Carson City Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Carson Valley: The Heart of Nevada

July 22, 2014 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Disclosure: I was invited for a weekend adventure in Carson Valley. All opinions are my own.

If I were to describe Carson Valley in just a few sentences from my recent stay there I’d say, “What truly makes Carson Valley are the people. It is the people that have truly kept the richness of the history of the West alive and well. And there is a pure sense of pride in keeping that heritage going.”

Dressed up at the V&T Railroad

Carson Valley is located 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, about a hour south of Reno, and 6 1/2 hours north of Las Vegas. The county truly prides itself on creating adventures to remember, and has a deep love of the outdoors whether partaking in various hiking trails, equestrian trails, or flying high in the air, there’s a bit of heart for everyone.

Some Truly Unique Gems Found in Carson Valley Include:

Jacob’s Berry Farm

This piece of history is alive and well in Gardnerville, Nevada. Jacob’s Berry Farm came to be with the purchase of the land in 2002. Restoration began immediately on the property and soon, berries were planted. Raspberries and Blackberries a plenty being grown to sell on the farm along with selling to area restaurants.

During the summer months, the farm puts on special events including Weddings, Family Reunions, or Corporate Events. Just check out the barn:

Town of Genoa:

The oldest town within Carson Valley, but this town has so much pride and history taking place that it is a town meant to be preserved. Walking along the main street of Genoa, there lies the oldest town bar along with a beautiful park to picnic at, and a few historic museums to learn about the history of Carson Valley. Enjoy an afternoon walking around Genoa taking in the sights.

Tahoe Ridge Winery:

For those that have a love of wine, have no fear, stop into Minden, Nevada and take in a complimentary tasting at Tahoe Ridge Winery, and if you’re lucky, they may just have a special event happening outdoors. This is what I walked in on:

A car show during Father’s Day weekend. Dancing, Fancy Cars and Wine Tasting Inside made for a great event.

David Walley’s Resort:

And for those that are looking for a little bit of relaxation be sure to stop off at David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. Book a massage, or spend a full day enjoying the water while taking in the beautiful surroundings:

Chocolate Shoppe:

Have a sweet tooth? Then you will want to stop into the Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville, Ca. From Chocolate Cowboy Hats to Sweet Caramels to homemade fudge and turtles this little shop has something for your cravings.

Soaring NV:

If you’re an adventure seeker and want a great view of Lake Tahoe then it’s a must to partake in a Glider Ride over at Soaring NV. With views like this, what more can you ask for?

Hop on the V&T Railroad:

And of course, during the summer months, there’s nothing like taking a train ride into Virginia City where you’re taken back to the Old West for a day.

Carson Valley is all about creating adventures, and now it’s time to create yours.

Jamie is a born and raised Minnesota Girl who has landed herself in California. She writes over at http://mngirlinla.com where she explores all things food, travel and wine.

Carson Valley Inn: Some GREAT Reasons to Stay!

July 16, 2014 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Disclosure: I was invited out on a Media Trip to Experience Carson Valley. All opinions are my own.

During my stay in Carson Valley where I experienced the V&T Railroad and Soaring NV, I also stayed at the Carson Valley Inn. The inn, located in Minden, NV is right off Interstate 395 just south of Carson City, NV.

This place has a little bit of everything happening all around its property. Some of my favorites:

1) TJ’s Corral

TJ’s Corral is Carson Valley Inn’s latest outdoor concert venue. Some summer lineups are on the schedule including:

Chris Young: August 2nd

Austin Palooza: August 16th

The Charlie Daniels Band: August 29th

There’s nothing like enjoying an amazing music concert while the sun goes down, and it truly livens up the crowd too. That evening we were fortunate to take in a concert with Dustin Lynch, and boy, does the crowd come out for a good time. A great way to experience the spirit of Carson Valley and Nevada.

The Pool Area:

If you ever book a hotel and are looking to enjoy some time in the pool, this is a good place. It’s a huge area that is pretty secluded on the 2nd floor of the hotel.

What I really loved was the separate area to sit and mingle. Those with families know how important having extra seating is.

Cozy Rooms:

When we travel, we enjoy a bit of relaxation, and that truly comes with the hotel room. The rooms were nice and cozy, and the bathrooms were also pretty spacious that could easily fit more than one person in there, if needed.

The Casino:

And yes, it’s Nevada and the Carson Valley Inn has a casino right inside its hotel. It was also voted Nevada’s Number One Casino by Reader’s Choice.

Whether you’re a fan of slots or looking for some fun of poker, they have it here. With over 600 slots and videos.

The Restaurants:

The Inn also has three locations for food.

Katie’s Country Kitchen:

This place is open 24 hours a day located on the casino floor. Katie’s comfortable atmosphere, generous menu selections, and value-packed specials make this restaurant a favorite among locals and hotel and RV park guests.

CV Steak:

If you’re looking for more of an upscale dinner then dine out at CV Steak. Their Nevada-style steakhouse serves dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. CV Steak Bar opens at noon Monday thru Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Job’s Perk:

And if you’re looking for a quick bite on the go then stop into Job’s Perk for a cup of coffee, a sandwich or morning pastry.

And, if you’re driving by in an RV and need a place to stay, the Carson Valley Inn has you covered with 59 full-hookup sites with electric, water, sewer and cable TV – plus free wireless internet access. There are a total of 26 pull through sites and 33 back-in sites.

The two night stay was quite comfortable, and the rooms are really affordable making it a good choice the next time you’re residing in the Carson Valley area. Just 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, less than 10 minutes from Carson City, and at the heart of Nevada.

Jamie is a born and raised Minnesota Girl who has landed herself in California. She writes over at http://mngirlinla.com where she explores all things food, travel and wine.

Bucket list item: Soaring High in a Glider Plane

July 9, 2014 by The Mom Jen 11 Comments

To travel is to make new memories. Whether it’s a first time visiting a place or the tenth time, it’s in those memories that drive us.

When I travel, I often times, try to look for the unexpected. Of course, there’s always the must visit places, but it’s in those moments of the unexpected, of the new, that always leave a lasting impression.

So, while in Carson Valley, when I was introduced to Soaring NV, although, I wasn’t sure what to expect, I said, “okay, lets do it.”

What is Soaring NV?

Soaring, in their own words, Soaring is the art and science of using the natural movement of the atmosphere to stay aloft, climb, and travel long distances in a motor-less aircraft.

And then of course the Glider plane: A glider, or sailplane, is a type of aircraft that does not have an engine. Usually an airplane tows the glider aloft, although the glider may also be launched like a kite, using a winch or even an automobile to pull it into the air. At the desired altitude, the glider pilot releases the towline, and begins to glide.

A girl, who has a bit of a fear of heights, was about to embark in a small glider plane, pictured above, to overlook beautiful Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley region. To say I was a bit nervous, was an understatement.

But, before I entered any such vessel, I did have to sign my life away, or, I mean, my consent.

I waited about 15 minutes before Russell, my pilot for the day, came to greet me. He explained a bit of the process. I told him I had a bit of a fear of heights, but really wanted to take photos. And soon, we hopped in a golf cart towards our Glider Plane.

Once we were in Glider territory, they put a very heavy parachute around my back then I entered the Glider as they belted me in. You can see the nerves on my face, can’t you?

And then we lined up, an airplane helps guide the Glider up to its proper elevation, then when it gets a certain height lets the Glider go and then the Glider will glide through the air.

At take off:

Releasing the Towline:

Once the towline was released, we glided in the air taking in the beautiful sights of Lake Tahoe below us, and yes, this was my first time seeing the entire lake in all its glory.

After a few minutes, I told Russel that I wanted to try a loop. Yes, they do acrobatics in the glider planes. He walked me through the process, and then it happened. I felt up to 3G’s worth when the plane completely looped over. It was the coolest and oddest feeling all at the same time, and after that loop I needed time to settle down a bit.

We then made our way back to landing. Russel showed me a bit on how the Glider plane was able to use the air around it to rise its elevation, and what he utilized for landing.

Landing was really smooth, and once we were on the ground again, it felt like we were in a rolling bobsled.

In the end, this was one of the best experiences of my life, and a GREAT way to experience Lake Tahoe. A big thanks to Russel, my pilot, for answering all my questions and calming my nerves in the sky.

Soaring NV:
775-782-9595
1138 Airport Road
Minden, Nevada 89423

Soaring NV provides Glider Rides, and also offers lessons to those looking to learn how to fly a Glider Plane. More information can be found here.

Jamie is a born and raised Minnesota Girl who has landed herself in California. She writes over at http://mngirlinla.com where she explores all things food, travel and wine.

Disclosure: I was invited out for a weekend to experience Carson Valley and Soaring NV. All opinions and stories are my own.

Carson City, Nevada: Bringing the Past to the Present with V&T Railroad

July 7, 2014 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

There is a beauty in keeping the past alive, and if there is one county in Nevada that truly knows how to do this, it is none other than Carson Valley. Carson Valley, located about a hour south of Reno, 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe and 6 1/2 hours North of Las Vegas is often coined with having the “heart” of Nevada.

And how exactly do they preserve their history? One such way is through the V&T Railroad (Virginia and Truckee.) You can board the railroad from Carson City, Nevada and take a one way ticket to Virginia City, or vice versus. You can also do what we did in which we took a round trip way from Carson City to Virginia City leaving us a few hours to explore in Virginia City before heading back to Carson City for the evening.

Upon arriving to the boarding station, we went inside to receive our tickets and were met by this lovely lady:

Who was there to answer any questions we may have had about the experience, where to get our tickets, or any questions about Virginia and Truckee Railroad.

I knew, from this alone, that we were in for a one of a kind experience on the V&T Railroad. As you can see, they were very much dressing the part.

The 24 Mile Trip would take us approximately 1 1/2 hours to get from Carson City, Nevada to Virginia City, Nevada. Along the way you enter tunnels, see the remains from the mining eras, and much more, if you look closely all while the history is being narrated for you.

Once they began boarding, they would stamp our tickets one by one then we would choose our seats inside. The seats could switch back from one way to another so you could easily face each other if you were a family of 4 or more on the train. Suitcases and pictures decorated the train cars inside.

Once the train began moving we were even given a newspaper to read while we enjoyed the journey around us as they narrated the history of the mining towns.

By the time you arrive in Virginia City, you will already feel as if you’ve been taken back in time by the Railroad ride. 24 miles in 1 1/2 hours as you overlook the mining that happened all around the town.

Then you can truly begin to explore all that Virginia City has to offer and enjoy going back in time to America’s West. From taking in a live gun fight show for just a few dollars to having lunch by the bbq pit, or taking in a tour at Piper’s Opera House, or the Way it Was Museum. There’s a little something for everyone.

Or buy yourself some candy cigarettes at the local candy store or an ice cream cone treat as you browse through the various Wild West shops throughout the town.

You just may never know what you end up stumbling across:

Growing up in the Midwest, I knew a little bit about the American West, but to be able to experience first hand in Virginia City was a lot of fun. It was time to let go, and just be, and let the past revive you, for just the day. And that’s exactly what the ride on the V&T Railroad and the stop in Virginia City did for me.

After a few hours in Virginia City, we got back onto our railroad and headed back towards Carson City.

The schedule for the V&T Railroad runs through Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays:

Sisters in History Route: 24 Miles in 1 1/2 Hours

SCHEDULE: May 24 – October 19. Roundtrip: departs Carson City 10 am, arrives Virginia City 11:30 am; departs Virginia City 3 pm, arrives Carson City 4:20 pm

BUY TICKETS

	Steam Sat and Sunday		Diesel Fridays
	Roundtrip	One-way	Roundtrip	One-way
Adult	$52.00	$33.00	$36.00	$24.00
Child (12 and younger)	$32.00	$21.00	$22.00	$22.00
Senior (65+)/Veteran	$48.00	$29.00	$34.00	$23.00

One way trips- you must provide your own return transportation.

Jamie is a born and raised Minnesota Girl who has landed herself in California. She writes over at http://mngirlinla.com where she explores all things food, travel and wine.

Disclosure: I was invited out for a weekend to experience Carson Valley and V&T Railroad. All opinions and stories are my own.

Visit Carson City, NV: Polar Express tickets at V&T Railroad

October 30, 2012 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

The Polar Express, pulled by the V&T’s diesel engine, departs from the Carson City Eastgate Depot, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings ( through December 23.

BELIEVING WITH YOUR FAMILY
Kids are encouraged to dress in their pajamas. Adults are invited to feel like kids again as holiday music plays in the festively decorated historic passenger cars. Along with the chance to see (and believe in) Santa, your magical journey also features:

– Hot cocoa, cookies and caroling
– The Polar Express read aloud
– Visits by characters from the story
– The first gift of Christmas – a keepsake silver bell
(Will you always hear it ring?)

For the answers to frequently asked questions about The Polar Express story and Train Ride, as well as a short video, visit www.polarexpressride.com

For details and reservations,
go to visitcarsoncity.com or call 800.NEVADA.1