Tag Archives: Members Mania

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 4, 2013

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+

National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas 2013

PBR Rock Bar Serves As One-Stop Spot For All Things National Finals Rodeo – Country-loving partygoers will corral at PBR Rock Bar & Grill, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the official 2013 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo headquarters. The party spot will serve as an official NFR sponsor, offering nightly bull riding competitions complete with $500 in cash and prizes, drink specials and meet and greets with top riders from Thursday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 14.

Famed NFR rodeo clown, Robbie Hodges, will lasso-up some fun when he hosts nightly events from Thursday, Dec. 5, until Monday, Dec. 9, every night at 10 p.m. Wade Sundell, Professional Bull Rider and NFR rider, will co-host with Hodges on Monday, Dec. 9. Sundell will sign autographs and judge the nightly bull-riding competition at the party spot.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Christmas In Las Vegas

Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates ‘Christmas In Cabo’ With Ho-Ho-Ho Jolly Hour And Holiday Drink Specials – Rock in the holiday with HO-HO-HO Jolly Hour and drink specials all day from Monday, Dec. 23 through Thursday, Dec. 26.

The Strip-side cantina will serve up season’s greetings with four days of HO-HO-HO jolly hour specials including two Tacos al Carbon made with grilled chicken or steak, cilantro, onions and topped with salsa served on fresh corn tortillas, priced at $6; loaded cheese fries made with crispy French fries and topped with melted cheese, bacon, jalape±os and ranch dressing, priced at $6; plus complimentary chips and salsa with any jolly hour purchase. Photo J Rick Martin.

Rice & Company Inside Luxor Will Roll Into The Holiday Season With Celebratory Sushi – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will welcome the winter holidays with the “Peace, Love and Sushi,” “Santa’s Roll” and “Roll in the New Year” specialty sushi rolls. Guests may toast the New Year as they enjoy the “Roll in the New Year” specialty roll and champagne pairing. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Mair

It’s The Holidays…EAT!

New Year’s Eve (And New Year’s Day)

PBR Rock Bar Inside Planet Hollywood Bucks 2013 With New Year’s Eve Specials – The party spot will offer general admission packages including open bar access from 9 p.m. until midnight, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and access to Rock Bar, located inside PBR Rock Bar, and the Planet Hollywood Strip-side plaza, priced at $100 per person. Patrons will also have the option to enjoy premium open bar specials from 9 p.m. until midnight including complimentary champagne toast, access Rock Bar and the rockin’ Strip-side patio, priced at $200 per person.

Tender Steak & Seafood Inside Luxor Offers Celebratory Specials To Ring In The New Year – Tender Steak & Seafood at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate the arrival of 2014 with holiday selections available Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1. In celebration of the New Year, Executive Chef K.C. Fazel will add two selections to the menu, the Tender Rossini and Lobster and Japanese Wagyu Kobe Filet Mignon.

Gambling And Gaming

Las Vegas Attractions

More Las Vegas News

Grand Canyon West Rim - Hualapai Nation Ground TourGrand Canyon West Rim – Hualapai Nation Ground Tour – Start on your Grand Canyon West Rim tour with a memorable journey departing from Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert, over the rugged canyons of the Black Mountains, past Joshua tree forests, the Grand Wash Cliffs to the magnificent West Rim of the Grand Canyon.

You will have time to enjoy the short hiking trails overlooking Eagle Point, Guano Point, as well as a visit to Hualapai Ranch. On your return travels back to the Las Vegas valley you will stop for photo opportunities at the man-made marvel of the Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan/Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, (The Bypass Bridge).

Tour Highlights & Features: Morning snack & lunch; National Park entry fees; Bottled water throughout the tour; Guided and narrated tour from a professional guide/driver; Approximately 4 hours on the Hualapai Indian Nation .

Click To Book Your Grand Canyon West Rim – Hualapai Nation 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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Seattle Seahawks Tickets Cher Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Eagles Tickets
– Houston Texans Tickets Elton John Tickets
NHL Tickets George Strait
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– New Jersey Devils Tickets Kanye West Tickets
NBA Tickets Lady Gaga Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets One Direction Tickets
-Brooklyn Nets Tickets Pink Tickets
College Football Tickets Trans-Siberian Orchestra 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! – Make that a bitterly cold (for us) Las Vegas. Tuesday was in the high 60’s F, and we’re now dealing with mid-40’s and lows dipping below the freezing mark for the next 5-10 days (depending on what forecast you look at). While we’re no stranger to a few freezing nights per year, this is a bit excessive. December and January are our coldest months with an average of 57/39 F. So, pull 10-15 degrees off of that, and you have our current situation.

National Finals Rodeo – The pinnacle of the rodeo season is in town (as usual) during this time of year, so I hope the cowboys (and cowgirls) are of hearty stock when it comes to dealing with cold. If you are a little more country than rock ‘n’ roll and have never been during NFR season, you should come next year.

Even if you don’t have tickets, Las Vegas goes completely country. Swarms of visitors in Wranglers, cowboy hats, and boots. Plenty of Jack Daniel’s and Coors Light specials. Both free and paid (ticketed) concerts by some of the bigger names in country music and comedy. Some of the casinos let their dealers and servers deck themselves out on country garb. In fact, if one only visits during the first two weeks of December, they are probably shocked if the come during another time of the year when Las Vegas is more “normal” (if you can all Las Vegas normal during any time of the year)!

Changes For 2014 – We have a number of changes and upgrades in store for you in the next few months! We are finally going to a two-tier membership system. One will continue to be free, the other will be $1.99 a month (paid yearly), which we’ll use to super-serve our paid subscribers. 

We already feel that all the info we put out is well worth a couple bucks a month, and many readers have concurred. But, we’d like to do more. More deal hunting to save you money, more research on some of the common questions many of you have (but can’t find answers to because no one else publishes the information either because of the research involved).

We’re expanding into Atlantic City, Reno, Biloxi and perhaps a few more gaming areas. If you’d like to write us and tell us where you gamble and enjoy yourself when you can’t do a Vegas tip, we’re all ears at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Speaking of, as we go to make decisions on what we’re going to emphasize in 2014, we’re open to your suggestions. The past couple of years, we’ve been pretty dining heavy. With slots getting tighter, dining and shows are a couple of ways you KNOW that you are getting some entertainment for your dollars. We’re also going to start putting more of an emphasis on tours, and educating you about them.

Many of you are regular visitors, and yet have no clue that you can spend a morning seeing scenery like you’ve never seen in your life and making a lifetime memory that is destined to be the highlight of your trip. For some of you, it is simply the (incorrect) notion that if you fly to the Grand Canyon (a very short air trip from Las Vegas), you have to go back to the airport and go through all that screening and similar.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Our preferred tour company has its own upscale, comfortable, private terminals and you never go near where you flew in. Nor deal with lines and the TSA. Even if your next trip isn’t soon, head over to our Access Vegas Tours area and do some window shopping!

So as we look over everything we’re doing, your suggestions and input are always welcome and appreciated. Drop us a note at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com with what you like, don’t like, or would like to see added or changed with what we are doing here.

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

  • Video – Talktails – Harrah’s Headliner Comedy Magician Mac King – Longtime Vegas headliner and funny man Mac King joins Kelly on this week’s episode of Talktails on the Vegas Video Network. Together they start with his funny family history, including the moment his Grandfather got him hooked on magic. Then, Mac reveals the story behind his quirky checkered suits, and the first time he swallowed a goldfish on stage. Closing out the show and at the request of the live chat, Mac conjures up a magic trick that hits below the belt.

  • Video – Football Handicapping – Does Football Handicapping appeal to you? Then learn all about exotic bets, half-time wagers, money-line bets and much more from expert sports better Hollis “Harvard” Barnhart!

  • Video – Magician David Copperfield From The MGM Grand Las Vegas Talks – David Copperfield his hailed as the most famous illusionist of all time. He has sold more tickets than any other performer in the world and we are proud to say he calls MGM Grand Las Vegas home.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’m a long time reader of the newsletter and a former listener to your podcast so I’ve been following you for a while. 🙂 I have visited Las Vegas a dozen times or so which is no small feat since I live in on the East Coast. I wanted to express my thoughts on today’s Vegas, specifically, I wanted to comment on your “Tale Of Two Cities” article from the 10/09/13 newsletter.

I’ll start by saying I agree with everything you said in that article. Room rates have never been as attractive as they are right now no matter how much you have available to spend. The shows are varied and, if you care to look, you can enjoy free music and other acts all over town… and people watching is still free.

With regard to food, I love eating as many different kinds as I can, especially at one sitting. So the many buffets in town are a treat I don’t have much at home. I can get a great steak or lasagna at home so places like The Wicked Spoon and The M Resort Buffet are great fun for me.

The only feature of today’s Las Vegas that I struggle with is the current state of gambling there. In your article, you said, “… the reality is that slowly but surely, gaming revenue has become less and less of the overall revenue.”

Did tighter slots and less desirable table rules cause folks to play less or are gamblers staying home to gamble because it’s cheaper to do so? Maybe both? The casinos are trying to compensate for the lost revenue. The attitude of management seems to be, “If they want to gamble, they’ll do that at home… so we have to sell them shopping, restaurants, clubs and shows.”

But, as far as I’m concerned, many of those attractions are available all over and at home, too. All I’m saying is… the single biggest reason I went to Vegas was for the gambling and the comps; the shows and pools and shopping, etc. were secondary. Vegas seems to be 180 degrees turned around from what I used to know and love… and I’m not that old!

It’s not a big complaint, though. It’s not really even a complaint at all. It just feels weird to me. But that feeling is keeping me home for now.

All the best,

Mike from Syracuse, NY, USA

 

Ted Responds:

With gambling, we do have a question of whether the chicken or the egg came first. I’m of the thought that as properties had to manage their huge debt loads, they tightened up the slots. Which made people psychologically less inclined to gamble as much. (Fewer rewards triggering that happiness area of your brain).

Caesars Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman went on record a couple of years ago at a gaming conference, saying (and I’m paraphrasing) that he hoped his competitors also kept their slots tighter as well for now. IE, he was hoping there wasn’t any kind of “We have the loosest slots” wars like you saw in the previous decades. (Long time visitors will remember that casinos used to have big signs touting that some of their slots paid back 99%, and/or that they had the loosest slots in town).

Then along came 6 to 5 blackjack (when a blackjack should pay back 7.5 to 5) and the new penny slots, which are cute but have a higher hold. Then along came the entertaining slots with all the videos and chairs that rumble in an attempt to make you forget how quickly they are eating your money.

At the end of the day, people started to realize that if you put $100 in a slot machine, you’ll most likely kiss it goodbye pretty quickly. Alluding to what I wrote in Newkirk’s Notes, if you put that same money toward a great show, meal, or tour, you’ll have a definitive reward/return and a fantastic memory.

Next week, we’re going to talk about the Tropicana’s planned venture into a new, massive shopping area and the fallout of Treasure Island’s decision to do the same (which we’ve covered in the past). I personally agree that the saturation will be way too much and don’t see how it all can be successful. That is unless and until we get out of the 3.3 million visitors-a-month rut we are in and grow the market.

But, I don’t believe we can grow the market without bringing back gamblers. As you noted, a major trend across the U.S. is awesome shopping districts. If you live in a bigger city, you probably have plenty of amazing shopping options. And even if you don’t, you’re probably a couple hours away from some. We need to treat gambling as more than just an amenity, and return gambling in Las Vegas to that special experience that can’t be replicated.

In the long run, I think this shopping craze will go down in history as a semi-failure along with the “kid friendly” push of the 1990’s. Then, hopefully we’ll get back to the core of what makes Las Vegas special. The ability to spend your morning at the Grand Canyon, your afternoon playing games that don’t empty your wallet in no time flat, your evening at a special restaurant you’re not going to find in your local gaming venue, and your evening taking in your choice of world-class entertainment.

Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital Of The World. While great shopping is a nice amenity, I hope it isn’t what we become known for.

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 November 13, 2013

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+

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

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Las Vegas News

Richard Petty Rookie Driving TourRichard 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!

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:

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

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.

Gold Spike Interior by thmeeks, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by  thmeeks 

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

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

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe November 6, 2013

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

Check out Access Vegas on Google+

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.


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.

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.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

LAST Vegas – The Movie

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

Las Vegas Shopping And Attractions

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

More Las Vegas News

The Navigator Airplane + Heli TourThe 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!

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:

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

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

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.

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!

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 October 23, 2013

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

Halloween Las Vegas 2013

Take A Stab At Your Best Pumpkin Carving For A Chance To Win Tickets To Las Vegas’ Hottest Show Absinthe – Are you bored and looking for something new and creative to do for the Halloween season? Then why not pick up a pumpkin and use your imagination to carve the best pumpkin creation for a chance to win tickets to the hottest show in Las Vegas, Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Absinthe’s incompetent assistant to The Gazillionaire, Penny Pibbets has announced the Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest for all fans to enter.

Fremont Street Experience Hosts Fifth Annual OktoberFrightFest – Fremont Street Experience will once again transform itself for the Fifth Annual OktoberFrightFest, combining Oktoberfest and Halloween for the ultimate street party, taking place through October 31. The spooktacular festivities will include free performances from the popular stage production show “Frank & The Steins,” Viva Vision light and sound shows themed to “Time Warp” and “Monster Mash,” and the Fourth Annual Fall Beer Festival at Golden Nugget.

Rice & Company Bewitches This Halloween With Sushi And Sake Duo Now Through October 31, 2013 – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will offer adult Halloween enthusiasts, who are interested in more treats than tricks, a celebratory sushi and sake pairing throughout the month of October.

The Wicked Roll of the West, made with spicy tuna, yellowtail, cucumber and avocado, topped with spicy mayo, will be paired with the spooktacular Demon Slayer sake, which features a clean, subtle and dry taste, creating a bewitching flavor combination. The sushi and sake duo will be priced at $30.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

PBR And NFR

PBR Rock Bar Hosts Ultimate Professional Bull Riders World Finals Celebration – PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will partner with Pabst Blue Ribbon and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to be the ultimate headquarters for the Professional Bull Riders World Finals from Wednesday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 27.

Starting at 9:30 p.m., top riders will kick-off the official after-party on Thursday, Oct. 24, with red carpet appearances followed by the official draw and a live Q-and-A session with the crowd. Former American Idol contestant, Morgan Leigh, will keep the party rocking with live performances at 9 and 11:30 p.m.

Las Vegas Dining

Football Season Las Vegas

More Las Vegas News

Victoria’s Wedding Chapel Gives Away Complimentary Wedding Ceremonies To Veterans And Active Duty Military On Veteran’s Day – Victoria’s Wedding Chapel will give away complimentary wedding ceremonies to all active duty military members and veterans all day from noon to 8 p.m. to commemorate Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11.

“We want to show how much we appreciate everything that the men and women of the military do to keep our country safe,” said Janeen Hinden, owner of Victoria’s Wedding Chapel. “Giving them this special day is the least we can do.”

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Ground TourGrand Canyon National Park South Rim Ground Tour – Visit the widest and deepest part of Grand Canyon National Park on a guided exploration tour. Your tour travels through the Mojave Desert, across the Colorado River and along historic Route 66. Enjoy a photo stop at the Grand Canyon Railway in historic Williams, AZ. where you will have approximately 3 hours to enjoy several south rim magnificent canyon overlooks. Your experienced guide will ensure you get the best views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Grand Canyon Village. Highlights & Features: Morning snack, A delicious lunch is included along with time to visit cultural exhibits and shopping, National Park entry fees, Bottled water throughout the tour, Guided and narrated tour from a professional guide/driver, Photo stop at the south rim for approximately 3 hours

Click To Book Your Grand Canyon National Park South Rim 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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Bon Jovi Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Houston Texans Tickets Demi Lovato Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Eagles Tickets
World Series Tickets Elton John Tickets
NHL Tickets George Strait
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Jason Aldean Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets John Mayer Tickets
NBA Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Phish Tickets
College Football Tickets Pink 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! – It bears repeating that October is far-and-away the best month of the year to visit Las Vegas. We’ve had flawless sunny days between 75-85 with absolutely amazing evenings. Not too hot, not too cold. No major conventions which pack the town and drive up room rates (and contribute to long lines).

For you football enthusiasts, the betting on both college and pro has been hot and heavy. Always keep in mind that you can absolutely place a bet on a game which takes place after you’ve left. Generally on the back of each betting ticket are instructions on how to mail the ticket in, and the casino will send you a check. (Always double-check at the ticket window when you bet as to what the procedure is).

How fun is it to be watching that Monday night game at your favorite watering hole back home while you show off the ticket and root for your team to beat the spread!

For those still somewhat confused about how betting on football and basketball works, don’t be intimidated. When you look at a match-up in a sportsbook, you’ll see something that looks like this:

No wonder people are intimidated! Let me simplify it. This match is between the Packers and Broncos. For you beginners, the ONLY number you need to worry about is that -3 next to Broncos. Ignore all of that other stuff. It is really, really simple: In this game (which was from 2007) if you bet on the Broncos, you have to DEDUCT 3 points from the Bronco score at the end of the game. If you bet on the Packers, you get to ADD 3 points to your score at the end of the game.

If the Broncos won 23-21, you Bronco bettors would have to DECUCT 3 from the 23. You now only have 20 points. Ooops. Packers have 21 and your ticket loses. You Packer bettors would get to ADD 3 points to the 21, giving you 24 points. Which beats the Broncos 23. Your ticket wins. Essentially, for betting purposes, the Packers start the game with a 3 point “point spread” lead.

Why do the sports books do this? It evens up the game and gives each side a pretty equal chance of winning. If you bet a lousy team, you are going to get bonus points. If you bet a really good team, you are going to have to “lay” points, meaning you have to give up points. Hope this helps just a little bit.

White Cross Market Las VegasGroceries, Anyone? – For those of you who drive in, rent a car, or use The Deuce to travel between The Strip and Downtown, White Cross Market has just re-opened as a full-service grocery store just a couple of blocks north of the Stratosphere next to Burger King (and just a few minutes south of downtown).

You can get all your normal grocery store staples plus fresh produce, deli sandwiches and more. They have an absolutely amazing selection of craft beers (easily well over 100 on hand, all cold) and they know their beer. They also have a full liquor and wine selection. They also have nice, fresh produce for those who want some healthy stuff to munch on during their stay. Plus, they are just super-friendly people. Check them out.

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

  • Metro Police Unveils Network Of Cameras Watching The Strip – Las Vegas casinos have used surveillance cameras for years to watch for cheaters, but now those so-called eyes in the sky aren’t just in casinos. Metro Police are policing the Las Vegas Strip using 37 high-tech cameras. If someone was running from the law on Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue, a camera up on a pole could zoom in on the suspect live.

  • “Last Vegas” The Movie – Hitting theaters on November 1, this is the preview trailer for the lastest “shot in Vegas” movie, “Last Vegas,” featuring an all-star cast of Hollywood legends.

  • Dean Martin Celebrity Roast Of Dean Martin 1976 – Live from the old MGM Grand (now Bally’s), this star-studded roast includes Muhammad Ali, Foster Brooks, Red Buttons, Ruth Buzzi, Charlie Callas, Billy ‘Boom Boom’ Berkowitz, Wilt Chamberlain, Howard Cosell, Billy Crystal, Georgia Engel, Rocky Graziano, Sherman Hemsley, Gabe Kaplan, Gene Kelly, Dean Martin, Herbert Muhammad, Tony Orlando, Floyd Patterson, Freddie Prinze, Nipsey Russell, Isabel Sanford, and Orson Welles. Enjoy a taste of classic Vegas entertainment from days gone by!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I keep hearing about First Friday downtown. We will be staying at El Cortez on Friday November 1. Could you advise what to expect.

Thank You.

Frank Venis

 

Ted Responds:

First Friday is something we haven’t really taken the manpower to cover because as a more local-oriented event, we are getting more requests for information. It is a very popular festival of arts, music, and food taking place on the First Friday of each month.

First Friday takes place about a mile away from the El Cortez down in the Arts District. Free shuttle service runs from the El Cortez to the event from 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM from their valet area.

The party then moves to East Fremont (aka, the El Cortez area) and please note that because of the crowds, it is the one time of month that police are pretty strict about drinking in that area (which is not inside the Fremont Street Experience and thus subject to tighter city drinking regulations).

Except for liquor purchased inside the El Cortez, you are not supposed to be drinking on the street in that area (no liquor taken out of the other area bars nor none you purchased at a convenience store). You should be in the hotel or in a bar for boozing. Solutions are being tossed around because it is our Nevada-given right to drink anywhere we damn well please. But that is the most current info.

Also, they have actually been closing off Fremont in the El Cortez area for crowd control on First Fridays well into the late night.

Honestly, your best bet is to take the shuttle to enjoy First Friday, then come back and make your way over into the Fremont Street Experience (which is probably why you came downtown in the first place). You can walk around Fremont Street with a drink you purchased at any of the casinos, no problem and generally stay away from the East Fremont chaos on that particular night.

Hint: Going between El Cortez and Fremont Street on First Fridays, take a detour. Go out the north entrance of the El Co onto Ogden Street. From there, make your way west about three blocks to where the new Downtown Grand is. From there, head back over to the Fremont Street Experience. Reverse the route when time to get back to your room.

More details on First Friday at their official site: http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com

Make sure to let us know how your experience went!

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 October 9, 2013

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

Halloween Las Vegas 2013

Rockhouse Las Vegas Gets Trick-Or-Trashed With Halloween Specials – Ghoulish guests will enjoy spooky Halloween specials all day at Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The ultra-dive bar will partake in some hocus pocus with Pinnacle Vodka cocktails and Jack-o’-lantern shots, a mix of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, priced at $5 each. Partygoers who don disguises will have the chance to win up to $2,000 in cash and prizes during the Strip-side hot spot’s late night costume contest.

Halloween Flies In To Jean Philippe PÔtisserie At Bellagio – Halloween has officially flown in on its broomstick and landed at Bellagio Resort & Casino where Jean Philippe PÔtisserie has transformed into a haunting shop filled with festive chocolate creations. The holiday display’s focal point features a life-size witch sculpture that took approximately six weeks to design and build. Five pastry team members collaborated to create the intricate flying design with 250 pounds of chocolate and rolling fondant, an icing-like decorative ingredient.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Fights Breast Cancer

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Joins The Fight During Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Exclusive Specials – This October, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas invites locals and visitors to give back with exclusive specials at select restaurants, retail stores and its luxury spa during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds benefit Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the premier global organization dedicated to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Fuel CafÚ Express joins the cause by allowing guests to delve into the perfect on-the-go sweets with its Save 2nd Base or Support Pink cookie pops ($2.75 each), donating $1 from each specialty dessert.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Will Benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure In October – Cabo Wabo Cantina located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will offer pink wristbands and cocktails throughout October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, donating a portion of proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Las Vegas Gambling And Gaming

Drinking And Dining In Las Vegas

Luckyrice Festival Returned To The Cosmopolitan – The New York-based LUCKYRICE Festival returned to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas this past weekend (Oct. 4-6) with a lively and extensive culinary celebration. The three-day festival allowed attendees to revel in the invigorating flavors of various Asian countries. Celebrity guest chefs from across the globe introduced their specialty dishes and interacted with guests at different events throughout the weekend. Photo credit: ® Erik Kabik/ Retna/ erikkabik.com

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Planes And Helicopters

More Las Vegas News

Richard Petty Ride-Along Driving TourRichard Petty Ride-Along Driving Tour – Rather let someone else do the fast driving around the speedway? That’s no problem! With a Richard Petty Driving Las Vegas Ride-Along Experience you will receive a unique and one-of-a-kind excursion. Your adrenaline pumping thrill of a lifetime awaits! With a Ride-Along tour you will experience a real life thrill riding shotgun in a two-seat stock car driven by a professional instructor for a 3-lap NASCAR qualifying run at speeds exceeding 160MPH. Highlights: 3 laps around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a NASCAR style racecar driven by a professional instructor; Speeds exceeding 160MPH; Track and facility overview of the largest sporting venue on the West Coast; Safety gear including regulation helmet and neck guard included; You’ll also get a photo session outside of your race car before taking off on the track.

Click To Book Your Richard Petty Ride-Along Driving 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:

Most Popular Sports Tickets Most Popular Concert Tickets
NFL Tickets Beyonce Tickets
– Dallas Cowboys Tickets Bon Jovi Tickets
– San Francisco 49ers Tickets Cher Tickets
– New Orleans Saints Tickets Demi Lovato Tickets
– Denver Broncos Tickets Drake Tickets
Baseball Tickets Eagles Tickets
NHL Tickets Elton John Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Florida Georgia Line Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets George Strait
– Detroit Red Wings Tickets Jay Z Tickets
– Minnesota Wild Tickets John Mayer Tickets
NBA Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Michael Buble Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Pearl Jam Tickets
College Football Tickets Pink 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! – Well, we warned our Accessvegas.com Twitter followers of the coming cold snap. We didn’t even hit 70F on Tuesday although we’re going to rebound this weekend and on into next week with seasonable temps in the 70’s. For us desert rats, we’re feeling the chill. For those preparing to fly in from the Pacific Northwest (my original stomping grounds) or Northeast, it will be an improvement.

Changing Of The Guard – While we’re sure this was not our doing, it is interesting that within days of my scathing rebuke of resort upper-management being out-of-touch with the wants and needs of guests — most recently in the “sports bar for women” concept that flopped at The Palms — that resort has a new CEO. Hopefully, he can get the property back to doing what made it a once great, must-see tourist draw.

No More, No Less – Visitorship is pretty much dead-even with last year. Which means with a little surge, we’ll top the 40 million visitor mark for the first time ever this year. Otherwise, we’ll simply fall just short like we did in 2013. Which brings me to…

Tale Of Two Cities – Outside of questions, we get basically two types of reader feedback here. (BTW, we appreciate it and read everything sent to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com and even if we can’t respond, it does help shape the information we’re working hard to provide you here).

Most of you tell about their visit, what some of the highlights were, how much you enjoyed a particular show or tour and perhaps some of your memorable dining experiences. Even for those somewhat budgeting their vacation, you have a few “must splurge” items and you really enjoy yourself.

However, from time-to-time we get a note that essentially says “Vegas has gotten too expensive and forgotten about the middle class and things aren’t the way they were in the 70’s/80’s/90’s”.

I’d like to address that:

My memories do go back 20+ years here, and I relatively young and broke at the time. It was nice to be able to take $20 downtown and enjoy myself for 2-3 hours (or longer if luck was on my side). 75 cent drinks, Binion’s infamous $1.99 complete steak dinner (and the steak was decent), nickel video poker (real nickels), you name it.

In the late 90’s and on into the 2000, the Travel Channel was full of Vegas specials documenting everything from how lavish of an experience you could have to doing coupon runs where some time and effort could save you big or make you some money.

I get it. I lived it also.

Then, we had a few things converge:

1. The properties decided that pretty much giving away food was a loss-leader that might not be justifiable. The hope was that people would gamble to make up for it. But the reality is that slowly but surely, gaming revenue has become less and less of the overall revenue. If your strategy is to get people in the door with cheap food and fewer of those people gamble, all of a sudden that strategy makes less sense.

2. Inflation. Enough said. Look at what gas cost in years gone by. When I was young, I remember the horror of it hitting $1.00 a gallon! That $1.99 you so fondly remember late-night breakfast is in 1993 pricing.

3. Las Vegas still has tons of specials. We list the ones we come across on a regular basis. Why don’t we provide some master list? They are incredibly subject to change and even finding them would mean making a zillion phone calls each month to keep up. Hey, if one of you wants to volunteer to call every restaurant and bar in Las Vegas every month…

But as we suggested in Member’s Mania last week, keep your eyes peeled and more importantly, ASK. Don’t sit down at a bar without asking if they have any drink specials, both at the time you are there or at another time of the day. Walking by a restaurant that catches you eye? Ask if they have any specials happening. Ask if they have a happy hour.

As we noted, many of these restaurants are not owned by the casinos they are in. Hence, they don’t have to try to screw every cent out of you to pay off their debt load!

4. Finally, as much as people complain, no one seems to be able to tell me where vacationing is a better deal (short of putting up a tent in a national park, which you can’t do right now anyway do to our government shutdown). Have you priced hotels in San Francisco or Miami? Go look at what a Disneyworld vacation costs!

5. Airfare is a common complaint. Look, complain to the airlines or oil companies. (The reality is that the airlines often only make a few bucks per flight off of each passenger after their costs are figured in). Unless you are going to drive on your vacation — which is affected by the price of gas — it is going to cost to fly anywhere. That is simply the price of a vacation.

At the end of the day, if you choose to come mid-week and not when a big event or convention is in town, you can still get a room here for less than what a roadside Motel 6 is going to cost you somewhere. Which should leave you enough of a vacation budget to enjoy yourself.

In the meantime and despite a bad economy, we’re still nudging up against a record number of visitors. People are flocking to Caesars $50 buffet (the lines are crazy). People continue to go to our great shows and are willing to pay for the kind of top-notch entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else except many New York (where hotel prices are far higher). 

We’re gaining more and more international visitors who come over and really do Vegas all the way, seeing the Grand Canyon, taking in 2-3 shows, hitting some of the top restaurants.

So at the end of the day, I want to let you budget travelers know that we hear you and within our budget as a free publication, we do try to list various specials and deals. However, we absolutely do also want to cater to the visitor who — just like they did over the decades — wants to come to Las Vegas for some of the finest experiences of their life

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

  • Eiffel Tower Restaurant Inside Paris Las Vegas – Journey to the top of Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower of Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino to enjoy the surroundings, sample the view, and hear from Executive Chef Jean Joho as he prepares one of their signature dishes.

  • Stratosphere Las Vegas Observation Deck – Views from the inside Observation deck of the Stratosphere Tower, the Air bar, claimed to be one of the highest bars in America. Overviews of the rides and a taste of the amazing views.

  • Downtown Fremont Street Experience Tour Plus Circus Circus – Internet sensations Nikki and John take you on their evening journey through most of The Fremont Street Experience, Downtown, and then onto Circus Circus. Missing Vegas? Here’s your fix.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We were in your beautiful and exciting city in May, which is our usual time for our visit. Then, we took an extra visit on Sept 1’st until Sept. 6’th. My husband said I shouldn’t read your letter so much, then I wouldn’t want to go so often.

It was hot, but I love hot weather. We did the open double decker tour bus, we have did that a few times, the tour guides are great. This time we stopped at the Atomic Testing Museum. It was great and spent a little bit of time in the Area 51 exhibit.

I just love taking the Deuce, we did a complete round trip from the Golden Nugget to the opposite strip and back. We stopped at the Tropicana, it has been a few years since we have been there. What a Beautiful Place.

We decided to see the The Mob Attraction, it was good, but I prefer the Mob Museum downtown. I am a Righteous Brothers fan from way back, so we went to the South Point Hotel and saw Bill Medley and his daughter McKenna. It was a great show.

Just to get away, we took a drive to Laughlin, being that it was nice a warm, it was nice to walk along the water. I will be looking for your next letter, I can’t believe the information you pack in there.

Anne

 

Ted Responds;

Well, if we’re getting you to consider visiting more often, I guess we are doing it right! I do really enjoy hearing how people came and had such a good time. I’m a fun-loving person myself and with boundless activities and attractions, we’re happy to have something for everyone;

I’m with you on the September weather (which is almost identical to May weather). Hot days in the 90’s without becoming unbearable, then beautiful evenings and warm breezes into the late night.

We’ve noted this before, but it is worth repeating: The Deuce (our double-decker public bus system which runs the length of The Strip and to downtown) is an extra great ride if you get on way down by Tropicana or downtown so you have great odds of getting a front row (or nearly front row) seat on the upper level. You can watch the Strip glide by with a bird’s-eye view.

The Mob Experience at Tropicana is moving on (no new location announced yet so we’re not holding our breath). But as is a common theme, everybody LOVES the Mob Museum downtown. It is incredibly well done, and I’ve yet to talk to someone who didn’t have 2 hours (or more) just fly by while there were in there. With the old Lady Luck (now Downtown Grand) as the next door neighbor to the museum officially opening in a month, you have a couple of great reasons to make the downtown trek at some time during your trip.

While not our focus, we’re thinking about seeing if we can find a writer to do Laughlin for 2-3 days and give us a really complete report. For those that don’t mind the 90 minute drive, the ability to gamble while looking out at the mountains and beautiful Colorado River is unparalleled. And if luck isn’t treating you very well, you can stretch your legs with a river-front stroll!

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 October 2, 2013

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

Las Vegas Art And Attractions

Fall Into Autumn At Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens – With outdoor temperatures cooling off, foliage across the country taking on majestic tones and the holidays just around the corner, autumn is the favorite season of the year for many. BellagioÆs Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to experience the seasonÆs splendor with vibrant shades of fall, comforting aromas and angelic sounds from live musicians now through Nov. 29.

Fall flourishes throughout the Gardens with more than 8,500 chrysanthemums in 10 color variations bedded among ivy, birdÆs-nest fern, plum and magnolia trees. A symbol of the autumn harvest, the Conservatory boasts up to 2,500 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes with the largest weighing up to 1,200 pounds. Hand-sculpted maple, chestnut, birch and oak leaves along with oversized pinecones hang overhead.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Dinner And Drinks

Rockhouse Las Vegas Introduces New Breakfast And Cocktail Menus – Guests can cheer for delicious new breakfast and cocktail selections available now at Rockhouse located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo.

Early-risers can now nosh on mouthwatering breakfast items available every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The morning menu includes the Breakfast Classic Scrambled Eggs, topped with cheddar cheese and paired with home-style potatoes and pico de gallo; the Chorizo and Egg breakfast tacos, covered with pepper jack cheese and pico de gallo, served on flour tortillas; and Three Mini Hot Dogs, made with scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese, bacon crumbles and chipotle oil.

Nobu At Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas Welcomes Chef Nobu Matsuhisa For A Night Of CanapÚs And Cocktails – Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas will host A Night of CanapÚs and Cocktails on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. During the special event, Nobu Matsuhisa and 28 of his executive chefs from across the country will come together to present patrons with a once-in-a-lifetime culinary affair.

A Night of CanapÚs and Cocktails will kick off at the famed chefÆs premier Las Vegas location inside Hard Rock Hotel. For the first time, talent representing Chef NobuÆs original dining concept, Matsuhisa and chefs from Nobu locations including Malibu, San Diego, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, Next Door, Fifty Seven, Lana’i, Waikiki, Caesars Palace Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas will come together to showcase the finest of Nobu cuisine.

Sports And Gambling

Hard Rock Hotel Football Season Sizzling Game-Day Specials Throughout The Professional Football Season – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas invites pigskin enthusiasts to tackle the football season with game-day specials at The Ainsworth, Culinary Dropout and Pink Taco. The property is the go-to hot spot with appetizers and specialty cocktails designed to complement the season. Read the story for all specials.

Las Vegas Nightlife And Daylife

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Downtown Las Vegas

Commonwealth In Downtown Las Vegas Launches Happy Hour Drink Specials – Partygoers can start a night of Fremont Street fun with Happy Hour specials now available at Commonwealth. Every Wednesday through Friday, the Downtown venue serves-up drink specials from 6 until 9 p.m.

The swanky cocktail bar now offers $3 domestic drafts, $3 well cocktails, $5 craft beer drafts, $5 Ketel One vodka cocktails and Crown Royal Whisky cocktails, priced at $5. Guests can sip on refreshing cocktails while mingling in the hot spotÆs pre-Prohibition era inspired bar and breathtaking rooftop.

More Las Vegas News

The Eagle Airplane TourThe Eagle Airplane Tour û Soar into the sky aboard a Cessna Grand Caravan for the ideal Grand Canyon airplane tour. The Cessna offers large windows and individual leather seating to create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy spectacular views. Flying in the Cessna you will enjoy aerial highlights including Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, Temple Rock, historic Boulder City and the Colorado River in transit to the Grand Canyon. Experience views of the Grand Canyon from a unique perspective capturing the depth and magnitude of this national treasure.

Click To Book Your Eagle Airplane Tour Now!

Upcoming Las Vegas Events And Holidays

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! – October is already here, and generally is the very nicest month of the year in the our Las Vegas. Never too hot, never too cold, plenty of sunshine, very little wind, and it just so happens to be my birthday month to boot. (Not that I look forward to them as much as I once did). If you have a trip planned for the next few weeks, lucky you!

Smile For The Camera – Our Metro police department has recently installed 37 high-tech cameras up and down The Strip. Surveillance will be used to look for any potential problems, or be used to go back to in helping solve crimes. Footage will be kept for 14 days. While a few are worried about invasion of privacy, the reality is that in a public area all bets are off. You’ve probably been captured completely by accident in quite few photos and videos just taken by visitors on a previous visit.

Bruno Mars Residency – Hot on the heels of the big Britney Spears announcement, pop superstar Bruno Mars is taking up a residency show at the Cosmopolitan. Although not quite as ambitious as Britney’s two-year run, it is part of a trend to see if acts appealing to a younger demographic can have the draw like Elton, Celine, and similar have had in Las Vegas over the years. Tickets for the New Years shows are now available and we’ll let you know when the next set of shows are planned:

Correction? – We recently noted that many sources were claiming poor sales of Britney Spears tickets for her two year engagement. Caesars Entertainment and Britney Spears’ manager have both noted that tickets for her upcoming run are better-than-expected. Time will tell!

Screwing Up A Good Thing – I’m thinking of starting a regular feature called “Management Mishaps” or similar. Over the years, I’ve rolled my eyes countless times at decisions hotel casino upper management make that seem to show how completely out-of-touch they are with the rank-and-file patron.

The most recent “oops” was Heraea at The Palms. For years and years, The Palms had a very popular Mexican restaurant called Gardunos. Everyone love it. By all accounts, it did well. Obviously, we can’t have any of that going on! So, someone came up with the bright idea to gut the space and put in a female-friendly sports bar called Heraea which morphed into a lounge/nightclub space later in the evening. Huh?

This was wrong on so many levels:

  • While more and more women are watching (and betting on) football, sports viewing still skews heavily male.
  • Straight men are not particularly fond of more feminine spaces. In fact, the entire “man cave” phenomenon has sprung up as everything around us has become more feminized. (The notion being that women tend to make the purchasing decisions and thus need to be properly targeted). Men want to watch sports in a manly setting and by golly, if the little ladies want to watch it to, they can deal with a manly setting. Like in most sports bars.
  • Pursuant to the above, your average guy who wants to watch football in Las Vegas is more towards middle-age, has a few extra pounds, and is probably wearing a sports jersey. This isn’t exactly the kind of person who will stick around as a “sports bar” turns into a nightlife setting. And the younger guys? They are going to go hit a real club.

Heraea lasted only 7 months and in fact closed just a month into football season. No word on the fate of the brain trust that put this one together.

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

  • Vegas Video Networks’s Living in Las Vegas #200: To Catch a Thief – Join Scott and Melissa Whitney on Living In Las Vegas on the Vegas Video Network as they talk about their recent adventures with Aria Buffet, Ellis Island, Absinthe, Boat rentals on Lake Mead, $20 Trick a success, and MGM Grand staycation.
  • Finding Nevada – Nevada Heartland Trip – While many visitors only think of Las Vegas when they hear “Nevada”, our area is full of stunningly scenic desert. Enjoy this short video with highlights from Matt Hufman and Mike Smith of the Las Vegas Sun during their first tour of the Finding Nevada project. Highlights include Valley Of Fire, The Road to St. Thomas, Hot Creek Valley, and Morey Canyon

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

So, I’m turning 40 Nov 20 and am coming to Vegas for the 1st time. I can’t wait and am making plans that I have been reviewing for months, & am hoping you can assist with some things I wish to complete!

First, I want champagne experience on a beer budget!

I need a great hair salon. Not that I’m High Maintenance, but nobody has cut my hair except mom since 1983. She passed in 2011, So I’m kinda timid, & also want to donate my Hair to a charity that makes wigs for people who need them. So a great stylist would be awesome!

We (my significant other and I) aren’t big gamblers and really want to see the city and historical places.

Any suggestions, contacts or thoughts (& just your time to read this) are appreciated!

Living Thankfully,

Heather from Detroit

 

Ted Responds:

Your first trip… wow! Just don’t be too overwhelmed once you get here, and realize from day one that it would take 30 days to do and see everything. Hence, try to get to what you really want to do, allow plenty of time to just go with the flow (casinos don’t have clocks), and realize that you’ll be back plenty of times to have new experiences.

Also, don’t worry. 40 isn’t the end of the world. I celebrated my 40’th in Las Vegas also (duh) and that was nearly 8 years ago. The average visitor is 49 but we get visitors from kids to seasoned seniors!

For a champagne experience on a beer budget, make sure you’ve been keeping an eye on the various food and drink specials we list in most every issue of this newsletter. Call ahead to make sure they are still valid. If there is a restaurant that catches your eye, walk up and ask if they have any current specials or any prix fixe dinners.

Also, MANY restaurants in the hotels have some kind of happy hour. Not all, but many. (We’d list them all, but they are subject to change and keeping up would be next-to-impossible). If you are thinking of dinner around 5-6 PM, start hitting a few of them and ask them if they have a happy hour and what is offered.

You may find that a very nice restaurant is doing some great 1/2 price appetizers and drinks (or similar). If you are willing to sit at the bar, you can order 2-3 appetizers (for a couple of people) and each have a drink and experience a very nice environment without busting your budget.

Champagne experience on the beer budget!

Also, a great rule of thumb that we learned from our friends at Pub Crawl áis when you go to a restaurant or bar here — like if you absolutely want to do Margaritaville or Cabo Wabo or Mesa or Spago — do not be afraid to ask your server or bartender if there are any food or drink specials going on. They don’t always advertise them with flashing lights!

As you are finding out, it never hurts to ask. What do you care? You are on vacation!

And for cheap-to-reasonably priced drinks 24/7, Casino Royale is right in the center of The Strip.

If you are OK splurging on the salon, you can’t go wrong with Color at Caesars. It is a Michael Boychuck salon and counts entertainers and movers and shakers as clientele. Boychuck came to fame as a colorist for celebrities back in the day, including doing Paris Hilton’s hair pretty much forever.

You can call them at (866) 730-7791 for details on pricing, services, and an appointment. In fact, if you are shedding long locks for a good cause, here’s what I would do: Call them ahead of time, tell them that you are coming in for your 40’th birthday, and tell them your story and intentions. One never knows as they may do something to make it a special experience. Honestly, sounds like a good PR story to me.

Gambling is no longer the top reason that everybody comes to town. You’ll want to try your luck, but there is so much to do and see and enjoy. So, don’t worry about that. Besides, if you really want to gamble, you can do that where you (in particular) live now.

Since you are interested in the historical:

1. Go downtown for an evening (preferably not a weekend evening when it is really crowded). Walk the entire Fremont Street Experience and keep walking a couple of extra blocks to the El Cortez, a great working hotel casino on the national registration of historic places. This whole area was the “original” Las Vegas before The Strip existed.

2. Go enjoy the mob museum, but give yourself a couple of hours if you really want to absorb it. Three floors of very interactive exhibits. If you do, go downtown mid-afternoon to do it. Then eat dinner downtown and enjoy Fremont Street.

3. Take a morning and take a tour to Hoover Dam. You can find them on our tours page: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours Look for Hoover Dam and the Dam Bridge under Ground Tours.

Hoover Dam by rarvesen, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic Licenseáábyáárarvesená

Nothing much happens mornings here anyway (unless you want to gamble your brains out or sleep off a hangover). Hoover Dam is spectacular. Pictures simply don’t even come close to doing it justice. And, it is incredibly historic. The tour takes you through the 1930’s architecture and the photo opportunities (both of the dam and surrounding areas) are limitless.

While at this time we’re unfortunately able to offer this much in-depth help to each and ever reader at this time (we will for paid subscribers down the road), we’re always excited to hear someone planning their very first trip!

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.
Page 3 of 3
1 2 3