Horses, Cowboy Festival, Job Openings, More

Super Bowl Weekend Wind Down:

• $5000 Guaranteed Payout Deflated: Well, not really . . . But we just had to use the term deflated in here somewhere! Truth is that no one person will collect the $5,000 we guaranteed because three people got 13 out of the 15 proposition bets correct and they each wind up with $1,667! Only one of the three has come forward at this point. So, if you played one of the $5 Pro PK'EM Progressive Parlay Cards for the Super Bowl game and you think you might have gotten 13 out of 15, stop by the Sports Book at CVI or Bodines Casino and let us check your card as some cash could be coming your way!
• Super Bowl Conspiracy Theory Debunked: We've heard the conspiracy theories that either
  
  the NFL or NBC conspired to create that incredible fourth-quarter reception by the Seahawks followed by the almost-not-possibly-true interception two plays later by the Patriots. We decided to do our own research and found that, as has been the case for many years with many mysteries,the Butler did it in both cases! 

Horse Racing News:

• Hoppertunity and California Chrome Face Off Saturday: It was supposed to happen last year in the Kentucky Derby. Here we are nine months later and it's supposed to happen again Saturday: Two local favorites, Mike Pegram's Hoppertunity and Steve Colburn's California Chrome are both scheduled to run in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita Park this Saturday. We are rooting for a 1- 2 finish for these two great thoroughbreds with Carson Valley ties. 
• Speaking of Mike's Horses, he had two close seconds at Santa Anita last weekend with both Secret Circle and Gimme Da Lute paying the "place" amount.

A Horse of a Different Color

About a year ago the Carson Valley Visitors Authority released the first in a series of Carson Valley Rider videos - this one depicting the Carson Valley Rider visiting the Carson Valley Inn and meeting up with Elvis. Initially, this video just had a music background, now it sports a narrative telling more about the Carson Valley Inn.

Katie's New 24/7 Special is a $5.99 Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs plate. The Chicken Fried Steak is hearty, your two eggs can be any style, and we also include a biscuit and gravy – it's a generous plateful and an incredible value at just $5.99. Katie's Offers a number of specials and all the details are here.

Following up on Two "More Next Week" Mentions in Last Week's Blog:

• $1,000 Guaranteed Winner Every Friday & Saturday Night: We mentioned last week that our Friday and Saturday night drawings have taken a new twist for February. Here it is: our drawings are at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM every Friday and Saturday - that's eight nights during February and we guarantee there will be a $1000 winner each of these nights! Earn drawing tickets all month by using your Inn Club card when playing in the casino. Click here for more on all of our February Promotions.
• Poker Room $2,000 Free Roll Tournament: we mentioned some of the new February poker room promotions last week. . . We also mentioned that there is a $2000 free roll tournament coming up. Here's how it works: we'll be keeping track of all the Inn Club points that players earn in the poker room during February and March. As the month gets going, we'll start posting a leaderboard each week – we call it the Ladder – so everyone will have a chance to see where they rank as the next two months move along. The top 40 people on the "Ladder" as of March 31 will qualify for a free spot in the $2,000 Free Roll Tournament on April 11!  Be sure to check out all the Poker Room's special games and promotions.

Some Holidays and Special Events:

• Valentine's Day: Whatever we said in last week's blog must have worked – there are very few spots open in CV Steak for Valentine's Day dinner on February 14. So, if you're still thinking about it, call today at 775-783-6650. For a refresher on the specials in both CV Steak and Katie's, Click Here.
• Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Package:  Here we go again with another "this thing is sure to sell out so be sure to act fast" claim . . . But it is well justified. We have just one dozen Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Special Packages to sell at $279 plus tax for May 1 & 2. Each includes a room for two people for Friday and Saturday nights, two front-section tickets for the Friday night concert, two front-section tickets for the Saturday night concert and a $50 food credit.

Need a Job? If so, you have come to the right place! We have almost a dozen different positions open right now and the Carson Valley Inn is a pretty darn good place to work!  We offer paid time off (PTO), a free meal each shift, holiday premium pay, and . . . . well, a bunch more. If you are interested in employment at the Carson Valley, or have a friend or relative who might be, click here for more on what we offer and details for the positions that are currently open.

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Steve Lord is on stage tonight, Decades returns by popular demand Thursday – Saturday nights and Paul Covarelli entertains Sunday through Wednesday nights. Our web site has our schedule of upcoming entertainment.
• $12,000 Winner Last Friday: It came down to five finalists who participated in a poker hand type showdown. The winner of the $12,000 was a very nice local lady who requested that her name not be released and that we not use her picture - we always honor these requests.  If you were here, you know who it was!
• Grilled Elk Medallions Friday in CV Steak:  Two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with the demi and sundried cherries. Chef does not recommend cooking temps over medium. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get first of four weekly skin care products tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings and a ladies-only drink special. Earn just 50 points between 4 and 8:00 p.m. today and you qualify for our Wednesday ladies-only slot tournament!

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!

$20,000 Guaranteed This Weekend, Free Jackets, More

Over $20,000 To Be Given Away this Weekend - Guaranteed! We don't get to make this kind of claim very often . . . So we are taking advantage of today's blog posting to SHOUT IT OUT!

• On Friday night we start with our progressive drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM with a guaranteed winner of $12,000! Yep, one lucky INN Club member will get $12,000 and this one will go out half in cash and half in free play. Tell you what, give me $6,000 in cash to put my pocket and $6,000 more to run through any of the slots at the Carson Valley Inn . . . Heck, I'll come down and wait for the drawings and I'll do my best to get as many tickets accumulated as possible (Guest Services has all the details on how it works)!
• On Saturday night, we again have drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM with $5,000 in cash guaranteed to be given away along with some more free play. Same entries that get you into the Friday drawings also get you in for Saturday.
• On Sunday, we reach the part where we must give away our Pro PK'EM progressive jackpot.
  
  We ended the year at a little under $5000 so we rounded up to $5000 and it has to go on Sunday's Super Bowl game. As we've explained before, the premise is very simple: there is a $5 parlay card and you can play as many of these cards as you wish. There are 15 proposition bets on the card, all based on Sunday's game. The first of the "props" will be settled on the coin flip, the last will be settled when we know what type of score is the last of the game. In between are 13 other "props" and whoever picks the most wins the jackpot (any ties split).  Enter at the CVI or Bodines . . . ya can't win if 'ya don't play!  

Super Weekend at the Inn: As if all the guaranteed money we mentioned above wasn't enough to make this a Super Weekend at the CVI there's more!

• Outside: Looks like the weather's going to be mostly sunny and in the 50s for our Saturday afternoon tailgate party in TJ's Corral from 1 to 4 PM. We'll have burgers and chili bowls for sale plus beer, soda and, if it's really cold, hot chocolate . Add in live music by The Blues Monsters (it's free!), shenanigans and stories with former NFL players and some drawing prizes and you have quite a nice party! Can't believe we're saying this in January, but don't forget your sunscreen!
• Inside: On Sunday, we'll fill out the squares pool in the poker room (the crew down there can tell you how it all works) . . . then up in the casino we'll give away some NFL hats and shirts during the afternoon (somehow without interfering with the game or the commercials), $2 draft beer will be available, bar snacks will be ready for delivery right to your seat and we'll be taking bets on the game right up to kickoff and again at halftime.  

Jackets & Jackpots in February:  Our Friday and Saturday night drawings take on a little different twist in February and we'll tell you more about that in next week's blog.  The Jackets part of our February promotions kick in on February 1 which is a good enough reason to tell you about it now. We're also hoping that by talking about jackets, we might entice some winter weather which produces moisture and, maybe even some snow . . . and maybe even the need for a jacket! Anyway, there are two ways to win a CVI Logo Jacket during February and there are multiple colors in both men's and women's styles.  INN Club members receive a jacket by earning 200 points on any Monday in February (you keep the points) and also with every slot jackpot of $1,200 or more any day in February.

Poker Room Adds More New Twists: We don't know what's gotten into the crew in the poker room but they've come up with even more new stuff for February on top of the ongoing special games, tournaments, and promotions. The February Friday Night Hot Seat Drawings are every 45 minutes from 6 to 9 PM. Each winner gets $25 in cash and a chance to spin the promotions wheel for cash, free points, restaurant certificates and more. On Saturdays from 1 to 6 PM, the high hand each hour also gets to spin the wheel. Monday nights in February starting on the 9th, drawings for $40 will be held at 6, 7 and 8 PM. Players will accumulate drawing tickets all the previous week for any hand of a full house or higher in live play. Any unclaimed $40 prizes on any Monday carry over to the following Monday. This one is kind of like a Monday Night Football squares pool but without the football game or squares grid! There's also a free $2,000 Poker Tournament coming up, but more on that next week.

Valentine's Day Dining at the INN: Now is the time that restaurants start posting their specials for Valentine's Day. Some places get quite elaborate, others keep it simple. We have a pretty straightforward approach here at the Carson Valley Inn: both Katie's and CV Steak offer all of the regular menu items at the regular prices on Valentine's Day plus, we have two fantastic specials in each restaurant. If you are the one making the dinner plans: CV Steak always fills completely on Valentine's Day so we suggest you make your reservations as soon as possible by calling 775-783-6650.

Event Reminders:

• Ski Weekend: Our special ski weekend package for arrival on Friday, February 6 includes two nights in the hotel, a day of skiing each at Kirkwood and Heavenly, dining credits for CV Steak or Katie's, and a warm CVI Logo sweatshirt for après ski lounging! Click here for more.
• Ducks Unlimited Carson Valley Chapter Dinner: This annual fundraiser will fill our Valley Ballroom on Saturday, February 14. Tickets and more information are available from Scott Shattock at 760-221-3431.
• Republican Lincoln/Reagan Dinner: This long-standing tradition at the CVI is Sunday, February 15 and the go-to person for all the details is Linda Ruisi at 775-392-1038.
• Clay Shooting in February: Still a few openings for our 2015 Clay Shooting Weekend February 19 – 21. All the information is on our web site.
• Eagles & Agriculture: February 20 – 22 and  we suggest you register soon as some events are already full. Get all the information by clicking here or call the Chamber at 775-782-8144. 

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: George Pickard tonight, Just Us Thursday – Saturday nights, the Super Bowl Sunday afternoon and evening and Steve Lord Monday through Wednesday nights.
• Braised Buffalo Short Ribs This Friday in CV Steak: One and a half pounds of American Bison short ribs braised and slow-cooked, finished with natural pan sauce. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get the 4^th collectible mug tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings (four Wine Country Gift Baskets), ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Deflategate: That one's been kicked up one side and down the other this week so we aren't going there!

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! 

You CAN Get Here From There, Super Tailgate Party, Horse of the Year, More

Congratulations to local residents Steve and Carolyn Coburn and their partner Perry Martin on California Chrome winning the Eclipse Award for 2014 Horse of the Year and also being voted 3-year-old champion. "Chrome" won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness and is the first Kentucky Derby winner to be voted Horse of the Year since Charismatic in 1999. Be sure to congratulate Steve next time you see him here at the CVI!! Speaking of horses, Mike Pegram's filly Global Hottie won the second race at Santa Anita on Sunday under jockey Victor Espinoza.

Cousin Vinny from New York: Seems like almost everyone has a cousin Vinny from New York. Perhaps his or her name isn't Vinny, but it's similar. And maybe he or she lives in "Jersey" instead of New York. You get the picture. This just may be the summer that you finally convince this east coast cousin to visit. And if he/she does, you'll definitely want the entourage to stay here at the Carson Valley Inn rather than at your home . . . ya know what I mean!!? Why this year? Because Jet Blue is starting nonstop service between Reno and New York in May. This plus some of the other new service recently added by the Reno-Tahoe International Airport could be a big help in getting our far-flung relatives and friends to finally come for a visit. RNO's webpage has an interactive map that allows you to see all the routes between the various cities around the country and Reno. Hey, check it out (imagine east coast accent)!

Tumble Weed, Jackass, Silver Spur, The Noose . . . Quick, without peeking below, guess if these terms are 1) characters or locations in a series of Spaghetti Westerns being shown by the Carson Valley Historical Society, 2) slang heard in our Poker Room for certain hands or situations, 3)  drink names, or 4) monikers for special areas of Sharkey's after it is remodeled?  We won't ask you which one you picked, and we have no idea if 1), 2) or 4) are partially or completely true, but these are definitely names for four of the many special martinis available in CV Steak. Check out the full list!

Tailgating, Drinking a Beer, Using Your Cell Phone, Loud Music . . . sound like a list of "don'ts" while driving? Well, it is - but all of these are allowed and encouraged in TJ's Corral on Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at our Super Weekend Tailgate Party! We'll have cheeseburgers, hamburgers and chili bowls for sale plus beer plus soda, waters and hot chocolate, too. You can crank it up with FREE live music by The Blues Monsters and use your cell phone all you want and take selfies with former NFL players to post online. We'll also be passing out drawing tickets for merchandise prizes and the chance to win up to $2,500 post-party in the casino!

Event Reminders:

• BLM Thursday Night:  Reminder that the Bureau of Land Management is holding a meeting in our Valley Ballroom Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. to solicit comments for their Carson City District Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Click here for more information and stop by to hear hundreds of government acronyms! 
• Savor the Flavor Saturday: A few more tickets are available for this fun evening of wine, micro brews and food . . . call Jeri at 775-771-6432.
• Ski the Weekend After Super Bowl: Our  special ski weekend package for arrival on Friday, February 6 includes two nights in the hotel, a day of skiing each at Kirkwood and Heavenly, dining credits for CV Steak or Katie's, and a warm CVI Logo sweatshirt for après ski lounging! Click here for more.
• Clay Shooting in February: Our 2015 Clay Shooting Weekend  February 19 – 21 includes a Thursday reception, Friday sporting clays at Walker River Resort, Saturday sporting clays at Carson Valley Clays, and a Saturday Awards Dinner.
• Don't Get Your Wings Clipped: The Eagles and Agriculture event on February 20 – 22 is filling fast. We checked with the Chamber yesterday and they told us there is still room on the Ranch & Eagle Tour for both Saturday and Sunday and for the Falconers’ Dinner Friday night (here at the CVI), but just about all of the smaller tours and photo workshop are full. Get all the information by clicking here or call the Chamber at 775-782-8144. 

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

• Pro PK'em - $5,000 Guaranteed Payout on Super Bowl: No winner again last week so we rounded the pot to $5,000 and, as promised, it must be given away on Super Sunday. Play as many $5 parlay cards as you want and whoever gets the most of the 15 propositions correct wins the $5,000 (ties split)! Check at the Sportsbook at the CVI or Bodines Casino for the details.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Dale Poune tonight, Vegas Road Show Thursday – Saturday night, George Pickard Sunday through Wednesday nights.
• Grilled Duck Breast Friday in CV Steak: Maple Leaf Farms 9 oz. duck breast marinated with fresh herbs, grilled to medium rare-medium doneness with natural duck jus. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $28.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Tonight and next Wednesday we are giving away a collectible mug to the first 150 ladies who sign up. We also have ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament, hot seat prizes and more.
• Winter Weekend Winner: Congratulations to Yvette M. who won a deluxe room for two for Friday and Saturday nights, February 4 and 5 plus $100 in Dining Credit for use during her stay in any of our restaurants. Thanks to all who entered and watch for more giveaways in future blog postings.

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!

Hoppertunity Wins, Snow Dance Needed, BLM Wants Your Opinion, Savor the Flavor, More

Hoppertunity Wins San Pasqual Stakes!   Mike's horse Hoppertunity, ridden by Martin Garcia, gave Hall of Fame trainer and Mike's good friend Bob Baffert his fifth crown in last Saturday's $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Bob is one of the three finalists for the Trainer of the Year at this Saturday's Eclipse Awards ceremonies at Gulfstream Park in Florida. You may remember that Hoppertunity was scratched from the Kentucky Derby just days before the race last May with a small hoof crack. The colt has now won half of his eight career starts with two seconds.

Anyone Know a Good Snow Dance?  Actually, it really doesn't have to be "good" or even entertaining – just effective! The nearby Sierra skiing is good now, but the slopes will need a refreshed white coating in the next couple of weeks . . . Thus the request for a snow dance! And of course we have an ulterior motive: We have a specially priced ski weekend package for arrival on Friday, February 6! There's two nights in the hotel, two days of skiing (one each at Kirkwood and Heavenly), dining credits for CV Steak or Katie's, and a warm CVI Logo sweatshirt for après ski lounging! How does it all work? What is the cost? Click here and check it out!

A Hawk and an Eagle Decide to Race - Who Wins?  Different birds fly and dive at different speeds. You'll learn about all about it - and much more - at the annual Eagles and Agriculture event on February 20 – 22 with most of the indoor events right here at the Carson Valley Inn. There are also ranch tours, owl prowls, photography seminars, and, if everything goes like it usually does, plenty of opportunity to see and photograph the eagles and other raptors that visit the Carson Valley every February during the calving season. Get all the information from the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce by clicking here or calling them at 775-782-8144. And please don't wait too long . . . The most popular Eagles and Agriculture events usually sell out in advance.

BLM Wants Your Opinion – Here at the CVI: The Bureau of Land Management is asking for comments about its Carson City District Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The plan addresses areas of critical environmental concern, lands and realty, utility corridors, wind energy, travel management, recreation, fish and wildlife, minerals, wild and scenic rivers, public health and safety, and visual resource management. Three public meetings to review comments are coming up including one here in our Valley Ballroom from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22. Copies of the documents are available in the Carson City District Office or at this link. How big is the Carson City District?  Try approximately 4.8 million acres (bigger than the size of New Jersey) of public land in 11 counties within two states!

Soroptimist Savor the Flavor: We mentioned this event in last week's blog and a few people asked us what it's all about. Pretty simple . . . It's an evening of fine wines, microbrews and spirits! Enjoy all you want of food samplings from almost a dozen area restaurants and wash it down with a variety of wines and microbrews – it's all included in the $50 ticket price! The 19th Annual Savor the Flavor is here in our Valley Ballroom on Saturday, January 24 and it's produced proudly by Soroptimist International of Carson Valley to raise funds for the many community organizations they support. More information is available by calling Jeri at 775-771-6432.

Winter Weekend for Two Still Up for Grabs: Great response so far to the note we had in last week's blog about this giveaway!! As a reminder, you can win a Deluxe room for two for Friday and Saturday nights, February 4 and 5 plus $100 in Dining Credit for use during your stay in any of our restaurants.  To enter to win this complimentary weekend visit, simply click here and send us an email with your name. We'll choose a winner this coming Tuesday and announce the winner in our blog on Wednesday, January 20. One entry per email address, please.

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

• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Winners: David Myers captured first place and won $590 in our first monthly blackjack tournament of 2015 last night. The remainder of the pot went $350for second to Teresa Sexton and  $235 for third to Diana Plavala. The next tournament is Tuesday, February 10 and the entry is just $25.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Greg Austin tonight, Decades Thursday – Saturday night, NFL Divisional Championship Games daytime Sunday, Dale Poune Sunday through Wednesday nights. Decades presents a vibrant and diverse act from Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" to Katy Perry’s “California Girls."  The energetic young group's harmonies and energized rhythm section truly shine when playing hits from the 1950's to today.
• Roasted Stuffed Quail Friday in CV Steak: with prosciutto, wild rice and plum port glaze, served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable all for $28.00.
  
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Tonight and every Wednesday in January we're giving away a different collectible mug to the first 150 ladies who sign up. We also have ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament, hot seat prizes and more.
• Pro PK'em Progressive Jackpot Update: Another week without a winner so the pot goes up to $4684 and we try again with this weekend's two NFL Conference Championship. It's just $5 per parlay card - pick all 15 propositions and you win progressive jackpot.
• Super Weekend Kickoff: We're working on the final details for a Tailgate Party on Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 4 PM in TJ's Corral with entertainment by The Blues Monsters, food and drinks for sale, former NFL players on hand and more . . . watch for details in next week's blog.

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!

Win A Winter Weekend at CVI, Antiques Show, New Trails Video, More

Carson Valley Trails: Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders all have a a variety of trails to enjoy in, around, and overlooking the beautiful Carson Valley. The latest Carson Valley Rider video from the Carson Valley Visitors Authority gives a visual overview . . . and trail maps and more information are available on the Carson Valley Trails Association website. Naturally, the Carson Valley Inn is right in the heart of this system and the perfect "base" for a recreational visit to our area!

It’s Happening in January at the CVI! 

When you hold your event at the CVI we always try to help get the word out in this blog, in our Carson & Valley Voice newspaper mailer and through our Social Media – all at no extra charge. Here are just a couple of upcoming events:

• Antique Show, Sale & Appraisal: This Saturday & Sunday. Contact Marsha Williams at 775-782-4951 for more information. Admission is $2.50 and part of this fee benefits the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra. 
• Soroptimist Savor the Flavor: Saturday, January 24. Contact Jeri Johnson at 775-771-6432 for tickets. 

Win A Winter Weekend for Two at the Carson Valley Inn!

How would you like to stay at the Carson Valley Inn on the weekend after Super Bowl for free? That's a great time to visit our area for any of the many winter sports available in the nearby Sierra range: Skiing (Heavenly's Nevada side lodges are less than a half hour drive), snowmobiling, snowshoeing or whatever your favorite activity. Or, kickback and enjoy a relaxing weekend get-a-way with great food, entertainment and some casino fun. We'll provide a Deluxe room for two for Friday and Saturday nights, February 6 and 7 plus $100 in Dining Credit for use during your stay in any of our restaurants . . . the winter recreation - or the kicking back and relaxing part - is up to you. To enter to win this complementary weekend visit, simply click here and send us an email with your name. We'll choose a winner on January 20 and announce the winner in our blog on Wednesday, January 21. One entry per email address, please.

Football and More Sports This Weekend at the Inn

With the NFL Divisional Playoffs this Saturday and Sunday, and College Football National Championship on Monday, we'll have three days of exciting football action at the CVI. Throw in a full schedule of NBA basketball games, hundreds of NCAA college games, horse racing around the country (see Tidbits section below), NHL Hockey and the resumption of the PGA Tour with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui . . . and you have many opportunities to watch, bet and enjoy sports at the CVI. The Big Screen in Cabaret Lounge will have the "game of the hour" and three dozen more TVs will be carrying sports action in the Cabaret Lounge, Casino Bar, Table Games Area, CV Steak Bar and Poker Room. And if you get hungry while you're watching at the CVI, no need to get up - we'll deliver any of our mouthwatering bar munchies right to your seat while you keep on watching!

Sports Car, Jet Fighter or Video Slot?  Here's the answer to last week's question: it's the new Sphinx video gaming device located near the casino bar. Our slot techs gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how the 3D works and a full tour of the visually stimulating high-definition 3D bonus scenes complete with all the enhancements including rumbling, vibration and sound. We tried to capture it on a video . . . but the 3D just doesn't come out and the vibration made it difficult to steady the camera. This is a truly an incredible multi-sensory experience unlike no other slot device we've seen! The entertainment value is reason enough to give it a try . . . and winnings are a welcome extra!

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News –A Little More Than Usual This Week:

• Monthly Blackjack Tournament: the first in our series of 2015 monthly blackjack tournaments is Tuesday in the table games area of our casino. It's just $25 to get in and all the initial buy-ins and all re-buys go into the prize pool. There's usually $1000-$1500 up for grabs with 50% of the pot going to first place, 30% for second and 20% forthird. The $25 entry fee is worth the entertainment value of the tournament . . . Win, place, or show and you'll have more than your original investment back in your pocket!
• Poker Room Squares Pool: the crew in the poker room always has some little "extra" going on and this Monday it's a Squares Pool for the NCAA football championship game. Players are earning a spot in this pool with every Full House or better during live play this week until the board is full. The payoff? $50 at the end of the first three quarters and $50 on the final score.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Paul Covarelli tonight, Stew Stewart Thursday – Saturday night, AFC & NFC Divisional Playoff Games daytime Saturday and Sunday, Greg Austin Sunday through Wednesday nights and the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday evening.
• Grilled Elk Medallions Friday in CV Steak: two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with demi and sundried cherries. As always, served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Tonight and every Wednesday in January we'll be giving away a collectible mug (different each week) to the first 150 ladies who sign up. We also have ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament, hot seat prizes and more.
• Pro PK'em Progressive Jackpot Update: Another week without a winner so the pot goes up to $4621 and we try again with this weekend's NFL playoff games. It's just $5 per parlay card - pick all 15 propositions and you win the progressive jackpot. Four of the 15 props are First Half scores - so they pay both ways in cases of a tie.
• Are the Horses Racing in Your Home State? Check this list and then stop by our Race and Sports Book to place your bet, watch the races, and perhaps when a few dollars! We are taking action and showing races from the following tracks this weekend: Aqueduct (NY), Fair Grounds (LA), Golden Gate Fields (CA), Gulfstream Park (FL), Laurel Park (MD), Santa Anita Park (CA), and Turfway Park (KY).

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!

Almost on the NFL Progressive, Kittens in the Casino, Tax Time Coming, More

Our Penny Progressive Jackpot hit last night at $76,304!!  This handsome year-end bonus went to a local who asked that we not use his name or picture today and we always respect such requests. He sure was a happy camper and he would have looked great in a picture! Hint to all CVI winners who play using your INN Club card: Check the article below about requesting a 2014 "Win/Loss" statement!!

Is It a Sports Car, a Jet Fighter or a Video Slot? You tell us: The adjustable seat glides forward or back for operator comfort. The communications volume is easily adjustable on the speakers embedded at ear level in the upper back portion of your seat. The rumble (vibration) adjusts to suit your comfort level. And the heads-up display adjusts all the way from straight flat to 3-D. Check back next week for the answer!

We've been adding slots to our floor on a regular basis and some of the new themes have animation and video that are . . .  well, just too cute not to share. The short video above is just a sampling of the scenes from one of our OMG! Kittens slots. 

End of Year Tax Time Looming: We know that our customers are starting to work on (or at least plan for or our worry about) their 2014 tax returns because we've been getting requests for 2014 "Win/Loss" statements. If you will need such a report from us, you might want to download the request form now and get the completed form to us. We'll send you the information we have on file and you can put it with your tax papers so you'll have it when the time comes to do your return . . . which for many of us probably won't be until early April despite all of our good intentions!! Simply click here, download the form, print it, and get the required information back to us.

Happy New Year!

• If you're reading this on Wednesday, here's a quick recap of what's happening on New Year's Eve at the Carson Valley Inn: INN Club members earned 4X points today from 4 AM to 4 PM. The Blues Monsters entertain tonight in the cabaret lounge – free of course – from 9 PM to 1 AM. And if you make it to midnight, we'll have an ample supply of hats, noisemakers and a champagne toast!
• If you are reading this after New Year's Eve, that means it's January and our $50,000 Progressive Giveaways Promotion has started. We are also giving away free 8-packs of Pepsi or Diet Pepsi on Tuesdays and we've added some new pizzazz to the Wednesday Ladies' Nights including a weekly ladies-only slot tournament! 

CV Steak Specials: While the regular menu in CV Steak certainly has something for everyone, we do offer specials that have become quite popular. If you check this blog regularly, you know that every Friday night we feature a Game On special. To help you plan, here are the specials for the next few Fridays. Remember, these are all served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato:

January 2 - Braised Buffalo Short Ribs: one and a half pounds of American Bison short ribs braised and slow-cooked, finished with natural pan sauce. $29.00

January 9 - Grilled Elk Medallions: two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with demi and sundried cherries. Chef does not recommend cooking temps over medium. $29.00

January 16 - Roasted Stuffed Quail:  with prosciutto, wild rice and plum port glaze.  $28.00

January 23 - Grilled Duck Breast: Maple Leaf Farms 9 oz. duck breast marinated with fresh herbs, grilled to medium rare-medium doneness with natural duck jus. $28.00

Game Not Your Game? No need to get crabby 'cause Sundays in CV Steak we feature one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. And yes, that also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of  au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato!

Progressive Pro PK'em in Final Week(s):  Even after all the coaching we put in last week's blog, Greg (probably not his real name) told us Monday morning that he missed hitting all 15 games - and thus winning the jackpot - by one. "I got 14 out of 15, missed the San Diego game," he bemoaned. Greg, if only you had taken that one game and played two cards, one picking San Diego (as you did) and the other picking the Kansas City Chiefs (as you didn't). Five more bucks and the $4000+ would've been yours! Sure, it was reasonable to think that the Chiefs – with their 2nd string quarterback – couldn't possibly beat the Chargers especially after the show Drew Brees put on against the 49ers the week before . . . but it is the NFL and anything can happen! Anyway, this weekend we've got 15 propositions involving the eight NFL wild-card games: Winners, First Half Winners (ties go both ways!), Over/Unders and First Score Type. Bottom-line: $4582 is on the line this week. A winner (or winners) ends the contest. No winner and the jackpot progresses upwards and we try again next week for the NFL Divisional Playoff games.

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: The Blues Monsters tonight, College Bowl Games daytime Thursday, Melissa Dru Thursday – Saturday nights, AFC & NFC Wildcard Games daytime Saturday and Sunday, Paul Covarelli Sunday through Wednesday nights.
• Ladies Night: on hiatus for tonight but we kick it up a notch when we start again next Wednesday!
• Jackpot Update:
• The Penny Progressive Jackpot hit last night at $76,304.  This handsome year-end bonus went to a local who asked that we not use his name or picture today and we always respect such requests. He sure was a happy camper!! Hint to all CVI winners who play using your INN Club card: Check the article above about requesting a 2014 "Win/Loss" statement!!
• The Pro PK'em Progressive is $4,582 for this weekend's NFL games.  The pot is still up for grabs . . . thanks to Greg (and perhaps others?) who missed by one last week!

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!

Ski Lift Tickets, Mickey Winners, Poker, Football, New Year's Eve, More

Ski Lift Tickets – Get 'em Here: Are you orsome of your holiday visitors thinking about heading up to Kirkwood or Heavenly for skiing over the coming week? Well, if you don't have an Epic Pass, we can help save you some time. We have both Heavenly and Kirkwood one day lift tickets for sale at our hotel desk. Buy 'em here, and you can skip the standing in line part when you get to the slopes. And if you've seen those lines over a holiday week . . . save yourself the frustration!

Sharkey's Project: Yes, the former home of Jane's Beauty Salon was demolished earlier this week. Truth is, this old and unsafe building was supposed to be torn down years ago. It's part of the "beautification" of that quadrant of the corner of Hwy 395 and Gilman. It will all morph into an attractive parking area for the "new" Sharkey's" scheduled to reopen early spring under its new owner, and CVI owner, Mike Pegram.

Hidden Mickey Contest Winners! What an adventure people had who entered the Hidden Mickey contest. We received some interesting comments about the "looks" people received as they walked slowly through the CVI closely perusing our Christmas decorations as they hunted for the Mickey Mouse ear ornaments. After running all the entries through a random name selector, the winner is Lynne Speir who will receive $100 in Dining Credit for CV Steak. The contest brought so many entries, and turned out to be so much fun for the people who entered, that we decided to give away 3 runner-up prizes of $25 in Dining Credit for CV Steak and these go to Amelia Ritger, Chris Weatherbee and Christine Ritger. What is a "real" Hidden Mickey? Click here for more than you could possibly want to know!

Poker Room Anniversary: Thanks for the incredible turnout for our Poker Room's 10th Anniversary celebration last Friday! As you can see in the picture, we had times (about 4 -5 hours) when all four tables were full and there was a waiting list. We gave away all 100 of our Anniversary Chip Protectors along with dozens of other prizes including jackets, shirts, hats, mugs and more. Lots of people were playing with anniversary cake smudged on their face, even though we had plenty of napkins! The whole day turned into a reunion of many of the folks who have played in our poker room over the last 10 years including some we haven't seen in a long time. Our Marketing Department and poker crew had so much fun, they're promising us more poker room activities and events during 2015.

Some Tips on Our Progressive Pro PK'em: You know the basics - pick all 15 winners and the Progressive Jackpot is yours! This weekend that amount will be $4,467 and, as most know, this is the last week of the regular NFL season.

• Here's the part that's interesting: on a few weeks, we have had people hit 13 out of 15. We even had two weeks with  a 14 out of 15. That's pretty close – like hitting the first three 7s and the fourth reel lands one stop past the 7. It's just $5 to enter and you can enter as often as you like. Looking back at the people who just missed, if they had played one or two more cards, with just one or two of the lines changed the other way, their additional $5 or $10 spent would've yielded them a few thousand dollars.
• So, here's just something to consider: after you've made your choices: go back and look at those one or two games that have you a little indecisive. Then play another card with those one or two games going the other way. Does this guarantee you'll win? Of course not! Is it a smart move? You be the judge!
• Perhaps you are among those who say "I'd rather play the progressive at a casino that has a much bigger jackpot!" On the surface, it seems like your return might be higher. However, last year on one of the weeks that our Jackpot hit, our sole winner took home more than any of the individual winners in a much larger "Brand X" statewide Progressive jackpot that hit the same week. Why? Because with so many people playing their contest at so many locations the pot was much larger than ours . . . but after splitting the pot among all who made the correct picks, the individual shares were smaller.  Is ours a better deal? Again, you be the judge!
• Why do we choose this week to share all of these ramblings? Because we must give away this jackpot soon. If it isn't won this weekend at either the Carson Valley Inn or Bodines Casino, you'll find us making some creative attempts to give it away either during the NFL Playoffs or on Super Bowl weekend. 
• Here's the bottom line: Whether it's this coming weekend or during the NFL postseason, someone will win this jackpot either at the Carson Valley and or Bodines!

Very Last Minute Christmas Stuff:

• Last Minute Christmas Gift: Carson Valley Inn Gift Cards can be purchased at our hotel front desk – open 24 hours!
• Christmas Day Poker: Our Poker Room will open at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day and we will have our usual Thursday night hold'em tournament! The Crew in the Poker Room invites you to wear your new "Ugly Christmas Sweater!"
• Christmas Day Dining at the Inn: Regular menus plus Christmas Day Dinner Specials in Katie's (Specials 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and CV Steak (serving from 4:30 p.m.).

New Year's Eve: this is what's considered a preemptive strike - if you are considering having dinner in CV Steak on New Year's Eve, please make your reservation soon by calling 775-783-6650.  As of this morning, we did have some openings. However, as the week goes along, that won't be the case. And as a reminder, both CV Steak and Katie's will be serving all the regular menu items plus New Year's Eve Dinner Specials. Katie's New Year's Eve specials start at 4 p.m. and CV Steak is serving from 4:30 p.m.

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Steve Lord appears tonight, Steppen Stonz is here Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights, Jonathan "JB" Barton entertains Sunday – Tuesday and The Blues Monsters will be kicking up a storm on New Year's Eve next Wednesday.
• Out-of-town visitors? Reminder that the Carson Valley Airporter is a great way for them to get to and from the Reno Airport, especially if holiday-week demands leave you with limited time to provide your usual personal yet time-consuming taxi service.
• Ladies' Night: Due to other commitments by our elves over the holiday weeks, Ladies' Night is on hiatus for tonight and next Wednesday. We'll pick it up again on January 7 with some new giveaways and a weekly ladies-only slot tournament. Watch for more information next week.
• Jackpot Update:
• The Penny Progressive Jackpot was over $68,200 when we checked early this
  
  morning. We've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: This progressive is not a multi-casino jackpot. It can, and eventually will, only be paid to someone playing at the Carson Valley Inn!!
• The Pro PK'em Progressive is $4,467 for this weekend's NFL games.  But, you should already know this if you read the article above regarding this jackpot.
• This Week's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak is Grilled Game Brochette,with marinated lamb and elk tenderloin, antelope and alligator sausage, finished with a red wine demi, As always, served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $28.00! 

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!