Tag Archives: January 2014

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 29, 2014

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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
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Sammy Hagar, Alice Cooper, And Vince Neil Join Chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Palmer, Wylie Dufresne And More To Fight MSA – A masterful list of superstars comes together for a spectacular fundraiser to support MSA (multiple system atrophy) awareness. The evening finds world-renowned chefs preparing a rock ‘n roll dine-around that reflects the spirit of Chef Kerry Simon and his passion for food, music and imagination. While the culinary team provides the bites, Kerry’s musician friends will band together onstage for the performance of a lifetime as guests rock, chow and mingle for a great cause.

Valentine’s Day Las Vegas 2014

Dine And Unwind At La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway This Valentine’s Day – La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will seduce taste buds with a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu inspired from cities around the world on Friday, February 14. Priced at $49 per person, the restaurant will offer a five-course menu with optional wine pairings for an additional $25 per person.

Specialty Menu For Two This Valentine’s Day At Tacos & Tequila – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will spice up Valentine’s Day with a specialty prix fixe menu, priced at $58 per couple, available exclusively on Friday, February 14.

Prepared by Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz, guests will fall in love with T&T’s irresistible Valentine’s Day menu.

Cupid Gets Ditched at Rockhouse On Valentine’s Day – Ladies wishing to commiserate, rather than celebrate, on Friday, February 14, are welcome to attend Rockhouse’s annual “Don’t Bring Your Boyfriend to This Bar” party. Located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, the ultra-dive bar will offer lovelorn females half-priced “Chick Drinks,” available all day.

The discounted “Chick Drinks” include selections such as Pink Cadillac, a mixture of Ketel One, Sweet Revenge, Watermelon Pucker and Sprite, with a sugar rim; and Rock Me Like a Hurricane, a combination of Bacardi O, Bacardi Rock Coconut, Amaretto, grenadine, orange juice and lime.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie To Serve Romantic Prix Fixe Menu On Valentine’s Day – Couples can celebrate their love with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Town Square Las Vegas on Friday, February 14.

Lovebirds will begin their night of passion with heart-shaped bruschetta, topped with ripened tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil or baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with apricot jam.

Commonwealth Gives A Toast To True Love And Broken Hearts With Special Valentine’s Day Cocktails – Downtown drinkers will toast to true love or unrequited love with Commonwealth’s featured Valentine’s Day cocktails on Friday, February 14.

The select lovely libations, include the “Little Hot Mess,” mixing Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and strawberry puree; the “She’s My Ride Home,” combining Ketel One Vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura Aromatic Bitters and Gosling’s ginger beer; and the “Birthday Sex,” made with Ciroc Peach Vodka and Rhum Clement Creole. Created by the cocktail bar’s Boozeologist, Dan Marohnic, the flirtatious concoctions are priced at $10.

TREVI Sets The Valentine’s Mood With Its Three-Course ‘That’s Amore’ Menu – Celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day with Chef Peter Scaturro’s special ‘That’s Amore’ three-course couples menu exclusively on Friday, February 14, at TREVI inside The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Priced at $70 per couple, the prix fixe menu will feature a light starter, the option to choose between three classic Italian entrÚes and a delectable dessert to share. Guests will enjoy the option of pairing their meal with a bottle of Dark Horse Wine, priced at $30 per bottle, or TREVI’s signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, Love Potion Number 9, priced at $9 per person. The Love Potion Number 9 will be available exclusively on Friday, Feb. 14.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill Gets Love Drunk on Valentine’s Day – PBR Rock Bar & Grill, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, invites Valentine’s Day lovers to revel in romance as they enjoy a tasty meal for two.

On Friday, February 14, the Strip-side restaurant will offer some downright delectable dishes, including the “Smokin’ Hot BBQ Chicken” while encouraging admirers to “Get Some Mac On” with its mouthwatering Dorito Crusted Mac n’ Cheese.

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2014

Dining And Drinking

N9NE Steakhouse At Palms Reveals Revamped Look And Menu Following A Stylish Remodel – The iconic N9NE Steakhouse at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas? The premier celebrity dining hot-spot, has reopened following a chic makeover. Since the remodel, N9NE has attracted numerous celebrities to experience the steakhouse’s alluring vibe and top-notch cuisine including Matthew Perry, Robin Thicke, Paula Patton, Brody Jenner, Holly Madison, Floyd Mayweather and Pharrell Williams.

Trevi At Caesars Palace Offers Linguine Pomodoro As February $10 Special – TREVI Italian Restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will offer linguine pomodoro with chicken specially priced at $10 for the entire month of February 2014. Executive Chef Peter Scaturro’s delightful dish consists of linguine pasta, fresh marinara sauce and extra virgin olive oil.

More Las Vegas News

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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.

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:

Super Bowl Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
NBA Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
-Brooklyn Nets Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
NHL Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets One Direction Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets The Eagles Tickets
– Vancouver Canucks Tickets Tool Tickets

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! – If you’re humming Baby, It’s Cold Outside then you surely aren’t in Las Vegas, where we’ve been in the 60’s F and pushing 70 pretty much all of January. In the summer, I’ve heard visitors grumble “How can anybody live here” and I’ll simply note that I have no snow shovel in my garage and I run to the grocery store in the evening in shorts. Plus (and some may find this hard to believe), myself and many I know who have lived here for some time really don’t mind the summer heat. We simply don’t like to feel a chill. I probably own more flip-flops than I do shoes!

Artist rendition of Harley Davidson Las Vegas

Rev It Up! – Harley-Davidson has announced a full-line store on The Strip, about halfway between Mandalay Bay and Town Square and just up from the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. During the boom, all kinds of big plans from condos to rollercoasters were announced for the far South Strip area. For now, most of that is still dirt lots. However, as the economy stabilizes, expect that area to start getting filled in over the next few years.

My guess is that because of the depressed land prices, Harley-Davidson and/or the investors were able to pick up the dirt for a pretty good price. No word on the eventual availability of motorcycle rentals yet, but one assumes they will be part of the plan. Friends who ride two-wheels through our surrounding scenic desert say there is nothing else like it!

Football viewing party at Silverton Hotel Las Vegas
2013 Game Watching Party At Silverton

New Jersey Bowl – The Big Super Game is just about upon us. The forecast for the game is looking better than expected (mid-40’s at kick-off) and if you what to go on a whim, re-sale tickets for this game are lower than in previous years. (All available tickets are re-sale as the event is sold out). Because we’re hooked into a nationwide ticket database, you CAN get actual tickets through the game through us at Access Vegas Big Game Tickets.

Of course, if you are coming to Las Vegas, there is no bad place to see the game. The key is to get situated early. We’d skip the sports books unless you want to set your alarm for way-too-early to get there and get some seats. Instead, we’d suggest checking out some of the popular bar/grill type restaurants the day before the game to see if they are offering any food/drink VIP package which will guarantee you get in.

BTW, I recently noted that after an NFL crack-down, the famed parties of the past had dwindled. We’re happy to see that trend changed this year and hope the NFL just lets people have fun. They got very upset a few years ago that various venues were “charging” people to watch the game. The reality is that you basically pay for a food and drink package for a “Big Game” party. We’ll have our roving reporter D.W. Grant out mid-strip with a full report and photos. If you missed it this year, you’ll have an idea what to expect for next year. Las Vegas is THE place to be for Super Bowl Sunday, and many argue that it is more fun and festive than the host city usually is!

Roving Reporter – As noted, DW Grant is going to start doing some pretty regular reporting from The Strip and Downtown. He’s going to focus on all the cool happenings and updates that may not make big news, but that visitors care about. We look forward to many great reports over the next few months.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

This Week’s Top Tours

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
See the Grand Canyon and experience the Skywalk without eating up your entire day by flying over and back
Ever want to race a dune buggy through the Nevada desert terrain? Now’s your chance!
Witness Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and fly down into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Plus champagne and BBQ at The Canyon!
Visit Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert, Black Mountains, Eagle Point, Hoover Dam photo op, more. Day tour from Vegas!

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

  • Las Vegas Hotel (Former Las Vegas Hilton) Regal Suite – See what a two-bedroom showcase consisting of 2,600 square feet of space in Las Vegas looks like. Created with an atmosphere of elegant herringbone wooden floors and furniture reminiscent of European castles. The suite features a butler’s kitchen, a luminous sunroom, a Jacuzzi tub, and panoramic vistas of the mountains, downtown Las Vegas and the historic Las Vegas Country Club golf course.

  • Wynn Las Vegas Carousel Floral Design Unveiling – See a time-lapse of the construction of this beautiful new display at Wynn Las Vegas and enjoy seeing the completed project: An entire carousel done in flowers.

  • Camera Video Of The Buffet At Circus Circus From Summer 1992 – Great Historical footage of Circus Circus from over 25 years ago. Check out the prices, and how crowded they are for breakfast!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I was just wondering when resort fees will be higher than room rates. Give them a dime and now they want dollars. No end to their greed now, not only did they tighten the slot machines up but now they jack up the resort fees. I know they can`t say they pay their employees more or cost have gone up. It`s the profit they want up.

kandmmacgrandles

Ted Responds:

I’m no defender of resort fees. Having said that, part of the issue is that Nevada gaming properties have lost money (overall) for five straight years. Don’t get me wrong: much of it is their own damn fault. They got too leveraged, got too ambition during the boom. In fact, in the face of everybody else saying that Las Vegas could grow forever, I famously predicted right here that there would not be enough visitors (and especially higher-end visitors) to fill all those new rooms and you (the visitor) would be able to get some amazing rates in new (or nearly new) properties. Which is exactly what happened.

I do believe properties are being penny-wise and pound-foolish in the struggle to manage their debt. Many of these guys have absolutely no background in running gambling joints and need to understand that they will get their money from you, but it isn’t a crime to let you actually get some good, long play off of it!

I’d also like to see more food and drink specials return. There used to be a day when the hotel coffee shop perhaps barely broke even, but the food was such a value that you’d almost feel guilty if you didn’t lose a $20 bill on the way out. I remember countless late-night breakfast specials in the 90’s and even early 2000’s where the breakfast cost me $22.99 ($2.99 plus my losses)!

There does almost seem to be an unspoken agreement among most Strip operators to not get into a “loose slots” war. Really guys? Does it matter if someone takes 3 hours instead of 2 hours to lose $80 and they have a little more fun along the way (riding the ups and downs of winning streaks)?

I understand that the comped booze is a concern. If someone plays longer, they are going to take more away from you in liquor consumption. Which of course is going to mean they are drunk and a LOT more likely to chase their losses! Hello!!! Back when gamblers were running the casinos, they knew that because they’d experienced it. (I think most of us have experienced opening our wallet one more time under the influence of the comped drinks, when better judgment suggested we don’t).

Finally, The Casino Royale right across from The Mirage has held out against resort fees (at least thus far). So, one way to make your voice heard is to book there. For those wondering, it is a Best Western chain hotel and the rooms are in really good shape according to recent reports. Plus, you get a refrigerator at no charge, which allows you to walk around the corner to Walgreens and stock up on this and that. And, it appears they have in-room coffee makers (many Las Vegas properties don’t). Downside of the mid-strip location is a very tiny pool and the general mid-strip noise.

Doesn’t hurt to go to our Best Western Casino Royale page and punch in your dates on the left-hand side. Add up the location, resort fee, and similar with where you usually stay and see if Casino Royale is a good fit for you!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 22, 2014

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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
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Jubilee Tower At Bally’s Las Vegas Officially Opens, Kicking Off The 2014 Revitalization Efforts For The Center-Strip Resort – It is shaping up to be a great year for Bally’s Las Vegas with an abundance of revitalization efforts currently underway. The center-strip resort officially celebrated the opening of its renovated 756-room Jubilee Tower, with Regional President David Hoenemeyer and Jubilee! showgirls taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the event, the Jubilee! showgirls made themselves at home in the one of the new Jubilee Tower Celebrity Suites.

“It’s a new year and a great time to kick off this series of significant milestones,” said Hoenemeyer. “Bally’s is a key piece of real estate on the Las Vegas Strip and we are very excited for what’s in store this year.”

The Jubilee Tower rooms and suites, situated right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, encompass 450 square feet and offer unrivaled views of iconic Vegas landmarks, including the Paris Eiffel Tower and Bellagio fountains. Modern designs meet stylish and contemporary furniture and fixtures, at a fraction of the price of comparable Strip accommodations. Rates start at just $79 per night. Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Las Vegas Hotels

Attractions And Events

Cabo Wabo Cantina Hosts Knockout UFC Viewing Parties From January Through March – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will host action-packed UFC viewing parties from January through March.

The rockin’ restaurant will serve drink specials including $21 buckets of Budweiser and Bud Light. Killer margaritas made with Cabo Wabo Tequila and specialty cocktails made with Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum will also be available. Patrons may catch all the action on multiple high-definition televisions downstairs.

Dining And Drinking

Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar Blends Party Atmosphere And Innovative Mexican Fare At The Linq – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar opened on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as one of the first venues at the much-anticipated Caesars Entertainment development, The LINQ. The high-energy retail, dining and entertainment district introduces a new concept in Mexican dining, combining a DJ, mechanical bull, a vast tequila and cocktail selection and a blend of authentic and innovative Mexican fare by Executive Chef Ernesto Zendejas. Photo: Brian Mannasmith

More Las Vegas News

Neon Dream Vegas helicopter tour, soar out to and over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Fremont Experience and entire Strip!
Experience Grand Canyon via Plane, ‘Copter, Hike (optional), BBQ, true Southwest experience!
Drive your dream car (Ferrari, Lambo, more) around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track starting only $199!
VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour via chopper trip to/from Skywalk, stunning views, expedited/exclusive arrangements.
Grand Canyon, Route 66, Mojave Desert, more, direct from Vegas. Full day tour only $229 includes snacks/lunch/fees!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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.

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:

Super Bowl Tickets Allman Brothers Tickets
NHL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Cher Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Detroit Red Wings Tickets Elton John Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Fall Out Boy Tickets
– Vancouver Canucks Tickets George Strait Tickets
NBA Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Lorde Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets One Direction Tickets
AMA Supercross Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Through an error, Newkirk’s Notes was not included in the newsletter last week until about 24 hours after we sent. You can go catch up at Access Vegas Insider Vibe Jan. 13, 2014. It was brief, but I reminded everybody that you only have until the end of this month to write us about your Vegas plans for 2014 and be entered into a random drawing to win some cool Vegas stuff!

Mall at Treasure Island Las Vegas

Announcing The Sedona, Arizona International Airport – Or maybe not. What you see above is the rendering of what the corner of Treasure Island is going to look like once they turn it into dining and shopping. (It looks like part of an airport to me, hence the section title). Gone will be the tropical palm trees and pirate motif which has adorned that corner for the past two decades.

Let’s Linq Up – As promised, here are a number of photos of the 1/2 (if that) opened Linq project. We’ll reserve judgment until it is fully up an running. I still believe that a big challenge will be to get people off The Strip and down what looks like a side-street. The High Roller wheel (which should be taking passengers in a few weeks from what we understand) is supposed to be the big draw, but it is actually tough to see from right there on The Strip until you look straight down The Linq mall.

Linq Las Vegas sign

Linq Las Veas walkway

Linq Las Vegas stores

Chayo second floor at Linq

View of Linq from second floor of Chayo

Chayo interior

Linq Las Vegas big vertical sign

Will this be the next big thing, or just another mall like the ones in your town (granted, without a 550 foot tall wheel), and will it draw? Time will tell. Give us your thoughts after your next visit.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Wynn Resort Tour 2014 – The man who reinvented modern-day luxury Las Vegas, Steve Wynn, takes you on an up-to-date tour of his stunning property.

  • Forever Grand Wedding Chapel At MGM Grand – Ever wondered what a wedding inside a Las Vegas resort can be like? Take a peek!

  • Piers Morgan Las Vegas Special – This bust-era (2010) look at Las Vegas, shot while Piers was still a British television presenter. He interviews the movers and shakers and provides an insightful look at the city and what makes it tick.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Visited in November and had brunch at the Sterling Brunch Buffet on Sunday and heard from some people there that the steakhouse was closing and being replaced by a burger place.

Are you kidding me? Vegas doesn’t need another burger place. There are so many new ones that have already just come in on the strip in the casinos.

The steakhouse is one of the few “retro” Vegas restaurants left to eat it at. I know the Sunday brunch is extremely popular and I asked if that would be going away too and they couldn’t answer that question. Do you know anything about this? What have you heard.

Thanks,

Rose from Colorado

 

Ted Responds:

All is not lost. The steakhouse has been replaced by BLT Steakhouse, which is a sister restaurant to BLT Burger at The Mirage. Hence, the confusion when you were there. The remodeled restaurant space is about twice the size. We’ve also heard rumors about the Sterling Buffet, but for now it appears to be marching on.

By replacing in-house (owned and managed) restaurants in this manner, the casino gains a good restaurant ownership/management team while shedding the risk and marketing pressures.

Having said that, I think one has to be very careful when replacing the “tried and true” classics that have such a loyal following.

My advice? The Circus Circus Steakhouse is by far the top-of-the-heap when it comes to old-school, casino-run steakhouses. It continues to be incredible and we’ve never, ever had a negative comment about it. The only downside is that you have to get up to the north Strip and deal with Circus Circus. But, you won’t be disappointed.

Since you say that you read every email…

We used to be visitors from the Pacific NW until October 23, 2012, then we became Permanent Residents of Las Vegas. I personally still love this newsletter and read it every time a new issue comes out.

This is truly a great community of people no matter how you look at it. Yes, sometimes it can seem to be expensive, but shop around there are good deals to be found everywhere here. At times, there are too good to be true offers and makes you think.. did I read that right?

As far as having unpleasant workers in hotels/casinos. Every one can have a bad day, but there are many more good days than bad around here. I find that most of my encounters are pleasant. For the most part, people who live here, love it and are happy.

Thank you for taking the time to defend this great city as you do.

Alan & Lisa

 

Ted Responds:

Yes, we read them all and reply back as able. What we usually don’t have time to do is help people with specific research or detailed itineraries. Although, that will be offered when we (finally) roll out a paid membership option around the end of the year.

I realize that times are tough for some visitors, but I still can’t figure out a similar vacation place they can enjoy for the same amount of money. Plus, you don’t always have to be spending, spending, spending.

If lady luck is not in your favor, you can take your drink and people watch on The Strip, catch the fountains or volcano, journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower (for about the price of a few minutes of losing), window shop while gondolas filled with love-birds row by… I could go on, but you get the idea.

There is still no place on earth like our fair city.

Thanks for reading and telling your friends!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 15, 2014

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Super Bowl…oops, we mean…”The Big Game”

Rhumbar At The Mirage Hosts Big Game Tailgate Party – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will turn its stylish cocktail patio into a pigskin paradise in honor of the Big Game on Sunday, Feb. 2.

RHUMBAR will host the Big Game Tailgate Party for guests to enjoy the biggest matchup of the season with all-inclusive food and drink packages priced at $150 per person.

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Rocktellz & Cocktails Presents The Jacksons At Planet Hollywood – RockTellz & CockTails is proud to welcome legendary musical group and Rock æn Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Jacksons to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip as the critically-acclaimed seriesÆ next legacy artist. The Jacksons, including Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, will perform 40 shows, beginning Feb. 20, inside the famed propertyÆs PH Showroom. Tickets for RockTellz & CockTails Presents The Jacksons will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. PST.

Arts, Attractions, And Activities

Las Vegas Dining

Park On Fremont Downtown Las Vegas Introduces Mouthwatering New Menu Items And Cocktails – Hungry Downtown dwellers can enjoy new cocktail and dining options from Park on Fremont’s tasty new menu, available now. Guests can start their dining experience with items from the “Pickings” section, including the Garbage Fries, homemade fries topped with melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, bacon, jalapenos, green onions, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, avocados and sour cream; and the Mac & Cheese Balls, deliciously fried in Panko breadcrumbs. Patrons can warm-up with the hot spot’s new soup selections, featuring Boston Clam Chowder and House Made Chili, both served in a bread bowl.

Drinking, Dancing, And Celebrating

The Pub At Monte Carlo Kicks Off 2014 With All-New Gus’ Beer & Bites Line-Up – The Pub at Monte Carlo will bring guests delicious pub-style cuisine and exclusive craft beer pairings with the 2014 Gus’ Beer & Bites beer pairing dinner series. In each interactive monthly event, The Pub at Monte Carlo Executive Chef Damis Irizarry will create a five-course menu that captures the distinct flavor profiles of the evening’s featured beers.

Take A Piece Of Vegas Home With Trevi’s Souvenir Cups Inside The Forum Shops At Caesars Palace – Trevi Italian Restaurant is now offering cocktails on-the-go in Las Vegas sign souvenir cups at the walk-up gelato bar inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. Guests may choose from different varieties including strawberry daiquiri; pi±a colada; and Trevi’s signature Bellini, a refreshing blend of peach nectar, sparkling wine, light rum and peach puree.

Downtown Las Vegas

More Las Vegas News

Hoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground TourHoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground Tour û On this ground tour you will experience the Hoover Dam with the best views from the Arizona and Nevada sides of the famous Colorado River. Then enjoy a guided tour inside this National Historic Landmark that includes live presentations, an amazing film about the history and construction of Hoover Dam, the exhibit gallery, observation deck, and a trip down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You will have many photo opportunities during this tour and don’t miss out on taking pictures of the newly constructed The Mike OÆCallaghan / Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, (The Bypass Bridge) from the Hoover Dam side.

Click To Book Your Hoover Dam & The Dam Bridge Ground Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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.

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
Super Bowl Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Elton John Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets The Eagles Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Coachella Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Allman Brothers Tickets

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! – I’m taking care of administrative duties this week, so no real column. If it makes you feel any better about not being in Las Vegas, I haven’t been able to take much advantage of our stunninly sunny 60+ F degree days either!

We’re very much looking forward to March and March Madness (the US college basketball tournament). It will be here before you know it, with 70 degree days, mild evenings, and plenty of excitement in the air.

Speaking of, we’re getting very close to rolling out our own “Best Of Las Vegas” contest. I sat down and thought about how our readers could have a true voice that wasn’t subject to ballot stuffing or influence by certain groups. A real, true, accurate “best” poll. I’ll have the details soon, but think in terms of The Olympics or March Madness. Voting is going to be fun, and done in a random style that virtually prohibits ballot stuffing.

In the meantime, you still have until the end of the this month (January 2014) to write and tell us about your Vegas plans and thoughts for 2014. One random person is going to win a cool, “out-of-print” Vegas-based prize from us. Details are in the Members Mania section of our January 8, 2014 issue (click the link to check it out).

Stay Tuned and Hope You Are Enjoying This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Caesars Palace Guide To Gaming With Orson Welles – This is a 30 minute video from 1978, produced by Caesars Palace to highlight their table games and restaurants:

  • Fremont Street Experience March 2-4, 2013 – Was your last trip to Las Vegas a while back and you’re in need of that “Vegas” feeling? Never done Downtown Las Vegas and want a true slice of what it is like? Enjoy this video!

  • Las Vegas Buffets For Every Budget – Before Las Vegas became the dining mecca it is today, it was the land of the buffet. But even the buffet has benefited from Sin City’s gourmet explosion, mostly abandoning the notion that quantity is better than quality. Whether you’re serious about food or just see it at sustenance, there’s a buffet of buffets waiting for you on the Strip.

  • Balloon Floral Art Installation At Wynn Las Vegas – A behind-the-scenes look at how premier event designer Preston Bailey’s vision became a reality at Wynn Las Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This section will return next week. In the meantime, join the many who have already turned the tables and given us their thoughts about visiting in 2014 (see Newkirk’s Notes for details and link).

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 8, 2014

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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
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Film And Television Star Pauly Shore Enjoys Rock Of Ages – Film and Television star, Pauly Shore, attended Rock of Ages December 13, 2013 at The Venetian. Following the performance, Shore headed backstage for a photo with the cast and to share words of enthusiasm for the show.

Set in L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, ROCK OF AGES tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. ROCK OF AGES takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair!

Downtown Las Vegas

Football Specials And Super Bowl Sunday

Rockhouse Tackles Open Bar Specials During The Super Bowl – The hot spot will offer game day specials running one hour before kickoff until final whistle. Priced at $100 per person, guests will receive access to an open bar of well cocktails and domestic drafts. Priced at $175 per person, guests will have access to a premium open bar and guaranteed seating.

Gambling And Gaming

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak Recognized By Zagat Among “25 Most Important Restaurants Of 2013” – “In a short period of time, Heritage Steak has become a destination restaurant in Las Vegas and the response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Vice President of Food & Beverage Julian Griffiths. “Tom and his team have done a great job of creating a unique culinary experience at The Mirage and we are humbled to be acknowledged as one of the most important restaurants of the year.” Photo: Biondo Photo.

Rice And Company Inside Luxor Celebrates Australia Day With Thunder Roll – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate Australia Day Sunday, Jan. 26, by offering the Thunder Roll, a sushi roll created in honor of the handsome blokes of Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, the top male revue show in Las Vegas performed at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

The Thunder Roll, priced at $18, is made with a blend of soft shell crab, tuna, avocado and cucumber, wrapped in seaweed and topped with spicy mayo and kabayaki sauce. The specialty roll will be available throughout January and in celebration of Australia Day, will be half price Sunday, Jan. 26.

Arts, Attractions, And Activities

More Las Vegas News

VIP Skywalk Sky High Fun TourVIP Skywalk Sky High Fun Tour – The Skywalk glass-bottomed observation deck allows you to venture beyond the ledge of Grand Canyon West and walk along the skyline. After 45 minutes of ground time at Grand Canyon West, you will board your return flight back to Las Vegas with views of the downtown and Strip. This Skywalk Grand Canyon experience only comes along once in a lifetime don’t forget to bring your camera!

Click To Book Your VIP Skywalk
Sky High Fun Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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.

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
– Carolina Panthers Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Kings of Leon Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Paul Simon Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Pink Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Normally, we’d tell you how great the weather is and while much of the nation was suffering, we were very fortunate to be having short-sleeve weather. However, our thoughts have been with those of you in large swaths of North America who have been facing bitter cold that many areas have not experienced in at least 20 years. We hope that you’ve all made it through as good as could be expected and will be seeing more seasonal weather.

Coming Changes – We asked for some recent feedback regarding the direction we want to take the newsletter in 2014 and it appears everyone is pretty happy. In response to reader input, we are going to increase emphasis in some of the following areas:

* Detailed Event Information – We do make pages for Super Bowl, New Years, Memorial Day, Cinco De Mayo and similar. However, they have been poorly organized and don’t contain any of our first-hand tips for enjoying such events.

Side Note: To our credit, we’ve provided our readers detailed advice and tips for Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, and Super Bowl in previous issues. However, we really need to make organized sections with articles, making this easy to find. Specifically because you simply won’t find some of these “been there, done that” tips elsewhere.

Why not? You may not realize this, but the majority of Las Vegas travel information online (sites, podcasts, blogs, etc,) does not come from Las Vegas! I’m not saying that makes it bad, and I know some of the people who produce Las Vegas information from other places who do good work. However, we’ve DONE New Years Eve, July 4’th, Super Bowl Sunday, Cinco De Mayo, Mardi Gras and all of the other big events on The Strip and/or Fremont Street.

Often many, many times. I notice (for example) that many of these out-of-town Vegas sites get very, very quiet around new years, not even burping about our biggest, most-visited time of year. Perhaps because they’ve never done New Years Eve here? Just asking. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t make them bad sources of information. But someone has to give you “boots on the ground” first-hand tips about the most popular times to be in Las Vegas!

* Hotel Reviews – We get lots of questions about hotels. Which is the better tower to stay in, what parts of a certain hotel may be more recently remodeled, etc. Tracking all of that info is really, really tough and takes a lot of time and effort (which is probably why nobody we know of is doing it). I don’t think the job can every be fully done, but when we introduce our paid-subscriber model (for those who choose a higher level of information from us), we’re going to put someone on it and see what we can do.

“But Ted, haven’t you heard of Yelp and other rating sites?” Yes, and guess what: Two guests can stay in the same property the very same night, but be in two different towers (remodeled at two different times) with two different views and have two totally different experiences.

No promises on this one as we’ll have to see how many people pitch in as paid subscribers and thus what our budget is going to be. But, it is something I’d certainly like to do.

* Tours, Tours, Tours – I’ve touched on this before but if you are a regular visitor and you have yet to experience the Grand Canyon, Valley Of Fire, or even shorter excursions like Red Rock, Hoover Dam, or a Night Flight over The Strip, you simply have no clue how much you are missing out! I realize some say “Well, I’ve seen pictures of them”. That is like looking at a picture of the most amazing steak ever grilled and telling yourself that you just had it as a meal.

Colorado River Grand Canyon Helicopter L by big-ashb, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  big-ashb 

We’re going to start to be doing some ride-alongs to show you what the tour experience is like. We’re also going to debunk some popular myths. Many think of taking a tour as being on par with being in a cramped old Greyhound bus 20 years ago and have no idea of the luxury of modern equipment which lets you really enjoy yourself.

Others worry that they will have to go back to McCarran and go through TSA and that whole thing to take an air tour. Nothing could be farther from the truth (at least when it comes to the companies we select and suggest to you). When you enjoy an air tour, you go to a private air terminal (in the same area of the airports as the private jet terminals), nice surroundings, comfy chairs, no lines, no 2 hour wait, no TSA!

P.S. Like in the second picture, there are tours that actually land you in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, putting you in a select group who have touched the canyon floor along the rugged Colorado River. All tours are available at AccessVegas.com/Tours

* Gambling – We’ve had lots of requests for gambling information, and the gambling story links we’ve been providing have been very popular. We’re going to dust off some “oldie but goodie” articles by our gaming author Victor H. Royer that may be new to you (games like craps, and money management strategies have not changed that much) as well as work on some fresh content about the latest you’ll find on the casino floor. Victor has written more gaming books than I have fingers and toes to count them on. He knows his stuff! (Go to Amazon and do a search for Victor H. Royer and you’ll not only see what I mean, but want to grab a few of his books while you are there).

* Talking About Laughlin – We get regular inquiries about whether the day trip is worth it, are there bus tours to take down there, renting a car for the day when you are on The Strip or downtown, and similar. For now, we have a brief overview of this casino oasis sitting just 90 miles south of Las Vegas:

Laughlin as seen from SR163 by jdnx, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  jdnx 

About Laughlin – We know that some of you enjoy taking a day trip down to Laughlin, or actually spending a few days there every year. A bit more laid back then Las Vegas (and a bit cheaper), Laughlin has taken a hit from Indian gaming in California. But, it has a couple of things that Indian gaming can’t match:

1. The beautiful Colorado River and riverwalk, backing all but one casino.

2. The Vegas/Atlantic City-like ability to walk from casino to casino to casino. A great way to try to change your luck, ore when you need a change of surroundings.

Laughlin is named after Don Laughlin, a fascinating gentleman who bought an old hotel on the Colorado River and spurred the area in to what it is today. You can read more at Don Laughlin feels right at home and more about Laughlin in general (as a casino destination) at River Walk links casinos on tourist corridor

Have no worries, we’re still going to continue to bring you all the great information you’ve come to expect from us. We’d just like to cover more of the information you’ve been requesting over the past year.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Elvis Impersonator Trent Carlini: The Dream King – Trent Carlini, a nationally recognized Elvis tribute artist and winner of ABC’s “The Next Best Thing”, is now performing at the LVH (the original Las Vegas home of Elvis). This show features unbelievable visual media, multiple costume changes and more than 25 different Elvis hits, in which Trent Carlini truly showcases the King’s life in entertainment.

  • Behind The Scenes At Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Inside The Cosmopolitan – Estiatorio Milos at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is just one of dozens of Strip restaurants literally going to great lengths to bring the freshest, most authentic ingredients to their customers. From seafood to beef to greens, the practice of “sourcing” — culling ingredients from their naturally-occurring locales — has become increasingly common at Strip restaurants over the past decade as the city’s dining profile has risen to be competitive with Los Angeles and New York.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Normally, this is where we print your responses, thoughts, and questions. However, we’re going to turn the tables just a little bit this time. We’d like you to tell us about your Vegas plans for 2014:

How many times do you plan to visit (if you are going to at all)? Are you planning to gamble more or less? Do you plan to visit the new Linq outdoor shopping/dining mall and/or ride the new High Roller wheel? Do you plan to stay downtown or spend more (or less) time downtown? Are you much for hitting the locals casinos and why? Are you going to stay in the same hotels as usual, or perhaps try something new? Anything else when you think about regarding visiting Las Vegas in 2014?

We’ll read them all (as we always do), print some selected ones, AND everyone who drops us a note in response to this will be entered into a giveaway for something cool from our prize closet. You’ll have your choice of a Mac King Trunk-Of-Tricks magic trick set (great for a kid or kid-at-heart), a brand new Sahara collectible spoon (still in its wrapper), or a promotional poster from the opening day of KISS Mini-Golf (surely a collectors item already).

Dropping us a note to enter is simple:

* Send an email to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com with the subject line: Vegas 2014

* Put a little effort into telling us your plans and thoughts. At least a few lines. Entries that are just an attempt to win and don’t tell us anything will be disqualified.

* We would appreciate your city/state/country but no info will be made public and all personal information will be deleted.

* Must be 21.

* We reserve all rights.

* Winner will be chosen at random among eligible entries and notified by email at the end of January, 2014.

Good Luck!

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe January 1, 2014

Posted on by

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
Featured Shows

accessvegas google+Check out Access Vegas on Google+

O’Sheas Is Open Again!

O’Sheas Casino Officially Returns To The Las Vegas Strip
The Fan Favorite Reopens Its Doors

O’Sheas Casino, a Las Vegas Strip classic, re-opened its doors on December 28, 2013 at the much anticipated new location inside The Quad Resort & Casino. Bally’s Las Vegas Jubilee! Showgirls, The Quad’s headliner, Jeff Civillico, and Mr. Lucky himself, Brian Thomas, were all there to help welcome the venue’s first guests.

The opening featured an official ribbon cutting by Eileen Moore, Regional President and General Manager of The Quad Resort & Casino. An eager crowd full of O’Sheas’ faithful, old and new, packed the bar to commemorate the special day.

Caesars Entertainment Introduces Purple Zebra to the Las Vegas Strip – The atmosphere and spirit of O’Sheas returned to the Las Vegas Strip in a new space with a nod to the legendary casino on December 27, 2013. The brand new Purple Zebra, a whimsical candy and slush bar, also opened across the way at Flamingo Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Dezmotif Studios and MOSER Architecture

Las Vegas Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

VegasÆ Best Party Rock Of Ages Celebrates First Anniversary At The Venetian – On December 18, 2013 the high-octane musical Rock Of Ages celebrated its first anniversary in Las Vegas at The Venetian. Following the conclusion of the performance, cast member Mark Shunock (ôLonnyö) addressed the full house to thank them for their support of Rock Of Ages and then he led the cast in a celebratory shot to mark the occasion. After the performance, the company hosted a æ80s themed after party at Insert Coin(s) in Downtown Las Vegas. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg

Drinking And Dining In Las Vegas

Commonwealth Downtown Las Vegas Lays It On The Line With JanuaryÆs Cocktail Of The Month

Downtown drinkers will win big with CommonwealthÆs January featured cocktail, the ôYou Bet Giraffes.ö The seasonal selection will be offered all month, priced at $10.

The lucky libation, created by the Downtown cocktail barÆs Boozeologist, Dan Marohnic, mixes Damarak Gin, CrÞme de Cocoa liqueur, Cocchi Americano and lemon juice. Partygoers will gamble on the cool concoction while mingling in the prohibition era inspired cocktail bar.

Gambling And Gaming

Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas Attractions

More Las Vegas News

Valley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience TourValley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience Tour – A perfect experience waits for novice and expert dune buggy drivers on this Valley of Fire tour package. All buggies are custom built for the rugged Nevada terrain, and come equipped with roll cages, seatbelts, goggles and helmets for your safety. The buggies are similar to your regular car with a steering wheel, brake pedal, and gas pedal. This dramatic red landscape of the Valley of Fire creates a backdrop for an amazing sun buggy ride.

Click To Book Your Valley of Fire Buggy Driving Experience Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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.

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:

NFL Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Britney Spears Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Cher Tickets
– Philadelphia Eagles Tickets Elton John Tickets
– Green Bay Packers Tickets George Strait Tickets
NHL Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Lorde Tickets
NBA Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Golden State Warriors Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets One Direction Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Paul Simon Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets Pink Tickets
College Bowl Game Tickets The Eagles Tickets

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! – Happy New Year to all, wherever you are in the world (and we have readers in many, many countries). Whether 2013 was a good year for you or had its bumps (which was my case), I wish you all a great 2014.

Two TV specials streamed our festivities live, and we did alert our Access Vegas Twitter followers (Twitter.com/AccessVegas) as well as our Access Vegas Facebook followers (VegasFacebook.com).

Some confusion existed as Fox TV did their countdown show live from Las Vegas, but didn’t show our spectacular fireworks. Here’s the scoop: Fox did their show from Mandalay Bay starting at 8 PM our time, as to be live to the east coast. They celebrated “midnight” at 9 PM our time. We don’t shoot fireworks off at midnight Eastern time. We do it at midnight Pacific time. Hence, Fox showed that boring ball drop* from New York.

THEN… the special was tape-delayed to the rest of the nation. Even people in our own time zone watched the old footage, sans any Vegas fireworks.

* Let’s do a comparison: It was around 25 degrees at midnight in New York City as people braved the weather for 60 seconds of “excitement” (if that is what you want to call it). At midnight here? 45 degrees and we had nearly 9 minutes worth of fireworks shot off from the tops of 7 resorts across a 3 mile party zone.

And I mean party: Unlike the Big Apple, people on the Las Vegas Strip were allowed to drink and mingle and move around. The Strip was closed from 6 PM to 2 AM, allowing revelers to walk the length of the famed street at will, cocktails in hand.

For those of you who missed it, we have video story links and a couple versions of the full fireworks show in this special news section:

New Year’s Eve Video, Fireworks, Stories

Thousands pack Fremont Street Experience for New Year’s Eve (with video)

Las Vegas Rings in 2014 (full fireworks video)

Las Vegas fireworks show rings in New Year better than ever before (full fireworks video)

Las Vegas Strip produces high energy party to kick off New Year (with video)

2014 Look Ahead: Numerous attractions coming to Las Vegas (with video)

Cleanup crews work overnight after Vegas New Year’s Eve Party (with video)

Welcome Back, O’Sheas! – I know that we’re making a really big deal of it this issue, but we’re super happy to have O’Sheas reopened. If if it isn’t quite the old dive-bar version right there on The Strip that many of us knew and loved for the college-party atmosphere (even if college was a few decades ago for some of us).

It is part of the partially-opened Linq project and we’ll have lots more pictures next week. (Part of the mall and the High Roller Ferris wheel do not open for a couple more months. We’ll report exact dates as they become available).

O'Sheas exterior

Patrons playing video poker at O'Sheas bar

Patrons playing beer pong at O'Sheas

View of O'sheas and Linq area from Chayo restaurant

Linq sign of coming attractions

Programming Note – As 2013 ended, we ended our long-time affiliation with i4Vegas hotel booking. I’ve always been transparent about what we do and why we do it:

* Over the years, we promoted i4Vegas heavily and we do appreciate those of you who supported us by booking with them. The problem was that if you went direct to their site (after hearing about them from us) instead of using the booking box on AccessVegas.com or the box we always had here in the newsletter, they didn’t know you were a reader and thus we were not getting credit for sending you.

They only wanted to pay for the impact that they could measure (who came directly from our site or newsletter) and we could no longer afford to give away what was basically free advertising. We wish them well, but if you were loyal to them because of us, understand that we no longer see any benefit.

* Our deal with them was exclusive, which prevented us from passing along the (seemingly) zillions of Las Vegas specials popping up all the time. This hotel market is very, very competitive and one hotel is always trying to out-do the deals that the next one offers!

We’ve just recently sealed agreements to pass along great specials and savings to you from the Caesars Entertainment hotels, Venetian/Palazzo, and The Palms. We’re working on adding other properties, and also look forward to the ability to offer some very special deals to our readers.

So, hang tight for all of that as we ramp all of that up over the next few weeks. 

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Wynn Las Vegas Carousel Floral Art Installation – A behind-the-scenes look at how premier event designer Preston Bailey’s vision became a reality at Wynn Las Vegas.

  • Three Sheets Las Vegas Part 1 – Join Zane Lamprey as he makes his way across the globe seeking out adventure and alcohol in exotic brew-halls, bars and other alcoholic beverage-selling establishments and the locals that frequent them. Part 1 features the Voodoo Lounge flair bartenders, a look inside the Napolian Suite at Paris Las Vegas, and a find out what makes up a $777 hamburger.

  • Three Sheets Las Vegas Part 2 – The show continues with a wine tasting in front of the Bellagio fountains with a master sommelier, a visit to Blush nightclub for infused vodka shots, and poker (and cocktails) at the Hard Rock.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Read your recent article about the changing face of Vegas.

So true, my first experience was in the late 80’s and it left a great impression on me. But it was another 20 odd years for my second visit, again it was great, a lot of buzz, Hummer giveaways at every corner, loose slots, huge and varied buffets and generally everybody was laughing and having a great time.

Now over the last ten years have been back every second year and there is no comparison of 10 years. Have stayed at the Luxor when it was a Egyptian themed casino and it was great, now well it doesn’t know what it wants to be… terrible. Yes accommodation is cheaper, but a lot of the glitz and spirit has left town.

Now I stay at a varied accommodations throughout Vegas and one is Circus Circus: Nostalgia and value. I went to slots a fun…..my god has it changed. It used to be full of people playing the table games now it is automated, hardly anybody in there, dead and boring. The buffets have shrunk, food is still good and I suppose the price is still good.

Shows are great, no doubt about that……. Coming from Australia, there is no comparison on the quality.

Last but not least, it is hard to win or even break even and no what. People say a huge reason people travel from all over the world is to say they have gambled and had a great time in Vegas.

Will be coming over next year, but with more of an emphasis on sightseeing, more shows and less gambling, comps aren’t really worth it, but definitely not shopping. I can do that here, LOL.

Cheers,

Manny

Ted Responds:

Thanks for the note, and no doubt you are preaching to the choir here! I do miss the “feel” that The Strip had in the 90’s and on into the 2000’s. Car giveaways, tons of promotions, ever-present claims of loose slots… the casinos would do just about anything to get you in the door and you could play for a while on $20.

Neon and cheap booze abounded. Tacky? Perhaps. But it sure was fun!

Sometimes, I wish that I could take some of the upper management making all of these decisions and put them in a time machine and let them take a walk down The Strip of that era.

I’m at a complete loss what the casino properties are going to do when this shopping thing doesn’t go as well as predicted. Don’t get me wrong: Forum Shops, Grand Canal, Fashion Show and similar will always do well. Upscale shopping has been a hallmark of Las Vegas for a long time. But this new saturation of more mid-range shopping will be interesting to watch.

Fortunately, you are hard-pressed to beat our caliber and variety of entertainment and very few vacation destinations are a hop, skip, and a jump (a quick one by plane or helicopter tour) from the breathtaking site known as the Grand Canyon.

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.