Slots Flashback, Concert News, Reopening - Carson Valley Inn

How's This for a Flashback in Time!

Slots in the Mid-Late Eighties

Big carousels with people in the middle hawking change (see image below). Large bulky nicked-up cabinets with buckets locked in the bottom. Coin acceptors that tended to jam often. Mechanical handles that sometimes took a little extra elbow grease to pull. Spinning reels that occasionally didn't line up properly. Clanging of coins falling into the trays. Change buckets and dollar-token racks - sometimes stacked and often haphazardly scattered between and behind machines and on the floor. Moist towelettes to remove the silver-gray film on your hands from inserting coins for hours on end.  Torn paper coin wrappers and foil towelette wrappers littered seemingly everywhere. 

Remember those huge carousels staffed by someone hawking change!

And those monster change carts (pictured at top of article) that eventually lightened the load for the change people who previously donned belt-clip coin changers and change aprons with giant pockets full of rolled nickels and quarters. Remember those days? We do, and we're sure glad those are "things" of the past . . . along with the heavy lifting, many staff hours and large rooms of scales and mechanical coin counters and wrappers necessary to deal with those buckets of coin. We like today's set-up so much better and anxiously await our casino reopening and welcoming back all of our friends! 

So When Are We Gonna Open?

We sure wish we could give you an exact date but we won't know until the State of Nevada gives us the go-ahead. Same applies to Sharkey's, Bodines and SlotWorld. Meanwhile, we are taking the health and safety steps sent to us by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We'll be ready!

Concert News

Charlie Daniels Band: We received word last week from the Charlie Daniels Band tour that they have postponed from late June of this year to 2021. All who purchased tickets for the 2020 concert have been information to the email address used during the ticket purchase process. If you purchased tickets, please check your email. The Charlie Daniels Band has rebooked their TJ's Corral concert for June of 2021 and we'll have more details when we get through the 2020 season.

Tanya Tucker: the West Coast stops on the 2020 Tanya Tucker tour have been postponed and we sent information to those who purchased tickets. As they say,  Stay Tuned!”

LOCASH, Clay Walker, Lee Brice, Trace Atkins: at this point, we're planning on these concerts proceeding. If anything changes, we will again send information to those who have purchased tickets and also provide information on this page.

Stay Safe, Be Well!

Lee Brice Returning to TJ's Corral, Remembering the CVI in 1984/85

Lee Brice Returning to TJ's Corral!

Last Wednesday we lead with Something to look forward to. Must have struck a pent-up audience 'cause the engagement to this blog and our various social media posts regarding the LOCASH and Clay Walker concert additions surpassed our expectations, So here's more good news today: Lee Brice is returning this August for his attempt at an entertainment hat-trick of sorts: a third sold-out concert in TJ’s Corral.

When Lee Brice isn't selling out arenas, writing and recording songs, or building new brands like American Born whiskey, you'll find the family man with his wife Sara, two young boys, and daughter. Meanwhile, with more than 1.9 billion on-demand streams, and three billion spins on Pandora, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services, and on the road. One of the most-played country artists of all time on Pandora, he is a member of the company's "Billionaires Club,” becoming only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque. Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee and has received many other plaudits which you can read about on his concert listing on the Entertainment Page of our website

Tickets for the August Lee Brice concert will go on sale at 10 AM this Friday, April 17. Be sure to check out all the 2020 concerts announced so far on this page.

Clockwise from Upper Left: Lee Brice, LOCASH,

Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Tanya Tucker, Clay Walker

Looking Back to 1984/Early 1985

While the Casino and Restaurants are under a statewide, governor's mandated shutdown thru April 30, we've been posting some fun info on our social media platforms. Here's one on the original Hotel Desk in case you missed it:

Our Original Hotel Desk in 1984

When the Carson Valley Inn opened in 1984, there were 155 slot machines, five table games, Katie’s restaurant (much smaller then) and 99 hotel rooms. Long-time Valley residents may remember the hotel desk was located on the casino floor, right inside the casino entrance. The popularity of the casino quickly dictated the need for more capacity. So, in March of 1985 the hotel desk was moved downstairs to make way for what would quickly became a 25% casino expansion. Now, during the mandated shut down of our Casino and Restaurants, the hotel desk remains operational as we serve essential travelers requiring overnight accommodations. Were you around then? Let us know. Be safe, be strong and we’ll see you all again soon!

Lee Brice Saturday, Nevada Football Coach Jay Norvell Coming, Penny Progressive Winner, More

Nevada Football Coach Coming to CVI – You are Invited!

Nevada Football – all of us Northern Nevada fans are wondering about the details of the new-look offensive and the defensive schemes planned by new Nevada football coach Jay Norvell for the 2017 season. Why “wonder” any longer . . . Ask him face-to-face next Wednesday when Coach Norvell will be right here at the Carson Valley Inn as part of the Nevada Coaches’ Caravan. The doors to our Sierra Room open at 5:45 PM and Coach Norvell will be joined by basketball coaches Eric Musselman and Amanda Levens, as schedules permit for the Wolf Pack hoops coaches. After a brief presentation, the coaches will be available for questions. The “Coaches’ Caravan” is free and open to the public – a courtesy RSVP to Holly Aycock at (775) 682-6961 is requested.

15 Days in the Life of the CVI - Why We Like Working Here!

Those of us who hangout in the Blog Writers Cave are often asked what it’s like to work at the Carson Valley Inn. Let’s just take a peek at a recent 15-day window and we think you’ll get some insight into the variety of our experiences, the satisfaction we often feel, and the incredible people we get to meet:

Kids (and their parents) Love Helicopters,
CVI in the background

• Let’s Start Outside: On April 29 country legend Wynonna Judd performed in TJ’s Corral to a sold-out crowd, many of whom had never been to a concert in TJ’s. The following weekend Patra Corp brought 300 of their employees in from around the country for themed parties and entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights under a 7,000 square foot tent in TJ’s Corral. Saturday’s party and dinner went on in the pouring rain proving once again, despite obstacles, the show must go on! A few days later we watched the Care Flight helicopter land in our new parking area as part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Open House and smiled as hundreds of Carson Valley children got to sit in the cockpit, talk to the crew, and enjoy themselves immensely in the recently built new lot which just happens to be a perfect landing spot for Care Flight to land. Last Friday, Turtle’s Last Dance featuring the Davisson Brothers was a farewell party to Stew Stewart who served as our Entertainment Director for the last six years. Then, on Saturday we marveled as over 1000 people experienced Bandtastic 2.0 featuring the student musicians from our Valley high school, middle schools and elementary schools. So many proud parents and grandparents watching their child perform on the same stage that has hosted legends such as Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, The Oak Ridge Boys, and many more.
• Moving Inside During the Same 15 Days: Three lucky CVI casino guests walked away with

  

  Dawn and Ron
  with their Newly Acquired $5,000 Cash

  $5,000 each over the past three Saturdays, the most recent being Dawn (pictured with the cash and her husband Ron.) We hosted our Spring Stag Golf Weekend and served as headquarters for the first handful of over 100 independent golf groups who visit the CVI each year. In our Valley ballroom, we saw Jacks Valley Elementary School’s Andrew Fromdahl named the Douglas County School District Teacher of the Year at the Douglas County Education Foundation’s annual banquet. Both major political parties held their monthly luncheon meetings, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association met here to fine-tune the future of Nevada High School sports, MiFiYi held their annual Molly Awards and over 150 Oakland Police Department retirees held their annual reunion. And those are just the highlights!
• Want in on This Eclectic World? We have open positions at the CVI and no matter what job you have, you’ll touch one or more of our many events from an insider’s perspective. Check out our openings at this link. 

Concert and Event Update

• Lee Brice Concert this Saturday: Lee Brice fans and the rest of the sure-to-be sold-out crowd attending the Lee Brice Concert this Saturday night will be treated to Lee’s new single “Boy” which will be released this Friday, one day prior to the concert. Last we checked, there were still “standing room only” tickets available - bring a blanket and curl up on the grass area if you wish. You can check availability at this link and get psyched up for the concert by reading this article posted earlier this week by our friends at Tahoe Onstage.
• Kenny Loggins Concert on Friday, June 9: Based on our ticket sales rate, it’s only a matter of a week or so before this one is sold out. So please, if you’re planning to attend, don’t wait too much longer.
• Also coming up in TJ’s Corral:
• Aaron Watson featuring special guest Clare Dunn Concert on Friday, June 16 - Tickets Available Now.
• WFC Mixed Martial Arts Event on Saturday July 1 - Tickets Available Now.
• The Spinners Concert on Saturday July 8 - Tickets Available Now.
• Marshall Tucker Band Concert on Friday, July 28 - Tickets Available Soon.
• Michael McDonald Concert on Friday, August 18 - Tickets Available Soon.  

Wine and Whisky:

• This Thursday is the Mardi-Gras themed 2017 kickoff to Gardnerville’s Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk season. The “deal” is simple: Just $15 to register plus $5 for the "Forever" Glass which can be used at all 2017 Thirsty Third Thursday wine walks. The money raised will help fund the revitalization efforts in the Main Street Gardnerville District. Registration tables will be located at the Main Street Gardnerville office 1407 U.S. Hwy 395 N and at Big Daddy's Bicycles 1546 U.S. Hwy 395 N # 1. You can shorten the process by registering and paying on line. What’s this have to do with CVI? We’re looking out for our sister property Sharkey’s Casino which sits in the middle of the wine wobblers’ path!
• Saturday is World Whisky Day so it’s only right that we acknowledge and congratulate our friends and next-door-neighbors at the Bentley Heritage project who hoisted the roof onto the silo building at Buckeye and Hwy 395 earlier this week. This clears the path for the race to the finish line to get the Estate Distillery open by early 2018. In case the spelling looked funny, here’s the scoop:  whisky usually denotes Scotch whisky and Scotch-inspired liquors, and whiskey denotes the Irish and American liquors.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Roem Baur tonight and Thursday, The John Dawson Band Friday and Saturday, Rock River Sunday and Monday, Hans Eberbach next Tuesday and Wednesday.  Roem Baur has been featured on the main stage at Super Bowl 50, NBC's The Voice and at CES & SXSW conferences. The John Dawson Band is a Reno based group of five fun-lovin' guys who just like to play music and entertain with a variety of modern country and classic rock. Buddy and Kim from the Buddy Emmer Blues Band perform as Rock River with an evening of blues and other music.  Vocalist and songwriter Hans Eberbach has released a solo album, “Up Is The Only Way Out” and he also sings for Joy & Madness and fronts his own band HANS! and the HOT MESS a band that represents his original singer/songwriter/electronic soul work.

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with the next tool in the Blooms Gardening Kit for the first 150 ladies, Wine Country Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and a chance to earn entries for the May 31st drawings for a $500 Spa Package at Pure Glow Salon.
• Free Breakfast or 50% Breakfast Discount: Earn 50 Points this morning, swipe at the casino kiosk and receive a free breakfast in Katie’s usable today, 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Or, if you’re 50 or over, receive 50% off your breakfast today 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Can’t make it today? Same program applies tomorrow and every Wednesday and Thursday in May!
• 5X Points Friday: That’s 5 times the benefits for your play!
• $10,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Saturday: Drawings at 8 & 9 PM with $10,000 guaranteed including one guaranteed $5,000 winner!
• Saturday is National Be A Millionaire Day. You can start now and try to earn $1 million over the next 10 years, or you can make a small investment and play Megabucks here at the CVI. Last we looked the jackpot was a little over $11 million, but you can click here to get the exact current amount.
• 4X Points Monday: Quadruple the benefits of your casino play all day every Monday in May with no limit on points earned!
• Tuesday is National Lucky Penny Day. One of our casino guests at Sharkey’s Casino actually celebrated this on May 7 by “hitting” for $20,633 on the Penny Progressive jackpot that links together the Carson Valley Inn, Sharkey’s Casino, and Bodine’s Casino.  You never know when this one is going to hit and it currently sits at over $13,000.
• 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!
• Sports and Race Book: We are taking action on the NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB, Horse Racing and NASCAR’s Monster Energy All-Star Race (Saturday) and Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Futures include winners for the World Series and 2018 Super Bowl. 

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Thursday is National No Dirty Dishes Day. Celebrate by going out to eat and enjoying CV Steak or Katie’s at the Carson Valley Inn,
• the Jackpot Café at Sharkey’s Casino or the restaurant at Bodines Casino.
• Friday is National Pizza Party Day. A trip to Bodines Casino is definitely in order for one of their hand-tossed and freshly made pizzas cooked to order in Bodines’ special firebrick pizza oven.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Stuffed Quail with prosciutto, wild rice pilaf and plum port glaze for $28.  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.
• Sunday is National Waitstaff Day, a great reason to acknowledge your server when you go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner this week.  Think it’s an easy job? It’s actually quite stressful according to this article.
• 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!

Watch the Helicopter Land Today, More Concert-Event Tickets on Sale, Bandtastic Saturday, More

Watch for It About 4:45 PM Today

Helicopter to Land in Our New Parking Lot This Afternoon?

That’s the plan as Care Flight arrives to kick off to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Open House today from 5 to 7 PM “right next-door” to the Carson Valley Inn! Our Sheriff’s Office will have out all of their equipment including the SWAT vehicles and gear, the K9 unit, Bomb Squad, Emergency Communications Mobile Command Post, motorcycles, patrol cars and the Lake Tahoe patrol boat. There’ll also be tours of the jail, the mounted posse will be around, Search & Rescue will do demonstrations and much more. It’s all free – just show up!

Concert and Event Update

• Lee Brice Concert on May 20: After reaching sellout status last week we were able to make a few more tickets available. So, if you checked before, we suggest you check again  . . . But do so soon because they seem to sell as fast as we add them.
• Kenny Loggins Concert on Friday, June 9: tickets are 80% sold so again we suggest you don’t let this opportunity to see Kenny slip by as sales are quickly approaching the Danger Zone. On a related and perhaps a somewhat ironic note, Saturday is Top Gun Day. However you choose to celebrate, be sure to raise a glass for Goose, Maverick, Iceman and the rest of Top Gun class of 1986. Let the world know that you haven’t lost that loving feeling, even after all this time.
• Aaron Watson featuring special guest Clare Dunn Concert on Friday, June 16: our younger country fans are really gobbling up tickets for this event.
• The Spinners Concert on Saturday July 8: tickets went on sale today at $39 & $45 for this authentic throwback to the sounds of Motown. The Spinners charted five top 100 singles (and two top tens) from their first post-Motown album, Spinners (1972), and went on to become one of the biggest soul groups of the 1970s.
• WFC Mixed Martial Arts Event on Saturday July 8: This one features Muay Thai & BJJ and you can now get tickets through our normal concert ticket service. Click here, agree to the terms and you’ll see this event listed along with our concerts.
• Our last two concerts are the Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, July 28 and Michael McDonald on Friday, August 18.  We hope to have ticket availability information for these two events shortly!
• For your convenience, here is a link to our 2017 Concert Lineup. 

Turtle’s Last Dance Friday

We’re sending our dearly departed entertainment director Stew Stewart off in the style he requested and always appreciated – with a party this Friday in TJ’s Corral!  “Turtle’s Last Dance” starts at 5pm, the Davisson Brothers perform live at 6pm and the evening is free to all ages – Join Us!

These Notes All Come Together Saturday in TJ's Corral

Bandtastic 2.0 is coming to TJ’s Corral this Saturday, May 13. Previously held at Douglas High School, we’ve been working with the school music staff to help them find a bigger venue so that more people can attend. TJ’s Corral not only provides much more audience space, but it also allows the students a chance to perform on the same stage as the legendary acts who have appeared in TJ’s Corral over the last five years. Bantastic is designed to strengthen the Douglas County Band Programs by bringing all of the music students from various Douglas County schools to one unifying event and sharing it with the community. Over 200 student musicians will be performing with bands from Pinon Elementary, Jacks Valley Elementary, Carson Valley Middle School, Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School and Douglas High School. Admission is free - and the beverages and snacks on sale are being handled by the music boosters with all proceeds going directly to the music programs!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Half Dressed Mannequins tonight, Just Us Thursday thru Saturday, John Palmore Sunday and Monday, Roem Baur next Tuesday and Wednesday.   Just Us is a unique group of musicians who decided to blend together the sounds of the Motor City and Oakland, CA to develop "Sweet, Grown & Sexy" sounds - music from the 60’s to the present.  Aladdin handles lead vocal and percussions. He is joined by Les Carter on vocals and drums, Phil Weaver on vocals and guitar and Fred Williams on bass. John Palmore is an accomplished singer and keyboardist who served as musical director for the late Louis Armstrong and has worked with Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, ZZ Hill, Wilson Pickett, Joe Simon, Percy Sledge, The Platters and other "name" artists. Roem Baur has been featured on the main stage at Super Bowl 50, NBC's The Voice and at CES & SXSW conferences.

In the Casino

Gather 'em All Over the Next Four Wednesdays

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with the first two parts of a Blooms Gardening Kit and a Chocolate Covered Strawberry from the Chocolate Shoppe for the first 150 ladies, Chocolate Shoppe Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and a chance to earn entries for the May 31st drawings for a $500 Spa Package at Pure Glow Salon.  The Blooms Gardening Kit start is the carrying bag and gardening scissors this week. Over the next three Wednesdays we’ll help you fill out the set by giving away a trowel, cultivator and pruner on successive weeks.
• Free Breakfast or 50% Breakfast Discount: Earn 50 Points this morning, swipe at the casino kiosk and receive a free breakfast in Katie’s usable today, 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Or, if you’re 50 or over, receive 50% off your breakfast today 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Can’t make it today? Same program applies tomorrow and every Wednesday and Thursday in May!
• 5X Points Friday: That’s 5 times the benefits for your play!
• $10,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Saturday: Drawings at 8 & 9 PM with $10,000 guaranteed including one guaranteed $5,000 winner! Does it really happen? Ask Mike Mullins who won $5,000 Cash last Saturday . . . Just like that!
• 4X Points Monday: Quadruple the benefits of your casino play all day every Monday in May with no limit on points earned!
• 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!
• Sports and Race Book: NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB, Horse Racing and Saturday's NASCAR Go Bowling 400. Futures include winners for the World Series and 2018 Super Bowl.  

In Our Restaurants

• We’re offering Mother’s Day Specials and our regular menu items this Sunday in both CV Steak (reservations strongly suggested at 775-783-6650) and Katie’s.
• 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 Braised Buffalo Short Rib for $28.00.  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.
• Saturday is National Apple Pie Day and Sunday is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. Both are abundantly available in Katie’s – every day!!
• 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!

Some Concerts Near Sell Out, Two Gaming Tournaments, Kentucky Derby, More

He Wanted a Party – It’s Friday, May 12 in TJ’s Corral!

Before Stew “The Turtle” Stewart passed away earlier this year he told Joey Whitacre, our Director Of Marketing And Casino Operations, he didn’t want a “service” or “memorial,” he just wanted us to throw a party.  Music was Stew’s life-long passion and his biggest sense of pride was TJ’s Corral where he brought in great national acts including one of country music’s biggest stars, Merle Haggard.  So, the party is Friday evening May 12th in TJ’s Corral and we are affectionately calling it “Turtle’s Last Dance.”  The fun starts at 5pm, the Davisson Brothers – they had a special place in Stew’s heart – perform live at 6pm and the evening is free to all ages. 

Concert Chatter

• Thank you for your overwhelming support of our season opening concert!  We had a Sold Out

  

  Aaron Watson June 16 in TJ's Corral

  audience – and the best weather we could possibly have expected for late April – for the Wynonna and the Big Noise Tour concert last Saturday. Our thanks to Tahoe Onstage’s Pheonix Gruneich who posted this review.
• Moving along, just a reminder that this weekly blog is supposed to be fun and light-hearted and we never intend to make serious predictions, give warnings or lecture. However, we did get a couple of “remarks” from people who missed out on Wynonna concert tickets because they waited too long. So, please don’t do the same if you have any intention of attending the Lee Brice Concert on May 20 or the Kenny Loggins Concert on Friday, June 9.  If we were into speculating, we would give you the “nod” that both of these concerts will be sold out in advance. 
• Also on sale now are tickets for the Aaron Watson featuring special guest Clare Dunn Concert on Friday, June 16.
• For your convenience, here is a link to our Remaining 2017 Concert Lineup.

Sports and Race Book:

• The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday and the draw for post positions is this morning at 8 a.m.
  
  - fans can watch a live stream through the Kentucky Derby's official Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’ll start taking bets on Friday and you can place pari mutuel wagers during Sports and Racebook hours until post time Saturday. Of course we’ll be showing the festivities and race (3:46 PM PDT) in the Cabaret Lounge with $2 draft beer specials.
• Also on the Board:  NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB, all other Horse Racing and Sunday’s NASCAR GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Futures include winners for the World Series and 2018 Super Bowl.  Here’s one that will probably come as no surprise to any football fan: according to the odds makers, the Patriots are currently most likely to win the Super Bowl and the Browns are the least likely.

Turns Out It’s More Than PR Fluff! We’ve often touted the Carson Valley Inn as “centrally located” for exploring, recreation, or whatever other activity meets the “promotional” needs of the subject at hand. Well this time we are making another such claim that is de-facto supported, ratified and sanctioned by a media giant! Our claim: the Carson Valley Inn is centrally located for visiting and experiencing two of the Southwest’s 10 Best Small Towns, Genoa and Virginia City! Who says? Turns out the folks who jumped in on the Readers’ Choice Poll conducted by USA Today. . . See the results here.

Some Stuff We Think is Important: 

• Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away and if you haven’t made dinner plans yet, we suggest you do so soon! We’re offering Mother’s Day Specials and our regular menu items in both Katie’s and CV Steak (CV Steak reservations strongly suggested at 775-783-6650).
• Thursday is International Firefighter’s Day and we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the professional and volunteer firefighter/paramedics who make up the East Fork Fire District. We have witnessed your dedication, training, responsiveness and professionalism so many times over the years . . . the Carson Valley is so fortunate to have such a high level of protection in our area!
• If you are at the Carson Valley Inn this weekend you’ll notice a few most-unusual sites and quite a high level of activity at TJ’s Corral both Friday and Saturday nights (is that really a great big tent?!)  We are pleased and honored to be hosting a major corporate event bringing 300 people from around the country to the Carson Valley for an employee appreciation weekend. 
• Band Tastic 2.0 is coming to TJ’s Corral on Saturday, May 13 . . . with over 200 student musicians from various Douglas County schools participating. Get it on your calendar (noon start) and we’ll have more details next week.
• Today is National Two Different Colored Shoes Day. Do we really think this is important? Of course not. Do we think it is somewhat amusing and strongly indicative of people who have too much time on their hands and sit around thinking these “days” up? You bet we do! Are some of us around here wearing two different colored shoes today? Guess you’ll have to stop by see for yourself! 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Jamie Rollins tonight, Decoy Thursday thru Saturday, Bill Wharton Sunday and Monday, Half Dressed Mannequins next Tuesday and Wednesday. An upbeat and experienced entertainer, Jamie Rollins performs a variety of music from country to rock, to classic oldies and R&B – plus a few of his own songs. Decoy is one of Northern Nevada's leading cover bands known for their high-energy shows, excellent vocals and varied song list. The group was voted best Casino Band by the Reno News and Review for 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. An evening with Decoy includes the hits of artist such as Patsy Cline, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruno Mars, Lynyrd Skynard, Cee Lo Green, Miranda Lambert, Sublime, Zac Brown Band, Led Zepplin, Journey and more.  Local artist Bill Wharton’s smooth, melodic tone comes out in his vast repertoire from old classic country thru modern country, pop to classic rock, blues and jazz.  Acousti Pop-Duo "Half Dressed Mannequins" is a stripped down performance of the band “The Well Dressed Mannequins.” Hailing from Northern California, Denver Saunders (vocals/guitar) and Jarom Horner (6-String Bass) are known for inspiring dancing, laughing and sing-alongs wherever they play. 

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with free Gold Owl Hand Cream Brulee for the first 150 ladies, Wine Country Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and a chance to earn entries for the for the May 31st drawings for a $500 Spa Package at Pure Glow Salon.
• Free Breakfast or 50% Breakfast Discount Wednesdays and Thursdays: Earn 50 Points in the morning, swipe at the casino kiosk and receive a free breakfast in Katie’s usable the same day, 7:30 – 11:30 AM. Or, if you’re 50 or over, receive 50% off your breakfast 7:30 – 11:30 AM.
• 5X Points Friday: That’s 5 times the benefits for your play!
• $10,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Saturday: Drawings at 8 & 9 PM with $10,000 guaranteed including one guaranteed $5,000 winner!
• Monthly Ladies-Only No-limit Texas Hold'em Bounty Tourney Sunday:  Play starts at 4 p.m. $40 buy-in, no re-buys. Check with the Poker Room for all the info.
• 4X Points Monday: Quadruple the benefits of your casino play all day every Monday in May with no limit on points earned!
• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Tuesday: Just a $25 buy-in and all entry fees and re-buys go into the prize fund. Sign ups are from 5 to 6 p.m. on the day of the tournament and play starts at 6:00 p.m.
• 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 Braised Buffalo Short Rib for $30.00.  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!

Aaron Watson Tickets Available, 2 Nights of $10,000 Guaranteed Giveaways, More

Concerts Update

Tickets go on sale at 8 AM today for the Aaron Watson featuring special guest Clare Dunn Concert on Friday, June 16. As of this morning, there are a few standing room tickets still available for the Wynonna and the Big Noise Tour concert this Saturday, April 29. Both the Lee Brice Concert  on May 20 and the Kenny Loggins Concert on Friday, June 9 are well over half-sold with Lee Brice closing in on the “I’d better act soon” stage.  Our 2017 Concert Lineup includes Stew Stewart’s final party, affectionately called Turtle’s Last Dance, on Friday, May 12 with a special performance by the Davisson Brothers.

Nashville Nights Showcase in the Valley Ballroom

Join us this Friday evening for our last Nashville Nights Showcase of the season featuring Kalie Shorr and Ellee Duke. Tickets are just $15 and they’re available at the hotel desk or call 775-783-6606.

New in CV Steak and Katie’s – Plus More About Food!

With all the concert news recently we’ve gotten a little behind on some of the food news at the CVI. So, in no particular order:

• New on the Katie’s Menu: Among the new platters recently added to the Katie’s menu are a

  

  Chicken Teriyaki Bowl - New in Katie's

  Beef or Chicken Teriyaki Bowl with vegetables and rice, a big Beef Stew Bowl, Fish Tacos and a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage plate. We’ve also added another daily breakfast special: two pancakes, two eggs and two sausage links for $5.99. Click the links for the Katie’s Breakfast Menu and the Katie’s Lunch and Dinner Menu.
• New on the CV Steak Menu: Mushroom Raviolis with Porcini mushrooms and cream sauce have been added both in an appetizer portion and as an entrée. On the lighter side, the new Salmon Salad includes a hoisin glazed salmon fillet, mixed greens and toasted sesame dressing. CV Steak’s Chicken Marsala is now served Italian style on pasta with Marsala mushrooms and butter sauce. Additional new entrées include an 8 Oz Sirloin to our list of steaks and chops and Clams Linguine served over black ink pasta with a lemon butter white wine sauce! Click for the CV Steak Dinner Menu.
• Just How Good Is CV Steak? Everybody has their own opinion, but for this Best Things Nevada writer, CV Steak is #5 on the Ten Best Steakhouses in Nevada list.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Duck Breast, a Maple Leaf Farms duck breast marinated with fresh herbs, grilled with natural duck jus and served with wild mushroom risotto and vegetable for $28.00.  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.
• Thursday is National Prime Rib Day – a “Day” we think is best celebrated on a Friday or Saturday. To that end, Katie's serves a Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. – includes a baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad for $14.99. Saturday night’s special in CV Steak is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 . . . 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.
• Sunday is National Oatmeal Cookie Day – a “Day” we think is best celebrated anytime you feel an oatmeal cookie is in order. To that end, oatmeal cookies (ours include raisins) are available seven days a week at both the Katie’s Bakery Counter and in Job’s Perk!

Let’s Focus on Mother’s Day

• Stay at the Inn: Our Mother’s Day Weekend Hotel Package is a perfect way to get away with Mom for the weekend - check out the details and call us at 775-783-6629 to make your reservations!
• Dine at the Inn:

• CV Steak is open for dinner on Mother's Day from 4:30 p.m.  serving our regular CV Steak menu options plus two Mother's Day dinner specials: Atlantic Salmon Oscar with asparagus, crab and béarnaise sauce for $34.00 and Slow Roasted Prime Rib and Crab Legs served with au jus, creamy horseradish and vegetables for $35.00. Both specials include CV Steak signature table side tossed salad, sour dough baguette, creamery butter, and choice of house stuffed, baked or au gratin potatoes. For CV Steak reservations, call 775-783-6650.  The Sunset Menu is not available on Mother's Day or on concert nights.
• Katie's is open 24 hours and is serving Traditional Eggs Benedict on Mother’s Day from 7 to 11 a.m. and a Shrimp Scampi dinner special from11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Traditional Eggs Benedict includes toasted English muffin, grilled Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and hash browns for $6.99. The Shrimp Scampi is served with a white wine cream sauce, Linguini pasta, garlic bread and choice of soup or salad for $13.99.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Chris Toomey tonight, Rustler’s Heat Thursday thru Saturday, Patrick Major Sunday and Monday, Jamie Rollins next Tuesday and Wednesday. Chris Toomey has been writing and playing music around the country since 2003 and his roots are deep into a genre of folk-rock. Rustlers Heat is a Country Rock band playing all your favorite new and old country songs, from Merle Haggard to Jason Aldean and Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood, along with a dash of classic rock tunes to dance the night away! Patrick Major’s style includes his own mix of original guitar and vocals combined with rock classics from the last four decades. Jamie Rollins performs a variety of music from country to rock, to classic oldies and R&B – plus a few of his own songs.

• Ladies’ Night Tonight - $500: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a free Chocolate Shoppe Surprise for the first 150 ladies, Yankee Candle Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and last chance to earn entries for tonight’s drawings for $500 Cash.
• April CVI Anniversary Giveaways Final Drawings Friday: Drawings at 6 & 8 PM. $10,000 total cash and freeplay guaranteed!.
• $10,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Saturday: Drawings at 8, 9 & 10 PM with $10,000 guaranteed including one guaranteed $5,000 winner!
• 5X Points Saturday: That’s 5 times the benefits for your play!
• April Scratcher Drawings Sunday: 6 & 8 PM, win up to $5,000!
• 4X Points Monday: Quadruple the benefits of your casino play all day every Monday in May with no limit on points earned!
• 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!
• Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB, Horse Racing and Sunday’s NASCAR Toyota Owners 400. Futures on the board include winners for the NBA Championship, NHL Stanley Cup, World Series and 2018 Super Bowl.

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!