Jul 4, 2008

Business may be picking up in Virginia CityBy Karen WoodmanseeNevadaAppeal.com

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.

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