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked), tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit “0” when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

He Made Us A Fish Sandwich We Couldn't Refuse!

He Made Us A Fish Sandwich We Couldn’t Refuse! “He” is The Codfather, just one of the Food Trucks scheduled for our Food Truck Festival and Anniversary Jam on Saturday, April 30 in and around TJ’s Corral! We’re celebrating 6 great years under Mike Pegram for the Carson Valley Inn and the 1-Year Anniversary of Mike reopening the defunct Sharkey’s Casino. The Saturday festivities run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Food Trucks are just

"He made us a fish sandwich
we couldn't refuse."

the beginning. You’ll also enjoy free live entertainment featuring Justin Lee and Journey Revisited, a Journey Tribute Band; free games, activities and snacks for the kids; and plenty of cold beer and other beverages for sale. We also have drawings and other events on Friday at CV and Sunday at Sharkey's - more about that next week . .  for now, back to food: The full list of Food Trucks so far includes Bodawgs Custom Hot Dogs, Bubba Bob's Root Beer, The Codfather, Nevada Nosh Food Truck, St.Lawrence Pizza, Shanghai Express,Tahoe Tenderloins, and Winey Munkies Private Label. 

Concert News

Lacy Sold Out, don't miss out on
tickets to Granger Smith or Frankie Ballard.

We hinted it was getting close last week and the Lacy J. Dalton Concert in the Valley Ballroom on this Friday has SOLD OUT! Thanks for your support! If you miss Lacy this week, you might want to mark Saturday, August 22 on your calendar . . . Lacy is planning an American Legends and Wild Horses event for that date at the 5 Clover Ranch just up the valley from the Carson Valley Inn.

Frankie Ballard Concert Tickets
 are on Sale Now!

Tickets are available now for the Granger Smith Concert in TJ’s Corral on Saturday,May 28 and the Frankie Ballard Concert on Thursday, June 2.  You can buy tickets on our web site or at the hotel desk.  Here’s a handy link to our 2016 Concert Lineup as we have it set so far. Check back for ticket availability and additions.

We’re down to just a handful of packages left for the Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend on April 29 – May 1: Two tickets to both the Friday and Saturday night concerts with Premium Level Seats plus two nights at the Carson Valley Inn for a special package price of $279! The details are at this link and our allotment of rooms and tickets is almost gone. 

Are We Still The Best? The Carson Valley Inn was voted Best Casino in Nevada outside of the Reno and Las Vegas areas for 2014 and 2015 by readers of Nevada Magazine. Voting is open for the 2016 recognitions so give us a nod, if you feel so inclined, in the Best Casino, Best Hotel, and Best Restaurant (CV Steak!) categories at this page.

Smoked Barbecued Beef Brisket has been added to the Katie’s Specials list for Fridays and Saturdays in April . . . served with baked beans, potato salad, biscuit and soup or salad for $9.99. This special joins the popular Charbroiled Salmon to provide two $9.99 choices every Friday and Saturday in Katie's from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Katie’s features a different special every day and the full lineup for the week can be found at this link.

Enjoy FREE entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge 7 nights a week!

Patrick Major is here tonight, The Nighthawks perform Thursday, The John Dawson Band takes the stage Friday and Saturday and George Pickard performs Sunday through Wednesday. The Nighthawks, is a local (Gardnerville/Wellington) country and rock band specializing in popular dance tunes from the 60's and 70's covering artists from Alan Jackson to ZZ Top. The John Dawson Band is a Reno based quintet who entertain with a variety of modern country and classic rock.

Interesting & Helpful Tidbits and News

• Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet The Masters, Major League Baseball, Horseracing, NBA Basketball, NHL, Saturday’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight in Las Vegas and Saturday’s NASCAR Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
• Blackjack Tournament: Our monthly Blackjack Tournament is Tuesday in the pit area. Signups open at 5 p.m. and tournament play starts at 6 p.m. Just a $25 entry fee puts you in action and all the entry fees and any rebuys make up the prize pot which is paid to the top three finishers. A good opportunity to parlay $25 into a few hundred bucks! Any of the dealers can fill you in on how it all works.
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: The first 150 ladies who sign up for Ladies’ Night tonight receive the first in our April series of Free Gifts. This week it’s “Lips” – 7 deluxe brand name lipsticks in a clear Elizabeth Arden button tote bag – to the first 150 ladies to sign up. Watch for “Nails,” “Eyes,” and “Skin & Beauty” on upcoming April Wednesdays. Also on tap tonight: a ladies-only drink special, raffle, games and hot seat drawings for Country Wine Gift Baskets.
• Duck Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Duck Breast for $28. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. All three specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked), tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread. 

Because We Feel Like Mentioning It

The annual kick-off to the
Carson Valley golf season!

• Sunday is Golfer’s Day. That’s a big deal around here because we welcome over 100 different golf groups each season and the participants play thousands of rounds of golf on our area courses.  The official kickoff to the 2016 season is coming up the last weekend in April when our Annual Spring Stag is in house. There are still a few openings if you are interested! If you are part of a group of golfers one of our Group Golf Packages may make for the perfect Golf Getaway to the Carson Valley! Call Greg at 775-783-6615 for all the info!
• Tuesday is Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Go from mild to hot pretty darn quickly by stopping at Sharkey’s and ordering a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Ghost Pepper Cheese! 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit “0” when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Moe and TG Tickets for Sale, Willie Nelson Tribute, Penny Progressive Tops $60K, CVI is Best of NV and More

This Week at the Inn:

• Please Give Blood Today: United Blood Services is holding their annual All-American Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. in our parking lot. Look for the big Bloodmobile and stop by to donate!
• See Willie Thursday: Roger Hegyi as “True Willie” pays tribute to the life and music of one

  

  Roger Hegyi as “True Willie”

  of the world’s most recognizable and distinctive musicians. Not just a Willie Nelson “impersonator,” Roger has found a way to reach into the musical soul of Willie Nelson and share it with audiences wherever he performs. Free shows are at 7 and 9 p.m. in our Cabaret Lounge
• Tanya Tucker Concert Friday: How many of Tanya Tucker's ten #1 hits can you name? And with 41 top-10 hits in her career, how many do you think she'll perform at her concert in TJs Corral Friday night? The best way to find out is by snapping up some of the few remaining tickets and joining us this Friday with the doors opening at 7:15 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m.  It's just $39 to see this incredible country legend who blazed the trail for the many female country stars who followed.
• New July Poker Promos Start Saturday: A $2-$6 Pineapple game spreads Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m., there's a reduced rake and free bar basket for those participating in the Saturday no-limit Texas hold 'em game starting at 6 p.m., and a "high hand spins the wheel" promo runs for a few hours on Saturday afternoons.
• Ladies Only Poker Tournament Sunday: The action starts at 4 p.m. and this one is a party as much as a tournament!
• Multiply Your Points Monday: it's 5X Points on video reels and 3X Points on video poker all day every Monday in July. There's no fine print on this one – earn as many points as you can at these incredible multipliers.
• Eat Chocolate on Tuesday: Here's the deal – Tuesday is Chocolate Day. We offer a multitude of ways to celebrate so take your pick or try them all . . . a chocolate-topped Long John in Job's Perk, a Chocolate Fudge Cake (full or mini) at the Katie's bakery counter,  the Stuffed Fudge Brownie in Katie's or the CV Steak Chocolate Mousse!   

Jessica as Vanna White

The Penny Progressive Jackpot in our casino is now over $60,000. You know what that means: Play will increase even more, the Jackpot will go up faster, and pretty darn soon someone will win enough money to buy a brand-new vehicle - or a couple of brand new vehicles depending on your tastes!  As a reminder, this Jackpot is not part of one of those statewide progressive jackpots that could "hit" anywhere. It will be paid right here at the Carson Valley Inn.  While we are on the subject, the Dollar Progressive at the CV Steak Bar is now over $5,300. Not a bad bet when you can find a seat . . . the word must already be out!

Best of Nevada – Again! We did it again – the Carson Valley Inn was voted Best Casino by the readers of Nevada Magazine in the "Everywhere Else" category. Sounds like a catchall category at first, so we did a little research. Seems there are 325 casinos in the state of Nevada with unrestricted gaming licenses. About half are in the greater Las Vegas area and about 40 are in the greater Reno/Sparks area - each of these two areas had their own winner. That left over 100 other casinos throughout the state and that's the category in which we were named "Best of Nevada" for the second-year in a row.  We consider this an honor and will continue to strive to provide the services, facilities and ambiance that will keep us pointed us in the direction of a three peat!

Concert Updates:

• 38 Special Concert on Thursday, July 23: This special evening of classic southern rock is just three weeks away . . . don't miss out!
• Moe Bandy & TG Sheppard Concert Tickets Available Today!  Moe Bandy and TG Sheppard were here within a few months of each other in late 2013 and early 2014 and both of these performers sold out their Valley Ballroom concerts. So, on August 8 we're bringing them together in the much larger TJ's Corral for a special night featuring both artists! Tickets go on sale today at 11 a.m. - just $29!

There are lots of Independence Day activities going on in and around the Carson Valley this weekend.  Can't list them all without getting the blog cops to go on "tilt," but here are two for Saturday, July 4:

• In the morning, we invite our Sharkey's neighbors to stop by Heritage Park (right across Hwy 395 from Sharkey's) for the Town of Gardnerville's Celebration which includes a fun run, Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast and obstacle course of the kids.
• Mid-morning and early afternoon, we invite our CVI neighbors to stop by Minden Park (just 2 blocks from the CVI) for the Town of Minden's Celebration which includes DJ music plus water games and free balloons and bounces houses for the kids. Food? Try free apple pie, free popsicles and, courtesy of the CVI, free hot dogs and hamburgers while they last! 

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Hey, Where'd My Horse Go? Over two dozen Horseless Carriage Club vehicles will continue to tie to the hitchin' post in our parking lot through tomorrow - a great way to experience the history of these pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicles built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916.
• Pink Snow? Seriously? We didn't know about this one until we stumbled across it on the Internet a week or so ago. It turns out that there's such a thing called Watermelon Snow, and, if you believe everything you read on the Internet, it apparently can be found somewhere nearby on the Western slope (that's California side) of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. How does it all work? What's it mean? Just check out this short video we found on weather.com.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the first piece in a 5-piece condiment set – we're giving away a different item each Wednesday! Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Independence Day Chocolate Shoppe Baskets, ladies-only drink specials and more.
• Elk Tenderloin Friday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Grilled Elk Medallions with a Brandy Cherry Demi served with fresh vegetable, choice of potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked) and tableside tossed salad all for $30. Sundays in CV Steak we feature one pound of King Crab Legs for $32 and that also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Greg Austin is here tonight, True Willie is a tribute to the life and music of Willie Nelson Thursday, The Blues Monsters entertain Friday and Saturday and George Pickard appears Sunday through Wednesday nights.  You can also watch and bet Major League Baseball games, NASCAR and horseracing! 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Gary Allan Tickets On Sale, Sharkey's Casino Update, CVI 5th Anniversary, Much More

Gary Allan Concert Tickets On Sale!

We were going to take a week off from mentioning anything about the Aviation Roundup on August 22 and 23 featuring the USAF Thunderbirds . . . But in viewing Gary Allan's top-10 hit Watching Airplanes (video above) . . . Well, the two subjects just tied together. Anyway, tickets for the June 4 Gary Allan concert in TJ's Corral are on sale and we hope you'll plan to attend! As for the other concerts we covered last week: the Merle Haggard concert on May 1 is sold out – Thank You to all who bought tickets as your support of our concerts helps us bring in more artists to the incredible mountain-view setting of TJ's Corral.  A list of  our six concerts lined up so far are at this link. In addition to the two concerts mentioned above, you can click through to information on  The Davisson Brothers Band (June 12), Rodney Atkins  (June 27), 38 Special  (July 23) and Mo Bandy and TG Sheppard (August 8).

The Outside Sign Shows Up Again - Now Inside in a Most Unusual Location!

When Is Sharkey's Going to Open?! 

This is the most common question we hear these days at the Carson Valley Inn. The way things have been progressing in the last week, we are unofficially projecting we will be open before the end of April - a purposely vague projection because we will open as soon as we're ready! Some more things still have fall into place, but the rapid progress gives us cause for optimism.

In the next few days, you'll see more visible outside progress as some of the signage starts

One of the Many Chalk Witticisms
Over the Counter in Sharkey's Restaurant

going up and the paving begins on the lot immediately adjacent to the building. Inside, carpeting will start being installed as soon as it arrives later this week or early next week. The bar is just about completed and the booths for the restaurant have all arrived . . . But there's much more still to do over the next couple of weeks. There's that small matter of all the slots and videos to be delivered, installed and connected. There are many more decorative and memorabilia-related items to go up on the walls and in the nooks and crannies.

The coordinated efforts of the many trades and subcontractors will soon give way to a well-choreographed "step over each other gingerly" performance by the various vendors whose products and services bring us down the home stretch towards the finish line of opening.

So why haven't we been touting all of the features of Sharkey's and profusely blabbing about how great it will be? The answer is simple: if you have never had the honor of watching Mike Pegram and his architect, Larry Henry, do a project like this, you just simply can't appreciate how much time, thought and creativity goes into taking advantage of every opportunity to make improvements along the way. What we might've announced as something "really cool" a couple of weeks ago has now been tweaked into an approach that even better preserves the history of the location, the legacy of Sharkey Begovich or the customer experience. So, just take our word that the final product will be unique, comfortable and an exceptional "no corners cut" addition to the core corner of Gardnerville!

5 Years Already??? Yep, it's actually been over 5 years since Mike Pegram and his partners bought the Carson Valley Inn. The first few months were a frenzy of remodeling, refurbishing, refreshing and rejuvenation . . . so we had the grand opening of the casino in April of 2010. Next week, we are celebrating our 5^th Anniversary under Mike's ownership so please join us on Tuesday, April 14 for double points from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., free cake and champagne in the casino from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 7 to 8 p.m., and free anniversary t-shirts distributed randomly throughout the day while they last. Then come back on Wednesday, April 15 for five times points from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Our resident entertainment manager Stew Stewart has been lining up some new acts for our Cabaret Lounge and two of them are performing this weekend.

• Jonathan "JB" Barton finishes up his four-day stint tonight.
• The Kool Shifters Band is in for one night Thursday with a great mix of music from the 60's, 70's, 80's, country, blues and swing. 
• River Road takes the stage on Friday and Saturday nights entertaining with their diverse backgrounds in country, pop, rock, R&B and jazz.
• Steve Lord handles the early week gig Sunday through Wednesday.
• And just a little peek ahead: on Thursday, April 16 we will be featuring Karaoke with Anthony Janssen.

Breakfast Wars: Joey Crandall, the man behind carsonvalleytimes.com is at it again with another Food War – this time it's Breakfast Wars and two popular Katie's favorites are on the nomination ballot: Our Giant Ham Steak & Eggs and our Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs. These hard-to-beat specials are worthy of your vote by 5 p.m. this Friday, April 10. Sure we are biased, but your positive comments have been numerous! 

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Mike's Horses: Horse racing – not for the faint of heart . . . Mike had four horses scheduled to run at Santa Anita last weekend. One scratched, two finished out of the money, and one took first place. The light at the end of the tunnel? The winner's name was Gimme The Lute!!
• Best of Nevada: Voting ends April 17 so please indulge us this last request to give us your consideration in the Best Casino, Best Hotel and Best Restaurant (CV Steak) categories in the Nevada Magazine Best of Nevada poll.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the second set of three April kitchen utensils.  Also enjoy hot seat drawings for gift baskets from the Blue Cow, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Field Set for Free Roll Poker Tournament: The action starts Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and a full field of 40 will compete for $2,000 after qualifying in February and March. Just one of the many special games and promotions in our Poker Room!
• The April CVI Blackjack Tournament is Tuesday, April 14 with all entry fees and re-buys going to the prize fund. Sign-ups are from 5 to 6 p.m. and the tournament starts at 6:00 p.m. The tournament is open to all INN Club members and the prize pool is distributed to the top three finishers.
• Braised Buffalo Short Ribs in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Braised Buffalo Short Ribs; one and a half pounds of American Bison short ribs braised and slow cooked finished with natural pan sauce, served served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $29.00.
• We Thought You Should Know: Thursday is Name Yourself Day – apparently the one day of the year you can change your name for the day. Friday is Golfer’s Day when we celebrate, not the game itself, but the men and women who play it . . . including the few thousand golfers who stay at the CVI each season while playing our area courses and taking advantage of our group packages or special events like the upcoming Spring Stag. Sunday is Walk On Your Wild Side Day - a chance to do something no one would ever expect you to (like read all the way to the end of our weekly blog).

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Gary Allen Concert Announced, Sharkey's Job Fair Reminder, Pinyon Trail Dedication, More

Gary Allan Concert in JTs Corral: Country artist Gary Allan will appear in concert in TJ's Corral on Thursday, June 4! Allan has registered four #1 singles and his latest single "Hangover Tonight" is impacting radio stations across the nation. His top-10 hit "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" from his "Set You Free" album is in the video above. He has amassed seven gold albums so far, three of them certified platinum.  Tickets will be on sale within a few weeks.

Best of Nevada: The Carson Valley Inn is very proud to have been voted the Best Casino in the 2014 best of Nevada poll taken by Nevada Magazine last spring. We won it for the category of "everywhere in the state except Reno/Sparks or Las Vegas" as each of those areas has their own award winner. The publication just announced the opening of voting for the 2015 awards and. . . Well, we'd feel even more honored to win it two years in a row! If you're feeling inclined to give us a favorable nod, we'd also appreciate your consideration in the Best Hotel and Best Restaurant (CV Steak) categories also. Take the 2015 poll here.

Panoramic Valley Views: Sounds like the beginning of a real estate listing for a home in the foothills! Actually, we're talking about the absolutely incredible and often breathtaking views from many of the groomed trails that surround the Carson Valley, both from the Pinenut Mountains to the east and the Sierra Nevada Range to the west. Many of these views are made possible to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians thanks to the efforts of the Carson Valley Trails Association, "a non-profit, volunteer based organization working with partners to provide access to public lands through a recreational trail system for present and future generations to enjoy."  Yet another option will be added to the list this Saturday with the dedication of the new Pinyon Trail, located east of Carson Valley and accessible off Pinenut Road.  Many of the guests staying at the Carson Valley Inn enjoy the trail systems in our area and our hotel desk staff has maps to help make it easy to get to the trailheads. We encourage you to check out all of the trail maps, projects, events, photos and more available on the Carson Valley Trails Association website.

Final Four of a Different Kind: Nope, not basketball – that Final Four is still a few weeks away. However, the CV Steak Sampler Platter made the Final Four in App Wars - a poll in search of Carson Valley’s Signature Appetizer or Starter. Voting starts Monday by clicking on this link. Give us a shout out!

Sharkey's Casino Job Fair This Saturday: Just a reminder that hiring will begin for a number of positions at Sharkey's Casino during the Job Fair here at the Carson Valley Inn this Saturday, from 9 AM to 2 PM.  The action will be in the Picon Room located just inside the hotel entrance to the left. Job Positions to be filled include Slot Floor Persons, Sports Book Writers, Security, Cleaning Attendants, Cashiers, Main Bank, Cook, Host, Servers and Bartenders.

It’s Not Crazy, It’s Sports: ‘Chrome’ - For Steve Coburn, California Chrome was a literal dream come true. In Errol Morris’s fifth of six shorts for ESPN Films, we meet the passionate owner of the horse who nearly became the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years!  This one is a must watch .

No Wisecracks in This One: You may have read that we had a small fire on the Katie's cooking line late Monday night. No one was hurt, the suppression system functioned exactly as designed and there was no damage. Katie's was closed for about 17 hours while we replaced sprinkler heads, cleaned up, recharged the fire suppression system and got the green light from the Health Department and Fire Department.  Our sincere thanks to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the East Fork Fire and Paramedic District who responded very quickly to the alarm. While our fire suppression system did its job in extinguishing this fire almost immediately, it's heartening to know that we live in a community where this type of support is so readily available.

Active Weekend at CVI: The Carson Valley Arts Council and the Proscenium Players, Inc. are presenting "Polter-Heist: A Hauntingly Hilarious Show!" as a fundraising murder mystery dinner theater show in our Valley Ballroom this Friday. Seems the Bogeyman Outreach Organization (BOO), a support group for ghosts, is holding its annual convention and . . . . well we're just tellin' ya 'cause there may be some unusual characters roaming the halls outside our convention center. Moving on to Saturday night, we do not anticipate there will be any wild game creatures roaming the halls when Minden Rotary hosts its annual Beast Feast fundraiser. We offer our thanks to both of these organizations for choosing the Carson Valley Inn. If you're considering a fundraiser, business meeting, social gathering or any type of large event, please contact Carrie in our Sales department at 775-783-6673.

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Merle Tickets – Almost! Still working out the final details on the seating chart with our online ticketing service . . . should have tickets on sale very soon for the Merle Haggard Concert on Friday, May 1 in TJ's Corral.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the third in a series four March Bakeware products. Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Chocolate Shoppe gift baskets, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Braised Buffalo Short Ribs This Friday in CV Steak: One and a half pounds of American Bison short ribs braised and slow-cooked, finished with natural pan sauce. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $29.00.
• St. Patrick's Day Tuesday, March 17:  INN Club members earn 5X Points from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Cash and FreePlay Giveaways will be held at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; $2 Green Bud Light draft will be served at the Cabaret Bar, a traditional Bag Pipe Salute will take place at 3 and 7 p.m. and Cabaret Lounge entertainment starts at 6 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day.
• Royal Flush Progressive Bonus Hits: Richard S gathered up $3,834 last Monday when he drew a Royal Flush in Clubs – just one of the many promotions and extras in our Poker Room!
• Blackjack Tournament Pays Out $1650: Last night's monthly tournament brought $825 to Joy T. for finishing first, $495 to Blaze H. for second and $330 to Gary H. for third. The next Monthly Blackjack Tournament is Tuesday, April 14 with all the entry fees and re-buys going to the prize fund.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Dale Poune is here tonight, 7se7en5 makes a one-night appearance tomorrow, After Dark entertains Friday & Saturday nights, and Steve Lord takes the stage Sunday through Wednesday nights.
• We Thought You Should Know: This Friday is Open An Umbrella Indoors Day. This is important in case you see someone opening an umbrella indoors or, and this is really a stretch, in case you want to know the proper indoor umbrella procedures on this day.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department.  We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

CVI Wins Best of Nevada, Austinpalooza Announced, July Events, More

Carson Valley Inn is Best of Nevada! It's True!!! Carson Valley Inn was voted Best Casino in Nevada by the print readers and online followers of Nevada Magazine! We are thrilled and offer our sincere "Thank You" to all who made this happen! Here's how it was explained to us: Statewide there are three "Best Casino" winners: one for Reno/Sparks, one for  the metro Las Vegas area and one for the entire rest of the state (including Tahoe and Carson City) - and that's the category we won! Pretty good honor considering how many casinos there are around the state outside of Reno and Vegas!

A Peak at Our July Promotions: The details for our July promotions went "to the printer" earlier this week and we'll have more in next week's blog posting. As a heads-up, there is a special promo next Wednesday, July 2: Earn 125 points that day and receive a free USA T-Shirt while they last, plus you keep the points!

$100,000 for the Boys & Girls Club Last Weekend! What an incredible team: The Eddie Money Concert audience, the Mike Tice Charity Golf Tournament participants, a dozen very generous local sponsors and the Carson Valley Inn – we all teamed up for a most energetic weekend that raised $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Carson Valley Branch! A sincere Thank You to all who helped, participated and dug deep! Eddie Money didn't disappoint - see the short clip from "Take Me Home Tonight" courtesy of our Host Deanna Lucier Ness and her trusty iPhone!

Austinpalooza in TJ's Coral on August 16th to Benefit Austin’s House!  The CVI is proud to be teamed up with GE’s Bently Nevada to sponsor the fourth annual Austinpalooza to benefit Austin’s House, a vitally important emergency children’s shelter.  Lee Rocker, formerly of The Stray Cats, will headline the event starting at 8:30 p.m.  A string of local bands will precede Lee including Lavish Green, Metal Echo, the Bootleggers, Seymour’s Trick Back and The Engineered Disaster.  All-Day tickets (on sale now) with in-and-out access are $25 for adults and $15 for children age 12 and under . . . and all proceeds from the ticket sales go directly to Austin’s House. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drinks will be available for purchase all day and food will be available for purchase after 5 p.m.

Blood Drive this Coming Tuesday: United Blood Service is conducting their annual All American Blood Drive this coming Tuesday, July 1 here at the CVI. The Bloodmobiles will be in our west lot from noon to 6 p.m. and you can just show up or, better yet, schedule an appointment by calling 800-696-4484 or click here to schedule online. All donors are entered into a drawing for two tickets to the B. J. Thomas Concert in TJ's Corral on Thursday, July 10^th.

Old Olds? Ok, feeble attempt at humor. It's actually the National Antique Oldsmobile Club and they are holding their 2014 National Meet here in the Carson Valley over the next few days. Look around the CVI and the area for over 50 pre-1950 Oldsmobiles and Olds enthusiasts from all over the country! Our thanks to local residents Doug and Kathy Hone (that's Doug's Olds on the left) for putting this event together over the past 24 months - their efforts are benefiting the entire community as the group tours around the area Thursday and Friday before the Saturday judging at CVI.

July Happenings in and Around the CVI and Carson Valley (things do change, so if we have something incorrect in the following, please let us know):

• All American Blood Drive: Tuesday, July 1. CVI West Lot.
• Cowboy Fast Draw – Nevada State Championships: July 3 – 5. Genoa.
• Independence Day:  Friday, July 4.
• Town of Minden 4th of July Celebration:  Minden Park.
• Freedom 5K Fun Run & Walk & Yankee Doodle Chalk Artfest:  Heritage Park. 
• Genoa Americana Celebration:  Genoa Park.
• Big Boy Toy Show: Saturday, July 5. Lampe Park.
• Sweet Sippin Sundays: Sunday, July 6. Genoa. Nevada Hazzurd
• CVI Monthly Blackjack Tournament:  Tuesday, July 8.  Table Games Area.
• Fast Pitch Softball World Series Tournament: July 10 – 13. Lampe Park.
• B. J. Thomas Concert: Thursday, July 10. TJ's Corral Outdoor Events Center.
• Community Concert in Minden Park:  Fri., July 11. The Chicago Tribute Authority.
• Death Ride:  Sat., July 12.  Markleeville.
• Genoa Concert on the Green: Sunday, July 13.  Genoa Park. Stardust Cowboys
• American Century Celebrity Golf:  July 15 – 20.   Edgewood Tahoe.
• Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk:  July 17.  Gardnerville Main Street District.
• Movies in the Park:  Fri., July 18.  Heritage Park.  Despicable Me 2
• Elks Carnival: Thu. – Sun., July 24 – 27. Lampe Park.
• Splash Dogs-Dog Days of Summer: Fri. – Sun., July 25 – 27. Heritage Park.
• Hot August Nights on South Shore:  July 25 & 26. 
• Color Blast Genoa 5K Fun Run: Saturday, July 26. Genoa.
• Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Youth Program: Monday, July 28. CVIC Hall.
• NV150 Sesquicentennial Fair: July 30 - August 3. Fuji Park.
• Hot August Nights Poker Run Stop in Minden Park:  Thurs., July 31. 

As Always, Interesting and/or Helpful Tidbits and News:

• Friday's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak is Grilled Elk Tenderloin Medallions with a brandy cherry demi glace for $28 - includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato. 
• CVI is a Great Place to Work! We have a constantly updated property, a nice benefits program, an energetic approach . . . and we do have some openings!
• More Best of Nevada Kudos:  Three of our important tourism partners also won "2014 Best of Nevada" honors in the expansive "Everywhere Else in the State" category: Golf Course - Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort; Ski Resort - Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort; Spa - 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa. 
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Michael Furlong performs tonight, Atomika appears Thursday through Saturday and Jonathan "JB" Barton takes the stage Sunday through next Wednesday. Here is a link to the schedule through July.
• When Did CVI Open? We posed this question in last week's blog and we did received a few blog comments and emails with the correct answer of 1984. It will be 30 years in a few months and we are gathering pictures from opening day – do you have any?
• Be sure to keep tabs on our upcoming concerts and we hope to see you often at TJ's Corral!

Get In Touch With Us: Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator who can get you to the correct person or department. We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!