Follow the Carson Valley Rider

CO-OP CONTEST CHALLENGES TOURISM PARTNERS TO LASSO FOLLOWERS FOR CARSON VALLEY'S TOURISM CAMPAIGN

The Carson Valley Visitors Authority has invited are businesses to help promote the "Rugged. Relaxed. Reachable." horse and rider tourism campaign to their customers and social media audience.  The contest prize for the business that brings in the most "views" and "likes" is a rider video filmed at their establishment. (www.visitcarsonvalley.org)

The photo commercial and social media campaign began in fall 2013 with a nationwide search for a "storyteller on horseback."  South Lake Tahoe Bank Vice President Terri Arnold was chosed and since then has taken viewers on various Carson Valley adventures:  soaring above the Sierra Nevada peaks aboard a glider, grabbing snowboard air at Lake Tahoe's famed ski resorts and teeing it up at the area's workd class golf courses.  Arnold's partner in these excursions is Meha, a quarter horse mare, who makes her home at Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center, located off Foothill Road.

Viewers from coast to coast have seen the videos through the Carson Valley Facebook Page.

(www.facebook.com/carsonvalleynevada)

For businesses to be wligble to win their own "Carson Valley Rider" video they must:

• Display the Carson Valley Rider poster promienently at their place of business.
• Place the Rider social media badge on the homepage of their website with a link to the Carson Valley website (www.CV.org)
• Encourage their Followers on social media to Like. Watch. Follow. #CarsonValleyRider by sharing the Carson Valley posts on their own social media sites.

The winner will be determined by the number of views and likes they bring to the campaign.  The campaign is being tracked by Google analytics through the www.CV.org landing page.  The winner will be announced Jan. 23, 2015.

Customers can look for the Carson Valley Rider poster in their favorite stores and help the business win the video prize by going to the store's website and social media to watch, share and like the rider videos.

Carson Valley Ski & Snowboard Packages

Carson Valley is just 20 minutes away from South Lake Tahoe where you can enjoy some of the finest winter sports around.  We have many lodging options available to accommodate any budget.  Come, Stay & Play! 

Carson Valley Rider Visits Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center

Horse around with the Carson Valley rider and find out where you can go to enjoy Carson Valley’s spectacular landscape from horseback. Like, Watch, Follow, Share. #CarsonValleyRider #TravelNevada #VisitCarsonValley

 

Carson Valley Rider Goes Golfing

Carson Valley’s four courses provide golfers a daily dose of iron. The Carson Valley Rider brings a whole new meaning to the phrase -- playing through. Like, Watch, Follow, Share. #CarsonValleyRider #TravelNevada
#VisitCarsonValley

Carson Valley Rider Visits Minden-Tahoe Airport

It’s a bird, a plane – no it’s a Flying Pumpkin! The Carson Valley rider get the low down on this weekend’s Aviation Roundup at the Minden Tahoe Airport. Get a sneak peak of the WWII Bombardiers and Like, Watch, Follow #CarsonValleyRider.

On October 11th, the Aviation Roundup will host the first Minden-Tahoe Airport Pumpkin Drop! Pumpkins will be provided by the airport. An outhouse will be the target. Do you have what it takes to bomb an outhouse with a pumpkin? Contact the airport administration office for details and a sign-up form. Registration and the pumpkin drop are free.

You can contact the office at (775) 782-9871, or stop by.

Gates open at 10:00 am. Admission is $10 per carload...put the family in a car and bring them out for just $10 for the entire family!

Carson Valley Fall Celebrations!

 

Carson Valley is beautiful no matter what time of year you are here.  Fall is no exception.  With the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range as the backdrop, you can experience the leaves changing from green to rich red, orange, and yellows throughout the entire valley; Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden and Topaz Lake.  In addition to the beauty of the outdoors, Carson Valley has many fall celebrations you can enjoy.  The Corley Ranch Harvest Festival begins September 27th through October 31st, where you can enjoy Pig Races, Farm Animals,Bouncy House, Hay Wagon Rides, Kiddie Land - Straw Maze, Entertainment, Train Rides, Pony Rides, Pumpkins, Giant Sling Shot, Miniature Golf including food crafters and vendors on site.  Tahoe Ridge Winery has their Pumpkin Festival October, up to Thanksgiving where you can enjoy an assortment of delicious pumpkin entrees and dessert including homemade pumpkin pie and ice cream.  East Fork Gallery has a Family Friendly Scarecrow Festival, October 4th, where you can decorate a one-of-a-kind scarecrow.  Minden-Tahoe Airport will be having a Pumpkin Bomber Command, October 11th, at their Aviation Roundup, where pumpkins will be provided by the airport. An outhouse will be the target. Do you have what it takes to bomb an outhouse with a pumpkin?  Haunted Ghost Walks, October 17th & 18th, in Gardnerville, Genoa and Minden. The Carson Valley Arts Council will be featuring California Honeydrops in their concert series on October 24th. Safe Street Trick or Treat will be happening October 31st, in the Town of Minden.  Come and enjoy fall in the Carson Valley!

For more details on above events, visit our event calendar.

Check out the NEW Visitors Guide!!

It's Here, the 2014 Carson Valley Visitors Guide! 

 Your resource for:

 Sports & Recreation

Events

Map

Arts & Leisure

Dining & Entertainment

Shopping

Groups & Special Events

Services

Lodging and

Getting Here

Complete with beautiful photos of the Carson Valley and the Carson Valley Rider with Meha.  Get your copy today.  Go to VisitCarsonValley.org to request a FREE guide to be mailed, or download a PDF version, or you can stop by the Visitors Center: 1477 US Hwy 395 N. Ste. C, Gardnerville, NV 89410

Carson Valley welcomes you!

As you travel though Carson Valley you will be greeted with a fresh new look, thanks to a $13,100.00 grant the Carson Valley Visitors Authority received from the Nevada Commission on Tourism for Gateway Signage.  The grant was specifically dedicated to updating the gateway signs to reflect the comprehensive branding that the Carson Valley Visitors Authority rolled out almost two years ago.  According to A.J. Frels, Executive Director of the Carson Valley Visitors Authority, “Signage is a critical branding component for destinations because many visitors are unfamiliar with our area.  It is particularly important for a regional destination with a name comprised of multiple locations.  The signs are an announcement to people traveling on highway 395 that they have arrived in the Carson Valley.” The first of the two signs (to the south) located next to The Corley Ranch will be installed on September 12^th. The second (to the north on highway 395) is scheduled to be completed the week of September 22^nd.

Frels went on to state that “Carson Valley offers great diversity of activity, expansive geography, and an enviable location.  Residents as well as visitors are offered all the natural, un-processed, wide-open adventure within and around the valley.  Our new gateway signage exemplifies this.” The logo directly reflects Carson Valley’s superior openness through an eagle icon. Set with the mountains as the backdrop, the eagle’s outstretched wings are a reference to the activity available in any direction.  At the same time, the bold typeface used on the logo, sets a solid, rugged tone, which the Carson Valley most certainly embodies.

Background on the strap line:  

The signs proudly boast the strap line: Rugged Relaxed Reachable.

Rugged: This is part of our heritage, it’s who we are. Carson Valley is known for authentic adventure.  You can hike, bike, off road, or ride a horse on any number of our easily accessible trails. We have the kind of thrills any outdoor enthusiasts would dream of loading their gear and enjoying, the type of adventure that comes with no restrictions and no boundaries.  Relaxed: Within the Carson Valley you can find beautiful, natural geothermal hot springs, where you can soak in the health benefits from the natural minerals while taking in the majestic mountain views topped off by simply some of the most beautiful sunsets the world has to offer. You can meander through any number of quaint and unique shops. You can enjoy the nearby streams for fishing, view the abundant wildlife, or take in a game of golf at any of our exceptional courses.  And let’s not forget the outstanding accommodations and dining the valley has to offer. Reachable: Carson Valley makes it easy for residents and visitors to experience authentic Nevada adventures. Our proximity to Reno and Lake Tahoe enhances the experience, while simultaneously setting Carson Valley apart as the unique and amazing area it is.”

Genoa Candy Dance

September 27th & 28th

9am-5pm

The Genoa "Candy Dance" originated in 1919 as an effort to raise money to purchase street lights for the small, but enterprising community of Genoa, Nevada's first settlement. Lillian Virgin Finnegan, daughter of then prominent Judge Daniel Webster Virgin, suggested the idea of a dance and making candy to pass around during the dance as an incentive for a good "turn-out" of couples.
With the help of her aunt, Jane Raycraft Campbell, and the female populous of Genoa, delicious samples of candy really made the evening special. Of course, the midnight supper served at the Raycraft Hotel was, as always, a culinary delight. So, if the candy did not entice people to join in the fun, the midnight supper was surely an incentive.

The Genoa community did raise the needed funds for streetlights, but realized the monthly electric bill had to be paid. The candy makers were then called upon each year to help promote the "Candy Dance" and pay a year's worth of electricity for the streetlights throughout the town. This annual event became the "Big Event of the Season." Couples came from Reno, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville and surrounding areas to join in the evening's fun.

The Arts & Crafts Faire was added in the 1970s, and later became a two-day event. The first Faire was held on the front lawn of a private residence in Sierra Shadows on Genoa Lane with twelve vendors. A few years later the popular Faire was moved to the Mormon Station Historic State Monument grounds. Expanding proved necessary and now Faire exhibitors are also found along Nixon Street, and along the sides of Genoa Lane and Main Street. With all the people visiting the Faire these days, the streets in and out of Genoa are temporarily closed during the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shuttles bring people from the main parking lots on Genoa Lane and Foothill Road, as well as the limited parking lot at the Genoa Cemetery. There is also a shuttle that runs from the Carson Valley Inn and Douglas High School to the Genoa Lane parking lot.

The "Candy Dance" is still held each year with music from a live band playing everything from rock-n-roll, country-western, swing and hop to waltzes for all ages. Everyone is invited to the Saturday night dinner and dance. A limited number of tickets are sold to the event. 2009's dinner-dance in Genoa Park was a huge success with over 700 tickets sold. However, cold weather does reduce attendance at the outdoor dinner-dance.

Generation after generation has continued the candy making and Faire tradition. The funds raised by the Town of Genoa during the Candy Dance weekend provide a substantial portion of the town's annual budget. We will be celebrating the "Candy Dance" as long as we have volunteers to keep it going, and we thank all our volunteers for their hard work.

The 94th Annual Candy Dance will offer over 300 craft and food vendors.  For tickets and more information, including dinner menu and musical performers, visit: genoanevada.org

Carson Tahoe Moto

                                                                                    photo credit:  Brad Coman
A great motorcycle ride in the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe area might be all pavement, or mostly dirt, or a combination of both.  The Carson Valley is fortunate to be very close to hundreds of miles-thousands, really-of-scenic, twisty, uncongested roads.  If you are a street rider and new to the area, head out for some of the High Sierra passes.  Carson Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and Monitor Pass are all within about an hour's ride of the Carson Valley.  Sonora Pass, Tioga Pass, and Donner Pass are all within two hours.  And the roads to any of those passes are beautiful in their own right.  A ride over five of these great mountain passes in a single day is completely feasible.  To do it, you'll ride hard, return tired, and won't have a lot of time to stop and see the sights.  But you will have on of the best days of your life.

If you're looking for rides on dirt and gravel roads, some of the best dirt riding you'll find anywhere is in the Pine Nut Mountains, on the eastern edge of the Carson Valley.  Wide, maintained main roads with firm dirt and loose gravel surfaces can get you into and across the mountains at surprisingly fast speeds.

Our area offers a huge variety of great adventure motorcycle rides, whatever type of bike you like to ride, and however you define adventure.  Grab your gear, decide whether you want to ride pavement or dirt, and then ask yourself, "How hard to I want to ride today?"                                        By: J.Brandon

August 21-24

Carson Tahoe Moto Event

Carson Valley / Lake Tahoe Adventure Motorcycle Ride is your invitation to a blowout of motorcycle enthusiasts who love discovery and the adventure of riding in remote and exceptional natural environments. The camaraderie and fellowship shared among passionate motorcyclists celebrating the freedom of riding.
The Adventure Moto is a unique adventure motorcycle gathering located in the beautiful Carson Valley. Supported financially by the Carson Valley tourism business community, our objective is to become the premier on/off-road gathering for adventure motorcycle enthusiasts in the West. The natural beauty and riding terrain around the Carson Valley / Lake Tahoe area, combined with the existing resort tourism hotels, restaurants and activities, make the Carson Valley the best place anywhere to attend an adventure motorcycling event. On or off the bike and on or off the road.

To learn more or register for this event:  carsontahoemoto.com

Fresh Produce!

Carson Valley 

Farmer's Markets

 

If you are looking for local fresh fruit and vegetables, gluten free products, live music to entertain you while you shop, oh, and not to mention specialty booths for those eclectic finds.......Join us on Tuesday from 4pm-8pm on Esmeralda Ave. in Minden and Wednesday from 9am-1pm on Mill St. in Gardnerville.  You'll never know what you will find from week to week!

Carson Valley Rider Takes to the Skies with SoaringNV

Afternoon dragging? Take a break, kick back and cool off and take a mini vacay with the Carson Valley Rider. Did you know Carson Valley is the Soaring Capital of the World?
 

GE Family Concert Series Line-up

 

It's Friday night, it's been a long week and all you want to do is kick off your shoes, grab some food and relax in the breeze of a summer evening under the trees and stars with some live entertainment and some good conversation.  Good thing Carson Valley has you covered.  Where else can you go to  a beautiful park and unwind with your family and dive in to your weekend?  Come on out this Friday, July 11th, with your family and friends and enjoy the sounds of The Chicago Tribute Authority, starting at 6:30pm!

4th of July Celebrations

Spend your Holiday in Carson Valley!

Yankee Doodle Chalk Art Fest & 5K Fun Run

Town of Gardnerville, Heritage Park 7am-12pm

Genoa Americana Celebration

Town of Genoa, Mormon Station Park 10am-6pm

July 4th Chicken BBQ & Concert

Town of Genoa, Genoa Fire Department, 12pm-6pm

Cowboy Fast Draw

Town of Genoa, Antiques Plus 12pm-6pm

Minden 4th of July

Town of Minden, Minden Park 10am-2pm

Saturday, June 28th

 

Are you Bike Ready?

The rhythm of heart and lungs
of legs and cranks
the whisper of chain and gears
of tires on pavement
form a mantra that chants

There is no past
no future
there only
is.

                                                                                                by Michael Blotzer

Carson Valley Rider at Heavenly Ski Resort

What Happens when you take a horse to the ski resort?

Terri and Meha managed to get in some spring skiing, well riding, this year.  The season is over, but it sure was fun.  Hmmm, maybe it's time to book next year's vacation...

FOOTGOLF COMES TO CARSON VALLEY

Carson Valley Golf Course is the first golf course in Northern Nevada, to introduce the exciting new sport of FootGolf.  Billed s the 'Best Game Ever Invented' FootGolf is a fast paced combination of the popular sports of soccer and golf.
FootGolf is played on its own course, built within a traditional golfc ourse, by kicking a sixze #5 scoccer ball into a 21-inch diameter hole.  The objective is simple, take as few kicks as possible to get the soccer ball in to the FootGolf hole.  The sport is played in over 30 countries worldwide and is at least 28 states in the US.
The Carson Valley FootGolf course was designed in conjunction with the American FootGolf League and is recognized as one their approved 18 hole courses.  The FootGolf course is within the back 9 of the existing golf course, with separate tees and FootGolf holes.  The objectives and rules of the game are the same as the traditional game of golf.  FootGolf is a fast paced game that will not interfere with regular golfers on the course.
"We are very excited to bring this new sport to our golf course," explained Tom Brooks, owner at Carson Valley Golf Course.  "It's a perfect fit for us and our ongoing objective to make access to the course fun and affordable.  We have always taken an innovative approach to the golf business, and FootGolf definitely accomplishes that goal."
FootGolf is played faster that regular golf, so players can expect to spen about 2 hours playing 18 holes of FootGolf.  FootGolf starts every day after 2pm and the cost is $9 for juniors and $18 for adults.  You are encouraged to bring your own soccer ball, but rentals are available.  Please no cleats on the course and yes have plenty of fun!
Carson Valley Golf Course is a privately owned public golf course, operating since 1965.  For more information, www.carsonvalleygolf.com.

Look What's New For The Visitors Center

Visitors Center Now Open

On Saturdays!

 Beginning Saturday April 5th, from 10am-4pm the Visitors Authority will be opening their doors to the Visitors Center, located in the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 US Hwy 395 North, Ste. C in Gardnerville, NV (775) 782-8145.  Visitors and locals in our community will be able to come in have a cup of coffee and a smile and find various information about the Carson Valley.  We offer our all inclusive Visitors Guide, lodging, trail maps, State maps, maps for all four towns, Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden and Topaz Lake, golfing, gaming, soaring, fishing, birding, swimming, hot springs, arts and culture, historic attractions, and quaint shopping.  We also have information for our neighbors including Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Virginia City and Hope Valley.  This will allow us to serve our visitors and community in a greater capacity as we move toward the warmer months with increased valley events and tourists visiting the area.  Stop by, say hello and see what we offer in the Visitors Center.

Carson Valley Rider Visits Genoa

 Dreaming of your next trip?  

Why wait? Take a short break with the Carson Valley Rider and learn all about the fun you can have in Nevada's oldest settlement.

Genoa Cowboy Festival

  MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW

 SAVE THE DATE!

  

La Ferme Restuarant, Special is Back!

Good thru March-April 2014!

For Reservations,

call (775) 783-1004

Join Elvis Visits Jacobs Berry Farm

"Dream Chaser"

Come and learn about the "Dream Chaser" from Sierra Nevada Corporation, at the Sports Aviation Foundation Annual Membership Meeting.

Saturday, March 8th, Carson Valley Inn Casino at 6:30pm!

Visit Genoa, Nevada!

Genoa, pronounced “ju-NO-ah,” is nestled on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in Carson Valley, 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe’s world-class skiing. Established in 1851 by Mormon traders, it was called Mormon Station until 1855.

2014 CVI Ski Weekends

Our Next Ski Weekend is February 28 - March 2, 2014

Make Reservations today - Call 775-783-6629
Accommodations: Friday and Saturday nights, February 28 and March 1, 2014.
Two Days of Skiing - Ski the resort of your choice on the day of your choice:
One day at Heavenly Tahoe.
One day at Kirkwood.
Food: $50 per person Food Credit for use in CV Steak or Katie's.
Extras: CVI Logo Sweatshirt for après ski lounging.
Rates Including Room Tax (you can pay almost this much for just the room just up the hill at Lake Tahoe!):
$283 per skier, double occupancy.
$357 single occupancy skier.
$407 per room with one skier and one non-skier.
Have an Epic Pass??
$124 per skier, double occupancy.
$198 single occupancy skier.
Attractive Optional Add-ons:
Add Thursday or Sunday Night for just $59 per night plus tax.
Add an extra day of skiing:
Add an extra day at Heavenly Tahoe on the same visit for an additional $83.
Add an extra day at Kirkwood on the same visit for an additional $64.
A few always-present guidelines:
Room tax is included in above rates.
Must be one person 21 or older in each room.
Package only available on the dates shown.
Advance reservations required.
Package prices not available in conjunction with any other package, discount or promotion.

No refunds after first night’s stay.
Management reserves all rights.
Contact : Make Reservations today - Call 775-783-6629

Carson Valley Rider Visits Carson Valley Inn!

You never know who you'll run into at the Carson Valley Inn Casino. Check out the celebrity that greets Terri and Meehaw on their latest adventure!

Introducing Our Carson Valley Rider!

What if your day was wide open with possibilities and you could replace the "have to's" with "want to's?" Time to saddle up, your next adventure is closer than you think. And now for your one minute of travel inspiration...

Topping Out Ceremony at the Lampe Park Pavilion

If you have not saved the date yet for February 27th, the Topping Out Ceremony at the Lampe Park Pavilion for the new Douglas County Community & Senior Center where a special BBQ lunch will be served, you are missing out. Here is a photo of Scott Morgan, Community Services Director showing plans to Karen Ellison, County Recorder and Kathy Bradshaw from Finance during a tour of the new community center yesterday!

What To Do On Valentines Day In Carson Valley

Treat Yourselves to Valentine's Day Weekend 

at the Carson Valley Inn!

CLICK HERE for more details. 

Grand Opening of the New Tractor Supply Co. in Minden!

Beautiful morning in the Carson Valley!

Thank you Rebecca Pearl for this mornings view in Minden!

Stars of Tomorrow Talent Showcase

Got Talent for the Arts?

Join Carson Valley Community Theatre Saturday, February 1st for Stars of Tomorrow Talent Showcase

Visit http://tinyurl.com/kq4gg9h for more information.

Wild Horses In Carson Valley By John T. Humphrey!

Travel Nevada - "Don't Fence Me In" Winter Campaign 2013

Did you know #Nevada means "snow capped" in Spanish? From skiing to biking and gambling to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone! A World Within. A State Apart.

Topaz Lodge Fishing Derby

Head out to Topaz Lodge for the fishing derby today! Win $100 cash for Topaz Lodge tagged fish plus $10 free slot play! 

WInter In Carson Valley!

Winter in Carson Valley provides some breathtaking views! Here are a few captured by some talented photographers. 

Photo Credit: Lila Gomes

 Photo Credit: Lila Gomes

Photo Credit: Thru Catz Eyes