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THIS ISSUE: Harley-Davidson Cafe
EDITOR’S NOTES: We’ll be somewhat back to “normal” this week, although the letters section will feature notes I received regarding the tragedy. I want to encourage you to take advantage of the lower hotel rates and the opportunity to go about your business and show that we won’t be put in fear of our way of life.
Hotel rates are down. The lines at vacation destinations are shorter, the traffic isn’t bad. In fact, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is: We are going to give $1 to the Red Cross for every room night you readers book now through Sept. 26, 2001. No catch, you still get to take advantage of our rebate spectacular, and the guaranteed low rates! Full details at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
It doesn’t even have to be Las Vegas. It can be any one of the 150+ cities we book. Worried about getting a flight (or don’t want to fly)? Drive to Atlantic City, Biloxi, Charleston, Florida (Space Coast, West Palm, Lauderdale, Miami, The Keys, Ft. Myers, or Panama City Beach), Gatlinburg, Hilton Head, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Williamsburg, or Yellowstone (just to mention a few).
Why are we doing this? We feel terrible for the thousands of lives lost in the World Trade Center tragedy. We also feel for the tens of thousands in the hospitality and travel industry who have been laid off. These are hard working people just like you and I, many with families to feed. If you need to get away for the weekend, week, or were thinking about booking a trip for later this year, this is the time to get great rates and show you support at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:
Room prices slashed in LV
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-19-Wed-2001/news/17031349.html
MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL: Airport at 93 percent
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-19-Wed-2001/news/17031558.html
Acosta’s `Lasting Impressions’ no more at Flamingo
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-19-Wed-2001/news/17019960.html
Park Place Entertainment postpones Caesars Palace hotel tower project
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-18-Tue-2001/business/17021616.html
LV casinos look at layoffs
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2001/sep/17/512362301.html
Mandalay says it anticipates some layoffs
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-18-Tue-2001/business/17023201.html
Wynn’s Plans for Desert Inn Revealed
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-000069591aug28.story
Trinidad, Hopkins to fight Sept. 29
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-18-Tue-2001/sports/17022356.html
City has ‘fabulous’ license plate
http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-18-Tue-2001/news/17019647.html
Las Vegas dealers scrutinized for effects of second-hand smoke
http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/09/09132001/s_44914.asp
LOCAL NEWS – updated daily at http://www.accessvegas.com
$100 REBATE SPECTACULAR! Our partners at Hotel Reservations Network are giving you up to $100 back on any stay in Las Vegas or any major city they reserve. (Full details and list of all eligible cities at http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm ). Claiming your cash is simple:
1. Print out: http://www.accessvegas.com/100-rebate.htm
2. Book a room online at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
3. Send in for your rebate when you get home.
It doesn’t get any easier than that, and you get their low price guarantee
to boot!
CONCERTS AND SHOWS:
ALEXANDER CALDER: THE ART OF INVENTION – includes pieces rarely seen publicly and will be on display at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Oct. 6, 2001 to Feb. 3, 2002. Organized in collaboration with The Calder Foundation, this exhibit consists of work from 1926 to 1976 including mobiles, stabiles, toys, jewelry and household objects. It will be open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are recommended at (888) 488-7111. Admission is $12 and an audio tour is included with admission price.
SHOW REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:
* David Darkstone – http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/leisure/2001/aug/17/512229893.html
* I Love LaFong (Bourbon Street) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-07-Fri-2001/weekly/16927462.html
* Society of Seven (Hilton) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Sep-07-Fri-2001/weekly/16925224.html
SHOWS, GOLF, DINING, WEATHER:
* SHOW TICKETS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Search by date at http://www.accessvegas.com/show-tickets.htm
* SHOW REVIEWS – Read our unbiased, archived show reviews at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com
* GOLF RESERVATIONS – Grab that tee time GUARANTEED before you get to town! Search by date, see prices at http://www.accessvegas.com/golf-reservations.htm
* DINING RESERVATIONS – For a small service fee, you can now guarantee reservations for that “special night out” during your visit at http://www.accessvegas.com/dinner-reservations.htm
* LAS VEGAS WEATHER – http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Las_Vegas.html
EVENT LISTINGS:
NOTE: Do to staffing problems, we are a little behind in updating the Headliners and Concerts sections listed below. We hope to have everything up-to-date by the end of the month. Thank you for your patience. For Shows, you can enter your dates of travel and get accurate, updated show dates and prices right now at http://www.accessvegas.com/show-tickets.htm
* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
RESTAURANT REVIEWS – Recent reviews appearing in the media:
* 3950 (Mandalay Bay) – http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Aug-29-Wed-2001/living/16833638.html
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FEATURE STORY: Harley-Davidson Cafe
While coincidence, it seem fitting to be talking about a restaurant which commemorates a legendary American product and has a decidedly patriotic theme and red, white, and blue decor.
This is one of the more successful theme eateries in Las Vegas. Country Star Cafe, Dive!, Race Rock and All Star Cafe have bit the dust (although Race Rock might be temporarily closed), and word is still out on the new ESPN Zone but the huge 28 foot high, $500,000 Harley replica above the door as well as the prime lower-Strip location make them hard to miss.
Whether the restaurant lasts 100 years like the famous motorcycles have remain to be seen, but if you are a biker, weekend biker, or just have a “good ole’ boy” love of the US or things related to it, pop your head in the door for a spell.
Memorabilia includes seven Harley-Davidson Motorcycles displayed hanging from a conveyor belt winding its way through every area of the Cafe. On one wall is a 40′ x 40 American Flag, made from 44,000 chain links and weighing over 7 tons. A theme restaurant must have that celebrity connection, and the Cafe has famous bikes on display which include “Captain America” from the movie Easy Rider as well as Harley motorcycles and memorabilia from celebrities such as Elvis, Ann-Margret, and Billy Joel.
This is a themed restaurant which means the emphasis is more on memoribilia and surroundings (read: the food isn’t bargain-priced but has really cutsy names). However, the quality was good and they don’t skimp on the portions. My only complaint was that everything seemed a little on the salty side, but not terribly so.
They have a very complete menu, and house specialties include:
The Harley Hog Sandwich: Carolina pulled pork sandwich with French fries and Coleslaw $10.25
Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken and vegetables topped with a pastry crust $13.50
Homestyle Meatloaf: With broccoli, mashed potatoes and brown gravy $11.25
Kellogg’s CornFlake Coated Chicken Fingers: Chicken tenders served with your choice of Original, Honey-BBQ or Buffalo Style sauce $7.50
BBQ Baby Back Ribs: House-smoked ribs with baked beans and cole slaw $19.95
Vegetarian Wrap Sandwich: Grilled and roasted carrots, zucchini and yellow squash, with a basil pesto, wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Served with seasonal fruit $8.75
Georgia House Salad: Assorted lettuces with bacon, chunks of blue cheese and candied pecans with a vinaigrette dressing $8.95
Warm Chocolate Chip Toll House Cookie Pie: With vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate syrup $5.95
Tank full of Sundae: served with three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, a whole banana, lotsa fixins’ and your choice of hot chocolate or butterscotch $7.95
The Harley-Davidson Cafe is located between The Aladdin and MGM, across from Holiday Inn Boardwalk on the lower Strip. They open at 11:00 AM daily, closing at 11:00 PM on weeknights and midnight on Sunday. Their number is (702) 740-4555 and they accept all major credit cards.
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EDITORS NOTE: I was swamped with letters this past week. Although not able to respond to every letter I always read them all and appreciate them. I’m going to post a representative sample here. They all have to do with my last newsletter and the events of last week. Next week, we’ll get back to the “We liked this, but had a problem with that” letters that I trust many find helpful in planning their Vegas vacation.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Melissa Crumly of Springfield, IL wrote:
>Dear Ted,
>
>My mother, brother, and I have been planning a trip to Vegas for
>months. Even though the recent terrorist attacks have left so many of
>us reeling, I agree with you wholeheartedly that we should not let
>such attacks make us live in fear. If we do that, the terrorists have
>won and accomplished what they set out to do.
>
>Our trip is about 3 weeks away — so some of the sorrow will have worn
>off — and we plan to have as much fun as possible. After all, none
>of us knows how much time we have . . . so, we should spend it
>enjoying ourselves, our families, and our friends and not waste it by
>worrying where and when the next tragedy is going to happen.
>
>We are strong people, and we deserve enjoying the wonderful places and
>people our country has to offer.
I hope most US citizens share your view and show their support for our economy by getting out and traveling again. Even if scared to fly, there are plenty of great destinations a days drive from just about anywhere. We are looking forward to making donations to the Red Cross this week for everyone who takes advantage of our offer at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
Sandy Abramovich wrote:
>Thanks so much for posting the pictures of the strip on the night of
>remembrance — this whole tragic experience is so soul rending. We’re
>90 miles away from WTC, everyone around here has a story of someone
>they know/are related to that worked there. It’s very unifying to
>know that a city almost 3,000 miles away is mourning as we are.
>Thanks again!
Last Friday night, a number of hotels turned off all nonessential exterior lighting in remembrance of the victims. Sandy is referring to the photos at http://www.accessvegas.com/never-again.htm which I took that evening from the hills above Las Vegas.
Phyllis DeJong wrote:
>I don’t think anyone could have said this better. I think the music
>is so soothing and it does allow us to let our minds relax for a short
>time. I miss Las Vegas and was about to buy tickets and am holding
>off until I see how things go. It will be hard to fly again. Yes, we
>had someone in the Pentagon, but they managed to get out. Enjoy your
>newsletter so much.
Phyllis is referring to the Mirage Waterfalls video I posted last week at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/sights/index.htm The short clip was produced a few weeks ago, but seemed appropriate for the mood.
Wendy & Peter Emond wrote:
>Comments: Hi I am from Ontario Canada (Callander) and my husband and I
>truck drive all across the US I feel so sick for a couple of days
>now on what happened in New York. My husband and I have a lot of
>people in the US that we know relatives and fellow drivers. My heart
>totally goes out to all the Americans and Canadians that have been
>effected by this terrible tragedy. God Bless. Your friends from Canada.
Angela Madden wrote:
>Thanks for the email. I love getting these regularly, as they always
>remind me of the superb holidays I’ve had in your wonderful city.
>
>We have all been shocked by the horror of Tuesday’s attack,
>particularly here in Northern Ireland. We know the full horror of
>terrorism, and the unspeakable grief it causes. We also know that the
>sprit of America and the will of its people will carry your country
>through this terrible time.
Carol wrote:
>Thanks for the great email about what’s happening in our country. It
>was a nice welcome home letter. I went (to Las Vegas) Sept 8 to the 15th. I thought
>the show of support by draping the American flag outside the casinos
>was fantastic. Please send more info as you get it I am very
>interested in the articles. Once again thanks for the info.
Sandy F. wrote:
>I would like to extend my appreciation to the people of Las Vegas.
>While my husband and I were in Las Vegas when this Attack on America
>happened, we were frantic to get out of Las Vegas. We ran out of
>critical medicine while there but for the patience of the Walgreens
>staff we were able to get our prescriptions within 24 hours. The
>courtesy extended by the staff while waiting in line for the
>prescriptions was overwhelming. They served everyone with free water
>and snacks. We finally were able to get confirmation with our agent
>from Albany, NY with Southwest Airline. While waiting in line for 4
>hours in the sun outside and finally inside, the airline served free
>water, also the Salvation Army came by with sandwich’s for the people
>waiting. In these trying times it is a pleasure to see people come
>together to help others wherever possible.
Maureen Smithson wrote:
>Just a short line from the Brits in the Canary Isles to say that our
>hearts and prayers are with the wonderful people of America we grieve
>with you.
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Your input is welcome. Because of limited space here, we encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com
For comments or questions regarding topics in the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com While space doesn’t permit publishing every letter, we do certainly read them all and they help shape our content. Please include your name if you wish to have it published (stating your city is optional).
Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours
EDITORS NOTE: I never got a chance to really publicize our poll that has been up the past couple of weeks, so I’m going to shelve that question for later.
ONLINE POLL – “Are you putting off travel plans in light of the WTC Tragedy?” Let’s hear your opinion at http://www.accessvegas.com — results will be published in two weeks!
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Have a request for a review? Confused when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop.
If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us using the travel links listed at the top of each issue. You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!
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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com
Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!
All contents copyright 2001 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
September 19, 2001 ISSN: 1529-2770
