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!

Two New 2020 Concerts Announced for TJ's Corral

Clay Walker and LOCASH Concerts  Added

Something to look forward to. That’s what many of us want during these unprecedented and trying pandemic times. We’ve been sitting on a few concert announcements waiting for the time to be right but that’s how people miss out on life - waiting for the time to be right. So, we’re making a bold move today and unveiling two more TJ’s Corral concerts for July with the optimistic view and positive belief that “this too shall pass” and we’ll all be able to party again soon.

This brings our lineup to five concerts so far. If all goes as planned (a lot of moving targets these days) we'll announce another concert on Monday. Watch for a special blog and also check our social media pages. Tickets for these two new concerts will go on sale this Friday at 10 AM. Get more details and read about the artists on this page. Stay safe. Be well.

38 Special Teaser Friday, Motorcycles Saturday, Lightning Strikes Twice, More

Savannah Blue Friday is

Teaser for 38 Special September 21

The sounds of Southern Rock will fill Minden Park this Friday evening when Savannah Blue takes the gazebo stage in the finale of the 2018 GE Family Concert Series co-sponsored by the Carson Valley Inn and the Town of Minden. Just a two-block walk from the Carson Valley Inn, this free concert will be the perfect warm up, teaser and mood-setter for the upcoming visit by 38 Special who will bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to TJ's Corral on September 21! So, enjoy Savannah Blue this Friday, but Hold on Loosely so you can come back to TJ’s for 38 Special! You can buy 38 Special tickets on our website or in person at the Hotel Front Desk.

Teresa with Part of Her $10,000+

Lightning Strikes Twice

The first bolt brought $16,949 to a lucky local two weeks ago when she hit one of our two Lightning Link banks of slots for the Grand Jackpot Progressive. This past Monday lightning struck again when Teresa, another local who is a regular at both the CVI and Sharkey’s, hit the Grand Jackpot on the same bank of four slots for $10,711!  You’ll probably notice the burn marks in the carpet next to these slots which sit on the wall to the right as you come in the main casino entrance! 

And if you look across the casino you'll see our other Lightning Link slot bank with a Grand Jackpot at over $14,500 waving its hands and yelling #pick me next!” 

Need a little more to move your financial needle? Our four-property Penny Progressive has topped $29,000 and it can be won only at the Carson Valley Inn, Sharkey’s Casino, Bodines Casino or Slotworld Casino.

Motorcycle Racing Saturday

Roaring motorcycles will be in action this Saturday at the Fuji Park arena right behind our sister property Bodines Casino when the WFT (Western Flat Track) Carson City Deuce's Wild Pro/Am Flat Track Race comes to town with $10,000 in prize money on the line!  Tickets are available at Bodines Guest Services counter and we welcome attendees to stop at any of our four properties before or after the evening's events! For additional information, go to this link or call 415-320-7889.  

Blood Drive at CVI Thursday, August 30

Seems like we just had a Blood Drive here at CVI . . . But there's another major travel holiday (Labor Day already!) coming up so it's time for United Blood Services to make sure the supply is adequate for the inevitable needs. If you're able to give blood, and we understand not everyone is, please plan on donating at the Blood Drive in our west parking lot (under the big electronic sign) on Thursday, August 30 from noon to 6 PM.  You can easily schedule ahead at this link and remember, the life you save could very well be your own or someone close to you!

The Ultimate Way to Enjoy "Ride the Wind" Day

Burgers, Pies, Bananas and Wingsuits

Smokehouse Burger in Katie's

• Today is Eat a Peach Day. Hint - wait until Friday.
• Thursday is Burger Day. We serve seven different burgers in Katie's and they all come with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles plus your choice of fries, potato salad or coleslaw. Our favorite? The Smokehouse Burger with double bacon, cheddar cheese and hickory BBQ sauce (full disclosure regarding the pictured Smokehouse Burger: some assembly required, no special tools needed)!  For our Carson City locals and visitors, we suggest celebrating Burger Day any Monday in Betsy’s Café at our Sister Property SlotWorld Casino with five specialty burger plates at just $7.99 on Burger Mondays.
• Thursday is also Ride the Wind Day.  And no one rides the wind as dramatically as the Red Bull Wingsuit Team who will be performing at the Aviation Roundup at Minden Airport on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 & 14. Get information on additional performers, show hours, tickets and more at this link.
• Friday is Peach Pie Day.  Have some friends coming over . . . or perhaps you just like to have peach pie always at your disposal? We offer whole peach pies at the Katie's Bakery Counter. Want to be more subtle or controlled about your peach pie consumption? Slide into Katie's and enjoy a slice . . . heated with a scoop of ice cream of course!
• Saturday is Banana Split Day. We realize it’s only a day since you had your peach pie with ice cream, but come back Saturday and enjoy a banana split in Katie’s. If you have a little more control, or less flexibility in your schedule, we do serve them every day!
• Monday is Banana Lovers Day. Let’s assume you’ve had your fill of banana splits by now and are looking for an alternative ways to recognize Banana Day: Enjoy a Banana Walnut Muffin in Job's Perk, order Banana Cream Pie (whole pie, mini pie or slice) in Katie’s or ask for the Banana Pancakes which will be the pancake-of-the-day on Monday!

This Week in the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a Free Chocolate Shoppe Peppermint Patti Treat and a Crispy Bacon Bowl for the first 150 ladies and Chocolate Shoppe Baskets as hot seat prizes.  Also tonight: games, raffles, a weekly drink special and free bingo.
• 34^th Birthday Giveaway Drawings Friday and Saturday:  Join us at 6, 7 and 8 PM for cash, FreePlay and the chance to win up to $15,000!
• Point Multipliers Saturday: Inn Club members earn 4 Times Points all day Saturday on slot and video play . . . A great way to build up your point total to use for comps and other special benefits.
• FreePlay Bonus Up to $50 Monday: Use your card while playing and you’re the guaranteed winner of $7 - $10 in FreePlay for each 250 points you earn on Monday up to 1,250 points! The FreePlay downloads automatically to your account.
• Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet Regular Season NCAA Football!! OK, so there are only two games – at least there are three west coast teams and Hawaii! Also on the board: NFL Preseason Football Games, Major League Baseball, WNBA Playoff Games, Canadian Football League, Saturday’s NASCAR Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race and Horseracing. Futures include winners of the World Series, NASCAR Monster Energy Series, the NFL Conference Championships, the 2019 Super Bowl, the 2019 NCAA Football Championship and the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM! The Friday and Saturday night special in Katie’s is Roasted Prime Rib & Fried Shrimp for $14.99 served from 4 PM.
• Thursday’s special in CV Steak is the CV Steak Mix Grill, a combination of our Filet Mignon, a Dijon and molasses Marinated Pork Tenderloin Medallion and Herb Marinated Lamb Chop for $26. This Friday its Bison Short Ribs for $30. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is King Crab Legs for $28. 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.

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Hans Eberbach tonight, Full Blast Thursday thru Saturday, Jamie Rollins Sunday and Monday and Big Red – Carolyn Dolan next Tuesday and Wednesday.  Hans Eberbach sings for the band Joy & Madness, an evolution of vintage soul sound with modern classic pop sensibilities. Cliff Porter’s Full Blast is a high-energy, genre-crossing band that will take you on a trip through old school classics to today’s hits! Music styles range from funk, to jazz, from Gospel infused instrumentals to country and rock!  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 his own songs. Carolyn Dolan can dive into powerful R & B, deliver a smooth jazz standard or a gentle country ballad.  For the last fifteen 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!

Sushi Added in CV Steak, Free Patriotic Concert Sunday, More

Hmmm, some of the Sushi was eaten by the time
Ana Vee took this picture!

Sushi Nights in CV Steak! We kicked this off to a soft opening last week and based on the sales and what we have heard, looks like we have a winner. CV Steak is now offering a special Sushi Plate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights that includes all of the following:  3 pieces each of Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Yellow Tail Hamachi Sashimi, Philly Roll (smoked salmon, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cucumber and green onions), California Roll (crab Kanikami, avocado, cucumber and Tobiko), Caterpillar Roll (Unagi eel, avocado, cucumber and sweet unagi sauce) and Spicy Tuna Roll (ahi tuna, Hamachi yellow tail tuna, cucumber and CV Steak spicy sauce) plus Miso Soup, Wakame seaweed salad, ginger, wasabi and soy sauce . . . all for only $24! And as those infomercials always say, “But Wait, There’s More!” On Thursday nights, this special is offered for just $20! We don’t have an unlimited supply of sushi each night so we suggest you come early and give it a try!

Penny Progressive tops $70k, Climbing Quickly

It’s Getting More Difficult to Take This Picture! Our Penny Progressive Jackpot climbed over $70,000 yesterday – the higher it goes, the more people who play and the faster it continues to grow and . . . it makes it more difficult to find an empty machine to take a picture! Remember, this jackpot can only “hit” here at the CVI!

Free Patriotic Concert this Sunday in TJ's Corral

Air National Guard Band Concert this Sunday: We take a break from the regular concert lineup in TJ’s Corral this weekend to  proudly present a Free Patriotic Concert by the 562nd Air National Guard Band of the West Coast.  Here’s some information you’ll find helpful to best enjoy this free concert:  We’ll have plenty of chairs set up in TJ’s Corral – seating is on a first-come basis. Also feel free to bring blankets if you’d like to sit on the grass area. Please leave your pets, lawn chairs and drones at home. We’re not serving any food, but there will be a bar for purchasing cold beverages. The concert kicks off at 6 PM when The Patriots in Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform. After a brief break, the entire Air National Guard Band of the West Coast Concert Band will bring the evening to a crescendo. And after this concert, it’s time to get your tickets for these additional 2016 Concerts in TJ’s Corral: Clay Walker, The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, The Eli Young Band and Randy Houser! 

In the Casino This Week:

• Ladies’ Night Tonight: The first 150 ladies who sign up for Ladies’ Night tonight receive a red/white/ blue flashing clothing pin and a patriotic chocolate pop from The Chocolate Factory!  Our hot seat prizes tonight are again Custom Gift Baskets by Shelly Camp. As always, there’s also a ladies-only drink special, raffle and games.
• Grand Finale Giveaways Thursday: If you’ve been following our $100,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Promotion during May and June, you probably already know the Grand Prize Drawings are this Thursday at 6 & 8PM with the chance to win up to $2,500! This probably goes without saying, but it is a blog so we can say whatever we want: if you’re not here, you have zero chance to win any amount!
• 5X Points Saturday: Every Saturday during July INN Club members earn 5X Points all day! So, be sure to use your INN Club card and quintuple the point value of your play!
• Ladies-Only Poker Tournament Sunday: Our monthly Ladies-only Poker Tournament is Sunday evening with the usual, and the always unexpected, fun and a few surprises. Refresher lessons start at 3 PM and tournament play starts at 4 PM. Check with the poker folks for all the details and any special tips on how you can increase your odds.
• Free Cash Bounce Back Sunday/Monday: Slot players, here’s an easy way to get a cash bonus during July - earn just 50 points this Sunday and swipe at the casino kiosk for your Cash Bounce Back coupon. Then, come back on Monday and redeem it for the free cash amount indicated on the coupon!
• Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet Major League Baseball, Horseracing, WNBA, Soccer, tonight's deciding game of the NCAA College World Series and Saturday’s Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Race at Daytona International Speedway. Golf fans can also wager on who will win the upcoming British Open. 

Blood Drive This Friday: The annual CVI Driving for Donors All American Hero Blood Drive is Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot between the Casino/Hotel and the entrance to the RV Resort. Please try to donate if you are able. United Blood Services makes it easy to schedule your appointment on line . . . or call them at 1-800-696-4484.

Three Nights of California Cowboys - Free in our Cabaret Lounge!

Free Cabaret Lounge Entertainment: Jonathon “JB” Barton entertains tonight and The California Cowboys take the stage Thursday through Saturday, R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys deliver a powerful sound, with the clear punch of tight three-part harmonies. Lead singer and songwriter, R.W. dances and jokes with the audience while delivering top billing entertainment. Together with drummer Hal Atkinson, guitar player Gary Potterton (producer of “Grandma got run over by a Reindeer”), and bass player Cary Atkinson; these fine musicians form one of California’s most successful country-western bands. The group has appeared on concert billings with such country favorites as Alabama, Big & Rich, Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, Clint Black, George Jones, Joe Diffe, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, The Bellamy Brothers, Restless Heart, Travis Tritt, Doug Stone, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and many other country stars. Click here for the upcoming lineup of free entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge.

Interesting & Helpful Tidbits and News

• To Make a Hotel Reservation: You will  always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservations Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.
• Dining at the Inn:
• 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.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Braised Buffalo Short Ribs for $29.  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. 

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!

Mike Tice Charity Golf Details, Food in Every Direction, More

First TJ’s Corral Concert Getting Close! Granger Smith kicks off our 2016 Concert Schedule in TJ’s Corral on Saturday, May 28 and Frankie Ballard follows 5 days later on Thursday, June 2!  We hope you’re getting as excited as us to get the outdoor concert season started!  Granger’s new lyric video (above) for "If the Boot Fits" from his “Remington” album will get you in the mood and give you a taste of his drivin’ country sound! And for a quick tease of our Eli Young Band Concert on August 14, check out the 20-second clip below from their April performance at the two-day Off The Rails Festival in Texas.

Mike Tice Charity Golf Tournament Opportunities: What started off as a private event five years ago has slowly developed a local almost “cult” following which has created more and more requests to join in this “quite energetic” gathering of Coach Tice’s extended circle of friends. In response, Coach Tice – in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada – has opened the doors this year to even more local participation. Tickets and information are now available for the Decades Concert on Saturday, June 18 in TJ’s Corral (you had to be there last year to understand this was one of the highlights of the summer!), an optional Spaghetti Dinner before the concert, and various packages for participating in the Charity Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner on Sunday, June 19. This event has raised in excess of $400,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada Carson Valley Branch over the last few years with the total topping $100,000 the last two years. Buying tickets for the concert or getting involved in the golf tournament is easy at this link. If you have questions or want to donate or participate in a manner not covered, please call Katie Leao at (775) 882-8820.

The Penny Progressive is inching closer to $50,000!

Catching Flights in Reno Just Got Easier

New Schedule – Early Departures for Early Flights: The Carson ValleyAirporter has revised their schedules to provide early morning departures from the Carson Valley Inn so that passengers can catch the early bank of flights heading east. They have also instituted a late departure for those catching the 11:59 p.m. Jet Blue flight to JFK which is perfect for a long spring weekend in New York City . . . but not on one of our concert weekends, please! Here is a link to departures from CVI to the Reno Airport and another link to departures from the Reno Airport to the CVI.

Food – In Every Direction and Plenty of Choices!  

• Today is Eat What You Want Day and we offer a full realm of possibilities starting here at the Carson Valley Inn with the 24-hour convenience of Katie's, nightly dinner in CV Steak and a variety of snacks and other offerings in Job's Perk. A mile south,  The Jackpot Café in Sharkey's Casino is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And 12 minutes to the north from here, the Bodines Casino Restaurant offers yet another variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices including cooked-to-order pizza in a special pizza oven . . . the perfect segue into National Pizza Party Day! Celebrated on the third Friday in May each year (this Friday!) National Pizza Party Day is a perfect reason to stop by Bodines and enjoy a fresh-made pizza in Bodines Restaurant or at the casino bar!
• Seems a week doesn't go by that we don't mention something about all the fresh bakery products and make at the Carson Valley Inn. We'll start with this Friday which is National Apple Pie Day - one of our specialties serve either by the slice and Katie's or by the whole pie at the Katie's bakery counter. Sunday is Chocolate Chip Day and we sell a pretty hefty size chocolate chip cookie at the bakery counter – 6 for $5! And to wrap up the whole subject of baked goods and put a bow on it: Tuesday is World Baking Day.

Would you fly this to 90,000 feet?

Local Soaring Again Garners a National Spotlight: Tucked away in a private hangar at the nearby Minden-Tahoe Tahoe Airport is a project that, if all goes as planned, will soon blossom into international headlines. The Perlan Project hopes to break the world altitude record set by the Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” when it flew 85,069 feet above the surface of the earth. Unlike the high powered SR-71, the Perlan II is . . . a pressurized glider! Last weekend a group of dignitaries from major sponsor Airbus were in town along with national and international media to review the progress. Here are just a couple of the international postings in the Daily Mail in the UK and the Bangkok Post. The Perlan Project is just one example of some of the many interesting projects and businesses headquartered at the Minden-TahoeAirport.

Free Cabaret Lounge Entertainment: George Pickard entertains tonight, Melissa Dru takes the stage Thursday Friday and Saturday and Bill Wharton performs Sunday through Wednesday.  Singer and songwriter Melissa Dru has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Melissa and her band cover a wide mix including classic rock, R&B and a bit of country; everything from Pink Floyd to Patsy Cline. A natural performer and entertainer, Melissa will delight you with her unique vocal style and sense of fun. Don't miss this popular songbird in action!

Interesting & Helpful Tidbits and News

• Casino Extras: Our $100,000 Guaranteed Giveaways Promotion continues through June 30 – be sure to get in on the giveaways and other casino promotions.
• Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet Major League Baseball, US Open Golf Futures, Horseracing, the NBA Playoffs, the NHL Playoffs and Sunday's NASCAR AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway.
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: The first 150 ladies who sign up for Ladies’ Night tonight receive another Logo Flower Pen to add to the Pen Planter that 150 of you got last week!  Also tonight: a ladies-only drink special, raffle, games and hot seat drawings for Bath and Body Works Baskets.
• Game Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday special in CV Steak is Grilled Game Brochette with marinated Buffalo and Elk tenderloin, Wild Boar and Alligator Sausage finished with a red wine demi for $28.  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.

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!

The Oak Ridge Boys are SRO, B. J. Thomas Concert tickets on sale, Minden-Tahoe Airport, more!

In this week's blog posting: The Oak Ridge Boys are Standing Room Only for Thursday, B. J. Thomas Concert tickets are now on sale, Minden-Tahoe Airport in our spotlight, more!

Concert Notes:

Video Image of Grassy Seating Area

• The Oak Ridge Boys Concert has sold out for the regular and VIP seating BUT – we have opened up a limited number of SRO (Standing Room Only with a seating option) tickets for what promises to be a truly electrifying Carson Valley Event this Thursday!! Bring a blanket, sit on the raised grass area along the back of TJ's Corral - or stand if you wish - and you'll have a pretty darn good view! The grassy area is over 4,000 sq. ft. (see the video above) and it's the same distance from the front of the stage as it is from home plate to first base on a baseball diamond. Did you know that professional baseball players cover that distance in about 4.5 seconds! But, before we digress further (wait- isn't digressing part of the idea behind a blog?), here's the important part: SRO tickets are $30 plus processing fee and they are only available by calling our Events Center Hotline at 775-783-7766.
• Tickets are now on Sale for the B.J. Thomas Concert on Thursday, July 10. Once again, our blog readers are getting this information first . . . so we suggest you check our blog posting every Wednesday morning for a heads up on the latest news from the CVI!
• Kudos to the folks at Getaway Reno Tahoe who were most gracious in letting CVI's Bill Henderson write a guest blog for them. He talks about the summer concert lineup, the new TJ's Corral and – well heck, just read it – fairly short!
• Dustin Lynch's (June 13) Where It's At and Chris Young's (August 2) Who I Am With You continue to trend up on the iTunes Top 100 Country Songs and Billboard Top 100 Country Hits. 
• Speaking of Dustin Lynch, we'll be running a contest on our Facebook Page starting this Friday to giveaway two tickets for the Dustin Lynch Concert including a hotel room for concert night. It's free to enter, so check it out!!

 Everyone Loves Airplanes . . . 

. . . and our local Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV in airplane jargon) has just about the best general aviation access and services a pilot could expect. Sure helps the tourism economy, too, providing guests for our hotel whether here on business or pleasure. In early June, the airport will be hosting a 3-day visit by the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour with the opportunity to tour or take a ride (for a fee, of course) in a B-17 (see the modern-day tail gunner at the left), B-24, B-25 or P-51. Later in June KMEV will be the site of the Minden 18 Meter Nationals Glider Competition – just one of the many national or international soaring events held locally.

As Always, Interesting Tidbits and News: 

• Mike's horses:  Fiftyshadesofhay rallied to take the one-mile Grade 2, $250,000 Ruffian Stakes at Belmont Park on Sunday. Last we heard, none of Mike's horses are running this weekend, but we'll all be rooting for California Chrome in Saturday's Preakness Stakes!
• Game On! Chef Patrick's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak this Friday is a Rabbit Stifado – a flavorful, slow cooked rabbit stew served with Orzo pasta – just $25.00! As with all CV Steak entrees, the Game-On Friday special also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: George Pickard  performs tonight, The Vegas Road Show appears Thursday through Saturday and Brian Andrews takes the stage Sunday through next Wednesday. Here is a link to the schedule for the next couple of months.
• Pardon Our Dust: OK, so it's sealer and not dust. If you drive by this week and wonder what's going on in the west parking lot (between the CVI and the RV Park), we're having the lot re-sealed – half today and the other half on Sunday. This project will not affect the available parking for Thursday night's concert and we'll be sealing other sections of the lot next week.

I Turned $25 into $$650 in just 3 Hours! Sure sound like one of those too-good-to-be-true "come on" claims . .  but turns out someone really did exactly this last night here at the CVI. Richard L. finished first in our monthly blackjack tournament and turned his $25 entry fee into winnings equal to half the $1,300 prize pool. The rest of the money? 30% and $390 went to Rich R. for finishing 2^nd and 20% ($260) to David B for 3^rd. Pretty simple deal and you can take a shot for yourself in next month's Blackjack Tournament on Tuesday, June 10.

Let's Hear From You! To send us suggestions or comments, 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!

Kentucky Derby Saturday Plus Info on Over 15 May Events

In this week's blog: our owner's Horse running in Kentucky Derby (See Update Below), info on over 15 May events, win dinner in CV Steak, a $75,000 Giveaway and a bunch more!

Facebook Winner Plus Another Contest Today: "Shout out" to Becky Cohn Kendall who won two tickets to the Michael Martin Murphy Concert in our Facebook contest last week. In a "good karma" gesture, Becky is taking her friend Heather . . . who just happens to be the person who suggested she enter the contest! What's next? Check our Facebook Page today for an easy contest to win a Free Dinner for Two in CV Steak!

Cinco de Mayo at the CVI: Join us Monday, May 5 for Cinco de Mayo with 5X Points all day in the casino plus drawings at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. for a chance to win up to $5,000 instantly.  The casino bars are offering 16-Ounce Corona Light draft for $2 and Two Beef Tacos for $3.99. A few steps away, Katie's is serving $3.99 Chicken Enchiladas and $3.99 Beef Burritos.

Kentucky Derby Update: Graded stakes winner Hoppertunity, the 6-to-1 second choice on the morning line for the  140th Kentucky Derby, will be scratched from the first leg of the Triple Crown because of a problem with his left front foot, trainer Bob Baffert said Thursday.

Vroom, Vroom: Someone will win a Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O tonight at the CVI!! Our thanks to the folks at Michael’s Cycle Works who were kind enough to provide one of these sporty units for display on our casino floor all month. Drawings are at 6 and 8 p.m. UPDATE: Lyndel G. of Gardnerville was the lucky winner who opted to leave the adventure to someone else and pocketed the $4,500 Cash option.

Are We Really Giving Away $75,000 in Cash? Yes – Guaranteed! Between the CVI and our sister property Bodines Casino we are giving away $75,000 in cash during May and June. That's a bundle of money and all the details are on this page!

Fun Events Coming in May: We routinely put together an extensive internal calendar so all of us at the CVI can try to keep up with "what's goin' on" around here. We thought you might like an edited version of just some of the many events (most with links) happening in May at or near the CVI. For those events nearby, perhaps you'll stop by before or after and enjoy some of our entertainment, food and hospitality!

• The Michael Martin Murphey Concert is this Thursday, May 1 in TJ's Corral Outdoor Events Center. Tickets are still available and the weather will be great!
• The Genoa Cowboy Festival is this Friday through Sunday in Genoa – same great weather.
• The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 3.  In case you missed our last few blogs, don't read the local paper, or have had blinders on: Keep your eye on Hoppertunity in the Derby this Saturday – the colt is owned by CVI owner, Mike Pegram! Oh, we really don't think any of our readers wear blinders, but some horses do while racing and we just took a stab at topical humor.
• Sweet Sippin Sundays start this Sunday, May 4 in Genoa.
• The NFL Draft is next week on May 8, 9 & 10. We only bring this up because the Draft marks the unofficial beginning of the 2014 Fantasy Football preseason for many local football fanatics!
• The Carson Valley Arts Council Tempest Celtic Rock Concert is Friday, May 9 at the CVIC Hall in Minden – less than a 5 minute walk from the Inn. Check out our Special Hotel Package.
• Big Mama's 9^th Annual Show & Shine Car Show is Saturday, May 10 in Lampe Park. 
• Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11 and we are offering specials in Katie's and CV Steak plus a  CVI Weekend Hotel Package.
• May 12 in CV Steak: OK, so this is not really an event as such. But we figure we can include whatever we want in our blog, so just a friendly reminder: Starting May 12, CV Steak is open 7-nights-a-week for the summer!
• The Monthly CVI Blackjack Tournament is Tuesday, May 13 with all the entry fees paid back out as prize money!
• The first 2014 Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk is May 15 in the Gardnerville Main Street District. This is a great afternoon "tune up" for . . .
• The Oak Ridge Boys Concert is Thursday, May 15 in TJ's Corral Outdoor Events Center and tickets are selling fast with more tickets sold than there are remaining (HINT – get on the stick and get your tickets before we start our advertising blitz).
• The Action/Adventure Expo is Friday & Saturday, May 16 & 17 at the Fairgrounds Pavilion.
• The Preakness Stakes is Saturday, May 17 and we don't know yet if CVI owner Mike Pegram will have a horse running . . . but you can bet we'll let you know as soon as we know!
• The Minden Farmer’s Market Starts Tuesday, May 20 and continues on Tuesday evenings thru September on Esmeralda Street in Minden.
• The first GE Community Concert in Minden Park is Friday evening, May 30 featuring Heartache Tonight (A Salute to the Eagles).  The CVI is proud to be a series sponsor and the host hotel for all Community Concert performers.
• The CVI Food Truck Festival is Saturday, May 31 in and near TJ's Corral.
• More Concerts??: Of course - all the concerts are on this page.

Sous Chef Patrick Pierce's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak this Friday is a Game Mix Grill with marinated Buffalo and Elk medallions, Venison and Rabbit Sausage and finished with a Brandy Cherry Demi-Glace for $29.00. As with all CV Steak entrees, the Game-On Friday special also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato.

Talk to Us! To send us suggestions or comments 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. He or she will 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!