AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Las Vegas Deals Access Vegas on Twitter Access Vegas on Facebook Las Vegas Photos

Featured Shows Absinthe Jersey Boys Rock Of Ages

Check out Access Vegas on Google+

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Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel Reaches New Heights – The Las Vegas High Roller reached new heights today as the observation wheel’s first passenger cabin was rotated to the highest point on the wheel’s rim. At 550 feet, the rotation of the cabin to the mid-center point of the rim officially makes the High Roller the world’s tallest observation wheel. As the focal point of The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district, today’s feat marks a major milestone for the Las Vegas Strip attraction. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel

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Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

• Storm Of Activities Roll Into The Mirage During 2013 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

  Book Ron White Las Vegas Tickets Now
  Book National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Is karma kicking Criss Angel? Perhaps

  Book Criss Angel: Angel Las Vegas Tickets Now

• ‘MJ Live!’ has more life in it, thanks to star Franca

  Book Michael Jackson ONE Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Fantasy At Luxor Debuted 2014 ‘Unleash Your Fantasy’ Calendar

  Book Fantasy Las Vegas Tickets Now

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Dishes And Desserts

Rockhouse Goes For The Gold With Wiener Circle Wednesdays Deals – Wiener enthusiasts will nosh on a selection of mini dogs, priced at $3 each, such as the Number Two, topped with bacon, lettuce and tomato; and the Number Five hot dog, smothered in nacho cheese, guacamole, jalape±os, pico de gallo and tortilla strips.

• Full story/details/info: Rockhouse Wiener Circle Wednesdays Deals

Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse Inside Venetian Offers Special Truffle Menu For One Weekend Only – Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian Las Vegas is celebrating truffle season with a special menu featuring decadent white and black truffles offered exclusively Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16.

• Full story/details/info: Delmonico Steakhouse Offers Special Truffle Menu

• Subpar at Du-par’s: Claims of ‘best’ fall short, but portions generous

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Las Vegas In November

Rhumbar Introduces Cocktail For The Holidays – Recipe Included To Try At Home – Rhumbar has introduced an oversized cocktail ideal for sharing with the Spiced Apple Jack Mojito, available exclusively now through the end of December.

Bringing seasonal flavors into the traditional mojito, the 48-ounce libation is made with Montecristo spiced rum, Applejack Brandy, apple cider and cinnamon, finished with dried apple crisps, mint and plenty of straws.

• Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Introduces Cocktail For The Holidays – Recipe Included

Tacos & Tequila Inside Luxor Celebrates Thanksgiving With Holiday-Inspired Menu Items – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate Thanksgiving Thursday, November 28, 2013 with turkey selections created by Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz.

The holiday menu will feature lunch and dinner options. For a sweet holiday treat, the restaurant will offer Pumpkin Flan with dark caramel, egg custard, and cinnamon drizzled with tequila cajeta sauce, priced at $7.

• Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Thanksgiving Inspired Menu Items

• El Cortez November Promotions, Deals, And Events

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More Las Vegas News

• Southern Nevada flush with opportunities for birders
• Las Vegas freezes liquor store applications on Fremont Street
• Marnell Gaming plans February opening for Laughlin amphitheater
• Las Vegas in television shows over the years

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Richard Petty Rookie Driving Tour – Become as close as possible to being in the The Race! With a Richard Petty Driving Las Vegas Experience you are put in a NASCAR style race car for an adrenaline pumping thrill of a lifetime. This driving package puts your hands on the wheel, your foot on the gas and you are ready to take some laps.

Click To Book Your Richard Petty Rookie Driving Tour Now!

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Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Football Season Las Vegas 2013
• Thanksgiving Las Vegas 2013 (Thursday, November 28)
• National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas 2013 (December 5-14)

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Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

• Paranormal – November 19-24 Click for Tickets
• Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty Sexy Funny – November 29-30 Click for Tickets
• A Mari-Achi Christmas – December 3 Click for Tickets
• Wayne Static – December 4 Click for Tickets
• Clint Holmes – December 6-7 Click for Tickets
• King of the Cage – December 7 Click for Tickets
• All-4-One – December 7-8 Click for Tickets
• Tom Dreesen – December 13-14 Click for Tickets
• Danny Wright – December 15 Click for Tickets
• Rival Sons – December 28 Click for Tickets
• Imagine Dragons – December 30 Click for Tickets
• Lita Ford – January 10, 2014 Click for Tickets
• David Cook – January 11, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Larry The Cable Guy – January 31, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Dennis Miller – February 7-8, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Pentatonix – February 26, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Ray Romano – February 28-March 1, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Miley Cyrus – March 1, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Seth Meyers – March 29, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Diana Krall – April 9, 2014 Click for Tickets

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets	Most Popular Concert Tickets
NFL Tickets	Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets	Cher Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets	Drake Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets	Eagles Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets	Elton John Tickets
NHL Tickets	George Strait
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets	Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets	Jay Z Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets	Kings of Leon Tickets
– Detroit Red Wings Tickets	Justin Timberlake Tickets
NBA Tickets	Kanye West Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets	Michael Buble Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets	Pearl Jam Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets	Pink Tickets
College Football Tickets	Billy Joel Tickets

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Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’ve been experiencing an amazing “Indian Summer”. As I write this on Wednesday, November 13, we nearly hit 80 today and I’m looking forward to enjoying a beautiful evening outdoors. For those visiting next week, we do settle back into our seasonal mid-60’s. If you are one who wonders how we can deal with our hot summers (outside of the fact that we’re used to them), I’ll just say that I’m looking at a current US temperature map and most of our country won’t be spending evenings out strolling around this week. Not without a heavy jacket!

Downtown Grand Is Official – The former Lady Luck had their “official” grand opening as the Downtown Grand this past week. We’d have photos of all the fireworks and festivities… except that there wasn’t anything but a standard ribbon cutting. (They must have pretty much ran out of money just as they were finishing up, or something. I never remember a property opening without lots of hoopla and a huge shindig).

We published pics last issue, and consider this a “must see” on your next downtown visit. Finding it is simple: Find the 3’d Street Stage (between The D and Four Queens), make a 180 degree turn, and walk one block. I realize in the past, some were concerned about their safety leaving the actual Fremont Street Experience, but as you’ll see, this is pretty much an extension and you will be fine.

This entire 3’rd Street area has kind of been a well-kept secret over the past few years. The Triple George Grill is a great place to dine without killing your budget and if you want to cut loose, the “we take cash only” Hogs and Heifers bar is always a party. Rounding out the 3’rd street dining is the brand new Pizza Rock. We’ve yet to try it (soon, oh so soon) but are already hearing good things.

While in the neighborhood, check out the (once again) newly remodeled Gold Spike. This will turn your idea of Las Vegas on its ear. The slots and blackjack are gone, in favor of a nice, friendly bar and lounge area frequented by the burgeoning tech community downtown. Note: When I say “lounge”, I’m not referring to those places with a $30 cover charge. I mean plenty of elbow room and comfortable seating where you can relax, check your texts and tweets (and charge your phone, they have plenty of outlets), and just chill for a minute.

Since you’re over that way, walk one more block east on Ogden (the street you are already on) and experience (or re-experience) one of our long-time favorites, the El Cortez. If you haven’t been in there since a number of years ago when it was a dive, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Plus, the table games are fair and the limits tend to be reasonably low.

Thanksgiving and Christmas – About this time, we start to get all those questions about Las Vegas over the holiday season. Here’s the deal: Thanksgiving is a HUGE 4-day weekend here. So if you were thinking about sneaking in a Vegas visit, figuring nobody else would do a Vegas Thanksgiving, think again. However, the week before and after a major holiday are typically slower, which means lower room rates and fewer lines. If you can sneak in a pre-or-post Thanksgiving visit, you’re in business.

The first two weeks of December, we host the National Finals Rodeo and the town is packed. Even those without event tickets flock to town as Vegas goes completely rodeo-themed and the actual rodeo is shown on big screens at numerous hotels. Now… in the old days, Las Vegas would die until New Years Eve. In fact, I remember being on The Strip one chilly night nearly 20 years ago just a few days before Christmas, and I actually decided how long I could stand in the street until a car came. Right on The Strip. It was actually a good few minutes!

Not anymore. The week before Christmas is still the most dead time of the year, and a time savvy visitors enjoy. But it isn’t as dead as it used to be. Starting on Christmas, things start to get back into full gear again with the huge crescendo on New Years Eve. As we do every year, we’ll have New Years Eve tips coming up in the next few weeks.

See You In Two Weeks – No newsletter next week as I’m moving! After renting in the Richfield Neighborhood almost in the shadow of The Strip for a while now, I’ve decided that I really like being close to The Strip and Downtown. I’ve bought a place in an adjacent neighborhood just a short drive northwest of here and I’m wading my way through packed boxes. Wish me luck!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Mesa Grill Signature Dishes At Caesars Palace – Let Chef Paul Del Favero teach you how to make Bobby Flay’s signature Ancho Honey Glazed Salmon. Then he moves on to the Shrimp Tamale with Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce.
• Stratosphere New Year’s Everything 2014 – Stratosphere New Year’s Eve Parties in the iconic Las Vegas tower, featuring Open Bars, starting at $175. Call them for complete details and to book your party and room. Must be 21 or older.
• Palms Fantasy G Suite Review – Take a peek at one of the famed Fantasy Suites at the Palms.

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I visit Vegas every 12 to 18 months (from Australia)! We normally divide the 16 nights fairly equally between the strip and Downtown. We, like most regular visitors have noticed the change in scenery since 1999, having first stayed at the old Stardust.

Now we know and understand that things and places evolve but even though improvements like the City Centre, the Linq etc etc are fabulous to see and visit, we have a fear that the original ambience that first attracted us to Las Vegas is being somewhat diluted and possibly lost to history ?

Our holiday seems like a 2 in 1 vacation where the atmosphere is totally different on the strip, compared to Fremont Street, Downtown. What would people think of the Downtown area retaining as much of the old Vegas atmosphere as possible and even with modern day improvements still maintain an old fashioned outlook?

If we just wanted gambling in “resorts”, Macau is closer to us than LV ! Things like the mob museum, the neon graveyard are fascinating reminders of yesteryear. Is there any chance that Vegas can maintain some of its uniqueness that “Bugsy” Seigel first dreamed of all those years ago?

Cheap eats and free shows would be too much to ask! I realize that! lol

Ian & Alicia from Brisbane, Australia

PS Congratulations and thanks for your ‘newsy’ letter (!) we always look forward to our copy of the Access Vegas email.

 

Ted Responds:

We love to hear from everybody, but it is especially gratifying to hear from those of you who come an incredible distance to enjoy Las Vegas. That is one long plane ride!

I’ve been concerned about the direction that The Strip is headed in. It seems like every time we turn around, another shopping component is being announced along The Strip. We reported on the retail that Treasure Island is working on and while not officially announced, it appears that The Tropicana is going to add a bunch of Strip-front retail.

Look… people are only bringing so much money to town, and only willing to torch their credit cards so much. While the Forum Shops are a true shopping experience, all of the new venues are going to be challenged to stand out and draw customers in an increasingly crowded market.

We’re holding out hope that the pending construction of the Asian-themed Resort World (on the old Stardust property) will help reinforce the notion that Las Vegas visitors really enjoy themed resorts. City Center has no theme, the Luxor has been seriously de-themed, the Quad (Imperial Palace) feels like the South Point… I could go on. Visitors are not happy about it, but that word doesn’t seem to be making it to the ears of the decision-makers.

Fremont Street knows what is has. Don’t expect any radical changes. The El Cortez even went after a designation as a historical landmark, which will keep them from ever doing anything too crazy. Right now, Fremont Street’s bigger challenge is to keep in check some of the undesirables who have been drawn to downtown and want to cause trouble. But, we’ll address that in a future issue. In the meantime, downtown has gotten so busy that we actually suggest getting down there on a weeknight and avoiding the Friday and Saturday evenings down there!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

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AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to
AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

---

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials Las Vegas Hotels Las Vegas Shows Headliners and Concerts Las Vegas Deals Access Vegas on Twitter Access Vegas on Facebook Las Vegas Photos

Featured Shows Jersey Boys Rock Of Ages Absinthe

Check out Access Vegas on Google+

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So Much To Do In November

Commonwealth Giving Thanks With November’s Cocktail Of The Month – Commonwealth will show its gratitude to guests with November’s featured cocktail, “Gone ‘til November.” The delicious drink will be offered all month, priced at $10.

The seasonal concoction mixes Stoli Peach Vodka, St. Elizabeth All Spice Dram, egg whites, lemon juice and honey syrup. Partygoers will stay warm while sipping on the sweet selection on the Downtown venue’s 2,000-square-foot rooftop bar.

• Full story/details/info: Commonwealth November’s Cocktail Of The Month

Rockhouse Parties For A Cure During Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon – Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, will team up with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Friday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Nov. 17, to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), the leading organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, the ultra-dive bar will donate 15 percent of its total sales to the CCFA. Athletes and supporters can celebrate a successful race and donate to a great cause with drinks such as the American Woman, a fusion of Whipped Vodka, Chambord, Grand Marnier and La Marca Champagne; or the Burning Ring of Fire, a mixture Johnny Walker Black, Red Bull and lime.

• Full story/details/info: Rockhouse Parties For A Cure During Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon

Commonwealth Celebrates One Year In Downtown Las Vegas With Celebration – Downtown cocktail bar, Commonwealth, will celebrate one year of innovative cocktails, music and art on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Starting at 9 p.m., the anniversary celebration will feature an extensive list of DJs, live acts and cocktail specials lasting late into the night.

• Full story/details/info: Commonwealth Celebrates One Year

• PBR Rock Bar Celebrates Veteran’s Day With Discounted Dining Special For All Military Members
• Miracle Mile Shops’ Fountain Inside Planet Hollywood Glows Blue For JDRF Throughout November
• 2013 Epicurean Epicenter Series Concludes With Kistler Vineyards And Cuisine By Michael Mina Bellagio
• Say “I Do” On 11-12-13 Inside The Chandelier, Wedding Suite, Or Pop-Up Wedding Chapel At The Cosmopolitan
• Park On Fremont Honors America’s Heroes On Veteran’s Day

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Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

• Cirque du Soleil and MGM Grand Hotel cited for safety violations in death of aerialist

  Book KA by Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas Tickets Now

• With Frank Gatson Jr. onboard, ‘Jubilee!’ gets a long-awaited makeover

  Book Jubilee Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Spoof’s rapid-fire gags decimate best-seller ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’

  Book Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody Las Vegas Tickets Now

• The ONE and only Michael Jackson

  Book Michael Jackson ONE Las Vegas Tickets Now

• VERONIC “Voices” at Bally’s Las Vegas
• Company called Wet has highly liquid relationship with Las Vegas

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LAST Vegas – The Movie

• The movie ‘Last Vegas’ has more charm than commercials suggest (with video)
• Stratosphere proves trickiest place for director in shooting ‘Last Vegas’ (with video)
• Meet two key stars in ‘Last Vegas’: Aria and Binion’s

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Thanksgiving Las Vegas 2013

Hash House A Go Go Las Vegas Announces Thanksgiving 2013 Specials – Hash House A Go Go celebrates Thanksgiving Day with a special holiday menu, offering a twisted take on traditional favorites. The restaurants will feature specials ranging in price from $5.95 to $21.95 in addition to their mouthwatering regular menu items.

Thanksgiving specials include: Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf

• Full story/details/info: Hash House A Go Go Announces Thanksgiving Specials

• RÝ Rß Food and Drink Specials Plus Thanksgiving
• Central Michel Richard Inside Caesars Palace Serves Traditional Thanksgiving Holiday Feast

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Las Vegas Shopping And Attractions

• Death Valley offers pleasant hiking and good sights
• Take a trip to the Strip to get healthy
• Zion’s crowds diminish in winter, but not its beauty
• Proposed shopping center next to Mob Museum moves forward

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Las Vegas Hotels And Housing

Robert De Niro Announces Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace Villa – Robert De Niro, actor and partner in Nobu Hospitality, recently visited the rooftop of his Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace where construction for the opulent Nobu Villa is well underway. The 10,300-square-foot villa is expected to open early 2014 offering an expansive 4,700 square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the center of the Las Vegas Strip.

De Niro takes in the breathtaking views from the terrace of the soon-to-open Nobu Nobu Hotel Villa at Caesars Palace, 150 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. When it opens early 2014, the Nobu Villa will showcase the best views on the Las Vegas Strip. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

• Full story/details/info: Robert De Niro Announces Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace Villa

• Housing has to be cheaper for Downtown to be fully realized
• Veer Towers in City Center on The Las Vegas Strip
• ‘We’re getting back to our roots,’ Wynn says at opening of Downtown Grand
• US home prices rise at fastest pace since 2006

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More Las Vegas News

• Hash House A Go Go Celebrates Eight Years in Vegas!
• FAA eases rules on electronic devices on planes
• Morton Group Opens New Restaurant, Crush, At MGM Grand

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The Navigator Airplane + Heli Tour – Get an authentic taste of the Southwest during scenic Grand Canyon air tours with VegasDaze. Learn about the Hualapai Native Americans – a historic tribe dating back to as early as 600 A.D. During your Grand Canyon aerial experience you’ll understand why the name “Hualapai” means, “people of the tall pine.” This special Grand Canyon West Rim tour is experienced by both plane and helicopter.

Click To Book Your Navigator
Airplane + Heli Tour Now!

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Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

• Football Season Las Vegas 2013
• Veteran’s Day Las Vegas 2013 (Monday, November 11)
• Thanksgiving Las Vegas 2013 (Thursday, November 28)
• National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas 2013 (December 5-14)

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Latest Las Vegas Concerts Added This Week!

There is no better place to see your favorite acts then in Las Vegas! You’re relaxed, can enjoy a fine meal, have some cocktails without the worry of driving, and no alarm is going to jar you awake all too early the next morning.

• Las Vegas Academy Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic and Symphonic Chorus: Music of Fire and Passion – November 13 Click for Tickets
• Michael Grimm – November 15 Click for Tickets
• James Torme – November 15-16 Click for Tickets
• Michael Feinstein: The Gershwins and Me – November 16 Click for Tickets
• Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra – November 17 Click for Tickets
• The Blues Featuring Keb Mo and Shemekia Copeland – November 18 Click for Tickets
• Lon Bronson Band – November 19 Click for Tickets
• The Brubeck Brothers Quartet – November 22-23 Click for Tickets
• Las Vegas Philharmonic: Masterworks Series II “Love of Country” – November 23 Click for Tickets
• JJ Lin – November 28 Click for Tickets
• Sister’s Christmas Catechism – November 29-December 1 Click for Tickets
• An Evening of Pop and Doo Wop – November 30 Click for Tickets
• My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish And I’m Home For The Holidays – December 5-8 Click for Tickets
• Clay Walker – December 6-7 Click for Tickets
• American Country Awards – December 12 Click for Tickets
• Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington – December 15 Click for Tickets
• Falling in Reverse – January 18, 2014 Click for Tickets
• New Politics – February 12, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Sawyer Brown – February 15, 2014 Click for Tickets
• The Eagles – February 15-16, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Shen Yun Performing Arts – February 21-23, 2014 Click for Tickets
• Amos Lee – February 25, 2014 Click for Tickets

Top Tickets For All United States Events

Did you know that we not only sell premium concert and event tickets for Las Vegas, but also for the entire United States as well? If you can’t make it to Vegas, treat yourself to some great seats for something near you:

Most Popular Sports Tickets	Most Popular Concert Tickets
NFL Tickets	Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets	Cher Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets	Drake Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets	Eagles Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets	Elton John Tickets
NHL Tickets	George Strait
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets	Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets	Jay Z Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets	Kings of Leon Tickets
– Detroit Red Wings Tickets	Justin Timberlake Tickets
NBA Tickets	Kanye West Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets	Michael Buble Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets	Pearl Jam Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets	Pink Tickets
College Football Tickets	Billy Joel Tickets

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Newkirk’s Notes: The Boss Speaks…

Newkirk’s Notes are comments and insight from AccessVegas.Com publisher and 20+ year Las Vegas resident Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – MGM Resorts has given us more details on their massive new arena, which will give us 3 full-sized sports/concert arenas all within comfortable walking distance (Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Gardens being the other two), and 5 pretty good sized arenas within short radius (Thomas and Mack plus Orleans).

As we noted last spring, at one time we had three NCAA men’s basketball tournaments taking place here in town, all nationally televised, and all within a 3 mile stretch of Tropicana Avenue. With this move, MGM Resorts — who will now own this new arena plus the MGM Grand Gardens – are helping assure that no major event will be beyond our reach by eliminating any booking conflicts.

Daylight Savings Time Done – Just a reminder for those visiting, as fall moves along and winter is just around the corner: It gets dark here early. We’re on the very eastern edge of Pacific time, so we lose the sun first.

If you’ve considered taking my advice to watch our brilliant desert sunsets from the top of the Stratosphere Tower or Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, plan to be up there about 4 PM. While the Eiffel Tower is more convenient for many with the center-Strip location, The Stratosphere is obviously more comfortable. Get up and enjoy a drink at their Air Bar while you wait for the sun to do its vanishing act.

The Best Taxi Route McCarran To Downtown – I want to thank Stan Lee over on our Vegas Facebook page (VegasFacebook.com) for bringing up something very important to remember for those of you staying downtown. Most of you think of Las Vegas as a tourist city, but we do have 2 million people here and indeed get rush hour. From around 3:30 PM to 6 PM, the I-15 is seriously backed up and slow from Tropicana pretty much all the way downtown.

If you fly in and take a taxi during this time, the cab fare can easily be $40. And truth be told, the freeway is NOT the best/cheapest way from the airport to downtown no matter how you slice it. Some savvy visitors will go “Oh, you are right… Paradise is best”. Close but no cigar. Paradise Road can get really busy as well, and you do NOT want to be on Paradise Road anytime a big convention is in town. The locals secret? Swenson! Click to see the map.

Swenson Street is actually the very street you use to exit the airport (if you don’t use the tunnel) and is pretty much a direct shot to The Sahara through apartment-filled neighborhoods, around the back of the Las Vegas Country Club, and few stoplights. You avoid The Strip and the convention center completely! Short of bringing our map with you, here’s the easy instructions to tell your cabbie: Take Swenson north all the way to Sahara. From there, take The (Las Vegas) Blvd to (name of downtown hotel). You’re welcome!

New Arena Details Finally Announced – MGM Resorts has issued renderings about what their lavish new arena — located behind New York-New York and Monte Carlo will look like. Of interest is that it is NOT being built in an attempt to attract a major-league sports franchise, which is fine by me. I’ve been on record over the years as noting that other cities may need big-league sports to brand them as a “big league city”. We don’t.

In addition, half the crowd would be rooting for the opponent on any given night. Not very conducive to building local team spirit. While it will never fly, I do really like the thought which has been floating around for quite some time, and that is to build an NFL-caliber stadium and simply host every Monday Night Football game here. That would be awesome, and turn Monday Night Football back into the major event that it was years ago (before we got saturated with either college or pro football 4-5 days per week). Plus, give many of you yet another excuse to plan a Vegas trip!

For those interested in more about the new arena: AEG, MGM Resorts International offer first look at arena on Las Vegas Strip

Heeeerrrreeee’s Johnny! – Recent focus on the Johnny Carson biography simply titled “Johnny Carson” brought to light the home Carson owned here while he headlined The Sahara long ago. Located at 3333 Seminole Circle, the home is in the now-gentrifying Paradise Palms area of Las Vegas: http://goo.gl/maps/2y9Mb

According to records, the 3500 sq. ft. home was last sold in 1996 for $300,000. It is hard to tell if it is currently occupied. For someone looking to grab a historic piece of Las Vegas (both due to the Carson connection and in a historic near-Strip neighborhood), it probably wouldn’t hurt to make them an offer and bring the place back to its former glory.

Outside of the recent purchase of Liberace’s home (by someone who is also planning the same), not many shots at truly historic Las Vegas homes exist in a city where so much has been junked or rebuilt.

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• The 1997 Opening Of New York-New York Hotel & Casino In Las Vegas – From January of 1997, here is a Channel 13 news story from Las Vegas TV about the opening of the famed New York-New York hotel & casino!
• Aria Las Vegas: The Food at Sirio Maccioni Restaurant – At Sirio’s inside Aria, traditional and contemporary Italian dishes inspired by the Tuscan standards of Maccioni’s youth are served in a beautiful and engaging environment. The menu offers a myriad of pastas and appetizers to simple and robust entrees. With its Fellini-esque dÚcor, an emphasis on hospitality and one of the most impressive selections of Italian vintages in Las Vegas, Sirio Ristorante brings old-time Italy to you.
• The Wedding Salons at Wynn Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – The Wedding Salon at Wynn Las Vegas is the ultimate celebration destination. With everything in one exquisite setting, once you arrive you can just leave the rest to us. From a dedicated wedding consultant, DJ and lighting technician for your ceremony to custom floral arrangements and private use of the Lake of Dreams Terrace. Tour the Salons now to see how we can make your celebration perfect.

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Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We go to Las Vegas twice a year and are finding it harder to win or get a lot of play. We don’t mind losing if we get a lot of play. September, when we were there, we never went to the strip for the first time ever. You just don’t get any play. We spent more time at South Point, downtown, and the M Resort. We rented a car, and stayed a week in a time share. It’s not just Vegas, it’s also local casinos in Illinois and other nearby states. We seniors just might have to find another outlet.

Ron Blake

 

Ted Repsonds:

While the slot machines don’t differentiate regarding age, always make sure to stop by the players card booth, and ask if there are any seniors promotion going on while you are at their casino. Also keep in mind that many Las Vegas properties consider you a “senior” at 50 for gaming and discount purposes.

Obviously in the Las Vegas area, you are maximizing your chances to win by playing at the “locals” casinos like you are doing. The Strip is a great place to see a show, and a lousy place to gamble! In fact, when you see a show or enjoy a tour, you know what you are getting for your hard earned money, and often it is a memory that will last a long time. That same amount in a slot machine can go up in smoke in no time flat.

Game selection is very important. The penny machines have a high “hold” (which is the amount of money — on average — the machine holds and never gives back). And look… unless you are literally playing 2 cents at a time, you have to play a fair amount per hand to light up enough lines to hit anything. To some extent, many feel that the same is true for any of the newer, more fancy machines with lots of video screens, rumbling seats, and the rest. You are not so much gambling as paying for the entertainment.

To the extent you can find them, think about playing the older-school, basic slots that do NOT have a progressive. They don’t tend to hold as much back on a given session. Better yet, do some homework on learning the basics of video poker. As long as you halfway know what you are doing, the hold on video poker over time is pretty small!

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