Carson City celebrates Cupid with dining, theater and special events

Valentine’s Day in Carson City transforms into a week-long display of affection with candlelit dining options, special events, theatre performances and lodging specials, Feb. 12 – 19.

Selecting a restaurant for a romantic evening doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. The Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau compiled a list of favorites as recommended by the citizens of Nevada’s Capital based on surveys and local “best of” votes.

Here's a list provided by the Visitors Bureau, of places, activities and sweetheart events for your consideration:

Adele’s Restaurant and Lounge is the long-held leader of fine continental cuisine in Carson City and a favorite among couples for romantic nights out. Experienced, attentive wait staff will impress you and your sweetheart as they recite a litany of daily specials without missing a beat, carefully naming every detail and accoutrement of extravagant offerings. Delectable daily options range from oysters to pasta, escargot pizza to slow roasted duck, chateaubriand to steaks and chops. To complement the meal, guests are invited to choose from an extensive list featuring over 400 wine and champagne varieties. After dinner, sumptuous crème brulee, bread pudding and crepes with fresh berries come highly recommended.

Touted for artistic presentation and exceptional service, The Basil delights the senses with fantastic displays of color, flavor and masterfully prepared Thai entrees that present a spicy and flavorful international twist to Valentine’s Day festivities.

House specialties embody the creativity of chefs including: Tamarind Prawns served atop a bed of crisp spinach and lotus roots; Pad Ped Talay featuring a combination of seafood stir fried in a creamy red curry and presented with a half shell of coconut; and traditional items such as Hawaiian Fried Rice with pineapple, shrimp, chicken and cashews in a freshly carved pineapple shell. Decadent desserts accented with fresh orchids appear too beautiful to eat and generous portions of exceptional recipes will leave your sweetie wanting more. As you fall in love with delightful noodle selections and house specialties, share the pleasure of spice offered by a multitude of curries during an unforgettable night.

Fresh, imaginative alternatives to the standard heart-shaped box of chocolates can be found at Paul Schat’s Bakery near downtown Carson City. An institution for weary travelers on the road through Bridgeport since 1989, Schat’s recently set up shop locally with a collection of mouth-watering pastries, breads and treats. Surprise someone special this year with a package of specialty cookies or pastries, such as éclairs, macaroons, cream puffs or fruit tarts.

Home to the Eiffel Tower and heralded for igniting romance, a taste of France has found a home in Carson City at Z Bistro. The restaurant’s variety of soups, pates, seafood selections and game dishes highlight the flavors of Paris while creative versions of crème brulee make a nightly appearance. European wines and house-made aperitifs accentuate the ambiance as part of Z Bistro’s ever-changing menu.

Entertainment options in Carson City punctuate this week-long celebration of love, providing couples an opportunity to expand Valentine’s Day festivities across several evenings. Western Nevada Musical Theater hosts an evening full of memories with the best of rock and roll during Good Vibrations at the Community Center Theatre, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $20 by calling the box office at (775) 445-4249 or may be purchased on the evening of the show.

Kat Simmons delivers laughs and entertainment on Feb. 14 at the Carson Nugget with her Hearts on Fire Valentine’s Day Comedy Show, offering something for everyone on relatable “he said, she said” topics. Tickets for the 7 p.m. event can be purchased for $20 at the casino’s second floor ballroom.

Carson High School’s Culinary Arts Program will host the 12th annual Feast of Chocolate fundraiser benefitting local scholarships and the American Association of University Women Educational Opportunities Fund, Feb. 19, at the Nevada State Library and Archives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features a full buffet of treats including award winning creations by students of the Culinary Arts Program. Tickets to the event may be purchased in advance at $10 for adults or $5 for children by calling (775) 267-4515 or on the day of the event at $13 per adult or $8 for children.

Other Specials:

Hampton Inn and Suites Carson City offers a Romance Package during the month of February including accommodations for two, champagne or sparkling cider with flutes on arrival, box of assorted chocolates, fresh flowers and hot breakfast in the morning. Rates start at $134 per night. For additional rates and availability, call (775) 885-8800.

The Carson Nugget will host couples with a Valentine’s Day Lover’s Package, Feb. 12 through 14 with nightly rates starting at $65 for accommodations in a newly remodeled hotel room including candy and flowers delivered on arrival. Guests of the hotel and casino are welcome to celebrate the weekend with dinner for two at the award winning Steakhouse, offering a prix fixe menu for $85 including choice of soup or salad, glass of wine, an appetizer to share, sorbet intermezzo, entrees for two, and selection of one tableside dessert. For additional rates and availability call (775) 882-5535.

The Romantic Escape Package offered by Holiday Inn Express Carson City includes a bottle of sparkling white wine, bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates upon arrival for stays during the Valentine’s Day period, Feb. 13 – 15. Rates start at $144.99 per night. For additional rates and availability, click here or call (775) 283-4055.

For the latest in seasonal travel deals, dining, lodging, activity information and further details on the destination, refer to www.VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1.