Business may be picking up in Virginia City

Today is the Fourth of July in Virginia City, one of the biggest events of the year in the historic mining town, and business owners are counting on a good day.

Thousands of people come up the hill to watch the parade, the Comstock Cowboys and the fireworks, ride the train, visit the local shops, have some ice cream or a couple of beers. Or both.

One of several new businesses on C Street is The Comstock Creamery, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that also offers sandwiches, pastries, espresso and beer and wine.

It used to be the Firehouse Saloon and Restaurant, until owners Richard and Zoe Connell decided it was time for a lifestyle change.

"We just wanted to get away from the bar business and slow down our lives," Richard Connell said.

Though some locals griped about losing a neighborhood bar, he said, the change has been a good one economically.

"People eat as much ice cream as they drink beer," he said.

His wife has a gift shop offering items from around the world, Beyond Borders, which occupies part of the building and has been open for about a year in another location. They opened the creamery in March.

Though there are about five or six empty storefronts from businesses that have gone by the wayside, Susan Sutton, executive director of the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority, said things were looking up.

"I think that compared to Reno and Carson City, Virginia City is doing just fine, even with the high gas prices," she said. "Our restaurants, our bars, are doing very well. Even when financial tough times come people eat and drink."

She admits it's tougher for gift-shop owners, but said people are coming to town.

The tourism authority is focusing its advertising on the regional area, Reno, Carson City, and surrounding communities, because of the high gas prices.

"Our regional ad campaign is working," she said. "People are coming to Virginia City. But they're not buying the things they bought a year ago, like a gift for a friend."

Like the Connells, several businesses are willing to give Virginia City a shot.

Serena Jolley and Barry Bryce will open Southwest Designs today, a shop offering wildlife figurines, blankets and comforters, dolls and other gift items. They came from Lincoln City, Ore., where they also have a gift shop.

Visitors will see an artist in action when they visit the newest art gallery on the Comstock. Tom Garrels is co-owner of Garrels 'n' Rose Gallery, and he paints as he talks with visitors. He also opened in March.

His paintings include scenes from Virginia City, Yosemite, Europe, San Francisco and many other picturesque locations.

He has been commissioned to do seven paintings for customers, and said his style and Virginia City were a good fit.

"I'm not saying I'm going to change what I paint for people who come in here," he said. "But you have to give the people what they want, and what we do seems to have struck a chord."

He said he was satisfied with the amount of business in Virginia City.

"We don't ever want to move from here," he said. There's so much to paint. It's real laid-back."

- Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.