Sassafras

Keep an eye out for cyclists, Carson City. Bike to work week has begun, so please slow down and share the road. You’ll find a new exhibit in the CCAI Gallery at the courthouse, so check it out after you cast your early vote in the primary. The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour has brought the monks of the Gaden Shartse Phukhang Monastery back to the Brewery Arts Center; today they’ll perform a tea offering and give a presentation on happiness. Negroni week kicks off today at the Firkin and Fox, but several local bars are participating in this fundraiser.

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, summer has arrived with a bang. Bikes, brews, bulls and broncs are just a few of the things you’ll find on this event summary. Whether you are looking for adult fun, family fun, art, music, shopping, or something outdoorsy, look no further: Carson City and her neighboring valleys are packed full of fun.

SATURDAY:

• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey (178 mile relay race; begins at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno; legs 24-28 run through Carson City)

What a week. Granted, it was a short one, but school got out for the summer and we saw the weather go from a wintery chill to summery hot. Get your early primary vote in this afternoon, then stick around for the Artist Reception for the new exhibit in the CCAI Gallery upstairs in the Courthouse Building. Live music can be found at our bigger casinos, and a dj will keep you on the dance floor at Jimmy G’s, Alatte in the Carson Nugget, and Living the Good Life. Sassafras welcomes Bryan McPherson to the stage at 8 pm; you’ll want to get there earlier to take full advantage of their menu.

June is Bike Month in Carson City, and the weather is being more than cooperative. Bike to work week begins Monday, so get back in the swing of things with the Muscle Powered Bike Ride this afternoon. If motorcycles are more your style, Bike Night at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar is the place to be. Don’t forget to stick around for karaoke.

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:

Campfires and bar-be-ques are just around the corner: Memorial Day weekend is almost here. Get a jump on the fun with some live music at Living the Good Life or Glen Eagles. Learn something new with Dr. Hattori at the Nevada State Museum. An improv workshop at the Brewery Arts Center will get your creative juices flowing. The Capitol Amphitheater is where you’ll enjoy a new spin on the Taming of the Shrew, performed by the Carson High Theater Arts Department. Don’t forget a doggie-bag after a meal at Adele’s today: the Bone Appetit fundraiser for the Nevada Humane Society goes on all day.

I’ll take ‘Things to do in Carson City on a Wednesday,’ Alex. What is Geeks Who Drink Trivia at the Westside Pour House? What is Country Line Dancing at Carson Lanes? What is a Jazz Jam with the Shipleys at Sassafras? What is Karaoke with J and M Productions at Crossroads? What is music with Lynne and Jim at Living the Good Life. The daily double is ‘Art Gallery Exhibits Downtown.’ Check out the courthouse, the community center, the BRIC, Carson Visitor Center, the Brewery Arts Center, Nevada Arts Council, Artsy Fartsy, and Charlie B for the answer.

Huge congratulations go out the graduating class of Western Nevada College. Head to the Mills Park Pavilion to witness your favorite Wildcat get their diploma. For an update on the downtown construction progress, head to Alatte inside the Carson Nugget for a Q&A with Q&D and Public Works. Go searching for ghosts at the Gold Hill Hotel. Get your boogie on with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club at El Charro Avita.

MONDAY:

You can probably take ‘beach day’ off of your agenda. Spring has been briefly usurped by a blustery chill. Grab a coat and hit the town anyway. The early spring farmers market downtown, the Cops and Kids event at the Sheriff’s Department, and the Annual Relay for Life at Mills Park are still a good time. This weekend is jam-packed full of fun, so take a look at the weekend event summary for your options indoors and out.

SATURDAY:

Friday! We have survived the workweek, and for the students of Western Nevada College, the semester. Kick up your heels and enjoy yourselves tonight. Whether you want karaoke, comedy, live music, or dancing: you have a multitude of choices. Sip wine and paint at Van Gogh and Vino or Mona Lisa and Wine. Enjoy open mic at A to Zen or dance performances at Comma Coffee. Bella Voce presents their ‘Poets Great and Small’ free spring concert at the Methodist Church on Musser St. So many choices: take a look at the whole list to find out what is right for you.

FRIDAY:

How’d we get to Thursday so quickly? Choose from live music at Living the Good Life, a fun night of karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, or even a lecture on the Dayton Cemetery. Join Muscle Powered for a Washoe Valley hike this morning or a bike ride this afternoon. Maybe some salsa dancing is what you’re in the mood for; if so, head to El Charro Avita. Look the list over for all your options, and have a great day.

THURSDAY:

A new exhibit has hit town. Over the weekend, the Nevada Artists Association welcomed new works for its Imagination show. Take a moment and explore all the downtown area galleries: the Community Building by City Hall, the gallery upstairs of in the Courthouse, the Sierra Room in the Community Center, and the walls of the Visitor Center. Grab your cowboy boots and learn to line dance at Carson Lanes. Sassafras welcomes Judith and Rocky to the stage for a jazz jam as fun and funky as their menu.

TUESDAY:

What a weekend. As the days get longer, the whole valley bustles. Monday has returned, but no fear, there is still fun to be found. Karaoke at Firkin and Fox is a great way to start off the week. Grab your dancing shoes and head to El Charro to learn some new moves with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club. Grab the kids for a night of board games at Nerdvana. For games meant for a more adult audience, the Carson Cigar Company hosts a weekly game night with drink specials for the players.

MONDAY:

Ready to have some fun? Virginia City’s Chili on the Comstock Cook-off goes on all weekend. For some healthier fare, hit up the Spring Farmers Market downtown. Go fly a kite at Dangberg Home Historic Park, just past Douglas High School on Highway 88; their ‘Something in the Wind’ Celebration is both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to leave non-perishable food by your mailbox: the annual ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive is today. Take a gander at the whole list, there is plenty of stuff to do in the Carson City area this weekend.

SATURDAY:

Want to learn something new? The Gold Hill Hotel, the Dayton Historical Society, and the Douglas County Historical Society are all offering a glimpse into the past. The American Sign Language Club at Western Nevada College invites you to an evening of storytelling, poetry, music, and fun at their ‘Open Hands Night.’ Empire Ranch is starting up its 9 and Dine events tomorrow, the only catch is that you’ve got to register by noon today. You’ll find dinner music at Glen Eagles, Sassafras, and Living the Good Life.

Throw a little sunshine my way and I start thinking about Lake Tahoe. Pints and Paddles, the happy hour cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie, has returned to Zephyr Cove. Break up the workday with a stroll along the Wellness Trail: the Wednesday walkers begin at noon if you’d like company. Living the Good Life features great food, fun bartenders, and tonight a Jazz Jam lead by Rocky and Judith. Sassafras lives up to its Eclectic Food Joint reputation again: The Moody Motion Tour featuring Cryptic Wisdom, Whiteout, and Jack The Ripper hits the stage tonight.

WEDNESDAY:

Today’s sky has something special going on. A transition of Mercury across the sun occurs from sunrise until about noon. Please do not attempt to watch it without protective eyewear (sunglasses are not enough.) Head to the WNC Observatory to take a look, or watch it online HERE. Early risers can also take advantage of a chat with Supervisor Jim Shirk at Grandma Hattie’s.

The school year is winding down, which usually means the activities and excitement around Carson High amp up in direct proportion. There is also much nailbiting and desperate prayers as freshmen and sophomores take their End of Course exams, juniors and seniors finish taking their AP exams, and finals approach for all students.

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.

Nothing will rain on our parade, Carson City. In addition to the monthly wine walk, the weekend offers a carnival, train rides, the Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day and more. Tonight, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts their spring musical ‘42nd Street.’ Find improv at the Brewery Arts Center or Comedy at the Carson Nugget. Drinking with Clowns hits the stage at Sassafras and Motown is on the menu at Living the Good Life. Food with friends is in order at Silver City’s Community Dinner Night or at A to Zen’s first ‘Fancy Friday’ open mic night.

The weekend is getting started early. Cinco de Mayo brings out drink specials, parties, and fun throughout the valley. Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is on Sunday, so head to Carson Mall for something special or swing by the Elks Club after 4 p.m. to grab tickets for their Champagne Brunch. The RSVP Spring Carnival kicks off tonight with family night: all rides are a dollar.

May the Fourth be with you, Carson City. Today is Star Wars day, among other things. It’s also Whiskey Wednesday at the Firkin and Fox, karaoke night at Crossroads, and Line Dance Day at Carson Lane. For the Star Wars Aficionados, then you’ll want to head to the Carson Library or to Downtown Minden for light sabers and costume parties. Art lovers will find a new exhibit to celebrate at Comma Coffee. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint has the Junebugs performing tonight; this is the fun you’re looking for.

WEDNESDAY: Star Wars Day - May the Fourth Be With You

May day has come and gone, but just barely. This is my favorite time of year in Carson City: blooming flowers, warmer days, and the return of summertime activities. The Historic Carson Scavenger Hunt begins today, so head downtown and look for the unique features that make the buildings one of a kind. Mondays are perfect for getting out and starting the week off with some swing dancing with our local club, the High Sierra Swing Dancers. Firkin and Fox is a great place for food and drink, but tonight you can go and sing some songs with karaoke leaders J and M Productions.

The changing of the monthly guard is happening. The first of May is Sunday and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Music, theater, sports, shopping and more will be abundant in the valley this weekend, so make sure to take a good look at this weekend’s list for all of your fun options.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bill Migan and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)

Ready for a great day, Carson City? It’s a day of beginnings all over the place. The new Italian restaurant, Angelina’s, inside the Carson Nugget is celebrating its Grand Opening all weekend. The annual Cowboy Festival in Genoa begins this afternoon and includes music, demonstrations, art exhibits, and more. Join the United Federal Credit Union for their ribbon cutting this afternoon, and enjoy live music and BBQ. Today is ‘Dining Out for Life,’ so head to Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs, Sassafras, or Adele’s to help raise funds for Northern Nevada Hopes.

THURSDAY:

What to do on a Wednesday? The tiny little town of Silver City on the way to Virginia City has an amazing arts community: resident artist Scott MacLeod has his final sculpture workshop this afternoon: the found object ship he’s building is incredible. Feed your soul and your belly with music and great food at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint or Living the Good Life. Sing your heart out with J and M Productions at Crossroads Lounge’s karaoke night. Let some classic cinema into your life with a big screen viewing of ‘On the Waterfront’ at the Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY:

Are you ready for Monday? Grab the kids and hit the lanes for some Family Day bowling at Carson Lanes. Walking with ponies at the Littlest Things if fun for all ages. El Charro Avita is the place to be tonight; High Sierra Swing Dance Club hosts their weekly ‘night out,’ and will teach you something new before the open dancing begins. Downtown may be dusty, but the businesses along Carson Street still need our love. Check out karaoke at the Firkin and Fox, and don’t forget to peruse their new menu that debuts today.

MONDAY:

Into every life a little rain must fall, and we just got plenty. The tulips and lilac blooming around town will be pleased. Unfortunately, it could make for soggy feet if you’ve got any outdoor activities planned. Lucky for us, plenty of fun can be found indoors. Hit the Carson Mall for Cowgirls and Lipstick or learn about rare coins at the Nevada State Museum. Meet author Joe Crowley at Browsers' Corner Book Store or read to therapy dogs at the Carson City Library. There's something for everyone on this list, so take a look and have a great weekend, Carson City.

Thank goodness we are only two months from the first day of summer; spring is such an unpredictable season. Blustery today, rainy tomorrow, the threat of some snow in a few days. Take advantage of a nice day whenever it appears. Bike night at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar is one way to do that.

Eighteenth Century English poet William Cowper once wrote that variety is the spice of life.

In Carson City, both variety and spice can be found together in one place at Sassafras Electic Food Joint, currently located on the Carson Hot Springs Resort property at 1500 Old Hot Springs Road.