Slideshow: Mountain town plans high times for the holidays
Check out Virginia City culture, step back in time for unique experience
Amelia Calvert, reno.com December 12, 2007
Every time I go to Virginia City, I find it more delightful. The people are exceptionally friendly, the items for sale in its shops are unique, the sense of history is overwhelming and the quaint little mountain town steals my heart – especially around the holidays.
The last time I made a visit to Virginia City, just after Thanksgiving, my husband and I took his parents, aunt and a friend, who were visiting from the Midwest along for the ride.
The ladies scooted from shop to shop, looking for jewelry and souvenirs while the fellas headed to a saloon to bend their elbows and chisel some one-armed bandits.
We had a fun time investigating the merchandise and admiring the hand-crafted wares on display. From native rocks, Christmas decorations, clothing and turquoise to tourist trinkets and souvenirs, the shops in Virginia City offer anything and everything. After knocking a few folks off our Christmas list, we stopped in to treat ourselves at Grandma’s Fudge Factory www.bestfudge.com.
I sampled the truffles: cappuccino, raspberry and Kahlúa/ White Russian - smooth, flavorful and decadent. I bought a dark chocolate cashew toad for the road, and a couple of haystacks for good measure – all were delicious and fresh.
My husband, Travis, took off for the Virginia City Jerky Company. He was terrified they would close before he could stock up on his favorite jerky. He bought the Teriyaki flavor and some really spicy stuff.
Just as the ladies' feet and funds gave out, we caught up with the guys down at the saloon. To our surprise, the place was jumping.
The Bucket of Blood Saloon was filled with COWBOYS!
From time to time you see people dressed in period costumes in Virginia City, but this place was packed with rootin’-tootin’ western wear. Hats, belts, guns, boots – head to toe – guys and gals in wrangler's gear and the music – it sounded like Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash were right there with us, singing us their sad, lonesome, cowboy ballads.
After a little investigating, we found out the band was David John and the Comstock Cowboys. These buckaroos were laying down the old-time country tunes and men and women, young and old, were Texas two-stepping on every conceivable inch of dance floor. Complete with authentic western wear, the band is a delight – mixing it up with covers and originals, fast songs and slow ballads, their show should not be missed!
The Comstock Cowboys play the Bucket of Blood Saloon regularly, so for upcoming performances, visit www.comstockcowboys.com.
You can also pick up a CD or shirt and sample their music.
Area performances through New Year’s Eve: David John and the Comstock Cowboy’s Annual Christmas in the Sierra Show.
• 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 15, Genoa Town Hall – Two Shows.
• 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 16, Barkley Theater, Fallon, Nevada – Two Shows.
• 1 – 5 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Virginia City, Call ahead for details, (775) 847-0322
• Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve – TBA, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Virginia City
Everyone had a good time. Travis' dad and our friend Terry loved the music, Travis got his jerky, the ladies shopped up and down the main street until their feet ached and I got to spend another afternoon in my beloved Virginia City.
So - we decide it's time to head back down the mountain, back to Reno, and as I get in the car, I daydream about the day I get to retire and move to Virginia City, open a little shop and live out my days in my favorite place...
Any time spent in Virginia City is time well-spent. Whether you go there to shop, dine, drink or take in the entertainment or history, you will come away with a unique experience.
Upcoming events 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Boars’ Head Winter Solstice Potluck Party at Piper’s Opera House , B Street, Celtic music, VC Theater Muckers will perform scenes from The Tempest.
Bring a favorite dish to share and a non-perishable food donation for the Community Chests Food Closet. Santa and Rocky Raccoon will be there! (775) 847-0433
Noon, Dec. 16 Sierra Nevada Classsical Guitar Holiday Concert Regional musicians, quartets, soloists, with renowned dancer "Sapphira" and the Dream Spirit Baroque Ensemble $16; seniors and students $10. (775) 847-0433; 866-422-1956
Noon, Dec. 21 Christmas Follies 2007- Gold Hill Hotel, Main Street; singing, dancing, comedy and dinner, $45 per person. For reservations and time (775) 847-0111
5 p.m. to Midnight, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Bash, Gold Hill Hotel, Main Street; 9 p.m. music by Red Rose Band, dinner served 5 p.m.- 10 p.m., Champagne toast at midnight, $95 per person. For reservations (775) 847- 0111.
Other events cooking in Virginia City Dec. 13 - Artemis and the Christmas Treasure, 8 p.m., Gold Hill Hotel, 1540 Main St., presented by Gold Hill Theater Troupe. Cost $30 dinner/theater; $10 theater only. Reservations recommended. (775) 847-0111.
Dec. 13 - Those Guys, 6 p.m., Sgt. Major's Silver Dollar Saloon, North C St. (775) 847-0144.
Dec. 14 - MoFo Party Band, 8 p.m. at the Washoe Club, (775) 847-7210.
Dec. 15 - Axe Handle Road, 8 p.m. at the Washoe Club, (775) 847-7210.
Dec. 22 - Jason King Band, 8 p.m. at the Washoe Club, (775) 847-7210.
Dec. 31- New Year's Eve Bash at Piper's Opera House - Virginia City Visitor's Center at (775) 847-4386.
Dec. 31 - New Year's Bash at the Delta Saloon with Doug and Sundee, (775) 847-0789.
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Bash at the Washoe Club with Terrapin Road, (775) 847-7210.
printer friendly
email this story
