Carson City Hops Hunting!

It’s that time of year. Pull out that floral sundress or that bright checkered shirt, because it’s Easter! It’s the holiday when it finally feels like spring, and you get a beautiful weekend to spend with your family or friends.

But don’t put all your eggs in that basket — in Northern Nevada we’ve come to expect something like rain on Easter weekend. But we also won’t let it dampen our springy moods!

See, I’ve always believed there are two ways to celebrate any holiday, especially one like Easter. In Carson City alone there are so many opportunities to get your family together and hunt down that Easter Bunny and his brightly colored eggs this Saturday and Sunday, and I’ll tell you about each one below. But if pictures with bunnies and milk-chocolate food comas aren’t really your thing, I’ve got a hunt for a different kind of “hop” in mind.

With each family-friendly Easter fun activity I outline here, I’ll give a description of a mouthwatering beer and snack combination at a well-known Carson City restaurant. But I won’t tell you the name of the place. I’ll provide a link to the answer — so if you want to try and discover the answer for yourself, don’t click the link. Hoppy hunting!

Fuji Park in South Carson City is host this Saturday to the Northern Nevada Spring Faire. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you and your kids can take free photos with the Easter Bunny, then check out a petting zoo and even ride a pony for only a dollar each. There’s also a craft station with face painting, a bounce house for kids and some shopping vendors. Be sure to buy some raffle tickets for your chance to win prizes too.

Now, I’ll start easy. It’s not quite in the Fuji Park area, but this spot has perhaps the largest selection of beer in Carson City. Since it’s Easter and I’ve been making these puns, I’d go with one of the place’s hoppy IPAs to wash down the hickory-smoked chicken that's smothered in this restaurant’s own barbecue sauce. Was that a dead giveaway?

Also this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Carson Mall has photos with the Easter Bunny (how does he get here from the Spring Faire so fast?). Bring your kiddos of all ages to get a professional picture taken with the holiday’s furry mascot, then head over to Ogres-Holm Pottery in the mall to check out its unique gifts and maybe make some pottery and art of your own in its workshop.

For your alternative holiday weekend, try a pint of Buzzed Bee Honey Ale (a light, mildly sweet beer) at this restaurant. Sit on the patio with your beer and enjoy a Sante Fe Chicken Wrap for lunch. If the day is nice enough, you’re in walking distance from the Carson Mall.

Western Nevada College is hosting its annual Easter Fiesta this Saturday as well, its eighth one, presented by the Association of Latin American Students. This sounds like a day of fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s an egg hunt every couple of hours, so don’t worry if you spend the morning at the Spring Faire’s petting zoo or taking a selfie with the Easter Bunny at the mall. The Easter Fiesta also has a coloring contest, piñatas, musical chairs, face painting and many other games. Get a game ticket for $1 and join the competition.

Not too far from the college is a place where you can try an Extra Pale IPA. Spend the afternoon relaxing with a couple of these pints, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s a close walk to this restaurant. I’m a big fan of its cheeseburger topped with various crispy, fried, melted cheeses. And hey, you can have a craft beer here, too!

Sunday morning, spend your Easter at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Aside from being a fun, history-filled place to spend any Sunday, the Railroad Museum has its own egg hunt (I don’t know about you, but I never get sick of egg hunting). You and your kids can build candy trains, spend story time with children’s book author Calamity Jan, color and play a bunch of other games and activities. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children and teens ages 18 and younger. The fun is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last, because some of us are gluten-intolerant or just don’t enjoy beer, have a glass of wine at this spot and get your Easter buzz started. With your cabernet, order up a cup of hot chili or a jalapeño and cheddar–stuffed pretzel. You know, this is quite a bit of drinking if you hit each of these stops this weekend. At this same spot you can unwind with a nice espresso or cup of coffee as well.

Wherever your Easter weekend takes you, use this guide and make a scavenger hunt out of it. Try to hit up all of the egg hunts, chase the Easter Bunny around town or see if you can find the incredible eateries (and drinkeries) of Carson City I’ve mentioned above.

Check out our Daytime, Nightlife and Community events pages for the latest Carson City happenings, and have a happy holiday!