"Way out in the land of the setting sun," as Nevada's beloved state song begins, is Carson City. Back in fourth grade, you may have pounded Carson City into your brain while memorizing state capitals, but this little state capital is so much more than an answer on an geography test. It's a place full of history and discovery, as you'll soon come to find out.
Welcome to Everything Nevada's Carson City blog, where I will act as your tour guide to the city and give you weekly recommendations and tips as only a lifelong local could. I've spent much of my life exploring this town, experiencing its events and holidays, eating at its incredible restaurants, perusing its one-of-a-kind stores and enjoying its history. And I want you to as well.
Carson City has changed much even since my early days of waving bright blue "battle born" state flags at the annual Nevada Day Parade and learning to ride a bicycle through the wide open Legislative Mall. But even as Carson City grows, its still a 30-minute drive to Lake Tahoe, about the same to Reno and just over the hill from the expansive natural beauty of the Carson Valley. And, of course, the people of Carson City have upheld the community spirit and have certainly maintained the city's eclectic personality. No matter where else you may go, there's nothing quite like the mix of the spirit of the Old West, Victorian mansions that recall the Deep South and the towering snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains that beckon to be conquered.
Whether it's your first time visiting and you don't know where to even begin or you're an area resident looking for local inspiration or just a fun night out on the town, this blog can be your guiding force. I'm always in search of something interesting, unique and new in this town, and I'll always be happy to share it with you.
The coldest, snowiest part of winter is beginning to give way to a rainy and soon-to-be-blossoming spring. Warm weather is just around the corner — perhaps still an impromptu snowstorm or two away — but here are a few of the recurring events to keep in mind in the coming weeks.
Carson Comedy Club
The Carson Nugget has been putting on live comedy shows for quite a while now. In an underground, New York-style comedy venue through the back of the casino and down a hallway adorned with caricature art of the greats like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock is an exciting evening waiting to happen. The shows are every Friday night at 7:30 and feature a touring headliner as well as a handful of anything-goes openers. Get your ticket ahead of time and make it a date by getting dinner at Angelina's Italian Bistro beforehand. The comedy club is 21 and older and has a bar in the back; get an after-dinner cocktail and sit up front for an especially fun evening. The comedians sometimes like to pick on the crowd!
Live Music at Casino Fandango
Every weekend there's a party onstage at Casino Fandango. Enjoy dinner at any of Casino Fandango's restaurants — steak at Duke's, pasta at Te Amo or go for the Rum Jungle Buffet — then get a drink and play a slot at the bar below the elevated stage while the band gets started. This weekend it's the Pearl Sky Band playing Motown, country and classic rock . You might start out by singing along to the band's twist on standard favorites, but you'll be up in dancing in no time at all.
Carson City Downtown Wine Walk
One of the great things about Carson City's downtown area is its small town feel. Many of the businesses and restaurants are within a short walk from each other, making a monthly event like the Carson City Downtown Wine Walk something to savor, while also giving you the perfect sampler of Downtown Carson City. Every first Saturday of the month, spend the afternoon strolling from store to store, sipping a splash of wine from each location while enjoying the outdoors of the beautiful downtown area. Plus, use the walk as an opportunity to check out some of the fun items and antiques the downtown shops have to offer. It's $15 for a commemorative wine glass and ticket, which can be purchased at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jack's, the Brewery Arts Center, Touched By Angels or Comma Coffee.
That's just a taste of all the fun activities and events happening this week in Carson City. For a more complete rundown, go to our daytime and community events and nightlife sections.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
