Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and the Week In Between at the Carson Valley Inn

Merry Christmas to All

Our Newest Christmas Tree Addition

Our Christian Themed Tree

The Christian themed tree which sits just in front of the hotel registration desk is new this year and Chief Decorating Elf Eileen Knox indicated it fills two voids. "First, I always thought CVI needed something that caught your eye when you walk in the hotel entrance and to the hotel desk. Second, it celebrates the Spirit of Christmas which is, after all, a Christian holiday." I wanted something that was a different color than the other trees and thus you’ll see pink, gold and silver ornaments and trim. While the other trees and decorations are aimed to be enjoyed through the eyes of a kid, this tree is more elegant and has something for all ages.

So how did Eileen how become the CVI's chief decorating Elf? The short version: Years ago she worked at Nordstrom's and volunteered for their traditional Thanksgiving night Christmas decorating to transform the store into a winter wonderland for shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving. When CVI first started doing decorations 20 something years ago, Eileen volunteered for what was then a committee and she soon rose to the forefront,. Towards the end of 2010, the first full year under Mike Pegram's ownership, the lobby had been remodeled and the furniture had not yet arrived, leaving an empty feeling with the holidays approaching. One discussion led to another and Eileen took the lead to fill some unanticipated empty space. Since then, with Mike's full support, she ups the game every year!

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

• Tickets to one or both of the two concerts announced so far for our 2020 TJ’s Corral Concert Series: 
• Tanya Tucker on Saturday June 6, 2020 with special guest Aubrie Sellers as part of her CMT Next Women of Country Bring My Flowers Now Tour.
• The Charlie Daniels Band on June 26, 2020 as part of the Mike Tice Charity Weekend for the Kids.
• A CVI Gift Certificate to cover a night or two at the Carson Valley Inn coupled with one of these adventure tours described over the last three weeks in this blog:
• A Glider Ride over the Carson Valley with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
• A Snowmobiling Adventure in nearby Hope Valley.
• A Wild Horse Photography Tour in the Pinenut Mountain Range.

CVI's Matt Carter Presents Our Check at the Community Food Drive

Our Communities Step Up Big

The Carson Valley and Carson City communities stepped up big over this holiday season and two very important programs were the beneficiaries. In Carson City, the customers of Bodines and Slotworld joined in to help raise $15,000 in just one day for the Holiday with a Hero program which provided Christmas shopping and presents for hundreds of Carson City kids. Here in the Carson Valley, our community rallied to help generate over 239,000 pounds of food and over $65,000 for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet at the CVI location during the annual KTVN CH 2 Food Drive event. Through our four properties we were proud to be a major contributor to, and supporter of, both of these incredible community services.

New Year’s Eve Dining at the Inn

CV Steak and Katie's are serving their regular menus plus specials on New Year’s Eve next Tuesday. 

• CV Steak is open from 4:30 PM on New Year’s Eve and specials include Beef Tournedos Crab Oscar Style served with Burgundy Demi-Glace for $35 and Seafood Thermidor – Shrimp, Salmon, Monkfish, Scallops and Mushrooms crusted with Hollandaise for $34. As with all CV Steak entrees (except for the hearty pasta dishes), these specials include vegetables and choice of au gratin, twice-baked or baked potato plus tableside-tossed salad, sourdough baguette and creamery butter. CV Steak New Year's Eve reservations can be made by calling 775-783-6650. The Sunset Special will not be offered on New Year’s Eve but will be served on New Year’s Day.
• Katie's is offering a New York Strip Steak Special from 4 PM on New Year’s Eve; a blue cheese encrusted New York Strip Loin with mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and choice of soup or house salad for $16.99.  The December daily Tuesday special will not be served on December 31.
• Katie's is also the perfect spot for New Year's Day "morning after" breakfast and lunch. Katie's 24-hour signature special is a $5.99 Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs plate – add a Bloody Mary and you might just have the perfect hangover helper!.

New Year’s Eve Entertainment

‘Rock’ Ours or ‘Roll’ Your Own!

Carson Valley Inn and Sharkey’s Casino are teaming up to give you two diverse choices for New Year’s Eve entertainment on Tuesday:  Classic rock ‘n’ roll for listening, dancing and partying in the Cabaret Lounge at the CVI. . . .  or “Roll Your Own” Entertainment with the full on karaoke experience in the Silver Dollar Bar area at Sharkey’s.

Rockology is a Classic Rock Tribute Band bringing the greatest hits from the '70s, '80s and more to the Cabaret Lounge on New Year’s Eve from 9 PM to 1 AM. This fun group of seasoned musicians delivers a catalog filled with three-part harmonies, saxophone, keyboards, electric guitars and live drums - the perfect audio and visual stimulus to New Year’s Eve dancing, partying and fun!

At the Sharkey’s Silver Dollar Bar, we’re talking the full-on karaoke experience with Kurtis B Karaoke leading the charge from 10 PM until 2 AM with a professional sound system and full book of songs and lyrics. A long time music business veteran, Kurtis showcased his karaoke skills in Tahoe at the Horizon and MontBlue. His 30+ year career in the entertainment business includes shooting videos for MTV and VH1 back in the 80s and many years of touring in key backstage positions with major acts such as Journey, Stix, REO Speedwagon, Cher and many more. Currently, he is enjoying the holiday off-season in the Carson Valley while continuing as Stage Manager for Alice Cooper's tour. The Kurtis B Karaoke Show draws you in as the star while making sure to entertain all those in attendance!

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• 5X Points Today for Christmas: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day! Ladies’ Night fun returns on January 8
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day this Friday. 
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday in December.
• 4X Points Tuesday: Earn 4 Points on slots and videos from 4 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday, December 31. 

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• NFL favorites went 9-6-1 last week. Five of the dogs won.
• College bowl games get going in earnest this week.  There are 20 NCAA Bowl Games over the next 7 days including two on Saturday that will decide the final two teams for The National Championship: The Peach Bowl pitting No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Oklahoma and the Fiesta Bowl featuring No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson.
• Special "Bowl Games" parlay cards will run through Thursday this week. The standard parlay cards, with the NFL games, will not be available until Friday morning, when they will supersede the "Bowl Games" cards.
• Specials Sports Book hours on New Year’s Eve are 9 AM to 5 PM.
• The Raiders can somehow still make the playoffs!  If these teams win on Sunday, then they are supposedly in: Ravens, Texans, Colts and Raiders.  How is it that the already eliminated Broncos are favored against the Raiders?
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is $4,629 this week. Pick all 15 NFL winners on our weekly $5 Parlay Card and it’s yours. Each week it is not “hit,” the jackpot climbs based on the collective contest play at the CVI, Sharkey’s, Bodines and SlotWorld. If it isn’t won this week, we’ll keep it climbing and roll it into the NFL Playoffs adding some prop bets to get to 15 choices each week,
• Seasonal Wagers on board this week include NFL Football, NCAA Football Bowl Games, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey and Horse Racing.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup.
• Football Extras:
• $2 Coors Light draft at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge during all televised NFL and College Games.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials This Week:

• Wednesday – Christmas Day: Traditional Roasted Turkey Dinner from 11 AM to 10 PM (Smoked Chicken Legs not served today.)
• Thursday: Spaghetti & A Giant Meatball with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, parsley, garlic bread from 11 AM to 10 PM; $6.99.
• Friday and Saturday: Meat Lovers Platter with slow roasted brisket, pulled chicken & smoked sausage plus choice of 2 sides from macaroni salad, baked beans, potato salad or coleslaw. From 11 AM to 10 PM; $13.99.
• Sunday: "Chandler" Chicken Dinner; southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw. From 2 to 10 PM; $7.99.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie; a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots. From 11 AM to 10 PM; $5.99
• Tuesday: New York Strip Steak Special from 4 PM New Year’s Eve (Pork Chili Verde not available.)

CV Steak Specials:

• Today: Seared Fillet of Salmon with Dijon Mustard Lemon Caper Cream Sauce and Grilled New York Strip Loin with Bacon and Wild Mushroom Sauce.
• Thursday: CV Steak Mix Grill, a combination of our Filet Mignon, a Dijon and molasses marinated Pork Tenderloin Medallion and herb marinated Lamb Chop Steak.
• Friday: Veal Scaloppini with Lemon and Capers.
• Saturday: Garlic Studded Prime Rib.
• Sunday: “Oscar Style” Fillet of Salmon with crab and Béarnaise sauce.
• Tuesday, New Year’s Eve:  See story above. 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• Michael Furlong Band tonight thru Saturday: Michael Furlong has been an accomplished performing musician and technician throughout his life with extensive experience as a lead vocalist, lead guitar player, songwriter, studio and live audio engineer, record and video producer and editor. While he and his band perform hits from a variety of artists, he is best known for his “Petty Theft" Show – A Tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
• NFL Football Sunday: The Niners vs. the Seahawks in the final game of the NFL regular season.
• Trippin King Snakes, December 30: Ev Musselman (Guitar and Vocals), Charlie Fecteau (Bass) and Nick Fecteau (Drums and Vocals) are a popular northern Nevada trio of musicians playing an eclectic array of Rock, Blues, Funk, and Alternative Covers and originals.
• Rockology on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve: Rockology is a high energy Classic Rock Tribute Band bringing you the greatest hits from the '70s, '80s and more.  This fun group of seasoned musicians delivers a catalog filled with three-part harmonies, saxophone, keyboards, electric guitars and live drums. 

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!

Two 2020 TJ's Corral Concerts Announced, Guide to Friday's Food Drive, Much More from the Carson Valley Inn

First Two 2020 Concerts Announced

What you may have been reading on social media since yesterday is true: In 2020 we’re bringing back two Concert Alumni from the early years of TJ’s Corral . . . with more concert announcements coming soon. Tanya Tucker was here in 2015 and she'll be returning 5 years later on June 6, 2020 with special guest Aubrie Sellers as part of her CMT Next Women of Country Bring My Flowers Now Tour. The Charlie Daniels Band was here in 2014 during the first full season of concerts in TJ's Corral. The CDB returns on June 26, 2020 as part of the Mike Tice Charity Weekend for the Kids. Tickets for both concerts go on sale at 10 AM this Friday, December 13 and more information is available on this page.

Some of the KTVN Crew Coming Here This Friday!

Quick Guide to This Friday’s Food Drive

This Friday is the KTVN Share Your Christmas Community Food Drive to benefit the Carson Valley Food Closet bringing plenty of activity near our RV Resort entrance from 6 AM to 6 PM. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit:

• Simply pull into our RV Park entrance anytime between 6 AM and 6 PM this Friday - plenty of volunteers (over 150 throughout the day) will be on hand to accept your donations, help unload your vehicle, give a snack to your dog and then weigh, sort and box tens of thousands of pounds of food in 12 hours!
• Cash and food donations will be accepted and everything collected at the CVI location goes directly to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. Non-perishables are the key and here is a link to the 2019 Most Wanted Items.
• This year’s KTVN Channel 2 crew is Arianna Bennett, Angela Shilling and Marisol Bragg. Watch for them on TV and say hi when you drive through!!
• Santa will arrive by CareFlight helicopter at 9:30 AM (weather permitting) and will be here for pictures until early afternoon. During this time, kids can explore, climb on and crawl in fire engines and one of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicles. Oh – if CareFlight is grounded, Santa will arrive on one very large East Fork Fire District “sleigh.”
• The Douglas County Library’s new Bookmobile will be onsite from 9:30 AM to 5 PM with all features and services available.
• Two Bloodmobiles will be accepting donations from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 800-696-4484 or visit this site and sign up on line! Donors receive free meatballs provided by Wolf Pack Meats and prepared by the Western Nevada CattleWomen.
• Emergency vehicles light the way before dawn and at dusk
• All toys (new and unwrapped, please) donated at the Food Drive will go to Project Santa Claus.
• See you Friday!!

Christmas Fun & Frivolity This Weekend

• Breakfast with Santa is this Saturday, December 14 at the Genoa Town Hall with seatings at 8:30 AM, 9:40 AM and 10:50 AM. Contact the Genoa Town Office, (775) 782-8696 – seating is limited!
• The Annual Gardnerville Santa Crawl is also this Saturday and Sharkey's Casino will be welcoming all crawlers as usual. To participate bring $10.00 to Battle Born Wine or DST Coffee to receive your participation wristband. Then, enjoy drink specials at the participating businesses: JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, Battle Born Wine, DST Coffee, Overland Restaurant & Pub, The French Bar, Sharkey's Casino and Nevada Ugly! Donations will be split between Austin’s House & the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. The evening builds to the annual costume contest at Buckaroos at 10 PM. 

Frozen Christmas Tree

Our Frozen & Disney Themed Christmas Trees

This week we're featuring the back stories on the Frozen and Disney Christmas Trees that frame the "Family Photo Op" scene that greets your eye as you descend the steps to the hotel lobby. We pinned down our Chief Decorations Elf Eileen Knox to tell us about each.

Now in its fourth year, the Frozen Tree started when Eileen wanted to do a winter themed tree with snowflakes, snowmen, white ornaments and the like. "My mind naturally went to the Frozen concept. When I was decorating trees in our house as a kid, I was always taught to use some of the items that were in the home. That early-life lesson comes out in the Frozen Tree and thus you’ll see, dispersed among the many ornaments, items such as stuffed animals, snowman hats, dolls, a small lunch pail, toys, tiaras and even ice skates. If you look close, you’ll see one or more of the frozen characters including Ana, Elsa, Olaf and Sven!

Disney Christmas Tree

When asked which tree was her favorite, Eileen answered quickly and with a warm smile. "I certainly like all of the trees but the Disney Tree is my favorite as is it combines the two things I like most about Disney: Mickey Mouse and candy treats!” Growing up in Southern California, my mother started giving me Disney ornaments when I was just a baby and I've been collecting them ever since." Eileen has been going to Disneyland all of her life and she created the Disney Tree in the theme of Disneyland Main Street USA. "If you look closely, you’ll notice it is the most densely decorated of our Christmas trees with a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. I look at it as an explosion of Christmas . . . even the lights are shaped like Mickey Mouse and Disney candy!"

Snowmobiling in Nearby Hope Valley

Another Adventure Gift Idea
for Out-of-Town Relatives & Friends

Since we covered the winter-themed Frozen Tree above, let’s go with winter theme on our second in a series of adventure gift ideas for out-of-town relatives, business associates and friends . . . snowmobiling! Lake Tahoe Adventures is open for the year and offering snowmobiling adventures in Hope Valley, straight down Highway 88 from the CVI! Enjoy an exhilarating ride through Lake Tahoe's backcountry – from mountain meadows to peaks nearly 8,500 feet above sea level with unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. With a fleet of more than 100 snowmobiles, clothing rentals, and experienced-advice, Lake Tahoe Adventures is your number one snowmobile destination. For more snowmobiling information visit LakeTahoeAdventures.com or call 800-490-3995. For information on Carson Valley Inn gift certificates, check the details at this link and call (775-783-6606) or stop by the hotel front desk. 

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• Ladies’ Night Wednesday: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30 PM including a Free Desk in a Box Gift for the first 150 ladies - it's a mini box that has staples, stapler, post it notes, paper clips, etc. You can carry it in your purse or bag. Over 100 include FreePlay. We’ll also have Pampered Chef Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, free Bingo Games, free Raffles and a weekly Drink Special!
• 24 Days of Christmas Drawings Nightly thru Dec. 24:
• Sundays through Fridays: Drawings are between 6:30 and 7:30 PM with five winners picked from the virtual entries and through our Hot Seat selection program. The winners will be sharing in the evening’s prizes which include cash, free play, and a special holiday gift like those pictured above.
• Saturday: Drawings are held between 6 and 8 PM with 16 winners picked from the virtual entries and through our Hot Seat selection program.  We guarantee a $2000 winner every week. 
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day this Friday. 
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday in December. 

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• NFL favorites went 8-8 against the spread last week.  Five dogs won.
• Have to hand it to the Patriots; they take all opponents seriously, even the Bengals!
• How about those Broncos?  I don't really know what they're doing, but it seems to be working the last few weeks. They get 11 points against the Chiefs this week, so the odds makers don't seem to care what the Broncos have been up to.
• The Bowl games don't get going until December 20th.  How can they possibly fit them all in?  I hope Santa doesn't get distracted.
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is $4,394 this week. Pick all 15 NFL winners on our weekly $5 Parlay Card and it’s yours. Each week it is not “hit,” the jackpot climbs based on the collective contest play at the CVI, Sharkey’s, Bodines and SlotWorld.
• Seasonal Wagers on board this week include NFL Football, the Army/Navy Game, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey and Horse Racing.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup.
• Football Extras:
• $2 Coors Light draft at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge during all televised NFL and College Games.
• A couple of Free NFL Hats given away for each of the teams playing every Monday Night Football Game.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!
• Three Yeti 45 Coolers will be given away on Monday, December 23 during the Packers/Vikings MNF Game. Ask the bartender for more information when ordering a Coors at our Casino Bar during any NFL game!
• Poker Room Squares Pool: Earn squares as you play in live poker games during the week. Each week we kick in $160 and the payout is on the Monday Night Football Game – $40 to the winners of the first three quarters and the final score. Any unclaimed prizes each Monday roll to the next week. Last week one quarter was claimed so the total pool remains at $640 or $160 a quarter for the December 16 Colts/Saints game!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials:

• Wednesday: CVI Smoked Chicken Legs served with jalapeno corn bread, mashed potatoes, bacon baked beans & BBQ from 11 AM to 10 PM for $6.99.
• Thursday: Spaghetti and A Giant Meatball with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and parsley plus toasted garlic bread served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $7.99. 
• Friday and Saturday: Meat Lovers Platter including slow roasted brisket, pulled chicken & smoked sausage with choice of two sides from macaroni salad, baked beans, potato salad or coleslaw for $13.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Saturday & Sunday for Brunch from 7 AM to 2 PM: Brunch Skillet – a combination of home fried potatoes tossed with peppers, onions, bacon & sausage, scrambled eggs & tomato, topped with melted cheese all for $7.99.
• Sunday Dinner:  "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner is served from 2 to 10 PM for $7.99.If you haven’t had it lately, we recently enhanced the seasoning and ingredients to achieve improved crispiness and juiciness of this very popular special and encourage you to check out this hearty dinner of southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie is a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots for $5.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Tuesday: Pork Chili Verde served with Spanish rice and black beans for $7.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CV Steak Specials:
This Wednesday’s special is Pork Stroganoff, pork tenderloin and a cream sauce of mushroom, Dijon mustard and Sherry wine served with egg noodle pasta. This Friday’s special is Grilled Duck Breast with a mushroom risotto. On Saturday night CV Steak features Garlic Studded Prime Rib. Sunday’s special is “Oscar Style” Fillet of Salmon with crab and Béarnaise sauce. CV Steak 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 sourdough baguette.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• Big Red Duo tonight: Carolyn Dolan can dive into powerful R & B, deliver a smooth jazz standard or a gentle country ballad.  For the last fifteen plus years, she has been performing with her rockin’ blues and R & B band, Carolyn Dolan and Big Red.
• Send It Thursday thru Saturday: Dance, tap your toes or just watch as this lively trio “Sends It” to the audience with lively tunes and fun!
• NFL Football Sunday and Monday Nights: We suspend live entertainment on Sunday and Monday nights during the fall so the featured night NFL games can be enjoyed on the big screen.
• Justin Lee Tuesday and Wednesday: Justin has made appearances with his band in our Cabaret Lounge and TJ’s Corral and this is an unusual opportunity to enjoy him close-up as a single. Justin has appeared at A Night in the Country, Nevada’s largest country music festival. 

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!

24 Days of Christmas Giveaways, Winter Kickoff Weekend, Much More from the Carson Valley inn

Part of the 24 Days of Christmas Gifts Precariously Balanced

24 Days of Christmas Daily thru December 24

There’s activity and excitement every night at the CVI as our 24 Days of Christmas drawings continue through December 24. Since the first of the month, all Inn Club members using their cards while playing in the casino are accumulating one virtual entry for every five points earned. And as you know, it doesn’t take long to build up 5 points! 

On Sundays through Fridays Drawings are between 6:30 and 7:30 PM with five winners picked from the virtual entries and through our Hot Seat selection program. The winners will be sharing in the evening’s prizes which include cash, free play, and a special holiday gift like those pictured above. On Saturday nights we up the ante: 16 Drawings are held between 6 and 8 PM and we guarantee a $2000 winner every week. 

Use your Inn Club card, watch your points and entries build up, and be here for the 24 Days of Christmas drawings nightly through December 24!

Minden Park Gazebo

Winter Kickoff Weekend
Thursday thru Sunday

• Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff: Thursday, 4 – 9 PM at Heritage Park Pavilion in Gardnerville across Hwy 395 from Sharkey’s’ with Carriage Rides, Caroling, Tree Lighting, Treats, Fireworks (weather permitting) and more.
• Christmas in Genoa: Friday, 5:30 - 8:30 PM at the Genoa Community Church with Christmas Caroling, Tree Lighting and Hot Cocoa and Cookies.
• Minden Park Gazebo Tree Lighting Event: Friday, 5 – 8 PM at the Minden Park Gazebo with music from the DHS Jazz Band & Fire Pits with S’mores and more.
• 24^th Annual Parade of Lights: Saturday, 5 – 8 PM starting on Eddy street just a block from Sharkey’s Casino and coming down US Hwy 395 to the end on Esmeralda at Minden Park, just two blocks from the CVI! Watch for the CVI Red Ryder Float and let’s hope Flick doesn’t get his tongue stuck to the pole!
• Genoa's Cowboy Country Christmas: Saturday, 5:30 – 8:30 PM at the Genoa Town Hall.

Food Drive Almost Here

As is normally the case, many of the last minute details are flying into place this week for the Carson Valley location (here at CVI to be exact) of the  KTVN Share Your Christmas Community Food Drive to benefit the Carson Valley Food Closet. The event is Friday, December 13 from 6 AM to 6 PM and we’ll have the schedule and much more info in next Wednesday’s blog!

Photo Credit Dan Flynn

Visit-Our-Valley Gifts
for Out-of-Town Relatives & Friends

Over the next few weeks we’ll be covering a different Carson Valley Adventure you can package with a room at the CVI for a unique and memorable holiday gift for an out-of-town (or even local) friend, relative or business associate. This week we focus on the various scenic flights available through Soaring NV as you see the valley, Lake Tahoe and surrounding beauty from the quiet ride of a glider. Our friends at Soaring NV offer a variety of different rides with incredible views of the many lakes, valleys, peaks, crevices, and other unexpected beauty that can only be seen from high up over the valley floor. Combine a ride certificate from Soaring NV with a gift certificate for a night or two at the CVI and you’ll be providing an experience that is much more meaningful and memorable than something that will eventually wear out or otherwise be consumed. For more information on Soaring NV, check this link. And for information on Carson Valley Inn gift certificates, check the details at this link and call (775-783-6606) or stop by the hotel front desk.  

Our Military/Patriotic Themed Christmas Tree

It would be difficult to even count the number of people who have had their pictures, or their kids pictures, taken in front of one or more of the Christmas trees at the CVI over the years. Many people have asked about the cleverly decorated themed trees and so we pinned down Eileen Knox, our Executive Office Manager and Chief Decorations Elf, to tell us about each of the trees. This week, we’re featuring the Military/Patriotic Themed Tree that greets visitors as they walk into the hotel lobby. But first, we’ll answer one of the most common questions, “how did all of this detailed decorating get started?”

Eileen has been a life-long Christmas decorating fanatic. She got the idea for the themed tree approach while working as an intern for Ronald and Nancy Reagan “a number of years ago.” Nancy told Eileen that whenever they traveled during the Reagan presidency, foreign dignitaries would always want to give her gifts. To keep the logistics manageable, Nancy would suggest Christmas ornaments. The concept “took,” she soon had many . . . and that’s when she decided to do themed trees which were on display in the Reagan library after his presidency.  When Eileen got involved in decorating at the CVI, she brought the themed tree concept to us! How did she get involved? More on that next week, let’s get back to the Military/Patriotic tree:

Originally started with a patriotic theme, the tree has representation of many branches of the military including Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force. Last Christmas, Eileen expanded the concept and added first responders so you’ll see ornaments or makeshift ornaments from Police, Sheriff and Fire/EMS New items this year include direct from Colonial Williamsburg a replica revolutionary drum, snare drum, Eagle, and, if you look closely, even the traditional mouse playing one of the drums. In the next two weeks we’ll share the “backstories” on the “Frozen” and “Disney” trees.

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• 24 Days of Christmas Drawings Nightly: 6:30 – 7:30 Sunday thru Friday, 6 – 8 PM Saturday (see story above).
• Ladies’ Night Wednesday: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30 PM including a Free Grandma’s Meat Rub & Dips Gift for the first 150 ladies (over 100 include FreePlay), Tupperware Baskets as hot seat prizes, free Bingo Games, free Raffles and a weekly Drink Special!.
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on slots and videos all day this Friday. 
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday in November. 

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• The NFL favorites went 7-9 against the spread this week.  Lots of dogs won – eight of them including two of our favorites: the Bengals and Dolphins.  Don't forget, they match up on December 22^nd!
• Speaking of the Dolphins, remember when the experts said they might be the worst team ever and had a good chance of going winless?  Would you believe they've won five games already?   Well, they haven't, but they have won three.
• Didn't take too much ribbing about Michigan football this week.  Ohio State was clearly better.
• The college season should once again set up a pretty good set of playoff games. I still think the current playoffs are ok; the top 3 teams are pretty straight forward. Teams at 5 and beyond could have won more of their games. Anyway, we’ll all know the final picture this Sunday evening!
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is at $4,240 this week. Pick all 15 NFL winners on our weekly $5 Parlay Card and it’s yours. Each week it is not “hit,” the jackpot climbs based on the collective contest play at the CVI, Sharkey’s, Bodines and SlotWorld.
• Seasonal Wagers on board this week include NFL Football, NCAA Football Conference Championships, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey and Horse Racing.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup.
• Football Extras:
• $2 Coors Light draft at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge during all televised NFL and College Games.
• A couple of Free NFL Hats given away for each of the teams playing every Monday Night Football Game.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!
• Three Yeti 45 Coolers will be given away on Monday, December 23 during the Packers/Vikings MNF Game. Ask the bartender for more information when ordering a Coors at our Casino Bar during any NFL game!
• Poker Room Squares Pool: Earn squares as you play in live poker games during the week. Each week we kick in $160 and the payout is on the Monday Night Football Game – $40 to the winners of the first three quarters and the final score. Any unclaimed prizes each Monday roll to the next week. Last week no one claimed any of the prizes again (one player would have won three of the four if he had been present) so it’s up to $160 a quarter for the December 9 Giants/Eagles game!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials:

• Wednesday: CVI Smoked Chicken Legs (new special) served with jalapeno corn bread, mashed potatoes, bacon baked beans & BBQ from 11 AM to 10 PM for $6.99.
• Thursday: Spaghetti and A Giant Meatball (new day) with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and parsley plus toasted garlic bread served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $7.99. 
• Friday and Saturday: Meat Lovers Platter (new special) including slow roasted brisket, pulled chicken & smoked sausage with choice of two sides from macaroni salad, baked beans, potato salad or coleslaw for $13.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Saturday & Sunday for Brunch from 7 AM to 2 PM: Brunch Skillet – a combination of home fried potatoes tossed with peppers, onions, bacon & sausage, scrambled eggs & tomato, topped with melted cheese all for $7.99.
• Sunday Dinner:  "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner is served from 2 to 10 PM for $7.99.If you haven’t had it lately, we recently enhanced the seasoning and ingredients to achieve improved crispiness and juiciness of this very popular special and encourage you to check out this hearty dinner of southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie is a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots for $5.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Tuesday: Pork Chili Verde served with Spanish rice and black beans for $7.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CV Steak Specials:
This Wednesday’s special is Pork Stroganoff, pork tenderloin and a cream sauce of mushroom, Dijon mustard and Sherry wine served with egg noodle pasta. This Friday’s special is Braised Beef “Tomahawk” Short Rib slow roasted with pan sauce. On Saturday night CV Steak features Garlic Studded Prime Rib. Sunday’s special is “Oscar Style” Fillet of Salmon with crab and Béarnaise sauce. CV Steak 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 sourdough baguette.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• Steve Lord tonight: A guitarist with dynamic vocals, Steve is a main stage West Coast performer. A man of a thousand songs, Steve presents an evening of oldies, country, pop, blues, jazz, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.
• Buddy Emmer Band Thursday thru Saturday: A longtime favorite on the West Coast and Northern Nevada circuit the Buddy Emmer Band’s versatile style includes everything from blues to jazz, rock to reggae and top 40. Whatever your taste in tunes they will be sure to please!
• NFL Football Sunday and Monday Nights: We suspend live entertainment on Sunday and Monday nights during the fall so the featured night NFL games can be enjoyed on the big screen.
• Big Red Duo Tuesday and Wednesday: Carolyn Dolan can dive into powerful R & B, deliver a smooth jazz standard or a gentle country ballad.  For the last fifteen plus years, she has been performing with her rockin’ blues and R & B band, Carolyn Dolan and Big Red. 

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!