Free Veterans Day Spaghetti Lunch, Decades Returns to Cabaret, Much More

Thanks to Our Veterans!

Monday is Veterans Day and we invite all Veterans and Active Military – plus one guest to join us for our annual Free Spaghetti Lunch in the Valley Ballroom from 11 AM to 2 PM. Simply present your military ID for entrance and lunch for you and your guest is on the CVI!  If you don't have your ID, just briefly tell the host about your service to our country and we’ll welcome you! Lunch includes fresh tossed garden salad, spaghetti with choice of marinara sauce or Bolognese, garlic bread and assorted cookies. 

CVI General Manager Steve Chappell has attended all eight of the previous Veterans Day lunches. “We’ve observed so many interesting interactions at this event over the years. Some share military stories with others, some talk current events as they make new friends with a common bond, a few just eat quietly and leave. All express their appreciation either verbally or with a thankful smile. We are truly appreciative of all those who have served (or are still serving) affording all of us with the freedom we enjoy today.”

Comedian Spotlight – Brian Lee

Four accomplished comedians are entertaining in the CVI Valley Ballroom on Saturday, November 23 and we’ve been spotlighting each of these talented make-you-laugh entertainers in our weekly blog.. The Stand-Up Comedy Show includes Brian Lee, Carlos Rodriguez, Kris Tinkle and Key Lewis . . . and this week, Brian is in our spotlight!

Drinking, relationships, lousy day jobs, family life, more drinking, and the possibility of a new religion are just a few of the topics Brian Lee tackles. He also takes audience participation to a new level with his off-kilter game show, “Cerebral Punishment”. In addition to being a veteran of the stage, he is also a Veteran of the U.S. military.  A combined 24 years between the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy has given him quite a unique perspective and has given him the opportunity to perform around the world. Brian was a finalist in The Improv’s Fall Down Laughing competition in Pittsburgh, PA and was voted “Best Comic” at the inaugural Keystone Comedy Festival.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk.  The show starts at 8:00 pm and is for audiences 21 or over.

Strutts for Mutts Here at CVI

The Animal Rescue Relay Strutts for Mutts is coming to our Valley Ballroom on Saturday, November 16 and this event has about as much energy and momentum behind it as we’ve ever seen for a local fundraiser!  The evening includes a Dinner, Music, Silent Auction, Entertainment, Doggie Fashion Show and more including The Imaginator Syndicate - a group of fun-loving actors who skip the script and leap on stage not knowing where they will land! Animal Rescue Relay is a small 501(c)(3) IRS charitable organization dedicated to the transportation and rehoming of shelter and rescue animals. The group’s rescue dogs will be available for adoption as they Strutt their stuff down the walkway while you vote for the best dressed. For more information Click Here or call Kelly at 775-230-4117. 

$52,000 – What Would You Do?

Our Penny Progressive Jackpot rolled over $52,000 yesterday so we started asking the “what would you do” question. So, what would YOU do with $52,000? Send us and email by clicking here and we’ll consider using your “story” in next week’s blog.

Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go

A reminder that we’re offering a Thanksgiving Dinner to Go for Up to Ten and orders are being taken now. We start with a 20 - 22 pound bird but the turkey will be deboned and the white meat and dark meat cooked separately – much easier to prepare and serve on Thanksgiving Day. Traditional side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, giblet gravy, green beans amandine, cranberry sauce, a pumpkin pie, rolls and butter all for just $99.00 plus tax. Side dishes of yams are $13.99. Orders may be placed at the Katie's cashier counter or call 775-783-6664 and ask for the Katie's supervisor. Pick up is between 9 AM and noon on Thanksgiving Day. All items will be pre-cooked and packaged in oven-ready roasting pans ready to heat per the provided instructions (allow an hour for heating at home).

Some “Special” Days This Week

• Today is National Saxophone Day. Celebrate this Thursday thru Saturday when the saxophone is one of over a dozen instruments played by the trained musicians who comprise the group Decades performing in our Cabaret Lounge!
• Thursday is National Men Make Dinner Day (Must Cook. No BBQ Allowed!). Some men will cook - that's admirable. Some men will bring their spouse to Katie’s or CV Steak and get by on the technicality that "A man cooked our dinner!" That’s our kind of guy!
• Friday is National Cappuccino Day. We'll make you one starting at 6 AM in Job's Perk.
• Sunday is National Vanilla Cupcake Day. We make them here and sell them every day at the Katie's Bakery Counter: Vanilla or Chocolate . . . or one of each!
• Tuesday is National French Dip Day - we serve a great French Dip in Katie's.
• Tuesday is also National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day. Whatever you like on your pizza, you can’t beat our Sister property Bodines Casino – their brick pizza oven and made-to-order philosophy combine for a most-excellent pizza experience.

Poker Room - Pineapple and More

• Our Poker Room has added two special Crazy Pineapple “extras” this week!  This Saturday, November 9 there’s a special $2/$6 Crazy Pineapple Hi/Low Game. And on Tuesday, the crew in the poker room is adding $50 to the pot for the Crazy Pineapple High/Low Limit Tournament at 6 PM.
• And don’t forget the Poker Ladder and Free Roll Tournament Promotion is going on through the end of November. Be sure to use your Inn Club card whenever you play in the poker room and the top 30 players based on points earned in live play will get into the $1000 Free Roll Tournament on Friday, December 6. An updated ladder is posted each week and If you’re not in the top 30, don’t give up . . . many times some of those qualifiers can’t make it for whatever reason and we often go down into the next 10 finishers to get all the qualifiers for the Free Roll Tournament.
• As we mentioned last week, there’s a special bonus for the winner of our daily Opening Shootout during November and December: Each day's winner earns a spot in our $400 winner-take-all Shootout Tournament of Champions on Monday, January 6!  After you’ve qualified once, any future “wins” in the daily Shoot Out gains you an extra $100 to your starting chip stack.
• For more on the CVI Poker Room ongoing featured games, tournaments, and promotions, click here.

Play Our Turkey Trot Giant Board Game!

This Week’s Promotions Lineup

• Ladies’ Night Wednesday: The fun runs from 5:30 to 8:30PM including a Free Silver Platter Serving Tray for the first 150 ladies (over 100 include FreePlay), All Wrapped Up Baskets as hot seat prizes, free Bingo Games, free Raffles and a weekly Drink Special!.
• Free-Shirt Thursday: Earn just 50 points on Thursday and get a Free CVI T-Shirt at the Guest Services Counter – plus you keep the points!.
• Point Multiplier Friday: Earn 5 Points on Video Poker slots and 3X Points on Video Reels all day this Friday. 
• Turkey Trot Drawings and Board Game Fridays and Saturdays: The drawings start at 6 PM every Friday and Saturday for the 6:45 PM game. Around 7:30 PM we start more drawings for the 8 PM game. Three people each time qualify for our giant board game with prizes and fun along the way!
• Point Party Sunday: You’ll be earning anywhere from 2X to 10X Points from noon to 7PM with the point multiplier changing every half hour. We guarantee the 10X Points will run for 30 minutes at least twice every Sunday in November.

We Have Three of These to Give Away

From the Sports & Race Book

• Sports Book Mike’s Musings:
• Favorites went 7-6 against the spread last week.  The dogs won 5 games.
• Actually, the home teams won every NFL game played in the US on Sunday. Home dogs were definitely a good play.
• Just when folks thought the cream was on top, we had one of those weeks in the NFL. Specifically, the Packers and Patriots taking a face plant. Not that it changes the playoff picture, but it does point to how hard it is to pick games each week. The top teams had been covering at a pretty high percentage.
• Big games in College football this week starting with The Golden Gophers hosting Penn State.  Alabama hosts an SEC game this week as well – against LSU, 12:30 on CBS: This week’s talking-sports-heads “Game of the Century!” 
• Our Pro Pick’em Progressive Jackpot is at $3,692 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.
• College Hoops are Back! Great to see all the college basketball enthusiasts back yesterday for the “opening day.” More games to bet every day of the week so get in on the action! The full slate on board this week includes NFL and NCAA Football, NBA and NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey, Canadian Football Division Semi-Finals, Horse Racing and this Sunday’s NASCAR Monster Energy Series Bluegreen Vacations 500 at the ISM Raceway.in Phoenix.
• Futures Bets on the board include: 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, 2020 NCAA Football Championship, 2020 Super Bowl, 2020 NCAA College Basketball, 2020 NBA Championship and 2020 Stanley Cup
• Football Extras:
• $2 Coors Light draft at the Casino Bar or in the Cabaret Lounge during all televised NFL and College Games.
• A couple of Free NFL Hats given away for each of the teams playing every Monday Night Football Game.
• Bar Snacks Delivered to Your Seat while you watch or play. Get the full menu and pricing at this link!
• Three Yeti Coolers Want One? All three will be given away on Monday, December 23 during the Packers/Vikings MNF Game. Each has a $300 value and will hold 28 beers at the 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume. Ask the bartender for more information when ordering a Coors at our Casino Bar during any NFL game!
• Poker Room Squares Pool: Earn squares as you play in live poker games during the week. Each week we kick in $160 and the payout is on the Monday Night Football Game – $40 to the winners of the first three quarters and the final score. Any unclaimed quarters roll to the next week and for the November 11 Seahawks/Niners game it’s at $82 a quarter!!

This Week in Our Restaurants

Katie’s Specials:

• Wednesday: Spaghetti with Giant Meatballs, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, parsley and toasted garlic bread served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $7.99.
• Thursday: CVI Smokehouse Platter with house smoked pork loin, polish sausage, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes served from 11 AM to 10 PM for $8.99. 
• Friday: Slowly Roasted Brisket with vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes & natural au ju for $10.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Saturday 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 – a combination of home fried potatoes tossed with peppers, onions, bacon & sausage, scrambled eggs & tomato, topped with melted cheese all for $7.99.
• Sunday Dinner:  "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner is served from 2 to 10 PM for $7.99.If you haven’t had it lately, we recently enhanced the seasoning and ingredients to achieve improved crispiness and juiciness of this very popular special and encourage you to check out this hearty dinner of southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.
• Monday: Katie’s Shepherd’s Pie is a one-dish serving of sautéed ground beef with grandma’s brown gravy, peas and carrots for $5.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• Tuesday: Pork Chili Verde served with Spanish rice and black beans for $7.99 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CV Steak Specials:
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 Roasted Stuffed Quail with prosciutto, wild rice pilaf and plum port glaze. 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

• John Palmore tonight: Former musical director for the late “LOUIS ARMSTRONG,” John 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.
• Decades Thursday thru Saturday: Since 2010, this electrifying group presents a vibrant and diverse act from Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars Uptown Funk. Decades’ 4-part harmonies and energized rhythm section truly shine when playing hits from the 1950’s to today.  The young quintet includes Jen Benoit (lead vocals, harmonica, flute, keys and accordion), Ben Ruttenburg (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) Billy DiBono (drums, vocals), Will Watje (lead guitar, sax, slide guitar, piano, vocals), and Tobias Brooks (bass, trumpet, drums vocals).  This band has played nearly 1,000 shows and won WeddingWire.com’s Couple’s Choice Award for 2019.  They’ll be making their European debut June of 2020.
• 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.
• Hans Eberbach Tuesday and Wednesday: Vocalist and songwriter Hans Eberbach sings for the band Joy & Madness, an evolution of vintage soul sound with modern classic pop sensibilities. He also fronts his own band HANS! and the HOT MESS – a band that represents his original singer/songwriter/electronic soul work.

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!

Comedy and Free Spaghetti Feed Highlight Veterans Day Weekend

Veterans Day Weekend at the CVI

• We begin the Veterans Day Weekend festivities at the Carson Valley Inn this Saturday when our Core 4 Live Standup Comedy Show is headlined by 24-year Army and Navy Veteran Brian Lee. Host Sammy Solorio, Special Guest Luke Westberg and Feature Act Andy Picarro round out the evening of laughs.  Enjoy it all for just a $20 ticket you can buy online at or at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk.  Doors open around 6:45 PM and it’s open-seating for the 21-or-over show starting at 7:30 pm.
• Our Free Spaghetti Lunch for all Veterans and Active Military – plus one guest – is this Sunday in the Valley Ballroom. The event starts at 11 AM with the Presentation of Colors by the Douglas High School Jr. ROTC Honor Guard followed by the national anthem and invocation. The complimentary lunch service will continue until 2 PM. Veterans and active military personnel simply present your military ID for entrance and lunch for you and your guest is on the Carson Valley Inn!  If you don't have your ID, just tell the host about your service to our country and we’ll welcome you! This is the eighth year for the free Veterans Day Spaghetti Lunch which includes fresh tossed garden salad, spaghetti with choice of marinara sauce or Bolognese, garlic bread and assorted cookies.  This event has become a bonding, healing and reconnecting event for the hundreds of neighbors and community residents who attend each year. It’s also an opportunity to meet new friends who share patriotism and pride for our country! Please join us!

We Had No Idea If It Was a Good Idea

But We Tried it Anyway . . .

What If We Did a Joke Contest?

When our social media folks told us they were going to run a joke contest to help promote this Saturday’s comedy show, we cringed! Anyone who pokes around at all on social media knows you’re likely to see or read just about anything!  One of the criteria was “keep it clean” and, by gosh, everyone did! A variety of jokes were posted on both Facebook and Instagram and the winner – Andy Guerrero – was chosen by random drawing. To read his and some of the other jokes, take a look at the comments on this Facebook posting . . . A few of them are “not bad!” Keep reading our blog (new every Wednesday morning) to stay up-to-date on the pertinent happenings at and near the Carson Valley Inn! If social media is also to your liking, here are the links to our Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram account.

 “Tie One On” Day Isn’t for Two Weeks

But We’re Getting You Started Tonight!

We know what you’re thinking when we in the casino business say Tie One On Day . . . it’s gotta be about excess drinking.  Turns out it has nothing to do with drinking and unless you happened to have stumbled on this earlier in your life or taken a clue from the picture above, we’re thinking you didn’t see this one coming: Tie One On Day is about aprons!! So here we go with an explanation: at tonight’s Ladies’ Night, Julie and Kim – pictured  above – will be giving out white aprons with the Carson Valley Inn logo. Everyone receiving one of these aprons is invited to decorate it in whatever creative fashion you can imagine . . . And then wear it when you come in for Ladies’ Night on Wednesday, November 28.  Everyone who wears their decorated CVI apron on November 28 will be eligible for prize drawings . . . and we’ll also be giving out prizes for the best decorated aprons. The key is to get started by attending Ladies’ Night tonight and picking up your free CVI apron. And as for Tie One On Day, it’s actually Wednesday, November 21, the day before Thanksgiving. We invite you to click on any of the three links earlier in this article (each is different) to find out more! And whatever you do, don’t giveaway your CVI apron on November 21!

32 Years Ago This Week Here at the CVI

With no advance fanfare or publicity, Retired General Chuck Yeager spoke to the California Flying Farmers annual gathering at the Carson Valley Inn 32 years ago this Thursday!  The attendance for the event was already pushing the limits of the CVI ballroom and the organizers of the meeting insisted on absolutely no advance mention of Yeager's upcoming appearance. At the last minute, a few members of the press were invited in for what turned out to be an incredibly fascinating presentation on the technology of flight followed by the general signing copies of his just-published book, Yeager: An Autobiography. Chuck Yeager was the first man to break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947. 71 years later to the day, on October 14, 2018, spectators at the Aviation Roundup saw Blue Angel #5 fly right to the edge of the sound barrier as he made his 700+ mph Sneak Pass maneuver right down the crowd line just feet above the ground at the Minden-Tahoe Airport.

Football and Other Sports at the Inn

Blue vs. Red - Without the Robocalls!

• Our Guys Picks!  The Guys are trending in the right direction with a 5 & 3 weekend.  Albeit, it’s not a reason for anyone to quit their day job but at least they can afford the Hamsteak & Eggs special in Katie’s!   This week Greg is going with Wisconsin +8 at Penn St. and the Patriots -6 ½ at the Titans.  Alan will fly with his Eagles -7 versus the Cowboys and Da’Bears -7 against the Lions.  Mike loves Boise St. +3 on the smurf turf against Fresno St. and the over 56 of TCU/West Virginia.  Steve is all over the Panthers +4 at the Steelers on Thursday night and the Bengals +4½ versus the Saints.  With 9 weeks down, here’s a look at the Y-T-D Records:  Alan is 8 & 10, Greg is 9 & 9, Mike is 7 & 11 and Steve is 8 & 10.  
• Free Merch Monday Night: Anytime the Niners or Raiders play in prime time we’ll be there with some giveaways . . . so join us in the Cabaret Lounge Monday night for some drawings for Forty Niner and Giants hats and shirts during the game!
• The Progressive Pro PK'EM jackpot is now at $3,622 for whoever picks this week’s 15 winners or props straight up. Cards are $5 card, play as many as you wish, any ties are split.
• Monday Night Football Poker Room Grid:  All squares were claimed this past Monday so it’s back to $160 total for this coming Monday’s Giants/Niners game. “The Grid” pays $40 the first three quarters and $40 for the final score . . . you must be present to win and any unclaimed winnings roll to the following week. Check the details on this page. 
• Enjoy $2 Domestic Draft Beer during all NFL games at the CVI.
• On The Board! This week you can bet NCAA and NFL Football, NHL Hockey, NBA and NCAA Basketball, the Sunday Canadian Football League Division Finals, the Sunday NASCAR Can-Am 500 and Horseracing. Futures include winners of the NASCAR Monster Energy Series, the NFL Conference Championships, the 2019 Super Bowl, the 2019 NCAA Football Championship, the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the 2019 Stanley Cup and the 2019 NBA Championship.

Cappuccino, Pizza and Chicken Soup

• Thursday is Cappuccino Day and the weather is finally getting cool enough to enjoy one of these frothy and whipped coffee drinks in Job’s Perk!
• Monday is Pizza With The Works Except Anchovies Day. This special observance came into existence to protect people who foolishly and naively choose to order their pizza with "the works," never thinking for a moment that there’s a madman out there perfectly willing and capable of putting anchovies on a poor innocent pizza. If you read our blog regularly, you know where we’re heading: toward the pizzas churned out daily in the specially made brick pizza oven at our sister property, Bodines Casino. We asked Bodines manager Tom Forrest how they prevented people from accidentally getting anchovies when ordering a pizza with “the works.” He laughed and simply stated, “can’t happen here, we don’t even have anchovies on the property!”
• Monday is Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. Ideally we’d be doing a segue into a chicken soup special in Katie’s  . . .  But sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way so try this one:  on Monday we’ll be serving Chicken Tortilla Soup for the Body in Katie's!

 This Week in the Casino

• Ladies’ Night Tonight:  Join us from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with a Free CVI Apron for the first 150 ladies and Pampered Chef Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also tonight: games, raffles, a weekly drink special and free bingo for ladies playing in the pit or at slots. 
• $75,000 Holiday Giveaways Promotion Friday and Saturday:  Join us at 5, 7 and 9 PM both nights for drawings for cash and FreePlay!
• Point Multipliers Saturday: 4X Points on Reel Slots and Video Poker Slots all day every Saturday in November. Use your rapidly accumulating points for FreePlay, dining, Katie’s Bakery products, hotel stays and more!
• Your Rewards Monday: INN Club members can swipe at the casino kiosk once on Monday for Your Reward. Could be FreePlay, a Free Food offer, a Free Multiplier or a Free Gift!

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 Veal Scaloppini with lemon and capers for $29. 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

Patrick Major tonight, Reckless Envy Thursday - Saturday, NFL Football Sunday and Monday nights and Hans Eberbach next Tuesday and Wednesday. Patrick Major’s style includes his own mix of original guitar and vocals combined with rock classics from the last four decades. Whether playing tunes from James Taylor to Dave Matthews, or his own compositions, he displays an unequaled emotion with all. The versatility of Reckless Envy might just bring a heartfelt ballad such as Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” an authentic version of “Barracuda” by Heart, an entertaining rendition of Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” a guitar driven ZZ Top classic such as “Tush” or a dance song like Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” Vocalist and songwriter Hans Eberbach sings for the band Joy & Madness, an evolution of vintage soul sound with modern classic pop sensibilities. He also fronts his own band HANS! and the HOT MESS a band that represents his original singer/songwriter/electronic soul work.

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!

Food Drive, Free Spaghetti Feed, Thanksgiving Dining, Slot World Progress, Much More

KTVN Share Your Christmas Community Food Drive Coming Up

We just set the clocks back last weekend and that’s our signal that the KTVN Share Your Christmas Community Food Drive is only a month away . . . After we get through Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday! The date is Friday, December 8 from 6 AM to 6 PM in our parking area under the electronic marquee sign along Highway 395. Popular KTVN newscasters Arianna Bennett and Ryan Canaday will be returning to the CVI location this year and they’ll be joined by Ky Sisson and a support crew of three. Look for more information in the coming weeks about this incredible day of generosity that benefits the thousands of people in our community served by the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

Free Veteran’s Day Spaghetti Feed This Saturday

Our 7^th Annual Free Spaghetti Lunch for all Veterans and Active Military personnel is this Saturday in the Valley Ballroom. The Douglas High School Jr. ROTC Honor Guard will do the Presentation of Colors at 11 a.m. and Kimora Whitacre will sing the National Anthem. Lunch service will begin immediately after and continue until 2 p.m. Veterans and active military personnel simply present your military ID for entrance, and lunch for you and your guest is on the Carson Valley Inn!  If you don't have your ID, just tell the host about your service to our country and they’ll welcome you anyway!

Thanksgiving Reminders

• Join us here on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy our regular menu items in CV Steak and Katie's or feast on one of our Thanksgiving Specials. All the details are in the flyer at this link.
• Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at home with our Thanksgiving Dinner to Go for up to ten - details on the menu, ordering, pickup and preparation are at this link.

We Survived a Slot World Walk Thru Yesterday!

A couple of us crawled out of the cubicle in which we write this blog and took a tour of what’s going on with the extensive (an understatement) renovations at our newest sister property, Slot World on Highway 50 E. in Carson City.

• When we pulled up, there were so many cars in the parking lots that we felt for a moment the place was open and business was booming. Once we got inside, we realized that all those vehicles belonged to the many dozens of tradesmen, slot people, purveyors, delivery people, employees in training and others who just looked like they were doing something important.
• We carefully darted between slots, various types of equipment being rolled in, large construction paraphernalia, boxes, crates, and just about every other imaginable piece, part, tool or contraption that goes into making a total renovation happen. While spending more time watching where we were going, we did notice the outline of the large casino-center bar is taking shape and part of the casino was carpeted with slots being placed. The rest of the casino was getting prepped with carpeting stacked nearby and ready to be laid later this week. It was most obvious that the previous interior had been totally demolished and that everything was new!
• The only semblance of order (at least by layman’s definition) was the actual dining area of Betsy’s Big Kitchen where a couple dozen of the just-under-100 employees were going through a training session.  The rest are training later this week and next week or are shadowing various positions at the CVI, Bodines Casino or Sharkey’s casino.  
• If you've driven by, you probably noticed that the outside of the building has been painted, most of the parking lot areas have been resurfaced and re-striped, and other signs of rebirth are starting to show – with more to come.
• Realizing that the two of us with notepads did not fit into the hurrying and scurrying, we left with a promise to come back early next week, gather more detailed information, and start answering the many questions we’ve been receiving including the most often heard “When will you be reopening?”  We actually did get an answer to that one: Look for the reopening of Slot World right before Thanksgiving – if everything goes well. More next week!

Coffee, Ice Cream and Pizza – Repeat if Necessary!

• Today is National Cappuccino Day and Job’s Perk (open 6 AM to 9 PM) offers this Italian coffee drink traditionally prepared with double espresso and steamed milk foam.
• Saturday is National Sundae Day and we have plenty of options in Katie’s starting with our Baby Sundae and continuing on with our full-size selections including the Stuffed Fudge Brownie Sundae, Classic Hot Fudge Sundae, Turtle Sundae and a Banana Split (please, don't get us started on the discussion that went into whether or not a Banana Split is technically a Sundae!)
• Sunday is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day. We enthusiastically send you up to Bodines Casino where we make hand-tossed pizzas to order and cook ‘em in Bodine’s special high-heat pizza oven. Have it any way you like from plain cheese all the way up to the Works Except Anchovies!

Basketball, Football and Other Sports Info

• Our Guys Picks:  The Sportsbook Guys had a perfect weekend with all four of their picks winning.   Mike looks to continue his roll with Northwestern –4 ½ vs. Purdue and the Georgia Bulldogs –3 at Auburn.  Alan will take Colorado St. +5 ½ vs. Boise State and THE U (Miami) +3 ½ vs Notre Dame.  Greg looks to improve his pathetic overall record (including 0-2 last week) by taking Michigan St. +15 at Ohio St. and the Cleveland Browns +15 at the Detroit Lions.
• The First Weekend of March Madness is only four months away . . . and the journey starts this weekend as the 351 NCAA Division 1 teams start play in 30+ conferences with the hopes of being one of the 68 teams making it into NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament also known as March Madness! Here’s an interesting fact: 49 of our 50 states have Division I men’s basketball teams . . . Do you know the one state that does not?
• Enjoy $2 Draft Beer during all televised Pro & College football games at the CVI - plus our staff will bring your bar bites order to you right at your seat.
• The Progressive Pro PK'EM is at $3,520 this week. Cards are just $5 each!
• NFL hats, tee shirts, Budweiser merchandise and other prizes are given away in drawings during Monday Night Football at the CVI. Also, three tickets are distributed each week for the Ultimate Tailgate Party package which will be given away during the Monday Night Football game on December 18.
• Monday Night Football Grid in our poker room every week – we start with $160 each week and add in any unclaimed prizes from the previous week. This coming Monday we’re giving away $85 for each of the first three quarters and the final score . . . earn entries during live poker games this week ‘til all squares are claimed.
• Place Your Bet: Place your bets on Pro and College Football, NHL Hockey, Pro and College Basketball, Horse Racing and this weekend’s NASCAR Can-Am 500 at the Phoenix Raceway. Futures on the board include winners for the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, 2018 Super Bowl, 2018 NCAA Basketball and Football Championships, 2018 NBA Championship and 2018 NHL Stanley Cup.
• Sports tickets can be cashed-in at Guest Services when the Sports Book is closed. Horse Race tickets can be cashed only when the Race and Sports Book is open. Winning sports bets placed at any of our three casinos (CVI, Bodines and Sharkey’s) can be cashed at any of the three locations. 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge

Roem Baur tonight, Justin Lee Band Thursday - Saturday, NFL Football on Sunday and Monday and Jonathon “JB” Barton Tuesday and Wednesday. Roem Baur is a multiple award-winning touring songwriter and classically trained opera singer. He ultimately answered the call of rock n' roll and has been featured on the main stage at Super Bowl 50, NBC's The Voice and at CES & SXSW conferences. With roots in small town Yerington, Nevada, Justin Lee brings a new level of excitement to country as we know it. A Night In The Country – Nevada’s largest country music festival – featured Justin on the main stage prior to The Band Perry in 2015.  Justin’s new album Where I Belong includes the single Like I've Fallen and here’s a link to the video, part of which was recorded in our TJ’s Corral. Jonathon “JB” Barton’s love for a variety of musical styles is apparent in his selection of favorites from Van Morrison, CCR, Hank Williams, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Eagles and many more. Come out and sing along!

In the Casino

Free 3-Bottle Nail Polish Set
to First 150 Ladies Tonight

• Penny Progressive:  The jackpot is now over $70,000 – enough to do a major home remodel! Remember, this Progressive can only be won at one of our three properties; the Carson Valley Inn, Bodines Casino and Sharkey’s Casino.
• Ladies’ Night Tonight:  Join us 5:30 to 8:30 PM tonight with a free 3-Piece Nail Polish Set for the first 150 ladies and Chocolate Shoppe Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes. Also tonight: games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and your opportunity to earn entries for the November 29 drawing for a Free Designer Wallet and Handbag.
• VIP Gifts Thursday: free VIP Gift Giveaways at 2, 4, 6 & 8 PM! Be sure to use your INN Club card while playing to qualify for these hot seat drawings.
• Friday Harvest Giveaways Drawings: Join us at 5, 7 & 9 PM for up to $10,000 in Cash and Free Play!
• 5X Points Saturday: That’s five times the benefits for your play all day this Saturday.
• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Tuesday: Our monthly Blackjack Tournament on Tuesday evening kicks all the entry fees and rebuys back to the top three finishers in the form of cash prizes. Signups start at 5 PM, the first round starts at 6 PM and the folks in the Pit (that’s the table games area) can answer questions and help you decide to participate!
• 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!
• Thursday's special in CV Steak is the 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 Roasted Stuffed Quail with prosciutto, wild rice pilaf and plum port glaze for $28.00. Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and 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!