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Brrrrr. That chilly winter air has finally made an appearance, so pile on the layers and stay cozy. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that some white stuff sticks to the mountains. Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re planning on dinner with your sweetheart. The Be Mine Gift and Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is a great place to find something unique for your one and only.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

There doesn’t seem to be any ‘brrrr’ in this February so far, and this week won’t buck the warm weather trend. A new exhibit can be found at the CCAI Gallery on the second floor of the Carson City Courthouse: Writing from Mars, by Rick Parsons, is on display until May 23. Red’s Old 395 is known for their happy hour with great drink prices and yummy appetizers. Martinis are half-price today if you need to unwind.

For many, today is all about the big game. For others, it’s just about the commercials. For some, it’s no big deal at all. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find where to watch and where to bet on your favorites. Today is your last chance to audition for the upcoming production of ‘The Producers,’ so swing by the Brewery Arts Center if you’d like to be considered.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

The weekend is over and we are just a few days from February. Let me be the first to remind you that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you have a romantic dinner in mind, make those reservations now. Start the week with some swing in your step; the High Sierra Swing Dance club will even get you started with some new moves. Sing the workweek blues away during karaoke night at the Fox Brewpub.

MONDAY:

It’s back to school for the students of Western Nevada College, and they’ll have the traveling exhibit ‘Geographical Divides: Finding Common Ground’ to enjoy in the Bristlecone Building’s Main Gallery. There’s a storm in the hills, and it might just make it into the valley, so bundle up and drive safely. Tonight, everyone is invited to the Healthy Communities Coalition’s monthly cooking class; you’ll learn to make a meal, and then sample it. Learn how to find your center with the Dharma Zephyr Sitting Group. Beginners begin at 5:30 p.m., and those with practice meet at 6:45 p.m.

It’s play-off Sunday and we are all picking the teams that we want to cheer for in the big game. You can watch the Jaguars battle the Patriots, then the Eagles attack the Vikings. You have one last chance to commune with the monks of India. There is a workshop at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Coincidentally the classic sci-fi movie, Alien, is playing at Galaxy Theater the same times. Get a glimpse inside the historic Wungnema house at the east end of Mills Park during the afternoon’s Open House.

Ready, set, crawl. The Brew Crew’s monthly pub crawl kicks off from the Laxalt Plaza next to the Nugget and includes up several downtown area taverns and restaurants. If your new year’s resolution includes volunteering, the Muscle Powered Trash Mob is a quick, but mighty, helping hand. Learn about the future of the Stewart Indian School Historic Site during an encore lecture at the Nevada State Museum. Flashback to Beatle-mania at the Brewery Arts Center or karaoke at Battleborn Social are just some of your nightlife options.

SATURDAY:

You’ll be ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ all weekend; Youth Theater Carson City’s final weekend of performances is sure to bring down the house. The Monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery will teach a Tibetan Calligraphy and Butter Sculpture Workshop and hold a Vajravidarin Healing Ritual in the Brewery Arts Center today. Carson’s nightlife features live music, karaoke, Carson Comedy, and west coast swing. Read on for all the details.

FRIDAY, Jan. 19: Things to do in Carson City

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke those words, and they still ring true today. A community is what a community does, and ours is filled with people that do amazing things for others. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, consider getting involved with a local non-profit: FISH, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and the Nevada Humane Society are just a few of the great organizations in our valley.

This Monday might feel a little manic. The Carson and Lyon County kids are back at school (Douglas County starts up again tomorrow.) Rain is expected all day long, so indoor activities are your best bet. Inquiring minds will enjoy the ‘NASA at your Library’ program, just make sure to register online if your kid would like to participate. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club is back on the Eleventh Frame Lounge dance floor after a few weeks of holiday hiatus.

Are you ready to ring in the new year? 2018 is just around the corner, and there will be plenty of celebrations to choose from. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out into a neighboring valley, you’ll find it right here. Please stay safe: designate a sober drive, call a cab, or get a ride from UBER or LYFT.

AAA TIPSY TOW: 1-800-222-4357 (Free Tow up to 10 miles from 6pm Dec. 31 until 6am Jan. 1 – you do NOT need to be a AAA member. Stay safe tonight!) 

CAPITAL CAB: 775-885-0300 

CARSON CITY NYE CELEBRATIONS:

It’s finally here, the last weekend of 2017. It’s fairly quiet around town, until Sunday night, that is. Today, Muscle Powered is leading a five-mile half-day hike along Prison Hill. Take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, and join them. The Carson Nugget is hosting three nights of comedy this weekend: catch Myles Weber on the stage tonight. Head’s up. Galaxy Theater usually plays a movie from the past on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week, we get treated to the Christmas Classic, Die Hard. You won’t want to miss that.

SATURDAY:

Thursday, December 21 is the winter solstice, making it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. With Christmas just a few days away, the holiday activities are still going strong. Share your wish list with Santa at Red’s Old 395 tonight and you’ll walk away with a free photograph. Your ugliest sweater is invited to make an appearance at the Carson Cigar Company; bring a white elephant gift if you’d like to participate in the gift exchange.

It may be Monday, but the next one on the way is Christmas. If you still have some loved ones on your holiday shopping list, the Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is sure to have something for everyone. Monday also means football. Watch the Falcons take on the Buccaneers at Living the Good Life. You’ll find good food, good drinks, and the game on all of their screens. Put some swing in your step at Carson Lanes. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club meets weekly to learn some new dance moves and put them into action. Santa has been spotted at Red’s Old 395: from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday has finally arrived, and it has brought some nightlife with it. Enjoy the Trippin King Snakes on stage at the Max Casino. The Carson Nugget gives you comedian John Hilder in Carson Comedy and the band Adrenaline playing in ‘The Loft.’ Kids will love the Wild Horse Children’s Theater production of ‘Honk, Jr.’, while ‘Love/Sick,’ performed by the Proscenium Players, is meant for an older audience. Let Roska Entertainment take you into late-night with their weekly dance party in Battle Born Social’s Sage Lounge.

FRIDAY:

It’s the beginning of another work week, and a chilly one, at that. Take an hour to get yourself grounded and ready for what life throws your way during ‘Motivation Monday’ Yoga at the Adams Hub. Learn something new in the kitchen at this month’s cooking demo and dinner at the Dayton Community Center.

Jack Frost definitely has his icy fingers wrapped around today. It’s going to be a chilly one, so bundle up. With Christmas morning just three weeks away, the holidays are in full swing. Get a look at all of the seasonal fun that’s on it’s way in my list of holiday happenings HERE.

With December arriving we are counting the days until Christmas. So deck the halls, get some jingle bells and wassail away this holiday season. Here's what's happening now through Christmas around Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Even Santa Claus enjoys his time aboard Carson City's famed trains. With appearances at the Brewery Arts Center, Santa can be found throughout the area, including the Nevada Railroad Museum. Elsewhere, let the arrows fly during the Clearcreek Bowmen’s Holiday with a Hero fundraising 3-D shoot. Enjoy a Small Town Christmas in Dayton this evening. The festivities take place in ‘Our Park,’ at the western edge of town. An ugly sweater contest, hot chocolate, caroling, tree lighting and home-town fun are on the menu. Keep reading, there’s even more in store for today.

The rumors of Santa Claus coming to town are true. The jolly old man is making several appearances today, and is feeling photogenic. Take a ride with him at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, join him on the ‘Elf Crawl’ from the Capitol to the Carson Mall, or tell him your wish list at Debug Computers. Adults have a hard choice to make: the monthly downtown wine walk and the Holiday with a Hero Pub Crawl both take place today, and I’m not sure I’d recommend attempting both.

We are days away from a winter wonderland: halls will be decked, and everything will be merry and bright. On Thursday, Gardnerville will flip the switch on its holiday lights, with help from Santa. Friday, the capital city hosts the Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting Celebration, as well as the very yummy Empty Bowls Soup Fest. Saturday, in addition to Carson City’s monthly downtown wine walk and the annual Holiday with a Hero Crawl, Minden holds its annual Christmas Parade.

Tis the season for visits with Santa, holiday twinkle lights, and craft fairs and festivals. In order to make your December planning a little easier, take a look at what is coming up in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and Virginia City area. Go deck the halls, get some jingle bells, and wassail away.

Let's get this show on the road. The long holiday weekend is behind us, and I hope everyone ate too much. Mondays are a little quiet in our capital city, but that doesn't mean that there is nothing to do. You'll find several changing art exhibits throughout town, so visiting them every few months gives you the chance to experience new art. Monday Night Football is always a fun time to cheer on your team; this week you'll see the Texans and the Ravens battle it out. For family-friendly karaoke, the Fox Brewpub is the place to be.

MONDAY:

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you’ll see twinkling lights appearing everywhere. Carson City doesn’t light up our downtown until next Friday, but if you need an immediate fix of holiday decorations, Minden has got you covered. Candy Cane Lane at the Carson Valley Inn is a custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display. ‘Nevada Christmas’ is a private home on Chaparral Court, just off Stephanie Way, and puts the holly jollies into the holiday.

SUNDAY:      

Once the turkey has been devoured, all thoughts turn toward shopping. Shop Small Saturday helps to throw a spotlight on our local gems, and the great gifts you’ll find. New this year is Museum Store Sunday with both the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum participating. Make time for family and friends at the annual Nutcracker Ballet performed by Pinkerton Ballet at the Carson City Community Center. Keep reading and have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

FRIDAY:

Ready for the long weekend filled with friends, family, and food? Get in the celebratory spirit with some live jazz at Living the Good Life or country dancing at Carson Lanes. If you’re over 18, you are welcome to check out the karaoke party at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge. A young wizaard discovers his destiny on the big screen; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at Fandango’s Galaxy Theater is a perfect family-friendly outing.

WEDNESDAY:

I don’t know about you, but I can almost smell turkey in the air. Healthy Communities Coalition in Dayton will help you spruce up your holiday dinner during this month’s cooking demo: the pumpkin spice bars caught my eye. The fundraising for the victims of the Nov. 9 rollover accident continues tonight at Chili’s Restaurant. Head there for dinner and a portion of your check will benefit the teens that were injured. Help move your Monday along with something fun. Karaoke at the Fox Brewpub, a Monday Night Football party at Living the Good Life, or Game Night at Carson Cigar Co.

Sunday is usually synonymous with football this time of year. Raiders fans, and non-fans for that matter, are invited to the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes to watch the game and join in the annual Adopt-a-Senior Fundraiser. If you’ve got a bibliophile on your gift list, the Nevada State Museum has got you covered. You’ll get the chance to meet ten notable Nevadan authors, learn more about our great state, and get a signed copy one of the many books available. Read on and enjoy your weekend.