cocktails

Hello Fellow anglers, a new year will soon be upon us. With the new year brings the Topaz Lake Fishing Derby beginning Jan. 1, and ice fishing in the Sierra. For those California anglers it is time to purchase a 2016 fishing license.

On Friday, November 27, the Blue Bull Bar at 107 E. Telegraph will be throwing a party to celebrate it's sixth anniversary. From 12-9pm on the 27th, the Bull will offer $6 pitchers of most draft beers as well as seasonal craft cocktails and homemade Picon Punch. Come join the fun and celebrate with us.

Carson City is about to see the unveiling of its newest downtown eatery, Mystique Restaurant and Lounge.

Owner Yvette Barrett has had her work cut out for her. It has taken three months of major renovations to get the space at 318 North Carson Street — formerly home to the Sassafras restaurant — ready to open the first week of December.

The new upgrades, paint, carpet, fixtures, equipment and flooring are intended to create an atmosphere that is warm, elegant and welcoming, Barrett said.

Magic, cuisine and live music will raise the roof this winter with the opening of The Loft Theatre, a new all-ages performance theater and dining venue in the heart of South Lake Tahoe.

The Loft is a first for the California side of Tahoe South that combines a theater, with nightly live entertainment, a lounge and restaurant for families and adults. Located on the third floor of the Heavenly Village Cinema, the $1 million complex features 107-seats, a separate dining area serving authentic Italian cuisine, bar and lounge.

One last weekend until Nevada Day, and the ghosts and ghouls are coming out of the woodwork. Learn our haunted history with the Downtown Ghost Walk. For thrills and chills, don’t miss the Second Annual Carson Creepy Short Horror Film Competition in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. For a complete list of all Halloween activities this week go here.

SATURDAY:

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Friday Oct. 23:
-- Carson City Pumpkin Patch at Red Horse Ranch: 4849 Cochise St (10am-6pm; free admission)
-- Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival with Hay Slide, Kiddie Land Straw Maze, Farm Animals and more at Corley Ranch: 859 Highway 395 South, Gardnerville (11am-4pm; free admission on weekdays)

Tahoe South is destination vacation central for the 2015-16 ski season with more than $200 million in major enhancements in lodging, recreation and dining hot spot renovations that are underway.

From slope-side to beachfront and all points in between, the ongoing revitalization opens the gates to additional places to stay, shop, dine, play, recreate and experience the Tahoe lifestyle. Major news continues with the Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, which broke ground Oct. 1.

Urban Roots is holding their annual fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4. The event takes place from 4:30 to 8:30pm in the FarmHouse at Urban Roots, 3001 W. Fourth St., in Reno. This special event features local food, drinks, art, and presentations to showcase the sustainability of garden education in northern Nevada.

The Dog Days of Summer have hit town, so grab your favorite four-legged friend and have fun. CASI is hosting the ‘pooch plunge’ at the Carson Aquatic Center so that your pooches can beat this late September heat. Join the Nevada Humane Society at Lake Tahoe Brewing Company for the first annual ‘Brew-paw.’ Adoptable pets, a raffle, and more await. Don’t miss out on the downtown walk Sunday following coffee and mimosas at Adele’s. The ‘wag-n-walk’ will end up at the Visitor’s Center where you will be rewarded with a special pet tag.

The Carson Tahoe Auxiliary's Annual Murder Mystery Dinner, titled Murder at the Ponderosa Saloon, will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2015, 4-8 p.m., in the Nevada Room of the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City. This is an original and interactive play written and performed by Funtime Theater of Reno especially for this event and will feature the Cartwheel family. During the show, the audience will dine and interact with the characters to guess the murderer.

From Carson City to Silver City, Fallon, Virginia City, Sparks and Lake Tahoe, Sunday is filled with activities as we round the corner into the three-day weekend. There's a 5K Remembrance Run in Carson City, a rib cook-off in Sparks, a farm-to-fork festival culinary festival and fireworks at South Lake Tahoe, the Cantaloupe Festival in Fallon, the Comstock Community Rummage Sale in Silver City and the Great Civil War Days Camp at Virginia City.
SUNDAY:

• IHOP 5K Remembrance Run and Walk: free, informal, untimed five-kilometer run/walk is set to start in the parking lot at the Carson City IHOP: 3883 S. Carson St. at 7am and finish at the Nevada Guard's Office of the Adjutant General Complex: 2460 Fairview Dr. (7am-10am; Reflective running/walking gear is recommended and participants should follow the marked course; Civilian participants should arrange ride back to start line)
• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt and BattleBorn Bonanza Jack Russell Trials at Fuji Park

Don’t be scared. I know you’re going to take one look at this list and get overwhelmed with all the things going on in the area. I’ve written an overview of some of the bigger things here, but take a look below for a complete list of everything that the Carson City area offers.

SATURDAY:

• California Free Fishing Day
• Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt and BattleBorn Bonanza Jack Russell Trials at Fuji Park
• NAA Exhibit by artist Deborah Foster at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Third and Curry Farmers Market; Live Music (8:30am-1pm)

Labor Day Weekend Highlights

Carson City:

• Treasure hunt on Saturday at the Carson City Historical Society Rummage and Yard Sale at the Forman-Roberts House Museum at 1207 N. Carson St. Free tours of the museum will also be available during the 9am-4pm event.
• Take a ride on the Virginia and Truckee #25 Steam Engine at the Nevada State Train Museum Friday through Monday.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern Nevada (RMHC® Northern Nevada or the Reno Ronald McDonald House®) is now accepting registrations for its 4th Annual Red Shoe Gala at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015. The event will raise money for the organization’s mission of keeping families together while their child receives treatment at an area hospital, continuing its theme to “Make Someone Happy!”

Sundays are a great day to hit up the Carson City Library now that it’s open seven days a week. A viewing of the movie Persepolis begins at 2 p.m. and is about a young girl during the Iran Revolution in the 1970s. Pop-up Storytime is great choice for younger patrons.

The Fair at Fuji Park and the Silver Dollar Classic at Mills Park are still going strong. While you’re at Mills Park, take a ride on the train: rides begin at noon. Genoa is a great place to spend an afternoon. This month’s Sweet Sippin Sunday features Tequila cocktails and music by Carson’s own, Janera Paxton of the Whitehats. Mozart lovers won’t want to miss TOCATTA at the Shepard in the Sky Church for their Mozart in the Mountains concert.

SUNDAY:

• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• 21st Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic at Mills Park (8am-4pm show and shine, music, and vendors; Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am; Poker Run 12pm; BBQ 11am-1pm)

I apologize, Carson City. You have some decisions to make. There is quite a bit going on whether you want something family friendly, adults only, indoors, outdoors, or a combination of it all. The weekly Farmers Market at Third and Curry St. is always a good way to start the weekend. Yummy food, a bounce house for the kids, and beautiful flowers are hard to argue with. Keep reading for enough fun to make your head spin!

SATURDAY:

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• 21st Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic at Mills Park (8am-4pm show and shine, music, and vendors; Registration 8am-11am; Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am; Judging until 4pm)

Thunderstorms are on the horizon, so seize the day and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. Muscle Powered has organized a monthly trash mob to help keep our trails clean, join them at US Bank to help out. The Ghost Walk returns: meet behind the Firkin and Fox for some local haunted history. Teens will enjoy a ‘Night at the Library’ with pizza and games. And as always, the Nevada State Railroad Museum beckons: this week with rides on the Steam Train available.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)
• Muscle Powered One Hour Trash Mob: located at the south side of East College Parkway near the I-580 overpass where the multi-use path meets the sidewalk. Parking is available at US Bank/Dotty's Casino (8am-9am; Gloves, trash bags, and water will be available)
• Weekly Live Auction at Good Time Auctions: 3579 E Hwy 50, Suite 211 (Preview 8am-3pm; Live Indoor Auction 3pm)

The weekend isn’t over yet. Enjoy breakfast at the Elk’s Club. They serve up pancakes and more every first Sunday. Genoa is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Sweet Sippin Sunday is like a mini wine walk, only this month the small businesses are serving up rum-based cocktails. Help keep Tahoe blue: the annual beach clean-up after the Fourth of July needs all the help it can get.

SUNDAY:

• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)

Happy birthday, America! Today we celebrate our independence, and what better way than with a carnival. You might as well stay at Mills Park all day, the fireworks display starts when it gets dark. Tune into Magic 95.5FM and you’ll hear the choreographed music to go along with the oohs and aaahs. Where ever you choose to watch fireworks, please be safe. There are thousands of visitors in the Northern Nevada area this weekend, and law enforcement will be out in full force.

SATURDAY: Independence Day

• Free Swim for Active and Retired Military at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pools only)
• Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Concert in the Park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (5K, $20 per person and family rates, free for active/retired military; register 7am-7:45am; Run/Walk begins 8am, Patriotic costumes encouraged; 8am Carson Valley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast $7; Free Kids Obstacle Course 8am; Free Concert begins 11:30am)

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel has a way for parents to get their kids to look up from their screens and take in the real world at Lake Tahoe. The all-suite hotel has long been a family favorite in South Lake Tahoe and this summer’s offer is sure to please the parents. Kids, 17 and under, who turn in their digital device for a minimum of six hours a day will receive a crisp $5 bill. This offer is valid for guests who book their stay through the hotel’s website.

Part of the fun each year at Concert Under the Stars, A benefit for The Greenhouse Project, is the live auction. The generosity of the community by and through the donations of ever-changing and diverse packages, means there is something for everyone. And of course, the community’s willingness to bid and support the ongoing work of The Greenhouse Project, completes the circle.

The Carson City Classic Cinema Club presents the First Annual Hollywood Gala Dinner and Fundraiser at the Gold Dust West Casino, on Saturday, July 18. In celebrating the Club's first Anniversary, the theme of the event is the First Academy Awards of 1929.

Festivities of the Gala include a Red-Carpet Photo Op, Sit-Down Dinner, Raffles, and Silent Auction. The Club will also present it's first Carson Arts Studies Trust (CAST) Award to The Boys and Girls Club. Prizes will be awarded for the best Classic Celebrity Costume and for the best 1920s fashion.

The Carson Cigar Co. is proud to welcome the legendary Trey Stone to their recently expanded lounge 9pm on Saturday, June 13. Every Saturday, the ‘Cigar Bar’ brings musical talent to downtown and serves up the unique cocktails that make them a local hot spot. Whether it’s a signature martini, a 20 year port, a bottle of beer, or straight scotch, they have something for all comers.

Time to wine walk, Carson City, thanks to the Downtown Business Association. Saturday, June 6, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. Grab a wine glass, map, and hand stamp at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jack’s, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Touched by an Angel, or Bella Fiore. You have until 5 p.m. to hit as many stops as possible before the raffle begins.

Time to wine walk, Carson City, thanks to the Downtown Business Association. Saturday, May 2, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. Grab a wine glass, map, and hand stamp at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jack’s, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Touched by an Angel, or Bella Fiore. You have until 5 p.m. to hit as many stops as possible before the raffle begins.

High Sierra Swing Dance Club invites the public to its annual Spring Ball dinner-dance on April 25 at the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St. Cost is $35. Hors d’oeuvres and no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dance performances at 6:30, buffet dinner at 7 p.m., open dancing 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. to West Coast swing, nightclub two-step, country two-step, and waltz. Requested attire is formal or semi-formal. To reserve a will-call ticket, call Rika at 530-307-8937 or Idie at 775-443-8870 by April 18; no tickets will be sold at the door.

While it starts at 3:45 p.m. today, Saturday, March 21, will be the first full day of spring in Western Nevada. But springtime in Western Nevada is definitely in the eyes of the beholder. As someone who was born and raised in Carson City, Spring weather can be very nice or very not-so-nice.

Happy Friday, Carson City. Grab a bite at Meek’s Lumber at their first Friday BBQ for lunch, or at the Lions Club Crab Feed at Fuji Park tonight. Cheer on the Western Nevada College Wildcats as they battle Salt Lake City Community College on the softball and baseball fields.

Austin’s House and Carson City Toyota Scion invite you to the 7th annual Cowboy Mardi Gras fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 27 at Carson Valley Inn. Put on your jeans and cowboy hat to celebrate the party atmosphere of Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday.

This casual and crazy fundraiser that runs from 6 to 10 p.m. features great food, music, dancing, raffle prizes and a silent auction.

Take the guesswork out of Valentine’s Day at the Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Saturday, Feb. 14, in Virginia City, Nev., with colored cups that indicate relationship status – single, taken or open to suggestions. The crawl includes stops at more than 10 of Virginia City’s saloons with drink samples and specialty cocktails available throughout the afternoon and evening.