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Visit Carson City Blog

Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category

Celebrate Your Mother on the V&T

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

When it comes to treating Mom on Mother’s Day you can take her to brunch, lunch or dinner, but why not surprise her with something completely different: tickets aboard the V&T Railroad.

Bring the entire family and climb aboard the V&T on Sunday, May 13, 2012 for a train ride of a lifetime designed especially for Mom. This special edition diesel ride from Carson City to Virginia City comes with spectacular scenery, Wild West history and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in Virginia City. Mom is even honored on the train with a long-stem rose.

Once aboard, the V&T iron horse will roll through 16 miles of train track re-opened in August 2009 after 70 years of non-operation. All train rides includes scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada, passing through two tunnels, by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and even offering occasional sightings of wild mustangs. The historic train travels the same silver route paved by the miners of the infamous 1860s Comstock silver boom.

The V&T offers an exclusive one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day special.

The Mother’s Day train departs the Carson City Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, at 10 a.m. sharp. Book in advance because this popular train ride does sell out. The cost is $35 for adults, $20 for children 16 and under and $31 for veterans and senior citizens, 65 years and up. Gift Certificates are now available by calling the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (775)687-7410 or 800-NEVADA-1.

Another great factor about the Mother’s Day train is that it also provides train enthusiasts a sneak peek into the 2012 V&T season. Opening weekend RailFest activities begin Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28 and will highlight steam and diesel engines with round trip and one-way rides from Carson City to Virginia City. There are plenty of Wild West festivities all weekend long at the event. V&T trains will run weekly, Saturday – Sunday through October 21.

Will you hop on the V&T for Mother’s Day?

Ready for Halloween?

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

The trendiest costume this year is expected to be the zombie. According to 2011 Top Costume Survey conducted annually by the National Retail Federation, more than 2.6 million men, women and children plan to dress as zombies this Halloween. Thanks to the pop culture phenomenon of best-selling books, blockbuster movies, video games and television show characters, zombie costumes jumped from number 22 last year to number nine on children’s top costume list and from number seven to four on the adult list.

Zombies

As in previous years, traditional costumes still rank as consumer favorites, according to the National Retail Federation. Witches  13.4%) will be the top choice for adults while pirates (3.9%) and vampires (3.7%) win out thanks to popular television, movie
and pop-culture characters. Batman (2.2%), cats (2.2%) and vixens (2.1%) will also be popular with adults this year.

“Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore, as adults are just as likely to get in on the fun with clever, unique costumes,” said Matthew Shay NRF President and CEO. “With Halloween falling on a Monday, restaurants and retailers will benefit as many Americans celebrate all weekend long.”

More than 46 million children are now set for a specific costume. Pint-sized princesses (11%) continue their seven-year reign as the top children’s costume while other top choices for kids include Spiderman (3.1%), Batman (2.4%) and Superman (1.3%). Additionally, fairies (2.6%), Disney princesses (2.2%) and vampires (2.4%) made the top 10 for children.

Man’s best friend is also getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Like last year, the most popular pet costume will be a pumpkin
(10.7%), with devils (8.1%) and hot dogs (6.0%) following closely behind. Ironically, some pet owners also plan to dress their pet up like a cat (3.7%) or a dog (2.0%).

Assuming national trends aren’t playing tricks on Nevada, 1.4 million residents 18 years and older will spend money on the spooky holiday this year. If each Nevadan celebrating the holiday spends the expected average of $72.31, total spending in the state will reach $99 million, reports the Nevada News Bureau.

Speaking of spending, here are some places in Carson City where you can find the latest-greatest and spookiest costumes.

Spirit Halloween is a seasonal store with three locations in Northern Nevada including at the Carson Mall. The store boasts that they have just about anything you’d ever want in the way of Halloween costumes and other accessories, for everyone from infants to adults. 1443 S. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 841-2744.

Halloween City at in Carson City is part of the Party City group of stores. Get costumes for everyone in the family and every other
Halloween item you need for a spooky good time. 911 Topsy Lane suite 102

Antiques in Carson City

Friday, October 14th, 2011

With Carson City rich with Nevada history, vintage is found everywhere — in museums, homes on the west side and in buildings that line downtown. Vintage can also be found among many of the capital city’s antique stores.

Old Sign

For collectors of all things old, but well-kept and maintained, there’s nothing quite like an antique shop to take you back in time.

Abell House, located in Carson City’s historic district, has 1,600 square feet of space with entire lines of antiques to match all tastes, says owner Robert Peterson. Many of his vintage pieces — from furniture to accessories and art come from other antique stores outside the area. The idea being that people should be able to “buy what they like” and that’s why Peterson keeps his store filled with things people want.  Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 to 5 p.m., ‎1114 North Curry Street.

Also on North Curry Street, you’ll want to stop by Due Sorella (Two Sisters) Antiques and Home and Garden Design. You really can’t miss this antique shop because it has a bright red door in front, which leads buyers into a place that’s warm to the soul. Owner Julie Grady carries lines of jewelry, pillows, vintage linens, art and repurposed furniture. You’ll find antiques for home and garden, and there’s even a little rabbit, named Sweet Pea, “who’s there to remind you that there’s no place like home,” Grady says. “When you walk through my front door, you’ll find brilliant treasures.” Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Due Sorella (Two Sisters)

Billing itself as the largest antique shop in Nevada, vintage seekers will want to stop by Hanifan’s Arts & Antiques. The 10,000 square foot store has all kinds of antique furniture, accessories and art from England, Belgium and Germany, with some American furniture from the 1860s to 1900. Owner Michael Robbins notes that antique customers have come from all over the United States to his shop, looking for furniture to add to their collections.

Antique furniture is popular because pieces are competitive to new furniture but unlike new furniture, they retain their value. “They’re typically better built than anything you find in furniture stores today,” Robbins said. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 210 N. Carson Street.

Items you might find at and antique shop.

The Antique Mall has 6,000 square foot of showroom indoors and 6,000 square feet outside. The antique mall has inventory brought in every day with competitive prices with furniture, glass, pottery and farm equipment wagons. Open 7 days a week, from 10 to 5 p.m. 10104 Highway 50 East.

Other shops to visit include White Cat Antiques and Out West Antiques. Plus every year late July/early August there’s the Annual Robert’s House Antique Yard Sale, that shouldn’t be missed.

 

What’s your favorite item you’ve found while antique shopping?