Newkirk’s Notes
Hello From Las Vegas! – Hello From Las Vegas! – Vegas is in full swing, and I hope and trust that normal is here to stay. My job has plenty of behind-the-scenes drudgery. Comes with the territory. But usually, one of the fun parts is keeping you up on all the great Las Vegas info you need to know. Much of it which you simply won’t find elsewhere, or won’t find our “below the headlines” take which keeps you super-informed.
No New Years Eve Fireworks Last Time? We’re Making It Up On July 4 – It is indeed official that we’re essentially going to do the canceled New Years Eve fireworks on July 4th at 11 PM. It will be a party! And, we’ll make sure we get you the proper links so you can watch it on live stream if you can’t be here.
This column, breaking down
– Where the fireworks will be shot from (different from years past). And thus… how and exactly where to enjoy them on The Strip without being mushed in the crowds while still not being out-of-the-action.
– The absolute BEST place to watch them from, with a cocktail in hand, and how/where/when to go there. (Hint: We’re talking a well-known hotel casino. Not some crazy place you need a long Uber ride to get to).
– What near-Strip spot the locals watch the fireworks from. (Usually only 20-30 people know this spot, which is close-in, North Strip).
– $5 Golden Margaritas (featuring Sauza Gold Tequila) all summer long. At which downtown hotel casino? Our Members know!
…and Much More,continues for our Members HERE.
Not a member? Find out more at Members.AccessVegas.com
Newkirk’s Notes has been published by AccessVegas.com Founder Ted Newkirk continuously (in one form or another) since 1995 .
Ted is a noted and quoted Las Vegas analyst, having been quoted and sourced multiple times in 2020 along in publications ranging from the Las Vegas Review-Journal (Nevada’s largest newspaper) to U.S. News and World Report.
Newkirk’s Notes go well beyond the basic news, rumors, and (often questionable) thoughts and proclamations floating around on the internet. Our Supporting (Paid) Members know not only what is happening, but why, and how they can benefit (or know what to avoid).
For example countless Members have had incredibly enjoyable and successful visits to Las Vegas during COVID simply because they were truly in the know, and not only knew what was happening, but what was on the horizon.
Saving them money, time and inconvenience.
At $34.80 for an entire year (only $2.90 per month), we distill down what you really need to know, so that your trip this spring, summer, or even later in the year turns out to be your best ever. And, we GUARANTEE it.
Especially in these unprecedented times, find out what it is like to ACTUALLY be in the KNOW this time around:
Members.AccessVegas.com
Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!
Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com
Las Vegas Shows
David Copperfield Brings Past To Present In A Dramatic, Powerful Way In Las Vegas
It seems hard to imagine, but David Copperfield is entering his fifth decade of amazing audiences with his larger-than-life illusions. And he’s entering his third decade as one of the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic entertainers. When the staff of Las Vegas Magazine met to launch its own Hall of Fame in 2020, the choices for the inaugural class were much-debated … except for one name. When it comes to magic, Copperfield has redefined what’s possible—and what’s seemingly impossible!
* Vicki Barbolak at the Tropicana Laugh Factory – Top 10 finalist on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent
* Longest-running Las Vegas show returns to the stage
* Shania Twain announces Las Vegas ‘Let’s Go’ shows
* Need A Good Laugh? Check Out These Las Vegas Shows
* Wrangler National Finals Rodeo welcomed back to Las Vegas
* Six Las Vegas residency shows to see – From Bruno Mars and Sting to Lionel Richie and Gwen Stefani
* Westgate Las Vegas brings back cabaret shows for first time amid pandemic
* Sting announces residency at Colosseum at Caesars Palace
* Virgin’s New ’27’ Show Brings Some of Rock’s Biggest Heroes Back From The Other Side
* Headlining Comic Magician Mac King Moves His Show To Excalibur This Month
Las Vegas Dining
The 7 Best Patios To Eat And Drink Outside In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is magical in spring and summer, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal or drink outside. Here are the 7 best spots for a picnic or a patio lunch to enjoy the warm weather.
* Raise A Glass To Holsteins In Las Vegas
* Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House Fires Up Its Spring Menu In Las Vegas
* A Fancy Pants Darts Bar and Restaurant Opens on the Las Vegas Strip in 2022
* Craft breweries pouring new life into Las Vegas valley
* Dick’s Last Resort ready to open 2nd Las Vegas location – on Fremont Street
* Las Vegas buffets are open. What it’s like to step into line again
* Where to Find the Best Happy Hours in Las Vegas
* Next Level Bacchanal Buffet is Back at Caesars Palace
* Stripsteak In Las Vegas Is Taste Central For Foodies
* Bobby Flay’s Italian Eatery Debuts in Las Vegas
* One Steakhouse At Virgin Las Vegas – A Brothers Legacy In The Making
Las Vegas Hotels
Fourth of July Fireworks coming to the Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced an epic Fourth of July fireworks celebration to declare the “Entertainment Capital of the World” is back! This marks the first time the LVCVA will present a firework show on Independence Day. The show, featuring Fireworks by Grucci, will happen at 11 p.m. on July 4, launching from the rooftops of ARIA Resort & Casino, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Resorts World Las Vegas, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod, Treasure Island Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Members Mania
Note From Ted:
Members Mania is a regular feature for our Supporting (Paid) Members. Membership includes our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature, where you can reach out to myself and our paid staff of experts with your specific Vegas questions. We don’t have “canned” answers. We’ll ask you for some details pertaining you your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.
My wife and I just returned from a 20 night stay in Las Vegas. Hadn’t stayed on the strip for a few years and after 2 nights at Harrah’s, I can say I won’t stay on the strip again. They charge a $37 per day resort fee for comped rooms.
Tried to check in at noon and was told a room was available but there would be a $15 charge for early check in. I declined that offer. Had a few dollars free slot play with my offer, but had to arm wrestle people to get it. Seems they couldn’t locate the offer in their system even though I showed them my paper copy.
The cocktail service was horrible with the waitress coming by every hour to hour and a half. The video poker machines offered 7/5 and 6/5 odds on double double bonus. Food prices on the strip were astronomical. A whole pizza was price at $49 and a hamburger at $15.
By contrast, I was pleased to see downtown is still a great place to stay. Spent 18 nights there alternating between California, Fremont, and Four Queens. We have been a downtown fan for many many years. Hoping to see Main Street Casino open again as we have always been a fan of their offers. Of all the downtown casinos, we think Four Queens is the best for taking care of their customers.
Donald Marburger via the AccessVegas.com Las Vegas Insider Vibe Membership Facebook Group
Paid (Supporting) Members, please login to your Membership Area to read the answer!
For our Members, we went into::
– What’s up with Eldorado buying Caesars, and the issues which Caesars Total Rewards members should be watching out for.
– Why some video poker machines are highway robbery, and how to avoid them.
– The pros and cons of The Cal, Fremont, and Four Queens casinos (plus an incredible but overlooked dining option at one of those properties, and no… it isn’t the one you are thinking of).
Whether it has been accurate information on exactly what is happening in Las Vegas, accurately letting our Members know what to expect as Las Vegas reopened, specific information they NEED to know for their next visit which we answer via our “ Your Guy In Vegas“ Membership benefit, or more…
Investing less than $3 per month (paid yearly) with our Access Vegas Insider Vibe Membership Program is the ultimate way to hedge the thousands you spend on your Las Vegas vacation.
The casinos don’t fund us. We are Member-Supported. Invest in a One-Year Membership TODAY!
We have answers to your Vegas questions!
But, you have to ask the questions.
Email us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com, and let us know, what YOU want to know!
Las Vegas Tours and Attractions
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden Summer 2021 Display – PHOTOS
The Bellagio Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip opened the summer 2021 display in the Conservatory & Botanical Garden on Saturday May 29th titled Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness. Day and night photos are posted below. The Bellagio Conservatory measures 14,000 square feet and they change the displays five times a year. Winter, Chinese New Year, spring, summer and fall. The summer display will remain open until August 28th. The Bellagio Resort has a horticulture staff of 120 that maintain the Botanical Gardens and the entire grounds of Bellagio.
Las Vegas Gambling
Idaho tourist hits $1.2M jackpot a night after arriving in Vegas
A tourist from Idaho found the slots at Westgate Las Vegas were no … small potatoes. The woman, identified as Jennifer Hall of Chubbuck, Idaho, hit for $1,253,701 on a Wheel of Fortune slots machine at the hotel at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. She spent less than four minutes at the machine, according to hotel officials. Hall and her husband arrived in Las Vegas on Monday. The couple had planned to visit the Texas panhandle. Instead, they made an abrupt decision to visit Vegas. Jackpot, as we say.
Las Vegas Real Estate
Gene Simmons Kissing CA Goodbye for $8.2 Million – Scoops Up New Vegas Pad
Gene Simmons appears to be making good on his plan to leave California for Nevada … he just dropped over $8 million for a rockin’ mansion near Las Vegas. The KISS star nabbed a 6-bed, 8-bath palace in Henderson with 11,000 square feet of living space and distinctively modern features … like a floating pathway entrance over a koi pond and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Las Vegas Sports
Other Las Vegas News
Resorts World Las Vegas announces opening details
Las Vegas isn’t quite back to its pre-pandemic level of activity, but in recent months, there have been signs of life and many visible changes in the city’s casino landscape. Resorts are bringing back more of their popular shows and announcing new entertainment options, casinos have continued to increase their capacity limits on gaming floors and long-closed amenities are reopening as coronavirus vaccinations increase.
What We’re Watching!
Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy
Circus Circus Steak House LAS VEGAS $68 Good or Bad?
(Producers Notes) Is the Steak house at Circus Circus is it worth it? The award winning Steak House has been a Las Vegas tradition for over three decades. The prime cut steaks are aged and prepared exhibition-style over a mesquite charcoal broiler.
Downtown Las Vegas, $11.99 Steak & Lobster, Main Street Buffet, Atomic Liquors, Aloha Specialties
(Producers Notes) Let’s find some good eats on a budget in Downtown Vegas! Starting with an $11.99 Steak & Lobster dinner! We also hit up one of the best deal buffets in Downtown, and much more!
(Producers Notes) There is always something going on in Las Vegas. Show girls and street performers work for tips standing in high traffic areas. Other people try to hand you cards for girls to come to your room. Walking the strip can be quite a fun experience, plenty of places to grab a refreshing beverage and walk from hotel casino and strip easily. You’ll see amazing water fountains people dressed up as different characters as you walk. We took the time to drive out to the Hoover Dam on the border of Arizona and Nevada. what an amazing place. We also Zip lined the Linq. Lots of different entertainment options including the cirque du soleil, Burlesque, and country music shows.
What’s Inside the World’s Largest Chevron Gas Station? Just South Of Las Vegas
(Producers Notes) Let’s go inside Terrible’s Road House at the World’s Largest Chevron.
Happy Birthday Las Vegas (opening and excerpt)
(Producers Notes) The following cut is from a 1977 ABC TV special called ‘Happy Las Vegas’. This 2-hour special celebrates the city’s anniversary and, speaking as a Old Vegas fanboy, it is a blast! As you can tell by the list of guests, it is a dozy. Almost each star performs at the front of resorts like the Sahara, MGM Grand, etc. There are some local historical figures like Benny Binion (seen at the end of this clip) featured briefly. All I got to say again that this show is a hoot and you can get your own copy at Modcinema. This not a commercial, but a recommendation! Be prepared to get punch in the face with 70’s Vegas….oh, this also contains original commercials, too. Can you dig it? Can you handle it!?!?!
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Buffet – Wicked Spoon Buffet Now Self Serve
(Producers Notes) The best buffet in Las Vegas, the Cosmopolitan Wicked Spoon Buffet, reopens with self service. In this Cosmopolitan Las Vegas buffet tour, we try our favorite all you can eat buffet foods, from Wicked Fried Chicken to Salt & Pepper Head-on Shrimp. And the desserts on the Cosmopolitan buffet are some of the best of Las Vegas. This is the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Wicked Spoon Buffet 2021, and it’s one of our favorite Vegas buffets open right now.
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via helicopter trip to and from the Skywalk. Stunning views! Expedited and exclusive arrangements available.
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June 10, 2021 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
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