Dark Prison The Dark Prison haunt in Carson City, Nevada is…read morean exciting addition to the haunt scene. Installed in the Nevada State Prison which closed in 2012, the haunt used the history and setting to maximum effect. The starkness of the prison cells and hallways is a perfect setting. Enhanced with theatrical lighting, creepy actors and well timed jump scares, plus a friendly engaged staff, this haunt is a captured my attention. The haunt has three sections, each getting more intense and more actor interaction as you went. The cast was slightly understaffed the night I went but they utilized them most effectively. They played their roles with frightening conviction even through I walked passed a couple I didn't see. Make up and costuming was exceptional. I paid extra for the VIP package that included a visit backstage and we got to talk to the make up designer. Many of the masks, makeup designs and props are originals made in-house. I've seen so many off-the-shelf haunt products, it's nice to see original The tour also covers the history of the prison which was fascinating as this prison was actually built by inmates, was the first site for executions by gas chamber and lethal injection. The VIP package also included an exclusive VIP bar and a markup and oddities museum. I suggest a live CC camera view inside the haunt so we can scares from a different perspective. The haunt is run by the same group you ran Dark Corner in Reno in cooperation with the Nevada State Prison Historical Society. The mix of horror and history give the haunt a unique character and the reported paranormal activity adds to the dark aura surrounding the property. Located close to central Carson City, it's well worth the drive from Reno or Tahoe area, and if your big haunt or history fan, this is a must do!

The ghost tour was highly disorganized and the "investigation" portion was very disappointing. I…read moredon't think the people here have much knowledge of or experience with the location. It felt like one of those cheap US Ghost Adventures experiences. The location is amazing so hopefully it will turn around.

Well, that was interesting. This year's Steampunk Ball took place over an entire weekend, but my…read morefriends and I just did the pre-ball soiree ($20) and the ball itself ($50) on Saturday. Great people-watching for sure and I enjoyed seeing the amazing costumes people put together. Everyone dressed very differently - a little bit of steampunk, Victorian, Gothic, Dr. Who, Burning Man and a handful of pirates - what a visual feast for the eyes. Most of the events switched back and forth from Piper's Opera House to the Silver Queen hotel and bar. The soiree was entertaining, though not very many people came. Great to see ladies of all ages and sizes and body types put on their best zumba-like and belly-dancish moves to keep the crowd entertained. The emcee was a hoot with her dry sense of humor. There was an hour's break until the ball started so we had to leave; people wandered back to the Silver Queen or a local bar. The ball itself started with a kind of contra-dancing (WTF? Apparently this was supposed to help people get to know each other,but I think it lasted about an hour TOO long - my personal opinion) that lasted close to two hours. Again, great people watching. The main band didn't start until after 10ish. Not exactly my kind of music - I can't even describe it! - but people seemed to enjoy dancing to it. The ticket included light snacks (lemonade, ice tea, water + cheese and a selection of tiny cookies) and a photo booth opportunity (but you have to pay to get a print of the photo). A great entertaining event for all ages.

''Twas a hoot"…read more Cannot wait to go back this year. We were welcomed as new folks. Just an overall groovy time.

Went this year, mostly cause I got invited to the VIP tent for a visit to the rib cookoff. I'll…read moresay the event was very well organized and set up. There was a seperate enterence for the paid VIP people and the comped VIPS. I think you need to lose a lot of money to get comped. As for the ribs themselves, I gotta say these were some of the mostly bone and less meaty ribs I've seen. I'd be not very happy if I paid the $12 sampler price out there and just got 3 of these ribs. They were trimmed at the source close to the bone, so the only real meat was between the bones. All the cookers had the same rib source, so I don't blame the cookers for the less meaty ribs. The ribs were cooked as well as they could be, but I really had a hard time telling them apart from each other. They looked slightly different in the serving pans, but once in my mouth, I think they all tasted about the same. Tender but not much meat. The whole festival I give extra stars to, but if you're going for the ribs, you might be dissapointed. The Fandango was the source of the raw ribs and the cookers have to pay them for it and try to get the money back on food sales. I asked one of the guys. Cocktail service was good and prompt. The music was way too loud in the VIP tent, I couldn't even hold a conversation 2 feet away at the same table.

5/23/26- So glad we…read moredecided to stop by.. I was debating : getting up early and going fishing or a slow early morning and nice drive to get some ribs.. Love coming early and being able to get the first ribs off the grill.. Favorite is Aussie and even grabbed some bbq sauce.. Half rack from GitRSmoked.. (a little more fatty).. Of course had to indulge in the Grandpa Archie's sample ice cream! Even able to charge the car ...

We went to the first show of the season this year and it was a great time. The guys are funny. This…read moreshow is silly and all that is fun. A must do for young people and adults alike. Great job guys

I don't understand how this qualifies as a gun show? To sum it up: 3 adults running around like…read morekids, making jokes that didn't land, playing pretend. I saw about eight people get up and leave during the show after it hit the 45 mins mark. I'll be honest, one hour of this was absolutely unbearable. Nobody knew how to annunciate (except for the old redheaded woman -- she was the only one you could actually understand.) and the timing and pacing of the show was painful. I've seen middle school performances with more talent. I think they all need to take improv classes or at least practice. I don't expect it to be a work of art by any means, but it really was as if they all got together 10 minutes before showtime and said "what do we want this show to be about?" -- the story was choppy and us adults had a hard time following, and the kids had no clue what was going on. If you would've told me today was their first day for all of them it would've made sense. I like that they have misters over the seating area, that was a very thoughtful touch as it gets so hot and the show lasts about an hour too long. Would I recommend? Save your money & your time!

It's not all entirely about the food…read more It's about getting together with friends and spending the day in Virginia City and taking in some history and food. This year's Taste was a bit chillier than previous ones, go figure with our weather this year. The check in tent is in the lot next to the Jerky Company. Now you can start at one end of town and walk thru. This year there were some outstanding businesses that truly want to show off their food skills. Top two are Cafe Del Rio and the Cider Factory. Both have always created the best and plentiful offerings. Delta this year took the time to do a little research and made a apple cobbler with a johnnycake topping. The chef here was fun to talk to and her pride showed. Red's had a nice selection of small deli sandwiches. I hate to refer to the next group as disappointments, but after starting out with hits........ Virginia City Jerky Company, Mellow Fellow, And Ponderosa handed very small nibbles of very ordinary bites. Small would be fine but impress me a little. There were 5 cocktail stops. Seventeen places in all. Surprised that VC Brewery was on the list but closed. I also missed the Roasting House not participating this year. The Christmas Store was cute- Mrs Claus handed out cookies and sparkling sangria. All and all a great way to spend the day walking VC for $20

We've always enjoyed VC events, from the Candy Cane train to the Testicle Festival. We were excited…read moreto attend Taste of the Comstock for the first time with some friends. Parking in VC has never been an issue for us, just grab the first open space you find since everything is walkable. The day was a little chilly, and the crowds seemed light...a great day to be in VC! Our first stop was checking in for our whiskey and cigars, and holy cow, that was a lot of whiskey! We made 3 trips back to that tent and still couldn't use all our whiskey coupons! The single jack drilling competition was amazing to watch! Those folks are TOUGH! It's hard to have a bad time in VC, and we were there with friends celebration their anniversary (married at Mackay Mansion in '16) but I could help but notice the event just seemed to lack quality bites, especially with that much whiskey! Mellow Fellow said they "ran out" by noon and seemed to be ignoring patrons...surely they would have been advised on how many people were expected to participate. The Silver Queen literally had a 1" piece of hot dog with ketchup. Meh. Cheers to the Cider Factory, who's roasted green chili and chicken bisque and chicken bacon sliders saved the day! The Palace had nice chili, Silver Spoon featured grandma's recipe sauce with meatballs, and the Delta made a lovely spiced apple cornbread dessert. I can see from past year's maps that business participation seemed less this year, but we left hungry. I'm glad we tried this event, and we still love VC, maybe it'll rebound in years to come.

Still loving this outdoor concert venue. Came here to see Marshall Tucker Band with my son…read more Handicap seating has a good view. Sound is clear. Mother Nature was compliant for concert weather. Customer service, Julie, is always top notch.

Warning to high-end concert ticket purchasers: this venue allows people to stand in front of your…read moreseats, obstructing your view of the performance

Camel and ostrich racing? Who would have thought, although this year was Virginia City's 66th…read moreannual! We were entertained for two hours with camel, ostrich, emu, zebra and duck racing with audience participated games in between. Tickets at the door ($30 per adult) were slightly more than if pre-purchased online. VIP and the upgraded shaded area were sold out so we had no choice but to get the bleachers, which was ok because it was high 70s with a breeze. Can't imagine getting through that if it was hotter though! VIP was under a tent, but it didn't look like they had a great view (round tables set up on a square, flat area) unless you were seated in the front by the racetrack. They had food vendors set up with the biggest corndogs I've ever seen, shaved ice, beer, cheesesteak, ice cream etc. It was nice that none of the lines were super long. Port-a potties were in decent shape. At least the ones we visited. $15 for Fairground parking, or there was a free shuttle that ran from C Street downtown. Saw lots of people just doing the short walk in and out.

I have been wanting to attend this my whole life. I finally got to go. It was a lot of fun and the…read morestaff was super friendly from the parking attendants, security, handlers and VIP personnel. If you are going to get tickets I HIGHLY recommend getting the VIP. It's a no-brainer. It was $55 but you get a lunch ticket worth $15 for any of the food trucks. I had the largest tastiest smoked pastrami sandwich ever!!!. You also get 2 drink tickets for a value up to $10 each so basically you are spending $20 on the "seat" which is the same price as the general admission which is baking in the sun. It was 93 degrees at noon today. Also the VIP gives you shaded bleacher seating and a tent with air and private bar. Again, general admission is in full sun on aluminum bleachers. It's also worth splurging for the $20 Upper Reserved Parking. We walked right in and right out. No shuttles needed. The camel rides are very quick and $20 but they use your phone to take pictures and it was still worth it to me to rub my fingers in the soft pelt of the camel. What I didn't like about how they managed the rides is I waited in line and was the next person and then all these sponsors/all access folks showed in batches and literally 12 people got to cut in front of me. It was frustrating to go from being "next" to 4 people showing up, then 3 more, then 4 more and continuously being pushed back. I bantered with the attendant who was sweet but I'm not gonna lie, that just wasn't cool. They should let a few sponsors/all access ride then a few who have been patiently waiting and then filter more sponsors/all access folks in. The gates open 2 hours before but I have to say that was too early. There wasn't enough going on between 8am-9am when they finally brought out the camels to ride. If you do the 10am show (recommend because of the heat alone) I think you are safe getting there at 8:45-9am. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SHOWTIME. People were having a hard time finding seats because they got there late and the VIP is always sold out.

Today, while in VC we stopped here with out two little ones (2 and 4) they did the mining buckets,…read morethe mini miner for 8$ worth every penny!!!!!! They got really neat geodes, rocks, pyrite, shark teeth and more! It was so incredibly worth it! The woman running the place was so sweet!!! We will definitely be back here, it was our favorite place on the strip by far! Check this place out!! Great prices!!!!!!!!

The highlight of the drive to Virginia City! After poking our heads into various storefronts, our…read morekids were wondering why on earth did we drag them to this place. Dancin saved the day! The rest of the town didn't seem family friendly (we even got shooed away by one owner for reading the sign "don't touch") The owner of this place took genuine interest in educating the children about the various types of stones. He made the experience fun and interesting... without being crazy or dressing up as a cowboy ! No gimmicks. I was so surprised by the value fo the experience and the organization of the store! Our 6 and 7 year old screamed with delight at every item that $6 bucket of sand revealed. I was amazed with the beauty of the rocks (who cares what it's worth, they were colorful and display-worthy!). After the kids finished their treasure finding bit, I had to my own, the Mother Lode bucket for $20! HUGE amythyst and pyrite and fossils abound! Up the road, at the outdoor "gem" mining, we got taken by the $8 deal and got "gems" that my son said, "Mama, I can hardly see them!" The rocks were the size of half a pea! Dan Cin was the best value and the highlight of our family outing to Virginia City. Thank you sir!