Bunko, Crafts, Curves, Glitz, Doggies & Laughs - Plus More at the Carson Valley Inn

Comedian Carlos Rodriguez

Comedian Spotlight - November 23!

Four accomplished comedians are entertaining in the CVI Valley Ballroom on Saturday, November 23 and we’ll be spotlighting each of these talented make-you-laugh entertainers prior to show date. The Stand-Up Comedy Show includes Brian Lee, Carlos Rodriguez, Kris Tinkle and Key Lewis . . . and this week, Carlos is in our spotlight! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at or at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk.  The show starts at 8:00 pm and is for audiences 21 or over.

Carlos Rodriguez was “thrown” into comedy. Being brought up in a large family of characters he quickly became a fast-talking entertainer which eventually led him to comedy. When he takes the stage you see the inner child come out with all the passion, excitement and energy of a new performer coupled with the grace and comfort of a seasoned pro. Carlos brings a clever, silly and approachable voice to comedy. In a fun and relatable way his observational humor touches beyond daily occurrences to deep rooted memories of his childhood, views on the simplest ideas and the most off beat subject matter. A regular at comedy clubs throughout the states, he has also headlined for our military troops overseas and been on stages on 4 different continents (Europe, Asia and Australia).  He was the winner of the 2012 CSA Comedy Competition and was a finalist in both the SF Tommy T's $20,000 competition and the 2014 and 2015 SF International Comedy Competition.

    

Frivolity and Fun This Saturday in Our Valley Ballroom

Bunko, Crafts, Curves, Gala & Doggies
The Versatility of Our Valley Ballroom!

How versatile is our Valley Ballroom? Check out this variety of activities coming up over the next six weekends:

• The annual Bunko for Breast Cancer is this Saturday and if you happen to be walking by peek in, hold your ears and observe the frolicking definition of “too much fun!” . . .
• The following weekend on October 24 - 26 the Valley Ballroom welcomes the annual Touch of Class boutique style craft show with all handmade products, no booths and central cashiers. More about this unique event in next week’s blog.
• November 2 we go fancy when the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Recognition Awards (aka “The Gala”) makes its annual visit. Fancy decorations, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, a multi-course dinner and more!
• On November 9 we bring out the runway for the Silver State Curvy Queen Pageant- an inclusive pageant competition that encourages body positivity.
• A week later on November 16 we welcome the Strutts for Mutts 1st Annual Doggie Show produced by Animal Rescue Relay. This one has a dinner, music, silent auction, entertainment, Doggie Fashion Show and more!
• Finally (for now), it's Live Comedy (see article above) on November 23!

Coming Soon to Our Valley Ballroom!

Whatever your event or occasion, we can probably make it work in our Valley Ballroom. Just give Carrie a call at 775-783-6673 and she’ll help you find a date and get it planned!!

Food Excuses . . . If You Really Need Some!

• Today is Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. The supposed "purpose" is for children to bring their parents to the school cafeteria for lunch. Nice concept and we hope lots of kids do so. Our take: We're all kids at heart so assuming your school days are behind you, bring your parents  or grandparents to lunch in Katie's today - that has to count for something!
• Thursday is also National Pasta Day. Ideal celebration - make your own pasta. A much less messy way is to enjoy one of these entrees in CV Steak: Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, Mushroom Ravioli, Seafood Linguine or Spaghetti Pomodoro!
• Let this anonymous quote help you shape, justify and enjoy your plans for the two "special days" that follow, "You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate, and that’s kinda the same thing."
• Friday is Chocolate Cupcake Day. We bake 'em in house and sell them at the Katie's Bakery Counter. Caution: suggest you only eat one on Friday because on Sunday . . .
• Sunday is Office Chocolate Day. Here’s the plan: sneak into the CVI on Sunday (or early Monday morning) and surprise your co-workers with an array of chocolate from the CVI!  We offer Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Cupcakes (oops – covered that above), Chocolate Crème Pie, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Mini German Chocolate Cake, Brownies . . . all baked in-house and available “to-go” at the Katie’s Bakery Counter. If you do come in Sunday evening (or any evening), chocolate urges are easily fulfilled with the Chocolate Lava Cake or Chocolate Mouse in CV Steak!
• Saturday is Seafood Bisque Day. Back to CV Steak where we serve Classic Lobster Bisque!

Speaking of Food Excuses . . .

We wrote in last week’s blog that we’d have the details on our Thanksgiving Dinner to Go for Up to Ten in this week’s blog. We’ll, we didn’t make it! Not the way we like to do things but sometimes reality gets in the way of our best intentions. So, we PROMISE we’ll have it all for you next Wednesday, October 23 when our blog comes out at 7 AM!

Pat Benetar in the News

Kudos to Pat Benatar, 2019 TJ's Corral Artist, for her nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2020. The top vote-getters will be announced in January and inducted May 2, 2020 at a ceremony at Cleveland’s Public Hall.

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• The NFL favorites went 6-8 against the spread last week.  Six of the dogs won.
• The Niners keep rolling, but the most surprising teams could be the Saints and Bills.  Most folks are aware of the Saints success since Drew Brees went out, but who knew the Bills are 4-1?!  Sure, they have that young quarterback, what's his name . . . but 4 and 1, wow!
• The Redskins and Dolphins lived up to the hype. The Dolphins battled back by scoring two touchdowns in the 4th Qtr. The Fins could have kicked the extra point and tied the game near the end, but instead, came up just a bit short on their 2 point try.
• The Eagles and Cowboys, on Sunday night, looks to be the game of the week.
• With Sam Darnold's return elevating the Jets over the Cowboys last week, many have perked up their interest in this coming Monday's Jets-Patriots game. Also of interest: we have a Sam Darnold look-alike who comes into our Sports Book on occasion.
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is at $3,296 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 Casino, Bodines Casino and SlotWorld Casino.
• 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!
• 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 quarters roll to the next week and for the October 21 Patriots/Jets game it’s up to $69 a quarter!!
• Seasonal Action on the board includes NFL and NCAA Football, the Major League Baseball ALCS, NHL Hockey, Canadian Football (week 19 of 21), Horse Racing and this Sunday’s (unless it rains) NASCAR Monster Energy Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, 2019 World Series, 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup.

Julie and Kim vs. the Bionic Jar Opener!

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• Ladies’ Night Wednesdays: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30PM including a Free Jar Lid Opener for the first 150 ladies (over 100 include FreePlay), All Wrapped Up Baskets as hot seat prizes. The ladies will also enjoy 3 free Bingo Games, 4 free Raffles and a weekly Drink Special!
• Free Bingo Thursdays: Free Bingo Games in the casino every hour from 11 AM to 7 PM. Just be gaming with your INN Club card when we hand out tickets and play bingo with us for free cash and FreePlay Prizes.
• Point Multiplier Fridays: Watch your benefits roll up quickly with Four Times Points all day every Friday in September. 
• Harleys and 7.5 Million Points Friday and Saturday: We’re giving away 3 Harleys this fall – one each at CVI, Bodines Casino and SlotWorld Casino.  In the process, we are also giving away a total of 7.5 Million Points at our four properties. Over 150,000 Free Points are given away each Friday and Saturday night based on your order of finish including 50,000 Free Points to the first place finisher! Drawings are from 7 to 8:30 PM.
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7 PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday.

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials:

• Wednesday: Lasagna is served for just $6.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Thursday: Brats & Cabbage with garlic mashed potatoes for $7.99.
• Friday: Lunch Special is a Pulled Pork Sandwich served on a sesame bun with coleslaw & French fries for $6.99 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Coincidentally, Saturday is Pulled Pork Day . . . so come in and celebrate it a day early!
• Friday and Saturday for dinner:  Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad from 4 to 10 PM for $14.99.
• Saturday & Sunday for Brunch from 7 AM to 2 PM: Brunch Skillet - 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 just $7.99:  southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
• Monday: Loaded Mac & Cheese; BBQ pulled pork, mac & cheese paired with tomato & scallions for $6.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM..
• Tuesday: Enchilada Suizas; two flour tortillas filled with chicken, chilies & cheese topped with green tomatillo sauce & jack cheese with Spanish rice & beans for $6.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CV Steak Specials:
Wednesday’s special is Beef Tenderloin Brochette with bell pepper, onions, cherry tomato and a spicy sweet and sour sauce. Thursday 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 Steak.  This Friday’s special is Grilled Duck Breast marinated with fresh herbs. On Saturday night CV Steak features Garlic Studded Prime Rib. This 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

• Cliff and Dave tonight: Powerhouse gospel singer/drummer Cliff Porter and southern-fried singer/guitarist Dave Berry, often seen fronting the band Jelly Bread, provide an evening of sultry R&B, funk and swinging rock ’n’ roll.
• California Cowboys Thursday thru Saturday: R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys deliver a powerful sound, with the clear punch of tight three-part harmonies. 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.
• 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.
• Denver Saunders Tuesday & Wednesday: Dance, laugh and sing-along to this inspiring vocalist/guitarist who is a mainstay with the band Well Dressed Mannequins!

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!

St. Patrick's Day, Basketball, Easter Dining, Poker Progressives, More

St. Patrick‘s Day at the Inn

Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day and we’ll be celebrating in Katie’s and at the casino bars. Regulars in Katie’s already know we are so pro-corned beef that we offer Corned Beef Hash every morning . . . and both Corned Beef Sandwiches and Corned Beef and Cabbage (with carrots, potato and creamy horseradish sauce) every day. And rest assured we’ll have extra supply on hand Saturday!! At the cabaret bar, CV Steak bar and in the cabaret lounge, where many will be watching the plethora of Saturday NCAA Tournament basketball games, we’re adding a St. Patrick’s Day Slider Basket for the day featuring 2 Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders served with mustard and fries for $6.99. Our beer won’t be green on Saturday – but you’ll keep more of the green in your pocket since a large draft is only $2 at the casino bars on St. Patrick’s Day.

Wolverines, Wolves, Wildcats . . .

CVI's Greg Enholm (left) with then
Arizona Coach Lute Olsen circa 1984.
The Wildcats were a Final Four team
losing to Oklahoma in the semi-finals.

• As of this evening the dream will still be alive for 64 College Basketball teams as the final two teams are settled for the NCAA Tournament action starting tomorrow. So many in our CVI family have “dogs in the hunt” including Mike in the Sportsbook (Michigan Wolverines), Greg in Sales (New Mexico State Alum, but grew up an Arizona Wildcat fan – see picture), numerous Nevada Wolf Pack alums including Steve (GM), Matt (Hotel), Mavis (Accounting)  and more.
• As a reminder, you can place and collect your sports bets any time the Sports Book is open at the Carson Valley Inn or Bodines Casino. At Sharkey’s Casino and Slot World Casino, all sports betting is done at Guest Services. A winning sports bet placed at any of our four casinos can be cashed at any of our four casinos.  Horse Race bets can only be placed or cashed when the Race and Sports Book is open at the CVI or Bodines Casino.
• Really focused on basketball? Then you would have already known that today is Dribble to Work Day.  Only had one person do so here at the CVI – how about where you work?

New Poker Progressive Payouts  as of Tuesday

Great Week to Play Poker at the Inn

Poker Progressives Total Over $7,800

Last week we mentioned the return of our Bad Beat Progressive and a reshuffling of our existing progressives to provide bigger progressive bonus payouts. It’s all in place and we now have $800 for the next player who wins a hand with a Straight Flush in spades or clubs, $800 for a Straight Flush in hearts or diamonds, $1,800 for a Royal Flush in spades or clubs and $1,800 for a Royal Flush in hearts or diamonds. The Bad Beat Progressive returns from a break at a staring pot of $2,000 and our Spin the Wheel Progressive is at $610.  All of these progressive jackpots climb daily based on play in the poker room.  For information on all of our Poker Room tournaments, promotions, and news, check out this page.

Just over two weeks ‘til Easter and we hope you’ll
plan your Easter Sunday dining in either Katie's or CV Steak!  

• CV Steak is open for dinner on Easter Sunday from 4:30 PM offering our usual selection of steaks, chops, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes and more plus two Easter dinner specials: Veal Scallopini (two medallions sautéed with lemon, capers, chardonnay and butter) and Stuffed Filet of Sole (a filet of sole stuffed with scallops, shrimp and crab meat and served with béarnaise sauce). Both specials are $29 and, as with all CV Steak entree's, the Easter Specials include CV Steak signature table side tossed salad, sourdough baguette, creamery butter, choice of giant baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, twice baked potato or au gratin potatoes and fresh vegetable. For CV Steak reservations, call 775-783-6650 and please note that the Sunset Menu is not available on Easter Sunday. 
• Katie’s is open 24 hours and Easter Sunday is no exception. The regular menu will be served on Easter Sunday plus a holiday special from 2 to 9 PM: Orange Glazed Baked Ham with sweet mashed potatoes, vegetable of the day and choice of soup or salad for $9.99.

Chips, Chicken, Ravioli and Shut-Eye!

• Today is Potato Chip Day.  Feel you have to do something to mark the occasion? We sell bags of potato chips in Job’s Perk. We heard they “pair” great with a banana smoothie!
• Friday is World Sleep Day held annually on the Friday before Spring Vernal Equinox. Great day to catch up on the sleep you’re still craving from the switch to Daylight Saving Time. Friday is also No Selfies Day which works perfectly since it's near impossible to take a selfie while you are asleep.
• Sunday is Awkward Moments Day. Like waking up from the nap you took on World Sleep Day and finding out you did take a selfie while you were sleeping!
• Monday is Poultry Day. We have so many possibilities in our restaurants but our blog editor limited us to three and she said they could not be on the regular menus. Well, that ruled out us even mentioning one of our favorites, the Chicken Marsala in CV Steak. So, we’re going with these three Katie’s Specials: The $6.99 Turkey Dinner Plate from 11 AM to 10 PM on Thursdays, the $5.99 Chandler’s Chicken Dinner Special on Sundays from 2 to 10 PM and the $5.99 Chicken Schnitzel Plate Mondays from 11 AM to 10 PM. Quickly before the editor gets back: another option is this Friday's Grilled Duck Breast special in CV Steak!
• Tuesday is Ravioli Day. A perfect excuse to enjoy the Mushroom Ravioli in CV Steak – available in either an appetizer or entrée portion!

At the CVI This Weekend

• The United Blood Services St.  Patrick’s Day Blood Drive is Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the large Bloodmobiles parked in our west lot along Hwy 395 near the big electronic reader board. Sign up at this link or by calling (775) 324-6454.  Lots of basketball in the casino after you donate!
• As you walk by the Valley Ballroom Saturday you're liable to do a double take when you see over 150 people playing cards at long tables.  It's a Mus Tournament put on by our local Basque Club, Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba. The winning team of two punches their ticket to the National Mus Tournament.

In the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight:  Ladies, join us from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a Chocolate Shoppe Large Bailey's Truffle for the first 150 ladies and Chocolate Shoppe Baskets as hot seat prizes.  Also tonight: games, a weekly drink special, free bingo and chances to earn entries for the March 28 drawing for a $500 Prize.
• $200,000 Cash & Freeplay Giveaway Drawings Fridays and Saturdays: Join us at 5, 7 and 9 PM for the drawings in our $200,000 Giveaway Promotion through March 31. There’s a guaranteed $1000 winner at each drawing every Friday night and every Saturday night . . . plus four more winners at each drawing with lots of cash to go around. You’re earning one free entry into the Friday and Saturday drawings for every five base points you earn during the month.
• Table Games Hot Seats Saturday: If you’re playing any of our casino table games from 7 to 10 PM on Saturdays in March, you could be called when we do one of our Hot Seat Drawings and Win up to $500!
• Multiply Your Points Saturday: INN Club members earn 4X Points on video reel slots and Double Points on video poker slots. So be sure to use your INN Club card while playing in the casino and multiply the benefits of your play every Saturday in February.
• Slot Tournament Mondays: Every Monday in March we’re holding a Tax Relief Slot Tournament from noon to 8 PM. Inn Club members get one free entry and you can earn an additional tournament entry (up to three more) for every 50 points you earn on Monday. The top ten finishers each week win cash-freeplay prizes so be sure to get in on the fun.
• At the Sports and Race Book: This week you can bet NHL, NBA and the NCAA Basketball Conference Tournaments. You can also place wagers on Horse Racing and Sunday’s NASCAR Auto Club 400.  Futures on the board include winners for the NCAA Basketball Championship, The Masters (April 5-8 and Tiger was still18-1 at publishing time)), FIFA World Cup Russia™ (June 14 – July 15), NBA Championship, NHL Stanley Cup, World Series, NASCAR Monster Energy Series, the NFL Conference Championships and the 2019 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! 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 it's Grilled Duck Breast marinated with fresh
• Herbs, grilled with natural duck jus for $28. 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.
• 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, Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino and Betsy’s Big Kitchen at Slot World Casino. 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Bill Wharton tonight, The California Cowboys Thursday thru Saturday, John Palmore Sunday and Monday and Chris Twomey Tuesday and Wednesday.  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.  R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys deliver a powerful country-western sound with the clear punch of tight three-part harmonies. Musical director for the late "LOUIS ARMSTRONG," John Palmore is an accomplished singer and keyboardist who has worked with Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, ZZ Hill, Wilson Pickett, Joe Simon, Percy Sledge, The Platters and other "name" artists. Chris Twomey’s roots are deep into a genre of folk-rock.

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!

Tailgate Package Giveaway, Christmas Eve, Masquerade and More

Hey Jessica - are you supposed to be sitting down on the job?

A Picture is Worth a 3-Dozen Beers! Last week we mentioned that every Monday three guests will be drawn at each or our three casinos to qualify for the Ultimate Tailgate Package we’ll be giving away at each location at Halftime of the last Monday Night Football game on December 19.  By last Friday, we learned two quick lessons. First, being generic sometimes prompts more questions than we anticipated. So, here are the details on what each package includes: two tickets to any Oakland Raiders (currently undefeated!) home game in 2017, a BBQ grill, a $50 Costco Gift Card, a Bud Light 5 x 5 Pop-Up Tent, a couple of cases of Bud Light, a case of Shock Top and assorted Bud & Bud Light promotional items.  Second, rather than bringing in a grammarian or linguistic connoisseur (both charge too much in our opinion), we will leave unsolved the mystery as to which of the following, in conversational terms, is more correct: Tail Gate Party or Tailgate Party. No matter how you choose to write it, don’t miss getting your name into the hat for the drawings!

Saturday is International Country Music Day. How many country artists can you name who have appeared in TJ's Corral in the last three years? How many country artists will be part of our concert schedule in 2017?  You really could come up with the answer to the first question by reading through all of our blogs for the last three years (please, don’t really do that!)  As for the answer to the second question . . .  as in the past, our blog readers will be the first to know when we start announcing our 2017 concert schedule – whether country or any other musical genre!!

“I feel like I’m 10 years old and it’s Christmas Eve!”

A message from the "Golf Gods!"

We just love it when a quote like the headline above lands in our lap and we don’t have to embellish it in any way.  September is a very busy month for golf groups staying at the Carson Valley Inn. Rick Morgan, general manager of Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis brings a group of close friends to the CVI every year for a long weekend of golf and fun – he’s been doing it for over 20 years. We ran into Rick when he arrived last Thursday and his exact words were “I look forward to this trip every year. When I get here, I feel like I’m 10 years old and it’s Christmas Eve!” Rick’s is just one of over 100 different groups of golfers to headquarter at the Carson Valley Inn each year for anywhere from 1 to 5 days of golf. Putting these trips together is our specialty and now is the time to be making your group’s travel plans for 2017. Give Greg Enholm a call at 775-783-6615 and he’ll walk you through a package to meet your needs. Greg can't guarantee that you'll feel like you're 10 years old, but he will do his best to make sure your group's visit will help you feel like it's Christmas Eve! 

Hard to turn down a big draft
from this little devil!

Walk Don’t Run! Masquerade is the theme for tomorrow's final 2016 Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk in Gardnerville and Sharkey's Silver Dollar bar, right inside Sharkey's Hwy 395 entrance, is a perfect stop along the way. Sharkey's Jackpot Café is also good idea before or after the Wine Walk . . . some food in your system tends to absorb some of the wine or whatever other spirits you encounter along the way. That brings up another point: in dissecting the name Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk, note that the first word is Thirsty and the last word is Walk. Those are the two operative words so quench your Thirst with whatever you like – many choose one of the draft beers available at Sharkey’s Silver Dollar Bar – and be sure to Walk, leave the vehicular operation to the designated driver!

And the Winners Are: Another exciting Monthly Blackjack Tournament last night - always gets down to the final hands! Total money paid out was $1250 with Richard Leigh winning the $625 first place prize. David Bailey ($375 for second) and Richard Trott ($250 for third) rounded out the top three. Next tournament is October 11 and it's just $25 to get in!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  Tyler Stafford entertains tonight, The California Cowboys anchor the weekend Thursday through Saturday, we show NFL Football on the Big Screen in the Cabaret on Sunday and Monday nights and Eric Jensen plays next Tuesday and Wednesday. 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.

This Week at the CVI

• In the Casino
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free gifts to the first 150 ladies, Wine Country Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and earn entries for the September 28th drawings for a free Day Spa Package at Pure Glow.
• Bingo Thursday: Come in and play Bingo on the odd hour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and win $50 - $100 instantly!  Simply be in the casino playing slots or table games using your INN Club card and watch for our staff bringing around Free Bingo Cards. 
• Friday Drawings: Catch Harley Promotion drawings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. for a guaranteed giveaway of $40,000 in September between the CVI and Bodines. Use your INN Club card while you play! 
• 5X Points Saturday: this Saturday and every Saturday in September earn 5X Points all day!
• Monday HDTV Giveaway: We're giving away a 43” HDTV (the “smart” kind) every Monday through September 26th!  To qualify, earn one free entry for every 5 points you earn on Sundays and Mondays in September – then be here on Monday and win a HDTV at the 8 p.m. drawings!
• Poker Room: Our Poker Room offers a Monday Night Football squares grid plus Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions with something going on every day of the week – plus an Omaha 4-8 ½ kill Hi-Lo game is back on Mondays (sure sounds like Peyton Manning calling an audible!)  Click here for all that’s happening in our poker room
• Sports and Race Book:
• This week you can bet Major League Baseball, Horseracing, NFL and NCAA Football and Sunday’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 NASCAR Race (Really? Race cars going over 200 MPH and the event has “turtle” in the name?)  
• Also on the board: futures bets on who will win the World Series, 2016 Season NCAA Football Championship and the February, 2017 Super Bowl.
• The PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive is now at $2668 – pick all 15 games straight up on the $5 card and it’s yours!
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our September Casino Promotions!
•  In Our Restaurants
• Wednesday is Italian Day/Night in Katie’s – three specials for just $6.99 each! Check all the Katie’s Daily Specials at this link.
• The 18-Piece Sushi Platter Special is served in CV Steak on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• 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.
• 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.



Apple Pie Anyone??

• Saturday is International Eat An Apple Day and Apple Dumpling Day. In talking to our pastry chef we found out that we are somewhat singularly focused when it comes to apples around here. They put all their energy into baking apple pies every day . . . buy 'em whole at the Katie's Bakery counter or by the slice in Katie's. 

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 Reservations 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!