'Nevada Magazine' readers name Carson Nugget best

For the eighth time in a row, the readers of "Nevada Magazine" crowned the Carson Nugget as the friendliest casino in Carson City.

The magazine released its annual Best of Nevada winners in its July/August issue, on newsstands now. Ballots for the contest were included in a previous issue of the magazine, allowing readers to select their favorites in 43 categories.

The Carson Nugget took two awards, friendliest casino and best place to gamble. The Nugget also won the best place to gamble honor in 2005.

Nugget Director of Marketing Kelly Brant attributed the casino's success to its dedicated workers.

"It's our people, it's the employees," she said. "These awards are in their honor. The relationships that our employees establish are the reason we are honored."

Brant said the casino has more than a dozen employees who have worked at the Carson Nugget for more than 30 years.

The best hotel in Carson City was awarded to the Piñon Plaza Resort and Casino. That honor was also a repeat from 2005.

The hotel and casino changed ownership this week and is now owned by Jacobs Entertainment. New General Manager Lynne Keller said she can already see the reasoning for the selection.

"This place is absolutely gorgeous and the staff is wonderful," Keller said. "Our philosophy is: Make yourself at home."

Best golf course in Carson City was awarded to Empire Ranch Golf Course. It was the first time the category was broken down by city. The Resort at Red Hawk had received the honor for all of Northern Nevada the four previous years and was again named best course for Reno/Sparks.

"I think we provide a good quality course for the price and we are the only 27-hole course in Carson," said Sam Norgard, first assistant golf pro.

In Carson Valley, it was a clean sweep for the Carson Valley Inn, which took friendliest casino, best place to gamble and best hotel honors.

"What we hear most often is that everyone here is genuinely friendly and (guests) are treated well and comfortably," said Bill Henderson, CVI director of sales and marketing. "We hear that we have met or exceeded their expectations."

Editor Joyce Hollister said one of the biggest changes this year was the selection of singer Celine Dion as best entertainer for Southern Nevada. Dion beat out longtime favorite Wayne Newton for the honor after the performers tied last year.

Comedian/singer Danny Marona got the nod for the northern region for the fifth time in the last six years.

Producer Greg Thompson was again honored for one of his shows as "Bareback," playing at Harrah's Reno, was honored as best musical show. Thompson's "Showgirls" was honored as the best new show and best production show in 2005.

Reno also picked up the friendliest town honor for the sixth straight year.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.