Mother's Day Dining, Gift Idea and Hotel Package Plus Derby Time, Golf News & More

If Kenny’s Performance is Fitting for Kim,

Certainly Kenny’s Concert is a Fitting Gift
for your Wife or Mom!

As the story goes, Kanye West arranged to have Kenny G do a private performance (see picture above) for Kim Kardashian on Valentine's Day this year. It must be true because pictures, video and media stories about this are plentiful on the Internet (go ahead, Google it!)  While we can't guarantee a stage full of roses when Kenny G performs in TJ's Corral on June 8, we can guarantee that his performance will be most fitting (over-the-top??) as a Mother's Day gift for your wife, mother, mother-in-law, etc.  So grab a box of chocolates (we suggest the Chocolate Shoppe for locals), an appropriate number of Kenny G concert tickets, and present them on Sunday, May 12 – with or without an accompanying vase with one rose!

Our 2019 Concert Lineup includes Easton Corbin on May 24, Kenny G on June 8, Uncle Kracker on June 29, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on July 4, Dwight Yoakam (Standing Room Only) on July 26, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on July 31, Martina McBride on August 4 and Loverboy on August 9.  For tickets, check this page on our website or stop by the hotel front desk. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mother’s Day at the Inn

We'll be featuring our regular menus plus Mother’s Day specials in Katie's and CV Steak and a special two-night Mother’s Day weekend hotel package.

• CV Steak is open for dinner on Mother's Day from 4:30PM. In addition to all regular CV Steak menu options, there are two Mother's Day dinner specials: Beef Wellington – a Filet of Beef and Mushroom Duxelle wrapped in Puff Pastry, for $35 and Seafood Bordelaise – a combination of Lobster, Scallop and Shrimp in a Demi Glaze Cabernet for $33. Both specials include CV Steak signature table-side tossed salad, sour dough baguette, creamery butter, and choice of house stuffed, baked or au gratin potatoes. For CV Steak reservations, call 775-783-6650. The Sunset Menu is not available on Mother's Day.
• Katie's is open 24 hours and is serving a Crab Benedict Omelette on Mother’s Day from 7 to 11AM – a Crab, Spinach and Hollandaise Omelette served with Toast or an English Muffin and Crisp Hash Browns for $9.99. Katie’s Grilled Salmon Oscar is served from 11AM until 9PM on Mother’s Day – Salmon with Asparagus and Crab with Béarnaise Sauce and Rice Pilaf plus choice of soup or salad for $15.99.
• Our Mother’s Day Weekend Hotel Package lets you make it a family celebration with mom, grandma or all your nearest and dearest with two nights’ accommodations over Mother’s Day Weekend plus a Chocolate Shoppe treat at check-in and dining credits for use in CV Steak, Katie’s or Job’s Perk.  Get all the details on our website or call Hotel Reservations at 775-783-6629 and ask about the Mother’s Day Package.

Not Our Usual Golf Group Dinner Picture!!

Two Aces & Steam Punk:

And It’s All About Golf!

While today is officially Golf Day and May is Golf Month, our golf season's festivities really kicked off in style this past weekend and whatever your level of play, you'll appreciate these stories:

• The first story starts on Friday with the first round of our Spring Stag Golf Tournament with play at Genoa Lakes Ranch course. Between our Spring Stag, September Mixed Scramble and our Fall Stag that ran through the early 2000's we figure just these three events have produced over 18,000 rounds of golf since we started sponsoring our own golf tournaments in the mid-1980s. Best we can remember we've never had a hole-in-one in any of these events. Last Friday's opening round of our Spring Stag saw two: Jack Lerch from Oakdale, CA aced #8 at the Ranch Course and Ken Hengst from Milpitas, CA holed it off the tee on #16!
• The second story from last weekend produced a most unusual sight at the Rogue Brotherhood Golf Group's spring trip dinner on Saturday night in our convention center. The group of mostly business owners from El Dorado County and the Sacramento area has been visiting the CVI twice a year for quite a few years. Over the last few years their wives and girlfriends have joined them on the Spring Trip (Fall Trip is for the guys) and they always have more fun than should be allowed! They have a theme each spring and, while always interesting, it's never been as visually unusual as last Saturday night's “Steam Punk” as you can see in the picture above.
• Almost 100 golf groups of all sizes are scheduled to visit the Carson Valley Inn and play our area courses during the 2019 season. If you are already on our list, thank you! If you'd like to find out more about bringing your group to the CVI, contact our resident golf expert, Greg Enholm, PGA at 775-783-6615 or shoot him an email at grege@carsonvalleyinn.com. While we can't guarantee anyone in your group will get a hole-in-one, and you certainly don't need to theme your group's dinner, we will do our very best to make sure you have a darn good time!

What Diet?!

Sunday is No Diet Day. We couldn’t pass this one up so we checked with Chef Don in Katie’s and Chef Patrick in CV Steak to find out what they would choose if they were going to bust their diet for a day. Chef Don said he’d start with the Katie’s Chicken Fried Steak for breakfast – perhaps even with a side order of extra gravy! For lunch he’d dive into the deep fried Monte Cristo Sandwich. Chef Patrick had a little more difficult time coming up with a diet buster in CV Steak. When pressed, he settled on the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake as an appetizer, the BLT Salad and then the Chicken Alfredo as the entrée. However, he still wasn’t convinced this trio would bust anyone’s diet for the day!

Carson Valley Market Update

The remodeling of the Carson Valley Market is progressing rapidly and we are still looking at reopening by the end of next week. Reminder: The gas and diesel pumps are open for credit card and debit card purchases during construction.

Kentucky Derby in Weekend Spotlight

The Kentucky Derby headlines the action at our Sports and Race Book this week. We find that just about everyone who catches the race in our Cabaret Lounge has some type of action whether it’s a simple Win/Place/Show bet or a potentially much more lucrative Exacta or Trifecta wager. Also “On the Board” this week: Major League Baseball, NBA Basketball Playoffs, NHL Hockey Playoffs and Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV 400.  Futures bets include winners of the May 16 - 19 PGA Championship (Tiger was 8 to 1 last we looked), 2019 NBA Championship, 2019 Stanley Cup, the 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, the 2019 World Series and the 2020 NCAA Football Championship! You can watch and bet horse racing every day of the year in our Cabaret Lounge and at Bodines Casino!

This Week in Our Restaurants

• Katie’s (some new items for May): Wednesday’s special is Lasagna for $6.99 and the Thursday special is a Pork Chop in Ranchero Sauce for $6.99. Fridays and Saturdays, Katie's offers a Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner special served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad for $14.99. Katie’s Sunday special is "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner including southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw for $6.99 from 2 to 10PM. Monday Katie’s features Chicken Piccata for $6.99 and the Tuesday special is a Burrito Grande, chicken or beef & beans in a flour tortilla covered with enchilada sauce & cheese with Spanish rice for $6.99. The specials on Monday through Saturday are served from 11AM to 10PM.
• CV Steak: Wednesday’s special is Beef Tenderloin Brochette with bell peppers onions, cherry tomato and a spicy sweet and sour sauce for $25. Thursday’s special 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 for $26. This Friday it’s Fire Grilled Venison Chops with cherry brandy demi for $32. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is King Crab Legs for $28. 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.

Check Out Our Casino Promotions for May

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• Ladies Night Wednesdays: 5:30 to 8:30PM with a Free Surprise Gift for the first 150 ladies and Tupperware Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. The ladies also enjoy games, raffles, a weekly drink special & free bingo for those playing in the casino.
• Player’s Choice Wednesdays: Your choice of a Free Food Certificate or Free Slot Play after earning 50 points between 8AM and 8PM on the same day. Swipe at the kiosk to make your choice plus you keep the points!
• Free T-Shirt Thursdays: Get a Free CVI T-Shirt when you earn just 100 points on the same day – plus you keep the points!
• Point Multiplier Fridays: 5X Points on video reels and 3X Points on video poker, all day.
• Home Makeover Saturdays:  Join us for drawings between 6 & 7:30PM in this exciting promotion that runs until the Finale on Thursday, May 31.
• 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. You never know which multiplier is coming up next and we do guarantee that the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday.
• Player’s Choice Mondays: Your choice of a Free Food Certificate or Free Slot Play after earning 50 points between 8AM and 8PM on the same day. Swipe at the kiosk to make your choice plus you keep the points!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

• Left of Center Wednesday through Saturday: One of Northern Nevada's top Country/Rock bands - need we say more!
• Bill Wharton Sunday and Monday:  Local artist Bill Wharton has been entertaining people across the western United States, Alaska and Hawaii for, as he says, “eons.” His smooth, melodic tone comes out in his vast repertoire from old classic country thru modern country, pop to classic rock, blues and jazz.
• Cliff and Dave Tuesday and Wednesday: 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

Concert Chatter

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

  

  Aaron Watson June 16 in TJ's Corral

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

Sports and Race Book:

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

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

Some Stuff We Think is Important: 

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

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

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

In the Casino

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

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day in Katie’s – three specials for $6.99 each served from 11 AM to 10 PM!
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Braised Buffalo Short Rib for $30.00.  Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked – tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

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

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

Sharkey's Ribbon Cutting, Merle Haggard Concert, Mike's Horses, More

Okie from Muskogee was one of Merle Haggard's biggest hits and it was definitely a song that spoke to the era of the Vietnam conflict. What better way to warm up for Merle's Friday concert than catching this version from . . .  well, let's just say "a few years ago." While still five weeks away, the Gary Allan Concert tickets are selling quite well, so please don't miss out! Check our webpage for information on all the 2015concerts scheduled so far for TJ's Corral.

Plenty Happening at the Carson Valley Inn This Week!

Friday's Merle Haggard sold-out concert is definitely the biggest event happening at the Carson Valley Inn this weekend. But, there's plenty more including:

• The Grand Prize drawings in our $50,000 Cash and FreePlay Giveaway promotion are this Thursday at 6 and 8 PM.
• Our new Friday & Saturday B.B.Q. Platter dinner special in Katie's starts this weekend: smoked BBQ beef brisket and a BBQ chicken breast served with mashed potatoes, vegetable, corn bread, smoky BBQ sauce and cole slaw for $10.99.
• We have a Free Sharkey's Grand Opening T-Shirt (while they last) for all Inn Club members who earn 25 points on Monday.
• Our Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Tuesday includes 5X Points all day; Drawings at noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM for up to $5,000; $3.99 Beef Burrito or Chicken Enchilada in Katie's and $4.99 for Two Beef Tacos at the casino bars.
• A slightly unorthodox guide to sports this week at the CVI:
• Watch It Here, Bet It Here: The Kentucky Derby will be shown throughout the casino this Saturday afternoon. While Mike doesn't have a horse running in the Derby this year, he does have three horses scheduled to run this weekend: Air Pocket Thursday at Santa Anita, Five Palms Friday at Churchill Downs and Gimme Da Lute Saturday at Churchill Downs. Remember, in horse racing things can and do change right up to post time!
• Watch It Here, Can't Bet It Here:The NFL Draft will keep the talking heads busy this weekend - watch it ad nauseam at the CVI, but no bets taken!
• Bet It Here, Can't Watch It Here: the Pacquiao vs Mayweather Fight is drawing sports book action now with Mayweather a heavy favorite . . . but we will not be showing the fight.

Sharkey's Ribbon Cutting Friday

Antique Slot at
Entrance to Jackpot Cafe

The casino, Silver Dollar Bar, sports book and Jackpot Café restaurant are all fully operational so it's Sharkey's Casino this Friday at noon. Owner Mike Pegram will be there along with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Douglas County, Town of Gardnerville, Main Street Gardnerville and, you we hope!  We mentioned last week that we would include a few tidbits about Sharkey's from time to time:
time to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand reopening of

• The large picture behind the Guest Services counter is Merle Haggard, Sharkey Begovich and Stu Carnall.
• Some of the pictures and memorabilia in Sharkey's are actually "on loan" from local residents who offered them for display to help us depict the historic character of Sharkey's. If you have something that might also help tell the Sharkey's story, get in touch with one of the Managers on Duty.
• Finishing exterior touches still to come for Sharkey's include two large murals celebrating the "World Famous Gardnerville" and the completion of the display boxes on the front of the building telling more about the Silver Dollar Bar, the Jackpot Café and antique slots.
• What's on the menu at Sharkey's? Click here and read all about it!
• In next week's blog, we may even share why the Guest Services sign is spelled Guest Service's!

Mother's Day at the Inn

Mother's Day is one of the biggest dining out days of the year . . .and between Katie's and CV Steak we provide ample availability right here at the Carson Valley Inn!

• CV Steak is open for dinner on Mother's Day from 4:30 p.m. offering a selection of steaks,
  
  chops, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes and more.  In addition to all regular CV Steak menu options, there are two Mother's Day dinner specials: Alaskan Halibut Oscar with asparagus, crab and Béarnaise sauce for $32.00 and Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus – a 12 ounce cut served with creamy horseradish sauce for $29.00.  Both specials are served with a choice of au gratin, baked or double-stuffed baked potato plus seasonal fresh vegetable and table-side tossed house salad.  For CV Steak reservations, call 775-783-6650.  The Sunset Menu is not available on Mother's Day.
• Katie's is open 24 hours and is serving a Traditional Eggs Benedict special from 7 to 11 a.m. on Mother's Day and two dinner specials from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Eggs Benedict includes toasted English muffin, grilled Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce and hash browns for $5.99. Katie's Mother Day dinner specials are Pan Seared Fillet of Sole with herbed rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables and Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta with shaved asparagus and garlic bread. Both dinner specials are $11.99 and include choice of soup or salad and Katie's dinner bread. Katie's "The Chandler" dinner special will not be served on Mother's Day.
• Last Reminder: Our Mother's Day Weekend Hotel Package is still available with hotel accommodations for Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9 plus $80 in food certificates for any of our restaurants.

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

• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the last set of three April kitchen utensils.  Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Yankee Candle Gift Sets, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Lamb Shank in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Braised Lamb Shank with Chimichurri and Pearl Barley Risotto - a lamb shank braised and slow cooked with herbs, Cabernet and mustards and served with a pearl barley risotto and tableside-tossed salad for $28.00.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: George Pickard is here tonight, The Nighthawks make a one-night appearance on Thursday, the John Dawson Band entertains Friday and Saturday, and Phil Prunier takes the stage Sunday through Wednesday nights.
• We Thought You Should Know: This Thursday is Oatmeal Cookie Day and we just happen to sell these tasty sweets at the Bakery Counter in Katie's! Sunday is Two Different Colored Shoes Day – come on, admit it, you've always wanted an excuse to do it for a day! Monday is Firefighters Day - and we salute and thank the men and women of the East Fork Fireand Paramedic Districts who are ALWAYS there for us when we need them!

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

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!