Hello From Las Vegas! – So… this is what was supposed to be the first issue of the year! While I’m doing fairly well with a number of New Year’s resolutions, my intent on putting COVID and bad news in the rear-view mirror crumbled over a number of very unfortunate things I had to report.

So, let’s try again!

Doom And Gloom? – Las Vegas Strip casinos made more than $2.7 billion in profits in 2020. Gaming made up only 1/3 amount of the amount, most likely due to more bargain-seeking visitors who wanted to eat, drink, and hang out. Downtown casinos reported good profitable numbers as well. If Las Vegas can get by under the current limitations and concerns, we’ll bounce back just fine.

Wynn, Venetian, and Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas have achieved Forbes Travel Guide’s Sharecare Health Security verification. Expect more to follow. The diligence of following protocols here in Las Vegas has resulted in making it very rare for people to return home sick. As we’ve constantly reported, keeping you well ahead of the curve.

The False Scare Is Over – As I predicted, the “5 Las Vegas hospitals are at or over 100% ICU capacity” fear-scare news is a thing of the past, and COVID hospitalizations are dropping.

What’s really going on? What do the real numbers say? Is Las Vegas a super-spreader and things are getting worse? Or, can you feel fairly comfortable visiting yet? Our Supporting (Paid) Members continue to be updated on the facts and stats, not simply the news headlines. And, since we are Member-Supported, we report what is best for our Members. Not what the casinos tell us to say.

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When Do Shows Return? – Some shows wanted to attempt to operate under the “25% of capacity” limits. However… the 25 foot mandate between performers and the audience is an impossible-to-overcome mandate for just about all shows. It wipes out way too much space. Check out this video of the procurers of Absinthe attempting to make this work.

This is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only. Along with a practical look at how soon Las Vegas will be back to (or near normal), giving you the upper-and on knowing when to safely book your next visit.

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New Years Even A Success, All Things Considered – Normally, this is where I laud Las Vegas for our amazing New Year’s Eve. And, mock New York City’s boring ball drop. Not to mention the mathematically disproven claims that Times Square has a million people. (It is physically impossible to fit one million people into the available space for that celebration).

This year, our famous fireworks celebration was canceled. This did not stop plenty of people enjoying Las Vegas! The Las Vegas Strip was closed, as it is every year. While certainly not as crowded, many tens of thousands enjoyed themselves. For those of you who didn’t catch the live stream from Las Vegas’ KLAS Channel 8, here it is in it’s entirety:

Hit The Road, Jack (Part 1) – We have a loyal contingent of readers who rent a car when they are in town. It isn’t for everyone. However, even if you previously never considered it, the time has never been better.

1. Most Strip properties are currently offering free parking.

2. With basically no shows and tight demand at some restaurants due to capacity limitation, you can not only dine off-Strip, but by doing so you are likely to save the cost of your rental car in the process. (Plus, you’ll encounter some very thankful employees and restaurant proprietors).

3. YOU make the restrictions in your car. Or not!

4. The areas surrounding Las Vegas contains a bucket list of natural wonders which most of you have nothing like where you reside. Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon, Valley Of Fire, Zion, Virgin River Gorge, Historic Oatman and Route 66, and I could go on and on.

Next issue, we’ll go over suggestions for day trips, or overnight trips which overnight you at a casino so you don’t miss your evening drinking, gambling, and steak dinner (or whatever your food preferences are).

This issue, we’ll keep it closer to home. I have five (mostly) mom-and-pop joints — mostly hole-in-the-wall kinds of places most of you would never find or try on your own, which are 10 minutes (or less) from both The Strip and Fremont Street.

How do I know about them? They are in my general neighborhood and I patronize them! (Living just a few minutes from The Strip and downtown, but in a nice, quiet neighborhood, does not suck).

Note: None of these are paid endorsements. None of them know of my mention. That is why we are member-supported. I cater to the best interests of our members, and you alone!

All of these places are located on (or just adjacent to) Sahara Avenue, between Palace Station and Arville. You are literally never more than 2.5 miles from The Strip!

You’d drive right by four (of these five) restaurants without giving them a second thought (or even trying them out). And, three are not visible directly from Sahara Ave, which means you’d drive right by them without knowing they were even there!

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Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

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 to your wants and needs. Then, answer accordingly.

Thoughts?

Visits to Las Vegas may have fueled coronavirus spread, study finds

Scott Pohl

Ted Responds:

We dissect this article, the data, where it came from, who did the study, the graphs associated with it, and much more. So that our Paid (Supporting) Members are truly in the know.

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Here’s a couple of first-hand visitor reports which will help you understand what to expect. Please keep in mind that everything is subject to change, but these line up (in general) with what things are like:

This is premium information, for our Supporting (Paid) Members only.

These reports cover:

– The good sides of the current situation.

– Food, restaurants, social distancing, menus and everything else you need to know with current restrictions.

– Attractions. Are they open? Advice for enjoying them, booking the attraction, and everything else!

– Is it the same experience? What adjustments do you need to make, so that you maximize your enjoyment?

– Is this a better or worse time to bring kids?

– How strict and when/where regarding masks?

– Table limits and what to expect.

– This and more!

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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!

Hello From Las Vegas! – Wow, wow, wow, lots to talk about. Unfortunately, not a lot of good news. Every time we were ready to send this out, something else happened. This issue was going to be an upbeat New Years Eve recap along with an extended article on the best day (or 2-3 day) trips from Las Vegas now that our 4 weeks of winter is done!

If you are willing to rent a car, you can see “bucket list” sights during the day, a great round of golf (if that’s your thing), and spend your evenings enjoying some decent casino gambling. Without getting seared in the desert sun. So, that is next issue!

The Governor — once again lying about the facts and stats – has extended our “pause” until Mid-February. Which actually means that this will continue to be the best time (possibly EVER) to visit Las Vegas. We’ll go into it! (One must make lemonade out of lemons).

Venetian/Palazzo owner Sheldon Adelson has passed away after a lengthy cancer fight at the age of 87. He was already in the process of working to sell the hotel/casino/convention complex. What will that mean to you? And, to add insult to injury, Siegfried passed away.

With the current news about social media permeating just about every news outlet (including local news), I’ll be making a statement about our social use, both current and planned as the landscape and audiences are seeing a seismic shift.

If you don’t do social, you can skip that part. The core of what we do is right here. What you are reading. However, if you do, you’ll want to stay tuned.

Pause Through Mid-February – The 25% capacity limits will continue through mid-February. Which essentially means virtually no shows at least until then. While he made this announcement based on hospital capacity, I was online looking at the hospitalization stats. Which have continued to drop since the peak of the second spike. A brief recent news splash here highlighted that five local hospital ICU’s were at or just above capacity. Evidently briefly. 

However, University Medical Center continued to emphasize that they have no capacity issues, nor project to have any. More interesting is that two days later, the Governor — when asked — noted that he had not received a hospital briefing since mid-December.

So, off to the website of the Southern Nevada Health Authority to see the latest on hospital capacity. Here’s their data:

Notes: Hospitals were not built to run at low capacity. Capacity is the current range is normal, not abnormal.

Here’s the bottom line: The main problem continues to be private gatherings, where fewer precautions are taken. All you have to do is look at the liquor aisle at my local CVS to see that their stock has been running much lower than usual lately. With some more modest-priced brands either low or sold out, as bar capacity is not only limited, but reservations are required to attend your local bar and grill.

What the problem isn’t? Our tourist areas, where cleanliness, masking, and distancing is mandated as much as is legal and practical. I’ve repeatedly noted that the Department of Health and Human Services records show we’re sending an extremely microscopic number of visitors home sick. And, that is assuming that they caught it here.

If you’d like to visit and really experience a lack of crowds (which makes social distancing often the norm), come mid-week over the next few weeks. Without the usual winter conventions packing the town and driving up room rates, mid-weeks are almost like having Las Vegas all to yourself!

As always, don’t travel, visit, or even leave your home if you feel that you have any risk factors, need to care for those with risk factors, and the like. However, Las Vegas continues to be demonstrably safer than your local grocery store.

As noted, this is also an excellent time to do a different kind of trip, and knock off the bucket list State/National Park and other scenic wonders. We truly have a concentration of them within a very reasonable drive of Las Vegas. A collection not only unique to the topography and scenery most of you are used to, but “one stop shopping” that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. More on that next issue!

R.I.P Uncle Sheldon – We lost Sheldon Adelson to cancer. He had unfortunately been in declining health, putting Venetian/Palazzo up for sale a few weeks ago, and stepping down from control of his company for medical leave very recently.

While I still lament the loss of many Las Vegas Strip hotels, his replacement of The Sands with Venetian was a dramatic step up for Las Vegas.

The Sands was a small property, and had been relegated to $1 blackjack and 2 for a Dollar Budweisers during slow times. Which was great for me back then as a low roller, but not so good for a property attached to a giant convention center. Adelson was part of a group which started the massive and long-running computer trade show COMDEX (Computer Dealers’ Exhibition) which had quite the run until shows like the Consumer Electronics Show and the marriage of tech and daily living overshadowed it.

I was arguably the last civilian to ever set foot in the famed Copa Room. Best known for hosting the infamous Rat Pack, the list of entertainers it hosted is a “who’s who” of the most prominent performers in the second half of the 1900’s. I was the only one in there, perhaps 20 minutes before the property closed. What did they care? They were getting ready to blow up the joint (literally)!

I don’t claim that I felt any ghosts. However, the room had its own aura. You could almost feel the stories it held. To walk down and touch the stage which so many legends had set foot on was an experience which will stay with me forever. And, unlike modern day hotel closings, they didn’t kick the few remaining patrons out at closing! Two bars were open (cash… not free), and as employees clocked off work, they got drinks and reminisced for the last time. Quite the experience!

Here’s an overview of Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas run:

So Long Siegfried – What can be said about Siegfried Fischbacher, which hasn’t been. He and Roy, his onstage and life partner, absolutely ruled the Las Vegas show scene from the opening of The Mirage until the tragic tiger incident which left Roy unable to continue performing. Enjoy some highlights of their spectacular show, followed by an interview with them and their tigers, Circa 1995:

Social Media Statement – It is hard to ignore the social media upheaval of the past week. And, normally, I wouldn’t make any kind of statements. However, we live in a world where the smallest decisions, even when not politically motivated, are scrutinized.

For those not up to speed, “Big Tech” and Trump supporters have been involved in quite the game of chess. A product of a long-standing feud. (Go look at news regarding Section 230 from the past few months if you wish to explore that more). This has created an unprecedented shift regarding what various social media platforms people are using. It took years for Facebook to usurp Myspace as the prominent social platform. This latest abrupt shift has taken just days.

In short, Trump supporters bolted en masse to a toward platforms like Gab (similar to Twitter), MeWe.com (similar to Facebook),  Rumble (similar to YouTube) and Parler until they lost their web hosting. (They claim to be back soon). All platforms who have suggested that they have strong commitments to free speech regardless of someone’s political party or political ideology.

Where does that leave us?

– We have no intention of changing our current social use or postings. We have a Twitter account and Facebook account that are open to the public. With rare exception, we simply post the news links that we post here in the newsletter. Giving people a small taste of what we do.

For our Facebook AccessVegas.com Las Vegas Insider Vibe Membership Group, we go the extra mile. This is an added Membership benefit for those who enjoy Facebook. We post thoughts, answer questions, and interact with our Supporting (Paid) Members. Those not using Facebook are always welcome to use the Your Guy In Vegas question form in our Members Area, and we’re there to help. That is a Member Benefit.

Explore ALL of our extended Members Benefits. The level of help and benefit our members see is so vast and deep, that we regularly have members email and ask when their subscription is up. Because they want to cancel? NO! Because they note that they absolutely don’t want to miss an issue!!!

I’m always exploring and staying on top of the social media landscape. During this past year, I have been going through old hard drives and such, and organizing tens of thousands of Las Vegas photos — mostly taken by myself — from the past two-plus decades. (I won’t win any awards, but I’ve been a student of photography and do a pretty good job, if I say so myself).

This has me looking at the best way to get some of the better ones out there, thus also helping raise awareness of what we do. Hence, Pinterest and Instagram are under consideration.

I was already aware of Parler, MeWe, and Rumble, and had already been looking at whether those are platforms we’ll be expanding to. Much goes into play. Do they have active users? (It seems like they are certainly starting to). How easy is it to post to, and more importantly, can we plan our posts? A little secret that many are not aware of, is that many companies (including ours) who post regularly to social, schedule the posts.

I sit down for a few hours 3-4 times a week and comb the internet for Las Vegas news. If we posted a large number of links in a short time, it would swamp our feeds, and reduce the amount of people seeing each story in their feeds. So, we use the services of a company which lets us schedule them in advance. A company that currently does not support these new platforms. Note: companies which sell access to this kind of software have made it clear they are exploring servicing the upstart social companies.

Bottom Line: What we decide to do on social media, and which platforms we do (or don’t) participate on are not remotely political decisions. We’ll go where it makes sense, where there is an audience, and where we can interact in a manner which is consistent with the work flow needs of my small but loyal staff. For example, local Las Vegas Channel 13 is by no means right-leaning, but they have been on Rumble for a while now. In addition to maintaining their YouTube account.

I’m going to wait for the dust to settle. However, this really hits home why I’ve chosen to keep our email list at the heart of how we reach people. As opposed to building a large following via an app or on Facebook, only to see it be taken away if I say “booger“. I’ve been an outspoken critic of our governors poor handling and poor communication regarding restrictions and shut-down. And, I have a pile of evidence (stats and graphs) to back it up.

Which would not stop a social company from banning what I do if they felt that they, as judge and jury, decided that what I was saying was “dangerous” and somehow interpreted as helping to spread COVID! Donald Trump can take care of himself. If he is banned into oblivion, he simply goes back to a billionaire’s lifestyle. Me? I’m not quite in those shoes (to say the least), and I don’t want my passion for helping people be the most informed about Las Vegas as possible, taken away from me.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – The current restrictions dictating occupancy at no more than 25% (of just about anything), no gatherings of more than 50 people, and the dictate that you make reservations before you eat at a restaurant, will continue through January 15, 2020.

Hint: If you’ve read through our 12 Exclusive Special Reports in the members area, you’ll remember that one of them (how to bust the restaurant lines) talks about what you need to know to get the edge on others and get that reservation you want. Without spending an extra dime.

Restaurants are reporting that most reservations are being made within an hour of arrival. However, if your heart is set on a certain place, earlier is better.

Having said that, Las Vegas is so slow that the restriction otherwise isn’t changing much. Oh, except shows. Don’t expect to see any shows.

Might Be A Great Time To… – I suggested this back when this entire mess started, and it still has merit. Especially since it is winter here and while usually mild and sunny, outdoor activities won’t make you melt.

This is a great time to rent that car for a day and go see all the stuff you’ve only heard about. Red Rock Canyon (make a reservation), Valley Of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and similar.

For those of you who don’t want to spend more than a few hours away from your drinking and gambling, we always suggest taking a Maverick Helicopter Tour to see the Grand Canyon. Here’s the deal:

– Many Maverick tours will have you door-to-door, from the time you leave your hotel until the time you return, with complimentary transportation, in under 5 hours. This includes seeing Hoover Dam, landing in the bottom of the Grand Canyon (selected tours), West Rim Skywalk (selected tours), and a complete arial tour of Fremont Street downtown and The Strip upon your return.

Pro Tip: Book the tour that guarantees you arrive back in Las Vegas at Sunset.

– You do NOT have to go back to McCarran nor go through TSA! Many tours depart out of Maverick’s upscale, comfortable private terminal just a couple blocks south of the Las Vegas sign. Right on The Strip; Others depart from their private terminal at Henderson Executive Airport, just down by The M.

– Maverick is the only air tour company that I’d fly or put my family on. Their safety and maintenance protocols are over-the-top (and well beyond requirements). Their flight record of over more than two decades is the proof in the pudding.

Check this out for more:

Maverick Helicopter and Airplane Tour Comparison Chart

We have more info this issue for Supporting (Paid) Members, including our picks for where to so Superbowl this year. Not coming for Superbowl or not a sport fan? We’re on top of the best tips, info only top experts know (we’re them), and Vegas hacks for any time of year and every visit.

You now have very few days left to use the Cyber Monday Coupon Code CYBER2021 and get our lowest price in a year. And, a price we won’t be offering probably ever. If the code works, you are still in luck. Head over and give it a try

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Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re maybe halfway though the “pause” which has increased restrictions and reduced occupancy allowances. Honestly, it is affecting locals the most. COVID-19 uncertainly sent the National Finals Rodeo to Dallas this year. For the uninitiated, that is the huge rodeo event which fills up Las Vegas during the slowest couple of weeks prior to Christmas.

No rodeo = very light visitation. Which means the current restrictions are having minimal impact. Except for shows. However, traditionally, shows went dark or on significantly reduced schedules during that time.

Just a reminder that our Cyber Monday Coupon Code CYBER2021 is still valid for a full year of our Members version of what we do here.

People who make the upgrade from Free Subscribers to Supporting (Paid) Members are surprised at how much of the “real deal, need to know for when I next visit” info they are missing out on.

ALSO:

1. Our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee gives you no risk. (Our secure checkout with the protection of your credit card also gives you no risk). If you feel that the Members-Only resources, exclusive special reports, and “Your Guy In Vegas” ability to ask our experts specific question, and much more… isn’t worth it after a 60-day look-see, we’ll promptly refund your money.

2. If you don’t end up visiting in 2021, for any reason, we’ll give you 2022 for free. Period.

Here’s the secure check-out link. Don’t forget Coupon Code CYBER2021 to get in on our 2017 price of $23.95. This code will expire. (If it works, you are in. If it isn’t, you waited too long).

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Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – Well, lots of news, tidbits, the Governor recently spoke, will Las Vegas stay open? Plus, the free Downtown Loop is back. Everything you need to know, and why you should be interested.

Do the hotel closures you may have heard about mean Las Vegas is back on its way out of business? And, we get into why Laughlin might not be a bad alternative to Vegas this winter.

What The Future Holds – Our Governor’s most recent press conference was one spent chiding the public, literally in a tone of voice you’d use with a five year old who is not doing what you want. He noted a voluntary 2 week lock down. Working from home, only ordering take-out food, only venturing out when necessary. This full column is available right now in our Members Area.

If you are reading this, you are NOT a Member. You are only a free subscriber.

Our entire rundown of what you need to know about Las Vegas staying open, any restrictions, and similar are for Members only this week.

As is our rundown of everything you need to know about the new and improved Downtown Loop. Not just that it is running again. Everybody can look that up. But, we have the tips, hints, stop location advice, and much more that you won’t find elsewhere.

Plus, the typical “must know” exclusive info you’ll need to know whether your trip is in two weeks, two months, or as soon as the COVID-19 treatments kick in and we can all go back to normal. (Which looks to be much sooner than anticipated).

For less than the price of a higher-end cup of coffee each month, you can join the elite visitors who are far in the know. Who don’t end up wasting time and money because they got bad “sources from out-of-town” Vegas info. Plus, the Membership benefit that allows you to ask us specific questions regarding aspects of your next trip. So, you can do Vegas BETTER than ANYONE ELSE!

Don’t Delay. Sign Up Now! You don’t want to keep missing out…

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Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – This is technically our second issue for October, but with Circa (former Las Vegas Club site) opening so close to the end of the month, and with us wanting to let a little bit of the dust settle, here you go. This issue will be Circa, Circa, and more Circa!

The #CircaReveal ushered in a new era of Vegas.✨

The journey from Circa’s conception to its reveal has been remarkable- beyond Twitter’s character count.

The next chapter of Circa is focused on YOU. Let’s go big.🥂

“I love this city.” – @DerekJStevens #CircaLasVegaspic.twitter.com/mFvbTyhcJQ

— Circa Las Vegas (@CircaLasVegas) October 30, 2020

Our rundown of Circa, including insights you won’t find elsewhere, is available only to Supporting (Paid) Members.

We’ve curated only the best article links (our Members don’t waste hours online tryin to ferret out info). With executive summaries that include our “from Las Vegas” insight.

We’ve provided thoughts and tips regarding this unique, two-floor casino and major “stadium swim” pool/sports area. Plus, the largest and best sportsbook probably in the world.

Our Members know what specific date should be a “must book” in the Stadium Swim complex. And no, we’re not talking Superbowl. (That would be too easy and obvious. Myself and our experts noticed that a pending specific Las Vegas event will be best experienced at Circa’s Stadium Swim).

The famous original 99 cent shrimp cocktail (from little sister property Golden Gate) is back, right? No, it’s really not. Our Members won’t show up and be disappointed.

Regardless of how soon (or not) your next visit here is, for the simple price of decent cup-of-coffee each month, you get access to info and insight that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

We’re right here in Las Vegas. We’ve been doing this for over two decades. We know all the right “guys” (and girls) in this industry, and in some cases we are “the guy”.

Get on board today. We have a 60-day money-back guarantee that says you’ll like what you see. And, access is INSTANT:

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Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – Wow, so much is changing (in the right direction)! Shows are returning, we have directives on crowd allowances at sporting and other events, $1 has returned (hint: in a visitor-friendly area, not at some casino that is on the outskirts of town), The Vegas Loop is the real deal and why you’ll be using it, and plenty more. Let’s dive in!

Why The Escalators Don’t Work – An ongoing pet peeve, both for visitors and those who spend a fair of time in the resort corridor, is the “constantly not working” escalators. Which has never been discussed nor addressed. Not by the county, not by the media.

I’m pleased to report that I lobbied Las Vegas Review-Journal tourism writer Bailey Schulz into looking into this. And, indeed she did! (Yours Truly was quoted in the article): Strip escalators and elevators never seem to work. Here’s why.

This isn’t going to help ease that hike up the stairs when one is out of service, but at least you know why.

This is one of the many reasons we’re asking our Free Subscribers (that would be you), for your support (via becoming a Paid Member to the simple tune of about the price of a cup of coffee each month, for a full year of access).

If myself and our team — which gets absolutely NO funding from the casinos, the convention authority, or anything similar — can “move and shake” on issues like this, imagine the depth of “must know” visitor information which our Supporting (Paid) Members are privy to. Twice per month, every single month.

Not to mention our Your Guy In Vegas feature which insures that any Las Vegas related questions are answered personally and directly. We’ve helped people pick wedding spots, dining spots, other special occasion or trip questions, and much more. With SPECIFIC help tailored to them. As opposed to general internet information which may not remotely be specific to exactly what you desire.

Don’t wait until two weeks before your trip. Every issue you miss is an issue LOADED with vital information you need to know NOW. The real scoop you need so that you can plan your next trip with confidence, KNOWING what is actually happening, what to see, what to miss, and (especially right now), how to navigate during these COVID-19 times. Click on over and SEE what you are MISSING:

Members.AccessVegas.com

Big Events: Don’t Get Too Excited Yet – Current rules allow events and larger gatherings, but the restrictions are still fierce. Our Supporting (Paid) Members get the scoop on how this affects you, and how you can be one of the first to attend an event at Allegiant Stadium even though the Raiders (at this time) have no plans to allow attendance at their game. (And, we tell you why).

More Shows And Restaurants Opening! – MGM Resorts brings back shows Nov. 9. A handful of shows are already open. Next issue, we’ll get you up-to-speed as things won’t quite be normal yet. We continue to strongly urge you to make reservations at any restaurant you really wish to enjoy.

Last minute? You might not be totally out-of-luck. Check out our exclusive report

(Can’t access it? Become a member today for instant access to ALL BENEFITS listed at Members.AccessVegas.com)

$1 Blackjack Is Back – And, our Supporting (Paid) Members know where. You don’t want to walk right by this hotel and not even know!

The Vegas Loop – With the purchase of the monorail by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, there is no more “non-compete” clause with the monorail. Which had exclusive rights to transport visitors in anything that was of a similar fashion.

Thus, Elon Musk’s people mover, which is finishing up tunnels in the area of the Convention Center, is slated to be expanded all the way from Allegiant Stadium to Downtown Las Vegas. This project consists of a “tube” which Telsa electric cars, seating multiple riders, can transverse to get people from one destination to another one. Unlike most crazy ideas and rumors, this has a high probability of completion based on what they have done so far.

However… the elusive airport connection is not part of these plans at this time. Keep that Uber app handy.

Yes, The Governor Is Either Truly Evil, Or Incredibly Incompetent – So… just when I thought we were able to move on from this issue, the following bombshell gets dropped:

The health districts overseeing the state’s two largest counties complained in a letter to Gov. Steve Sisolak that they’ve been shut out of his decision-making process about coronavirus restrictions.

In a scathing joint letter from the Southern Nevada Health District and Washoe County Health District sent to Sisolak’s office Friday, health officials said that not including them in the state’s policy discussions or development of COVID-19 directives has complicated the local response to the virus by forcing them to shift their plans and resources in order to respond to the governor’s changes with little to no notice.

“Since we are not consulted and engaged, we receive little or no advance notice of what these policy changes may be, and we are forced to react after decisions have been made and announcements are occurring,” the letter said.

The letter was signed by SNHD Chief Health Officer Fermin Leguen, Washoe County Health Officer Kevin Dick, Southern Nevada District Board of Health Chairman Scott Black and Washoe County District Board of Health Chairman John Novak.

Source: Clark, Washoe health authorities complain about Sisolak’s directives

Interesting. Lack of communication from the Governor’s office, and lack of clarity on guidelines? That is exactly what those of us in the hotel, gaming, bars, and tourism industry have been complaining about from day one!

For those who have been paying attention the last few month, the Southern Nevada Health District has been my go-to for the stats regarding COVID-19 deaths, cases, and hospitalizations. This long-standing agency wasn’t set up for COVID-19. It has been monitoring all health-related issues for Southern Nevada (the Las Vegas area of Nevada) for longer than I can remember. Handling or tracking everything from Food Safety to Birth/Death Certificates, Restaurant Inspections, illness tracking (whether it be cancer or whatever the current flu is), and more.

We’re not 9 days into this plague. We’re 9 months into it! I have been able to go online and feed you concise, accurate data from the SNHD so that you can make a better-informed decision on whether to visit now, visit soon, or simply hold off. I guess our Governor, who can raise these experts with a single phone call, didn’t even bother?

A couple of days later, Governor Sisolak’s office issued a “mea culpa” press release. Are you kidding me? In the words of Pat Benatar, “It’s a little too little a little too late“.

Icing on the cake? His minion Caleb Cage, the COVID-19 task force leader who kept your casino bars unnecessarily shut down for an extended time based on the complete lie that our hospitals were about to be over-run (which we detailed last issue)? He caught COVID-19. Because, of course he was following all of his own guidelines, right?

We have been seeing a minor COVID-19 surge the past couple of weeks. Minor is the operative word here. Hospitalizations and deaths are NOT spiking. Hence, the Governor came out and said that if we were all good little boys and girls, he would not start shutting things down again. Which has been his tone since day one.

And, I truly hope this is the last we have to talk about this. But, it is affecting your pending visits, so we can’t just let it go. Plus, this is why previous visits have had restrictions which probably were not necessary. (Closing the bars which serve booze and gambling, but not closing breakfast bars at restaurants, for example).

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

I was wondering… do you post these Foodies – “Got to try it” posts because YOU have been there and think its good/great place to eat or are they just randomized info links you think would be of interest to Access Vegas members?

From our Membership Facebook Page

Ted Responds:

We once did the math, and if we dined at every restaurant just on the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street Experience/East Fremont, we’d be eating out every day for a little over one year straight!

On top of that, everyone has their faves, and my faves might not be your faves. Food is specific to the individual.

Fortunately:

– Between myself, team members, colleagues and similar, plenty of places DO get checked out.

– We get significant feedback from members about how their trips went, what they did, what they enjoyed, and similar.

– We spend countless hours a week bathed in various internet groups, boards, and similar (so you don’t have to). Getting mounds of further opinions and thoughts from real visitors.

– Fortunately, very little in Las Vegas is truly lousy. Honestly, even the local restaurants — and I mean the mom-and-pop strip mall and corner block and along those lines — are well above the quality you’ll find in most cities. 

Why? When your clients are from the hospitality industry, or locals who know the standards of the casino restaurants, you must step it up to survive.

So, to even be thought of for a spot in a hotel casino, chefs and restaurateurs are bringing their A-game. In fact, much fanfare went into how the new Circa decided on their dining choices. There is a history and loads of experience and a unique angle to pretty much every choice they made. Hence, very little is lousy.

When someone uses our Your Guy In Vegas Membership Feature to ask us a dining question, we don’t just toss a couple of thoughts out there. We first find out exactly the occasion. What they are looking for. Price range. For example: Big difference in the price of Wolfgang Puck’s CUT at The Palazzo, and the Redwood Steakhouse at The Cal, no question. However, both are highly unlikely to disappoint.

When we see an online story or review of a restaurant that has a location accessible to visitors, and we feel it lines up with our experience or feedback, and the odds are highly likely someone will have a pleasant dining experience, we’ll go ahead and link to it. If we have any qualms about it, we won’t.

Simple as that!

I know Hoover Dam is closed to tourists. But is there a place to stop and see it from a distance on the way to West Rim Grand Canyon?

Thanks,

Vaughn Sutton

Ted Responds:

We asked our tour expert Mark Anthony on this one, who has given countless tours of everything from Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon to everything in our region ranging from San Francisco to Utah’s Zion National Park. His answer:

Sorry, Dam closed, bridge walkway closed. No plans or dates of when it will open.

Coming back to Las Vegas…. get in right lane before the bridge. Slow down along the wall on bridge and depending on height of vehicle you can see top of the dam.

No other spot on highway to see the dam.

Mark is available for personal and group tours. Whether it be you and a traveling companion, or a group of people, whether you just want to spend 1/2 day seeing certain sites (of your choice) while getting the true inside knowledge and history, or spend a week visiting every spectacular national and state park in our region, Mark is the man:

• • Mark Anthony’s The Vegas Tourist
• • The Vegas Tourist YouTube Channel

Your other option is to do a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour which flies over the Grand Canyon as part of the flight. I realize many may think “I’ve seen it from the airplane flying in”, but you are truly talking two different things. Slowly flying in an arch around Hoover Dam at low levels, and with the helicopter tours actually flying INTO the canyon — engulfing you in its magnificence — has no comparison.

Plus, you get to see absolutely everything while only taking a very few hours of your vacation time. And, prices include hotel transfer.

We only recommend and fly Maverick Helicopter Tours. Period. I’ve been in their maintenance facility. You could literally eat off the gleaming white floor. Unlike companies who change out parts when it is mandated by regulations, Maverick mechanics are instructed “when in doubt, throw it out”. IE, replace parts if any concern whatsoever.

You can go to their Maverick Tours Comparison Page and get a quick overview of which tours cover what. Hint: Don’t overlook clicking on the tours which leave from Henderson Executive Airport. Hotel transfer is free for those as well, and the airport is only 12 freeway miles from Center Strip.

Plus, regardless of departure point, Maverick has their OWN private terminal. No lines, no TSA, no hassles!

Late Breaking: We’re pleased to report that Hoover Dam has indeed JUST reopened to the public! Kind of:

The visitors center, dam tours (insert your own joke), indoor exhibits, cafe, and gift stores are still CLOSED. This may include restrooms! You can walk/drive across the dam, park at the Memorial Bridge parking lot and walk up to (and across) the bridge, and the paid parking lots are happy to take your money.

Hint: If you are thrifty and in good shape, which means you don’t mind a fair amount of stairs and a 10+ minute walk, you can continue driving on the Arizona Side until you come to the three free parking areas. (Two more exist up by the Arizona Lookout gift shop and road turnaround, but… you are talking about one mile back to the Dam, and the return hike is ALL UPHILL).

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!

This was written literally a couple of hours before we found out that President Trump is COVID-19 positive. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and Melania. This does not change my opinion that Las Vegas can safely continue to open up. Nor does it change the facts regarding the lies from the Governors minions which we document.

Hello From Las Vegas! – Lots of good news this issue! You can’t continue to fake a pandemic with vital numbers as low as they are, the Governor finally had to cry “uncle”.

Note: I’m not suggesting that COVID-19 isn’t real, nor devastating. I myself turn 55 this month (most deaths were people 55+), and have immune issues. I quarantine most of the time, mask up outside my home, don’t touch my eyes or nose when out and about, and do a LONG surgeons scrub hand wash when I return home.

I get it. But, I don’t believe that we need to keep selected activities, inconvenience everyone, and make your visit have tons of limits just to keep me safe.

For our Supporting (Paid) Members, we go over everything that has opened, current restrictions, whether you may (or may not) be able to see a ballgame at Allegiant Stadium this fall, how and when shows are looking to open, and much, much, more.

Note: If you are reading this, you are a Free Subscriber, not a Supporting (Paid) Member. To keep us free of obligations which come with casino advertising, our Supporting Members basically buy us a “cup of coffee” each month (about the same amount of money, paid yearly), which allows us to keep them up on the inside scoop needed. Especially as travel opens up, and Las Vegas makes significant strides in returning to normal.

You don’t want to visit too soon, especially if things that interest you are not at full blast. On the other hand, you don’t want to be sitting home based on bad info or rumors when a Vegas visit (under the current conditions) might be a perfect respite, and a good chance to blow off some steam that has built up during this crazy year of 2020!

Think about the thousands of dollars you spend to get here, hotels, food, entertainment (yes, I said entertainment, it’s coming back), gambling and more.

Just a couple of nice specialty cocktails at one of the better hotels on The Strip is going to run you upwards of $40 (not including tip). And yet, to think you won’t “hedge your bet on your next Vegas visit” by tossing us less than $35 for an entire year of (by far) the best Las Vegas visitor information and personal resource out there.

Using our “Your Guy In Vegas” feature to help answer specific questions you need to know (especially NOW) is often worth the price alone for many of our Members!

Head on over to

Members.AccessVegas.com

right now, while you are thinking about it, and check out ALL of the benefits. And, don’t forget our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. If we can’t make you THE most informed visitor that has ever hit Vegas, we don’t want your money. Period.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

Hello From Las Vegas! – The “Don’t Visit Las Vegas” dam is finally starting to break. The State of New York could no longer ignore the kinds of data, graphs, and information I’ve been noting here for weeks now.

I’m not posting any new graphs this week. Why? Because they look identical to the graphs from previous weeks! Oh, except to say we have not seen new cases/hospitalizations/deaths this low since (drum roll please)…

Around the end of MARCH. And in some cases lower. You remember March, don’t you? Way back when there was only starting to be talk of drastic measures, flattening the curve, etc.

Bars To Reopen – We have it on good authority that our Governor will be opening the bartops soon. The ones where you can drink booze, and play video poker. Currently, countertops where you dine at are allowed. But if that countertop is for liquor service and gambling, it must be sure to be something that spreads COVID-19, and no dice.

No, it doesn’t make any sense to us either. Nor to the entire bar and gaming industry. Interestingly enough, Governor Sisolak was caught on video dining at an Italian restaurant that had live music playing. However, live show and music events are not currently allowed. So, Governor Sisolak’s damage control consisted of noting that ambient background music is OK, but concerts and such are NOT.

Remember, the Fremont Street Experience still does not have their nightly three stages of live music. Because, it isn’t allowed. Important to note that as an outdoor venue, they attempted to restart this music a couple of months ago. With social distancing. Including markings noting how far apart people should stand. Governor Grumpy was like “Hell No”, and that was the end of that.

I suppose a band could book a banquet hall, do a “dinner show” as the “house band”, and all would be fine? Maybe not. Because no more than 50 people are allowed at a church gathering, Evangelicals For Trump booked a banquet hall. Circular table seating, not a concert or speech set-up. After all, hotel and banquet gatherings are allowed at 50% of capacity. Oops. The hotel owner got fined.

This isn’t about whether you love God or Trump. This is just a small sample of the ever-changing goal line, ever changing rules, and general poor communication. You know… the biggest industry in the State of Nevada. This is not whether the Governor has a D or an R behind his name. The gaming industry cares about the gaming business over political party. He should have an I behind his name. No, not for Independent. For Incompetent.

Members Benefits Housekeeping – With so many new to the classroom (thanks for your support), this is a good time to do some housekeeping regarding ALL of the Members Benefits. Also, to clear up the occasional misconception that we’re simply a Facebook Group or that being part of Facebook is required to get all benefits.

Members Benefits Include:

– Access Vegas Insider Vibe MEMBERS EDITION – That is our twice-monthly newsletter you are reading now. Those on our email list, but who are not Supporting (Paid) Members receive a version that has most of the real scoop, accurate “need to know” stuff, key commentary, and Members Mania (answers to Members questions) redacted.

I can say without a doubt that non-members miss out on far more value than the “price of a cup of coffee” each month we ask you to support our work and our team with.

– Members Only Special Reports – We have 12 Exclusive Special Reports in the Members area. This is information that you will NOT find in general internet searches. Not every report will apply to every Member. However, virtually all of our Members have found that a number of them are of great interest and help! Many noting that just the vital help gained in those reports is worth the yearly cost of membership alone.

– “Your Guy In Vegas” Special Access – Spending hours searching Las Vegas information on the internet may (or may not) be fun. The problems are…

1. Is the advice you are finding accurate? Much/Most information on the internet comes from sources outside Las Vegas! Ya… good luck with that.

2. That doesn’t mean the info you are looking for is suitable for YOUR interests and tastes. Just because a group of March Madness guys really enjoyed a certain steakhouse and wrote favorably about it, does NOT mean it will be the right choice for you and that special person in your life to have a romantic meal.

Our Supporting (Paid) Members don’t waste their time on endless searches and questionable information. Our “Your Guy In Vegas” form in the membership area allows Members to submit specific questions to our knowledgeable staff. In the rare case we don’t know the answer, we usually know who does. 25 years in the business, right here in Las Vegas, gives you lots of contacts!

And, our answers are not canned, “off the cuff” remarks. We’ll often ask for more details or specifics to help our Members make the best decisions possible. If they are asking about a steakhouse, we’re not going to send the same people to CUT as we’d send to Golden Steer.

– 150+ Indexed Vegas Tips – If you run through these, and spend some downtime before your next visit, you are assured to find some great Vegas tips that you simply didn’t know about! Knowledge is power. You spend a LOT of money visiting. Saving time or doing things a slightly better way saves you hard-earned cash, and increases the joy and excitement of your visit.

– (Optional) Members-Only Private Facebook Group – IF you are a Facebook kind of person, we have a group you can join. If you are NOT a Facebook person, have no worries. ALL that we talk about and post goes in our twice-monthly exclusive Members newsletter. No Facebook? No worries. You won’t miss a thing!

However, IF you enjoy Facebook, we post the info and news stories over there as well, so you can add your two cents, and interact with other Members. We read all comments and interact here and there as well. This is for Facebook users who want an added dose of Vegas. If getting our twice-monthly Members newsletter is enough for you, and the perfect frequency for you to keep up on Vegas, no need to join whatsoever.

This issue only:

We’re bringing back the Coupon Promo Code ACCESS2020, which will save you 20% on a full year’s membership. As always, backed up by our 60-Day, Money-Back Guarantee. You literally have nothing to lose, and a nice chunk of change to save. If you get on board now.

Travel restrictions are falling, COVID numbers in Las Vegas are beyond microscopic, the bars will be opening shortly (by the time you are likely to get here, that’s for sure), and you need to be on top of what to expect, and how things really are!

“Ted, I’ve heard enough. 60 days to look it over sounds good to me!”
I want to get back to Vegas! If that is you, please go straight to our

Access Vegas Insider Vibe Checkout Page

and enter the Coupon Code ACCESS2020 to lock in a full year at the price of a cup-of-coffee per month.

“Ted, sounds good, but I’d like to know a little more.”
Not a problem. Please head over to Members.AccessVegas.com and read ALL of the amazing details of what Membership gets you. Don’t forget Coupon Code ACCESS2020 as we’re sure you’ll like what you see.

Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Ted Newkirk
Founder/Managing Editor
AccessVegas.com

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.

So.. Terry Fator is no longer a headliner at the Mirage? He had a good run.. GREAT show! Saw him 4 times over the past years.

From our Membership Facebook Page

Ted Responds:

For our Supporting (Paid) Members, we go into if and when Fator will return, Fator’s future plans, and when they can look for him.

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. Especially as you are needing the best information now (more than ever) as you decide exactly when you can or should start to think about your return visit after the COVID upheaval.

The casinos don’t fund us. No cause or political party funds us. We are nearly 100% 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!