Valentine Extravaganza a hit in Telegraph Square

Upscale ambience was the keynote in downtown Carson City on Saturday night, where local merchants opened their doors from 5-7 p.m. for the first Valentine Extravaganza at Telegraph Square.

Tea and chocolates were graciously served at Lofty Expressions. At Head Rush Day Spa, owners Marie and Nick Pantazoplos were serving stuffed grape leaves and baklava with their wine. Pretty young girls were conducting tours of the spa and classical music drifted lightly through the air.

Java Joe's was serving special flavored coffees and Mo & Sluggo's fare included chips, salsa and nachos.

"This is fun. It gets me out of the house," said Carson City resident Sheilla Kiley. "We don't live close to the downtown area, so it's nice to come down and see what businesses here have to offer."

"I think this is wonderful," said Carson City third-grade teacher Patty Waldon. "It's very elegant."

The idea was the brainchild of Head Rush Day Spa employee Rosemary Baker and her boss, Marie Pantazoplos agreed.

"We wanted to have a grand opening for our spa," she said. "We decided to get other businesses involved, and the idea grew."