First, huge thanks to all of our veterans for bravely serving our country! Here’s how Reno Tahoe is celebrating Veterans Day:

Downtown Reno

The parade marches through the heart of downtown Reno, honoring those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens turn out in full force to show their appreciation and support of our nation’s heroes.

Harrah’s Reno

All Veterans and active military personnel are eligible to receive a free buffet on Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12.  Simply show your military identification to the Carvings Buffet cashier. Carvings features a 16-foot carving station with all the finest meats, fresh seafood daily, wood-fired pizzas, sushi and your favorite Italian, Mexican and Asian dishes.  An extensive selection of delectable desserts is waiting to top off every meal.  Sunday Brunch is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Sunday and Monday dinner buffet hours are 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Squeeze In

Veterans can enjoy a free meal – up to $15 – with proof of ID on Monday, November 12.

Virginia City

At the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day, of the 11^th month, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval joins the Virginia City, Nev. Veteran’s Day Parade alongside Korean War veterans.  The parade, held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., takes place along C Street – the town’s main drive.

Grab your train whistle and conductor hat and get ready for a Saturday full of locomotive fun! Commemorating the vehicle that helped build America, May 12 has been declared National Train Day. With a rich history of railroads, there’s no better place to celebrate than Reno Tahoe.

Ride the Mckeen Motorcar- Nevada State Railroad Museum

Take a step back in time and celebrate National Train Day with a ride on the vintage McKeen motorcar at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. From 1910 to 1945, the McKeen took passengers between Carson City and Minden on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. This treasured piece of Nevada history was donated to Nevada State Rail Road Museum where it underwent a decade of serious restoration. In 2010, the 70 ft. gas powered motorcar returned to the railroad and now takes a new generation of passengers on a limited number of rides each year.  Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard the only operating McKeen motorcar in the world for an unforgettable ride through Carson City!

Rides run from 10 am to 4 pm. $10 for adults (12 years and up), $5 for children (4 to 11 years) and FREE for children 3 years and younger.

Reno Sparks Railroad Days – Reno Amtrak Station

A fun-filled day for families and rail fans alike, Reno Sparks Railroad Days is a celebration of America’s love of locomotives. The Galena Jazz Band and New Chorale Singers kick off the festivities with a lively welcome as the California Zephyr #5W rolls into the station. The revelry continues with exhibits from the Union Pacific Railroad, Nevada Railroad Museum and Virginia & Truckee Railroad, as well as model train displays, refreshments and music. Join the excitement from 8 am to 4 pm and show your passion for one of the nation’s first forms of transportation. Admission is FREE!

For more information on National Train Day and other exciting adventures in Reno Tahoe, visit our events calendar at VisitRenoTahoe.com.

With everything from beef “fries,” to 2,000 year old artifacts, to shaved heads, Reno Tahoe USA is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration destination!

Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival & St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17, Virginia City

Often referred to as “The Testicle Festival,” this fun filled cook-off is by far the most unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Professional and amateur cooks will gather in Virginia City to compete for the most creative and appealing way to prepare the delightful delicacies known as beef “fries” (yep – those are beef and sheep testicles). Prizes include $500 for the best tasting recipe, as well as $250 for the most creative dish, best presentation and best booth. The fun continues with marching leprechauns and dazzling floats during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicking off at noon!

Celtic Heritage Exhibit & Celebrations

February 18 – April 30, Sparks Heritage Museum

The Celtic Heritage Exhibit is a unique compilation of over 30 different people’s private collections and features artifacts dating back as far as 30-40 AD. For the next three months visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Celtic traditions and customs, not only in the Museum but through dance and music performances in the Cultural Center, including:

• March 4, 1-4 pm – The Blachette Irish Dancers, Celtic Session Musicians and others will perform at a reception for The Sons & Daughters of Erin and honor the “Irish Person of the Year”
• March 17 – Victorian Square St. Patrick’s Day Music & Festivities
• April 21 – Scottish Clans Reception & Celtic Jam

St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl

March 17, Club Cal Neva

Dust off your green top hats and join the shenanigans at Club Cal Neva where $10 gets you an array of drinks throughout the casino; including, Irish whiskey shot, Killian’s Red, Irish Car Bomb, Melon Bomb and much more! Don’t miss the costume contest where $100 will be awarded to the most traditional, most sexy and most outrageous costumes.  The crawling begins at 5 pm.

St. Patrick’s Day Wine Walk

March 17, Downtown Reno

Grab your friends and start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with an afternoon of wine tasting along the Truckee River and neighboring streets. Pick up your wine glass, map and ID bracelet for $20 at any of the 33 participating merchants. The St. Paddy’s Day fun kicks off at 2 pm!

St. Baldrick’s Day

March 17, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

This St. Patrick’s Day, be brave and go bald in support of kids fighting cancer. Hosted by the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, the 6^th annual event has raised over $675,000 and shaved more than 770 heads in northern Nevada, making it one the largest St. Baldrick’s Day celebrations in the world! Show your support from 5-8 pm.

St. Patty’s Parties

March 17, Eldorado Hotel Casino

The Eldorado Hotel Casino is going green with St. Patties Patty’s Parties. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at BuBinga Lounge where you’ll party the night away while dancing to the beats of (((xmfredie))), Roni Romance, Jessica the Ripper and VJ A-Jay  starting at 10 pm. At The Brew Brother’s St. Patrick’s Day Bash, rock out to your favorite top 40 hits performed live by Alias followed by late night sets from DJ D. Rek. The bash begins at 9 pm.

Everyone is Irish

March 12 – 18, Silver Legacy Resort Casino

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, each of the bars at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino will serve up special Irish inspired drinks; including, green beer and Irish drop kicks, from Monday, March 12 to Sunday, March 18. You’re bound to work up an appetite during all the bar hopping so stop by Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse, Flavors the Buffet or Fresh Express for a delicious Irish cuisine on Saint Patty’s Day.

Green Party

March 17, EDGE Nightclub

EDGE Nightclub inside the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is turning up the heat this St. Patrick’s Day with the Green Party. Enjoy Jameson, Guinness and Car Bomb specials all night, and receive complementary cover when you show up in your best green attire.

A Metal Madness St. Patrick Celebration

March 17, The Underground

If you’re looking for a head banging, face melting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, The Underground has the perfect party for you. Rock out to the hard hitting sounds of As They Sleep, Nightshade, It Lies Within, Cranium and Nevermute while enjoying $5 PBJs, $3 Guinness and $2 whiskey shots, plus receive a FREE green beer when you wear green! The show kicks off at 8 pm.

Festivities and activities to nativities and sugar plum fairies,  December is here and Reno Tahoe USA is wasting no time jumping into the holiday spirit!

SPARKS HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ~ Dec 2-3

The spectacular tree lighting ceremony happens tonight, followed by the extensive Christmas Parade on Saturday. The Parade’s Grand Marshals include: Ian Petrella (played Randy, Ralphie’s younger brother in “A Christmas Party”), American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke and Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Natalie Caughlin. The parade will travel from east to west on Victorian Avenue, from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

CHRISTMAS ON THE COMSTOCK PARADE OF LIGHTS ~ December 3

Let the traditional holiday light cruises drive past you this year. This quaint community hosts an early evening parade, in which the floats and marching bands must incorporate lights. It’s a celebration of the holidays with a hometown ambiance.

THE NUTCRACKER ~ December 3-4

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without the retelling of one of the season’s most beloved tales. Experience the season’s joy as Tchaikovsky’s classic music guides you on a journey through a world full of beauty and magic, dancing snow flakes and sugar plums, and a war betwixt rat and a charming heroic prince. For more performances of the Nutcracker in the Reno Tahoe region, click here!

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON ~ December 3-4

The traditionally popular, Spirit of the Season holiday show is finally here. The hair on the back of your neck – be warned! This year’s guest artist Kip Wilborn – an SF Opera performer and former “Phontom” – is lending his amazing pipes to the music of the holidays. The concert set will be held on Saturday, December 3 (7:00 p.m.) and Sunday December 4 (2:00 p.m.) at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Happy Holidays!

MAPES HOTEL SITE

The original Mapes Hotel, a grand beauty of a building near the Truckee River, was haunted for decades by an unknown spirit. After it was torn down, the same presence has been reported lingering near the ice rink on the spot of the old hotel that is set up in the winter months.

GOLD HILL HOTEL

A few miles out of Virginia City is the little town of Gold Hill.  This is the town where the actual gold strikes began just prior to the biggest gold and silver strike ever (called the Comstock Lode) occurred in Virginia City.

Gold Hill has its share of mines that are still under the ground.  The Yellow Jacket mine, the Commons mine and all the rest are still here.  Miners were killed in some of these mines due to accidents.  Right behind the Gold Hill Hotel is the Yellow Jacket mine.  The miners didn’t have electricity with which to do their work.  They had to use candlelight.  Oxygen was limited underground and the gases that emanated from under the ground combined and fires were a constant danger.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the Yellow Jacket mine in 1873 and 37 miners were killed and were left buried at the bottom of the mine shafts behind this hotel.

THE OLD WASHOE CLUB

~ AKA ~

The Millionaires Club

“Locals and tourists rub shoulders and swap stories at The Old Washoe Club. Originally called The Millionaires Club, it was built so that nouveau riche gentlemen might enjoy the pleasures of wealth, in comfort and style. At one time, the building was even used to store corpses when the ground was frozen too solid for digging graves.

“Three ghosts haunt The Old Washoe Club; A lovely, blonde apparition, known as the lady in blue, the specter of a scared little girl, and a grizzled prospector who occasionally cadges drinks from unsuspecting patrons. Ladies be warned, the door to the women’s room locks and unlocks itself.” – Janice Oberding, Suite 101 Article.

These stories and more are part of the Old Washoe Club.  What people don’t know is that there are two totally different sites of the Old Washoe Club.  There are two different “parts” to the Old Washoe Club.  There is the bar and snack bar downstairs.  There you will find the winding staircase.  This staircase was the original front door to The Millionaires Club.  This would be where respectable men turned millionaires would be greeted.  Behind the scenes was where the real action took place.

OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNTING EVENT

Halloween is just around the corner! Spend it with us as we Ghost Hunt and attempt to communicate with the lovely spirits here at St. Mary’s Art Center, fondly known as The St. Mary Louise Hospital, established in 1876 located in Virginia City, NV.  Mark your calendar and make your reservation now. Price includes overnight accommodations plus we have a special 2 nighter package as well.  Go to the following link for more info and to purchase your ticket.

http://www.virginiacityparanormal.com/upcoming-events.html

Any RV trip to the Reno Tahoe area is exciting, but you can take the adrenalin up another notch by touring the many ghost towns within a few hours’ drive. Thanks to gold and silver for which this mountainous region is famous, hundreds of boomtowns came and went. Here’s the rundown on the ways RVers can enjoy Reno Tahoe ghost towns on their next camping trip.

Ghost Towns to Visit Near Reno Tahoe

Within half a day’s drive of the Reno Tahoe area is a nice collection of ghost towns, restored mining towns and state parks that contain the remains of cities that flourished thanks to gold and silver fever. One tip: a few of these towns can be reached on developed roads, but if you plan to go off the beaten path to photograph and explore ruins, it’s a good idea to use your towed vehicle rather than your RV.

Before moving on to ghost town descriptions, it’s also good to know an exciting selection of RV campgrounds awaits the Reno Tahoe ghost town tourist. Check the listing on our website for helpful information on area RV parks.

Gold Canyon Ghost Towns

Less than thirty miles from Reno, RV travelers will find a wealth of ghost towns to explore in Gold Canyon. Given its name for the rich veins that crisscrossed it, this canyon is home to both developed and abandoned ghost towns. Here are some of the places you’ll want to visit:

Virginia City, the queen of the Comstock Lode silver mining towns, flourished in the

19th century and now draws millions of visitors each year to its federally designated historic district. More tourist oriented than the other towns mentioned, you’ll find plenty to see and experience in the form of restored saloons, shops and wooden sidewalks. There are also plenty of places around Virginia City where gold panning can be done.

Silver City, south of Virginia City off NV-341 promises plenty of mining town ruins to discover. Plan to get out and explore the buildings and artifacts left to remind visitors of Nevada’s rich mining history.

Gold Hill, tucked between Virginia City and Silver City on NV-342, boasts an elegant hotel, restaurant and saloon in the midst of the mining camp ruins. An added attraction is Bowers Mansion County Park, where visitors can tour the 1864 mansion built by Eilley Orrum to celebrate the wealth of her miner husband, Sandy Bowers.

For a more extensive list of Ghost Towns and RV parks throughout the region, please look through the Ghost Trail Driving Guide below  and  visit www.elmonterv.com.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals, which conveniently has a Reno RV rental location. For you college football tailgaters, be sure to check out the new RV Tailgating page for a list of games and tailgating information.

El Monte RV: http://www.elmonterv.com

Reno RV Rental Locations: http://www.elmonterv.com/rv-rentals-reno/rl-26.aspx

RV Tailgating: http://www.elmonterv.com/RV-tailgating-football/ca-207.aspx

Experience the history of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad at the 6^th annual Virginia City/Carson City Railfest on Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14. Step into the shoes of our yesteryears and celebrate by riding the historic rails on a Stream Train from Carson City to Virginia City and back. Train rides are available all weekend and are a great experience for the whole family.

On Saturday, pose for a picture with legendary western characters at the Virginia City Living Legends Photo Op in the Delta Saloon parking lot. After you have your memorable picture taken, stop by the F street Train Depot to experience how the American Civil War helped shape the country we live in today at the Battle Born Civil War Reenactors Educational Booth. For adults 21 and over, escape the Comstock and relax on a romantic full moon evening train on the Moon Over the Comstock V & T Ride. This tranquil journey includes a light box dinner and a glass of wine in a souvenir Railfest wine glass.

Head over to the Nevada State Railroad Museum on Sunday to see and learn all about the trains that traveled along the V & T Railroad, as well as other locomotives and cars made famous in movies and on television.

For overnight accommodations in Virginia City and more information on this and other events happening in Virginia City, log on to www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Visitor Center at (775) 847-4FUN (4386) or (800) 718-SLVR (7587).

This year Reno Tahoe USA is hosting some of the top Independence Day events and pyrotechnic displays in the nation. It’s a tough call deciding which of these parties to crash but we’ve tried to make it easy for you to see what each event has to offer.

LAKE TAHOE

July 1-4, the fifth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue celebration in Incline Village offers the perfect getaway for families. They’ve got a patriotic chalk drawing contest, beer tastings, firecracker trail trek, and even a doggie dress up contest for your pup. Needless to say, if you’re looking for a jam-packed weekend with the fam, look no further – after you finish reading this post, of course.

We can’t forget about the 70 feet of snowfall last winter quite yet. Both Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA are reopening for the weekend offering discounted tickets and wrapping up the season with huge 4th of July parties. Squaw will also host the famed 21st annual Lake Cushing Crossing on July 3. No one does pond-skimming quite like Squaw Valley. Perhaps it is because men and women in Reno Tahoe are a little more daring, a little more agile and a little better on sticks. Or maybe, it’s because the Cushing Crossing is held on a real pond, rather than a tarp-lined ditch or kiddie pool. We don’t really need a reason; we do it the way we want.

Other local Lake Tahoe events include Tahoe City celebrating 65 years of fireworks at Commons Beach, July 4, and Kings Beach hosting their annual firework display and deck party at the North Tahoe Event Center on July 3.

SPARKS

Experience the biggest 4th of July party in the region, Star Spangled Sparks, at the Sparks Marina. Join thousands to celebrate our freedom at this FREE all day event. Rise bright and early for free hot air balloon rides at 6am and a three dollar all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. The excitement continues during the day with a fun-run around the Sparks Marina, bounce houses and a ride area for the kids. Later that evening, witness a military flyover moments before the longest and most spectacular pyrotechnic display in the region, you won’t want to miss this 11th annual celebration.

VIRGINIA CITY

Virginia City made the list for the “Top 10 Fourth of July Fireworks 2011.” For us this comes as no surprise as every year thousands journey to the famous, historical city. The event begins with a parade downtown around noon and ends with the Comstock Cowboys performing at dusk along with an extensive fireworks show. The last time Virginia City had this many explosives was back when the city was first discovered as a gold mining jackpot.

PYRAMID LAKE

Do you want to be the party planner? The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe welcomes all those who want to throw their own 4th of July party. Summer season fireworks are now on sale for use on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in designated areas. Create your own fireworks show over North America’s most beautiful desert lake!

Virginia City’s own Christmas Nites, introduces the 1^stAnnual Christmas Crawl Back in Time pub crawl event on Saturday, December 18, 2010 in Virginia City, Nevada.  Ten participating saloons and bars will have drink specials for your enjoyment, as well live entertainment.   Participating saloons include:  the Bucket of Blood, Delta Saloon, Mark Twain Casino, Old Corner Bar, Old Washoe Club, The Palace, Ponderosa Saloon, Silver Queen Bar, Red Dog and Union Brewery.  Local hotels, The Silverland Inn & Suites, Silver Queen Hotel, Sugarloaf Mountain Motel and Virginia City Motel will have special room rates for participants.  There is a $5.00 donation, which will be given to our local Community Chest to help with their annual Christmas food baskets for  Storey County families in need during the holiday season.

There will be costume contests around town for Best Western Costume (male and female), Best Saloon costume (male and female) Best western costume couple, best saloon costume couple, and best group.  Participants need not dress in costume to participate in the pub crawl.  There are raffle prizes for the participants at some of the locations which include bar tabs, meals etc. 

Upon completion of the pub crawl, having visited all 10 saloons, participants will be entered into a drawing.  Prizes will include hotel stays, meals, bar tabs etc.

Signups are at 6:00 p.m. at the Silverland Inn & Suites, Silver Queen Hotel, Sugarloaf Mountain Motel and Virginia City Motel.

For questions or more information please call:  Jett at the Union Brewery 847-9016, Loren at the Red Dog Saloon 847-7474 or Cherrie at the Ponderosa Saloon 847-7210.

-Cory Y. Wood

Virginia City will hold its annual Salute to Veterans on Thursday, Nov. 11 with the Veteran’s Day Parade. John Koch, a Virginia City man who served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, will be the grand marshal.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m., in recognition of the date and time the Armistice was signed ending World War I, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th year. Lineup will begin at 10 a.m. at the Fourth Ward School, 527 South C Street, Virginia City.

A free spaghetti lunch for parade participants will be held at the Storey County Senior Center, E and Mill Streets, following the parade. Also, all veterans with ID will receive free admission to the Silver State Peace Officer’s Museum on B Street.

Koch was born and raised in Texas, but moved to Los Banos, Calif. at 17. He was drafted in 1941 and was assigned to an anti-aircraft 90 mm gun unit in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Koch participated in the battles of Attu and Kiska, and stayed in Alaska until the end of the war.

Thursday’s parade will feature many veterans groups as well as about a half-dozen high school ROTC units and two marching bands, the Carson Middle School Band and the Dayton Intermediate School band.

To enter the parade, call 775-691-5687 for a parade form, or e-mail your entry to comstockwriter@yahoo.com.   You may also find an online form at www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or register at www.VirginiaCityNews.com using the guest book section. Those entering should include their name, address and phone number and a brief description of their entry for the parade announcers.

To be part of the advance lineup, entries must be received by Nov. 10; however, late entries are welcome and will be placed at the end of the parade.

This is a large parade and advance entries help things run smoothly.  After the parade there is still a lot to do in Virginia City. Stop at the visitor center to purchase your Silver Line Express discounted attraction passes and tour the town.

For overnight accommodations and more information on this and other events happening in Virginia City, log on to www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Visitor Center at (775) 847-4FUN (4386) or (800) 718-SLVR (7587).