V and T

Leaves turning, wind blowing, and all things pumpkin sprouting up everywhere. It is absolutely autumn in Northern Nevada. Get ready for Halloween with your choice of pumpkin patches. Seeliger Elementary School is hosting theirs for the twenty-fifth year in a row. Take a trip on the V and T Steam Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum, actually take several trips. The annual Harvest Train event offers an all-day wristband that allows for as many rides as you’d like, in addition to museum admission. So many more fun activities are available to you, you’ll have to read on to see them all.

Summer is holding on for dear life, and sending a miniature heat wave our way for this long weekend. For those of you not in Black Rock City, the Carson City region offers plenty of recreation and entertainment. Downtown will be hopping with the Farmers Market, monthly Wine Walk, and this season’s last outdoor concert at the Brewery Arts Center – and that’s just Saturday! Keep reading for three days of good times.

SATURDAY:

The summer sun offers so many wonderful options: an early morning bike ride, a trip to Virginia City on the historic V and T railroad, or maybe a picnic and some live music in a park. All these and more are available today. Beat the heat with a trip to the movie theater – The Sandlot will take you back in time. The Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair continues at Glen Eagles. The Corvettes have taken over at Michael Hohl. Over 50 members of the Reno Corvette Club are competing for bragging rights and a trophy. Keep reading for even more summer fun.

What are you in the mood for? The Third and Curry Farmers Market is always a great place to start off your weekend. Kids won’t mind getting up early for the Young Eagle airplane flights at the Carson City Airport – they are free of charge for kids 8 – 17, you just need to be on time for registration. The Annual Chili Cook-off returns to Glen Eagles this weekend; with live music, a craft fair, and lots of yummy stuff to eat, raising money for Honor Flight has never tasted so good. Keep reading, there is plenty more in store.

SATURDAY:

The long weekend continues. Memorial Day is for remembering our fallen heroes, those who have or are serving in our Armed Forces. We also honor those loved ones left behind. With several services around the area, you’ll easily find a way to pay your respects. Pick up an American flag at any of the shops or restaurants at the Carson Mall. Stay safe out there, and enjoy the day.

MONDAY: Memorial Day

• -- Free Swim Day for all active and retired Military at Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pool only)

It’s the perfect time to enjoy family and friends and some great music. The Carson Nugget powers it up to rock out tonight with Volt: A Tribute to AC/DC in their ballroom. Dayton Valley Golf Course offers up dinner and a show with this year’s debut of Concerts on the Green. Blues Monster and pulled pork sliders are a great way to enjoy the evening.

SUNDAY:

Fire up that grill, Carson City, we’ve got the perfect weather to kick off the summer. The early Farmers Market at Musser and Nevada offers the perfect finishing touches to any picnic or bar-be-que. It’s all aboard for train lovers: the V&T begins its runs to Virginia City this weekend and the historic Glenbrook Engine is all steamed up at the Railroad Museum. Keep reading and have a safe weekend.

SATURDAY:

• -- Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am -11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)

Pamper the special lady in your life with a soak at the Carson Hot Springs. It’s free for moms today, but fun for the whole family. If breakfast-in-bed isn’t the plan, head to the Douglas County Museum for the Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast. More adventurous mothers may want to try their hand at BMX racing, with a special race just for them at the Livermore Sports Complex. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Sunday, keep reading and you’ll have the perfect plan to make her day.

SUNDAY: Mothers’ Day

This weekend is for all of the moms out there, and the dads that are also moms, and the women who hold a special place of honor in our hearts. Scoop the family up and find something to enjoy together. The annual RSVP Spring Carnival is an easy choice, but a round-trip to Virginia City on the historic V and T Steam Train is pretty memorable. Find something pretty for her garden at the Spring Plant Sale that the Greenhouse Project hosts each year. Keep reading, there’s plenty of family fun this weekend, and adult fun if you’ve found yourself a babysitter.

SATURDAY:

I hope nobody thought Thursdays were boring: this list will prove them quite very wrong. Art Galleries galore, an author meet/greet, and book discussion, karaoke, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley. I love Carson City for the wonderful diversity in our many varied interests. Our local game shop, Hydra’s Lair, invites you to movie night. If Star Wars III isn’t your style, then” our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive.”

THURSDAY:

After an action-packed Nevada Day Saturday, Sunday traditions carry on, such as the 35th Annual La Ka Lel Be Pow Wow at the Carson Colony gym. Take the kids up to Virginia City for one last chance to catch Thomas the Tank Engine at the V & T Depot. It may be a little rainy, but the show must go on at the NV Day Carnival and Festival at Mills Park.

SUNDAY:

Happy Birthday Nevada. My favorite holiday has arrived, and with it a mountain of fun to be had. Normally my weekend list is sorted by chronological start time, but for this one I will be separating out the downtown parade related activities for your ease. Keep reading and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Parade Day Fun Stuff in Downtown Carson City:

• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

Let’s just call this Nevad-oween weekend. So much crazy fun awaits: whether it’s the celebration of our ‘new’ downtown, Halloween parties for kids and adults alike, or our State Museum’s 75th Anniversary. Start your day at the Museum, hang around for the downtown ribbon cutting and festivities, then join in the costumed fun as Blinky Man hits the streets. Do the time warp at the Brewery Arts Center: the Rocky Horror Picture Show Party starts at 8:30 p.m. This is going to be one amazing weekend, so let’s get this party started.

Breathe in some crisp autumn air and take in the beauty of the changing leaves as you accompany Muscle Powered on an early morning bike ride. Show off your favorite fur baby at Genoa Coffee and Candy’s Howl-O-Ween celebration. Stop by the Nevada State Railroad Museum for the last day of the Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Don’t stop now, keep reading for more great options.

SUNDAY:

Hold onto your broomstick, this weekend is bound to sweep you up in Halloween fun. First you’ll need a pumpkin. The Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is a good place to start. Take the costumed kids to a Trunk or Treat at Advantage Auto Works off Old Hot Springs Road courtesy of the members of Carson Cruise Meet and Greet. Team up with Mark Twain for a ghostly tour of our haunted downtown or you can choose a shorter tour that’s perfect for families. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the candy corn.

SATURDAY:

Get those costumes ready, the Halloween parties start tonight. Ed’s Doghouse’s party kicks off at 6 p.m. and is celebrating proprietor and namesake’s birthday as well. Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar has DJ Mobeatz and DJ Cillo keeping you on the dance floor. Scaryoke at Whiskey Tavern combines karaoke, beer pong, and drink specials for a super crazy fun time. Body-painter extraordinaire, Lynzie Ruckuer, teams up with DJ Brunch Dizzle for an American Horror Story themed party at Remedy’s.

I’m usually a lover of sunny days, but right now I say bring on the rain. The moisture is a welcome help to our heroic firefighters in Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. Because of the wet weather and the recent fires, some activities have been postponed: most notably the Advocates to End Domestic Violence’s Annual Light After Dark Run. There are still plenty of things to occupy your time, but the weather may force more cancellations.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

There are multiple ways to say farewell to summer this weekend. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off is a local favorite, as is the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival. It has finally cooled down a little, so the Downtown Carson Wine Walk is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Keep reading and have a great time.

SATURDAY:

Summer is in full blaze out there. Treat yourself to something cold at Dairy Queen; their Miracle Treat Day donates a dollar per Blizzard to the Miracle Children’s Hospitals. See what the talented kids of Strings in the Schools have been up to this summer at their free concert inside the Carson Mall. ‘Always Lost: A Meditation on War’ is an art exhibit from Western Nevada College that has travelled the country.

The weather may be cooler, but the chili is hot. Head to Glen Eagles for the final day of the Chili competition. Enjoy a picnic and a free concert in Genoa: the Sagebrush Rebellion performs at 5 p.m. If you’re dreaming of snow, then the lecture on legendary Tahoe winters might just get you through the day.

SUNDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Pat Holub and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

Compared to the last few weekends, Carson City is downright sleepy. That just makes it much easier to get around town and explore. Head to Mills Park for the First Annual Polynesian Festival in the Marv Teixeira Pavillion. Glen Eagles welcomes back the Regional Chili Cook-off this weekend; get your fill of some amazing grub and help raise funds for Honor Flight Nevada. Catch one of last few performances of Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s Aladdin, Jr. Continue reading for other great ways to spend your time.

SATURDAY:

Today we remember those who have fallen while defending our country. The Historic Stewart Cemetery on Snyder will feature a ceremony at 10 a.m. Lone Mountain Cemetery hosts a ceremony at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to help remove the several hundred flags that were placed on the graves of veterans at 4 p.m. Dayton Cemetery holds their service at 9 a.m. Enjoy a free bar-be-que at Evergreen Gene’s. Check out all of Monday’s offerings below and enjoy the last day of this extra-long weekend.

MONDAY: Memorial Day

Midnight Madness has descended upon the valley, bringing with it a 72 hour softball tournament at Centennial Park. Don’t be surprised to see more cyclists on the road: an unofficial pre-ride for Epic Rides is this weekend. Head to the Nevada State Railroad Museum to see the Glenbrook all steamed up. Take a look at the whole summary: there’s a whole lot of fun to be had around town during this three-day weekend.

SATURDAY:

Help honor those who have served our country with a flag placing at the Lone Mountain Cemetery, or at one of the several Memorial Day ceremonies around the area. Here's what's happening this Memorial Day weekend around Carson City.

Mother Nature almost always has something wacky in store for Northern Nevada over Memorial Day weekend. Rain or shine (or unexpected blizzard) there is something fun to be found in Carson City. Be ready for anything with this sneak peak of this weekend’s activities. Help honor those who have served our country with a flag placing at the Lone Mountain Cemetery, or at one of the several Memorial Ceremonies around the area.

FRIDAY:

Much love to the Mothers in our valley, and those that we love like Mothers. Treat that special lady to a day at the Carson Hot Springs. She gets to ride free with a child at the RSVP Spring Carnival. Travel to Virginia City and back on the historic Virginia and Truckee Steam Train. Brunch, bingo, and BMX racing are just a few of the other things that Sunday has to offer.

SUNDAY: Mother’s Day

I am not even going to attempt guessing what weather we have in store. The west side of the Sierras are notoriously unpredictable. You are much better off betting on the Kentucky Derby; and the Firkin and Fox is just the place to cheer on your favorite horse.

Since the early 1980s, May has been a month for celebrating historic preservation and archaeology in Nevada. This year, the theme acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, which helps to stabilize neighborhoods and downtowns, contributes to public education, attracts investment, creates jobs, generates tax revenues, supports small business and affordable housing, and powers Nevada’s heritage tourism industry.

Feeling spicy? The weekend is almost here, so step out of your normal routine and try salsa lessons at El Charro Avita. If you’re in the mood to lounge and relax, crooner Jimmy Clifton at Living the Good Life pairs nicely with a martini. Red’s Old 395 has an incredible happy hour with half off draft beers today and a yummy menu. Rack ‘em up at Remedy’s free pool night. America’s favorite past time returns as the Reno Aces host opening night; someone buy me some Cracker Jack.

THURSDAY:

Happy Thursday, Carson City. Spring break begins today and the sunny afternoon will probably be perfect for some kite-flying. School’s out, but the learning continues at the Nevada State Museum. This month’s installment of the Francis Humphrey Lecture Series focuses on the history of the U.S.S. Nevada. Music is a great way to slip into the weekend: check out the offerings at Living the Good Life, Glen Eagles, or Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.