Tag Archives: Newkirk’s Notes

Access Vegas Insider Vibe February 5, 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

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Hot Hotel Happenings – Save Big Now!

Palms Resort & Casino – 20% off Rates & Starting at $35/NT! Palms Place Resort – 20% off Rates. Stay in Contemporary Luxury!
Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Palazzo – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PPROAPU) Rock of Ages Suite Package at The Venetian – From $249/Night (Promo Code: PVROAPU)
Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Palazzo (promo code: PPSUTLF) Luxury Suite Package from $149 at The Venetian (promo code PVSUTLF)
Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Venetian (Promo Code: EVHOMQ1) Suite Value Offer Get a big suite. Pay a tiny price. – Rates from $149/Night at Palazzo (Promo Code: EPHOMQ1)
Palms Casino Resort – Rates from $59 and complimentary bottle Palms Casino Resort Stay 4 nights and get 25% off your stay. Stay More, Save More – Play, Dine & Dance a little more…on us.
Special Offers at The Palms – Entertainment Packages and Resort Packages

DW Grant Vegas Report

Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas – What It Felt Like – Vegas is the most exciting place to watch the Super Bowl, outside the hosting stadium, of course. When you hear a cheer go up while walking through a casino during the game, it’s hard to know if someone is celebrating a touchdown or a jackpot.

You just have to be in Vegas to feel it. AccessVegas.com wanted words and pictures to give you some idea what Las Vegas feels like on Super Bowl Sunday, so this year it sent me out on to the Strip to find out.

First, the weather was calm, and at kick off time, about 3:35 pm, it was a crisp 50 degrees. In a lot of places this would be sweater weather. Along South Las Vegas Boulevard, however, hundreds of outdoor heaters were blazing in front of almost every bar and casino, while hot parties heated up revelers inside.

Record betting numbers were expected in every sports book, and Super Bowl XLVIII did not disappoint Las Vegas bookmakers this year. Last year’s record $98.9 million till netted Las Vegas casinos $15.4 million in profit. The 2014 mark was well over $119 million, it was reported later.

Continue Reading What Super Bowl Sunday In Las Vegas Felt Like

Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display – The Bellagio is celebrating the New Year as the Year of the Horse in its Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, turning its garden it’s a festive sanctuary, boasting cultural meaning, while honoring the stallion that symbolized happiness and luck.

The Bellagio is known for adapting his garden to cultural events, and this time it has turned the usually colorful atrium into a tranquil temple, guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui. They’ve done this well, producing a space of harmony, balance, and positive life energy, right smack in the middle of Vegas glitz and glam.

The moment a visitor walks in they are greeted by the sights, smells, and sounds of Chinese culture, and tranquility. Each garden within the Chinese New Year display incorporates water, ensuring a positive flow of energy; and the three friends of winter – pine, bamboo and plum, symbolizing perseverance, integrity and modesty, respectively. Clusters of red silk lanterns and red firecrackers, believed to ward off evil as they represent happiness and prosperity, hang dramatically from the Conservatory’s ceiling.

Continue Reading Bellagio Presents Stunning Botanical Chinese New Years Display

Luxurious Sky Villa Suites Unveiled At The New Tropicana Resort – The New Tropicana resort in unveils the Sky Villa Suites, which offer an entirely new level of luxury accommodations for guests. Located on the 20th floor of the Paradise tower, the suites offer breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip with floor-to-ceiling windows in an elegant and glamorous atmosphere. The Sky Villa Suites are a key part of the resort’s approximate $200 million transformation that has touched every corner of the property including all 1,467 guestrooms, the casino floor and restaurants, and the Tropicana Theater.

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
NBA Tickets Barry Gibb Tickets
– Miami HEAT Tickets Billy Joel Tickets
– Phoenix Suns Tickets Bruno Mars Tickets
– Indiana Pacers Tickets Cher Tickets
– Boston Celtics Tickets George Strait Tickets
– Los Angeles Lakers Tickets Houston Rodeo Tickets
– Chicago Bulls Tickets Imagine Dragons Tickets
– Oklahoma City Thunder Tickets Justin Timberlake Tickets
NHL Tickets Katy Perry Tickets
– Pittsburgh Penguins Tickets Luke Bryan Tickets
– Chicago Blackhawks Tickets Marc Anthony Tickets
– San Jose Sharks Tickets Miley Cyrus Tickets
– Phoenix Coyotes Tickets Motley Crue Tickets
– Washington Capitals Tickets One Direction Tickets
College Basketball Tickets Paul Simon Tickets

Shows, Concerts, And Headliners

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2014

Las Vegas Then And Now

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Tacos And Tequila Inside Luxor Introduces New Fiesta-Worthy Menu Items – Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz has developed mouthwatering new appetizers and entrÚes, available now at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The popular Mexican restaurant has also introduced a few flavorful new cocktails selections to the drink menu.

Living In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Economy

Las Vegas Welcomes Nearly 40 Million Visitors In 2013 – Meetings and Convention Industry Reaches Five-Year High – Las Vegas welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2013 and reached a five-year high in two key indicators for the meetings and convention industry.

The 2013 year-end statistics, released today by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), point to continued recovery and steady growth for the industry. Las Vegas tourism generates $45 billion in economic impact for the local economy and supports more than 380,000 local jobs.

Despite one fewer day last year due to 2012 being a leap year and less room inventory for the majority of the year, visitor volume was just 58,802 visitors shy of setting a new record in 2013. Las Vegas hosted 39.67 million annual visitors last year, the second highest visitation total ever.

Gambling And Gaming

Rose.Rabbit.Lie

More Las Vegas News

Say Hola This Valentine’s Day At Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar – Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, now open at The LINQ, will offer a specialty menu for two, priced at $75 per couple, to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14.

The dining experience will begin with the choice of Red Sangria made with brandy, fresh fruit juices, strawberry and orange; or the Chayo Margarita, complete with Sauza Gold tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime.

This Week’s Top Tours

Explore the REAL West: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon Skywalk, Native American Points, Western Ranch, More!
Ultimate Grand Canyon South Rim tour, extensive views, lunch at historic lodge, more!
Zoom around Las Vegas Speedway NASCAR track at 160 mph with pro driver, thrill of lifetime!
Soar over the desert at 60 mph, seeing scenic wildlife from ziplines (close to Vegas)!
Spectacular views of Dam/Lake Mead plus memorable guided interior tour. Stunning photo opps!

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! – We’re getting a few sprinkles (something the desert Southwest dearly needs), but they won’t last long. As things stand right now, the forecast high for Valentines Day is 79 (F) degrees! That should make for a really nice evening for couples who want to walk The Strip hand-in-hand, marveling at the extremely romantic Bellagio fountains.

For those pondering a spring visit, average highs for coming months are March/70, April/78, and May/89. For many of you who have suffered a brutally cold winter in much of the U.S., we strongly suggest you get out here, thaw out, and regain a feel of what nice weather feels like.

Somewhat Super Bowl – If you are a Denver Broncos fan, you obviously didn’t see anything remotely “super” in this years game. However, it set the record for the highest number of viewers of any TV show ever, and the Nevada betting handle (amount bet legally here on the game) was a whopping $119 million dollars! For the pragmatic (those who didn’t have a favorite team playing), it was unfortunate that it was a blowout so early. However, those who chose to enjoy it here in Las Vegas had a weekend of excitement nonetheless. If you’ve ever wanted a taste of what Las Vegas is like on Super Sunday, I’m sure you’ve already seen the story by our own DW Grant earlier in this issue.

Some may ask how “Vegas” got the betting line on the game so “wrong”? Denver was a 2.5 point favorite but fell badly. Here’s the deal: The guys running the sports books don’t set the line as their own personal prediction on who will win. They set that line to get even money on both teams. For every dollar bet on Denver, they wanted to see another dollar bet on Seattle. Since they charge 11 to win 10, they simply hand the losers money to the winners and collect their commission (also known as the vigorish, or “vig” for short).

The reality is that while the general public (average Joe’s) were betting Denver like crazy, much of the “smart money” (professional gamblers) was coming down solidly on Seattle. The Seattle win did not surprise the pros in the least (although the margin did surprise nearly everyone).

If you follow us on our AccessVegas.com Twitter account or like us on our VegasFacebook.com page, we posted the story a few days before the game regarding where the smart money was going. Me? I have no allegiance to either team, but cashed a nice ticket on Seattle, who went off at +115 on the money line. (I was paid $1.15 for every dollar I bet for Seattle to win the game outright).

Welcome Dave! – Some of you may know DW Grant from the great show reviews he’s written for us over the years. We’ve decided to bring him on as a pretty regular feature writer in an effort to continue to really capture Las Vegas for you, beyond some of the basic write-ups and information we pass along. If you have anything you are curious about that we should send him out on, write us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Artist rendering of the SLS Las Vegas

The Sahara Reborn – The new owners of The Sahara — rebranding it SLS Las Vegas — have announced a Labor Day weekend opening for the re-built property. I live a scant 5 minute drive from the property, so I’m hoping for the best. Given the challenging location, the thought that they are not marketing to your typical Circus Circus/Riviera budget crowd, and their stated desire to attract locals, it will be interesting to see where the dust settles.

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

  • The Cromwell First Look – Las Vegas’ first standalone boutique hotel and casino, coming Spring 2014. Say goodbye to Barbary Coast/Bills Gambling Hall. Say hello to Cosmopolitan, Jr.

  • More Las Vegas Footage From The Summer Of 1992 Part 3! – Here is more footage of Las Vegas from the Summer of 1992! We begin driving up Convention Center Dr. toward the Strip, with rare footage of the Paddlewheel…..followed by footage of my wife in our Stardust hotel room…..followed by the Stardust with their new “Enter the Night” sign that replaced the long-running “Lido” show….then a store called “Condomania”….the Royal Hotel on Convention Center Dr…….and we wrap up with shots of the newly opened Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which was open for only 7 months!! (Description is the videographers, not ours).

  • Wynn Las Vegas Chinese New Year 2014 Horse Sculpture – Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have unveiled three 800-pound Tang Dynasty horse sculptures in celebration of Chinese New Year. The 9-foot-tall, 10-foot-long horses were created by master sculptor Sillipachai “Mod” Toonrud of FORTE Specialty Contractors in Las Vegas and are painted red and gilded in gold leaf.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I want to thank so many of our amazing readers for submitting emails about their Vegas plans for 2014 and general opionons on the state of things for the visitor.

We’ll be randamly drawing a winner from one who will be contacted very soon, and starting next week, we’ll begin printing some of them and taking about the general trends in the feedback!

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 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 8, 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+

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.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe December 18, 2013

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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

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Celebrating Christmas And The Winter Season

Bellagio’s Conservatory And Botanical Gardens Presents A Merry Winter Wonderland – Las Vegas’ Largest Indoor Tree, Topiary Polar Bears and Life-Size Chocolate House Add a Dash of Holiday Spirit This Season.

The magic of the holiday season has taken over Bellagio as the Las Vegas resort’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveils a glistening winter wonderland. Featuring The Strip’s largest indoor holiday tree, moss-embellished reindeers, a life-size chocolate house, live seasonal music and a family of topiary polar bears, the dazzling display transports guests through a holiday dream through January 5.

La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway Inside Wynn Las Vegas Introduces Winter Selections – La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas has welcomed the cooler weather with new seasonal menu items for fall and winter created by Executive Chef William “Billy” DeMarco, as well as holiday infused cocktails.

Along with the cooler weather comes a new crop of fresh ingredients, which DeMarco has integrated into hearty winter selections such as the airline chicken breast covered with squash puree and tomato apricot chutney.

New Year’s Eve And New Year’s Day

Park On Fremont Starts The New Year Right With Hangover Brunch – Whether hungover partygoers are sporting last night’s outfit or pajamas, Park on Fremont’s New Year’s Day brunch will cure whatever ails them on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

The Downtown eatery will serve delicious options including the Ranch Skillet, served with a bed of red potatoes, sausage, onions, peppers and cheese, topped with eggs over-easy and salsa; the French Toast, vanilla bean soaked brioche topped with drunk mixed berries, syrup and powdered sugar; and the Breakfast Waffle, homemade waffles covered with yogurt, bananas, strawberries, caramel sauce and powdered sugar.

SHe By Morton’s Rings In 2014 With Festive Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Feasts – SHe by Morton’s, located at The Shops at Crystals, just steps away from the main entrance of Aria, will offer two separate prix-fixe menus Tuesday, Dec. 31. Celebratory menus will be offered at 7pm and 9:30pm seatings.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Las Vegas Shopping And Attractions

Final Cabin Attached To The Las Vegas High Roller – The Las Vegas High Roller hit another construction milestone December 3, 2013 as the observation wheel’s final passenger cabin was attached to the wheel’s rim. The addition of the 28th cabin is another major accomplishment in the construction and engineering of the world’s tallest observation wheel which is a now a distinct feature in the Las Vegas skyline. The 550-foot tall wheel will be the focal point of The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

The Cosmopolitan Opens The Chelsea – A Sophisticated And Intimate Venue – The Chelsea, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ new 40,000-square foot performance and event space, will debut over New Year’s Eve with a performance by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars, bringing a more intimate and memorable guest experience to entertainment and meetings in Las Vegas.

Grand Bazaar Shops Transforms Busiest Corner Of The Las Vegas Strip Into An Outdoor Retail Experience – Las Vegas is all about experiences. And what the Vegas Strip has long needed is a major retail destination which truly redefines the shopping experience. Grand Bazaar Shops™ is an innovative, uniquely merchandised venue that will give Las Vegas its first truly urban shopping scene.

More Las Vegas News

Fabulous Meets Sophistication With The New Flamingo Las Vegas Garden Chapel – Flamingo Las Vegas now offers guests a fresh new wedding experience with its beautifully redesigned Garden Chapel and all-new wedding packages.

The renovation was completed in September by Westar Architects and encompasses the chapel, lobby, reception, hallways, bridal room and restroom.

Navagator Plus Helicopter Combo TourNavagator Plus Helicopter Combo 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 Navagator Plus
Helicopter Combo 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 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 Tickets
– 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! – No white Christmas for us (although just outside of town, Mt. Charleston had plenty of snow a couple weeks ago). We’re coming in a very seasonal 60 F (give or take a couple) everyday now through Christmas, with plenty of sunshine in the forecast.

Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even A Mouse – This is generally a quiet time of year for news and the newsletter before Christmas has usually consisted essentially of an online Christmas card. Not so much this year, as you’ve seen from what you’ve already read. Just a few quick news bits that we may go into more detail in the future:

* Barbary Coast (Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall) project finally appears to have a new name: The Cromwell. Caesars Entertainment has yet to confirm it, but local news sources seem pretty confident about it. No, we’re not fond of the name either. And yes… it sounds like the name of some preppy character from one of those 80’s movies.

* Harmon’s Slow Demise – The ill-fated Harmon Hotel (just to the south of Cosmopolitan) looks like it is coming down piece-by-piece. It simply sits too close to surrounding properties to make for a safe implosion. Many of our readers were not only hoping for an implosion, but that some extra dynamite would take out CityCenter while they were at it!

* No More NFR – Just a week or two ago, we told you all about the National Final’s Rodeo and how being in town for it — even if you don’t have tickets — is a must for any country fan. Ooops. The NFR is packing up and leaving after next year, after a 29 year run in Las Vegas. Orlando (Actually Kissimmee) tossed a few million more dollars at them to cover increased prize money and promised a new 24,000 seat arena.

Las Vegas still may counter with moving the event to the (soon to be constructed) 20,000 seat MGM arena behind New York, New York. But… the money is still an issue.

If we lose it, we’re simply going to start a competing event. People have been coming to enjoy top rodeo in Las Vegas for nearly three decades and local organizers are counting on the fact that it is the Vegas experience and tradition that will draw visitors to the new event.

Hope you are enjoying this issue and we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

  • Caesars Christmas Greetings – Enjoy a fun (and funny) greeting from cast members of various Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas shows including Donny and Marie, Chippendales, Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding, Jubilee!, Legends In Concert, Jeff Civillico, Mac King, Frank Marino’s Diva’s, George Wallace, X Burlesque, Anthony Cools, Absinthe, Recycled Percussion, Taylor Hicks, Matt Goss, Big Elvis, Vinnie Favorito, Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, and Veronic.

  • Bellagio Conservatory And Botanical Gardens Holiday Tree Arrival and Time Lapse – Follow the Bellagio Christmas Tree from its origins in the forest to the installation at the resort.

  • Glenn Diamond: The Cowboy’s Christmas – Our gaming writer Vegas Vic wants to wish you a Merry Christmas by sharing his alter-ego’s song about the story of a lonely cowboy from long ago, who one night on the prairie saw the star of Bethlehem shining in the sky, on a bright moonlit night. It filled his soul, and that’s why from then on, those of us in the American West, call this day the Cowboy’s Christmas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I’ll be spending the weekend with a buddy at a non-gaming facility on the north end of The Strip, and I’m looking for ideas of where to go to watch the game (and possibly bet on the game, too, though I can get my bets down anyplace before the game). Are you planning to write up something about where to go, what it takes to gain admission (some are invitation only, I gather), that sort of thing?

Thanks!

Scott Pohl

 

Ted Responds:

Ever since the NFL cracked down on charging admission for an event you show their games at, the landscape has really changed. There are still some watching parties and events, but not like it used to be where you paid $100 to watch it on a zillion big screens set up in a ballroom with a betting station and unlimited food and drink included.

We start to get Super Bowl event listings right after the new year, and will post them without delay when we do. These days, some special venues are still set up with free admission and food and drink specials, just about bar (or bar and grill) is doing something, and the game is shown on every TV in every property.

But, we suggest getting where you are going to go well before kick-off (like 2-3 hours before) and parking yourself there so you have your seats and making a day of it. Oh… and don’t even try to get a seat in any of the sports books. People set their alarms for dawn to stake those out.

Per betting in general, the #1 rule is “don’t wait”. You don’t want to be in the long lines on Saturday and ESPECIALLY Sunday morning. All the bets will be available all week long. Make getting your bets down the first thing you do when you hit town.

For those driving in or renting a car and staying at a non-gaming property (or renting out a house), hit a locals casino (Palace Station, which is 4 minutes from The Sahara and Rivera comes to mind, Gold Coast if you are center Strip, Orleans if you are South Strip) where you’ll find lots more parking and not have to navigate a mammoth Strip casino. Just remember that you have to return to cash your tickets OR mail your tickets in for redemption (info is often on the back of the ticket on how to do so).

Near downtown? Pull up to the valet at Plaza, tell the guy you are running in to make a sports bet, and hand him $5 to keep the car close. Or use their free parking garage and when the attendant asks if you are a guest of the hotel, simply state that you are there to make sports bets at their sports book. Their sports book is pretty much next to both the valet entrance and the parking garage elevators.

Obviously for those of you staying at a casino, they all have sports books on-site. But still… bet early! You really don’t want to be in that weekend line.

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 December 11, 2013

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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

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Winter In Las Vegas

More Than 11,000 Kris Kringle Lookalikes Join Shania Twain At Las Vegas Great Santa Run – On Saturday, December 7, Opportunity Village made history as 11,221 participants dressed like Kris Kringle for the ninth annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run in Downtown Las Vegas. Led by Grand Marshal Shania Twain, the iconic event beat its personal record and defeated Liverpool rivals for the “World Santa Challenge” championship.

“We were blown away by the outpouring of support from the Las Vegas community,” said Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Opportunity Village. “This was truly one of our best events yet, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going into the run’s 10th year.”

Shania Twain, who currently headlines SHANIA: STILL THE ONE at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace looked glamorous in a white Santa hat and chic black and white cape. Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Rhumbar at Mirage Heats Up Winter With Hot New Cocktails (With Recipes) – ‘Tis the season for hot drinks and holiday festivities at RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. The Strip-side getaway will introduce four seasonal cocktails to heat up the winter season.

Available through the end of February, cocktail aficionados will stay warm this winter with the Hot Berry Bomber, the Cinn City, the Mexican Ginger Cookie and the Naughty Girl Scout, each priced at $12. For those who want a taste of the season at home, each delicious RHUMBAR cocktail is easy to recreate with the below recipes:

Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Bruno Mars Attends Jersey Boys In Las Vegas – Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars attended Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas. Following the performance, he went backstage to meet and take photos with cast members from the smash-hit production.

Jersey Boys is the #1 Rated Show in Las Vegas and the “Must see show of the year!” according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The musical phenomenon Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at Paris Las Vegas is the runaway hit that has taken Las Vegas by storm.

Las Vegas Dining

Las Vegas Real Estate

Celebrating Christmas In Las Vegas

La Cave Wine And Food Hideaway To Spread Christmas Joy With Holiday Dishes And Cocktails – La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will celebrate Christmas with festive dishes and cocktails on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25. Prepared by Executive Chef William “Billy” DeMarco, the restaurant will offer grilled black bass topped with tomato vinaigrette and accompanied with baby artichoke ravioli and broccoli rabe, priced at $24.

Feel At Home For The Holidays With Trevi Italian Restaurant Inside Caesars Palace – Trevi inside The Forum Shops at Caesars will join in the holiday spirit by offering a variety of seasonal specials.

For December, Trevi introduces the Happy Hollytini, a candy cane martini made from an irresistible blend of vanilla vodka, Peppermint schnapps and Bailey’s. The cocktail, priced at $9, is swirled with a red stripe made of white chocolate and rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. Pastry Chef Hank Sbraccia will celebrate by offering his unique eggnog gelato, prepared with bourbon, dark rum and a hint of freshly grated nutmeg, for $4.50 per scoop.

Central Michel Richard Celebrates Christmas With Holiday Prix Fixe Menu – Central Michel Richard at Caesars Palace will celebrate Christmas with an elaborate four-course Christmas prix fixe meal on Wednesday, Dec. 25. The main course will feature three entrÚe choices for the holiday: prime rib with au jus; red snapper with roasted root vegetables complete with red pepper sauce; or roasted duck with cinnamon sauce.

Las Vegas Economy

Las Vegas Hotels

Gambling And Gaming

More Las Vegas News

Rim Dancer Helicopter TourRim Dancer Helicopter Tour – Enjoy a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from South Rim and begin your adventures in the sky. As you soar above the plethora of towering Ponderosa Pines that characterize the Kaibab National Forest, you’ll witness the North Rim rise into view as the South Rim slowly fades away. A flight aboard an ECO-Star helicopter creates an up-close and personal experience with Grand Canyon nature.

Click To Book Your Rim Dancer Helicopter 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 Tickets
– 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! – Well, we survived our week of winter! Although cold to us with highs only around 40 F and lows in the upper 20’s, we were still warmer than most of the U.S. (All you readers in South Florida can put a sock in it right now. Yes, we did notice that you were in the 70’s while we all froze to death). However, I’m happy to report that our 10 day forecast is showing seasonable highs near 60 and lows that don’t dip into freezing territory.

The Shopification Of Las Vegas – It is unfortunately official: Treasure Island has permanently closed down the pirate show to make way for all the retail they are going to finish destroying their facade with put on their northwest corner. Given that they’ve already scarred the building with the horrendous red tones of Senor Frogs, they might as well finish destroying one of Las Vegas’ iconic all-time themes.

The Tropicana is getting ready to take all of that unused space on the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. and build out a shopping and dining complex. Fortunately, the renderings look very tasteful (Treasure Island, take notes) and should prove a nice addition to that corner. However, we’ll repeat what we’ve said in past issues: I don’t see how Las Vegas can absorb this much new shopping. Dining… maybe. But for the roughly 50% of you who arrive by plane, you can only get so much stuff home! And, there is the simple matter of carting it all back to your room.

Note: Both Flamingo and Riviera have UPS stores in them. You can always ship all of your goodies home. But, you have to get them to the store and shipping probably won’t be cheap. Our advice? If you start to get carried away on cool Vegas stuff you want to get home, ask each store if they offer shipping and how much. Let them deal with it and you get to unwrap it back at home!

For those interested in renderings and more information about The Tropicana’s new plans, click on over to Tropicana chief sees new retailers at property transforming south Strip

Where To Live In Las Vegas – Down the road, we’re thinking of doing a series on the pros and cons of living in various areas. I like to live centrally located, close to The Strip and Downtown. However, that does usually mean living in an old house, which some don’t like. My “new” 1964-era mid-century required thousands in electrical upgrades so I could run all my computers, TV’s, gadgets and similar without fear that I’ll burn the place down!

I’ve never suggested a specific development before, but if living on the edge of town in an area with a KILLER view of both The Strip and Downtown sounds like it may interest you, I’d get over and check out the Daybreak development on the east side of town at the very eastern end of Sahara Ave.

I used to live in that general area in the 90’s. Besides some of the amazing views from just about everywhere up there, you have plenty of great parks and golf just a couple minutes away.

Note: The above is not a paid endorsement. Newkirk’s Notes has never once contained a paid endorsement or advertisement of any kind.

Write Off Your Vegas Trip! – Our friends over at the Vegas Video Network have been putting out great, top-quality Vegas video content for years now. We’re proud to note that they are branching out into the area of network quality, highly professional video production for businesses of all sizes and individuals who want to do some kind of video presentation.

Commercials, website welcome videos, personal promotion, you name it… they do it well. The cost? Literally about equal with gambling budget the average visitor brings. (Hint: Much cheaper than you think). Click on over to the Vegas Video Co-Op welcome page and find out lots more. You’ll be glad you did. (We’ll be working with them in 2014 on some projects that I can’t tell you about yet).

Love The Feedback – Last week, we asked for feedback about the direction (if any) you’d like to see us take with this newsletter as we move in to 2014 (our 15’th year of publication), and also about how your Vegas visits are changing. (We’re hearing a lot of less gambling, more shows and sightseeing). It’s never too late to let us know what is on your mind. Drop us a note at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

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

  • Treasure Island Pirate Show New Year’s Eve Las Vegas 1996-1997 – Now that the pirate show is permanently retired, enjoy this look at the original version of the Treasure Island Pirate Show which ran many years until it was replaced by the modern Sirens Of TI version.

  • Pumpkin & Spice Cocktail At The Country Club Wynn Las Vegas – The Pumpkin & Spice at The Country Club is a comforting drink that says, ‘holidays-in-a-glass’ every time. Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie and Goldschlager liqueurs, butterscotch Schnapp’s, half and half, and pumpkin spice all combine to create a beverage that’s perfect for sipping by the fire.

  • NASCAR Drivers Parade Down The Las Vegas Strip – For the fifth consecutive year the top 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers paraded down Las Vegas Boulevard on Thursday. Led by six-time, Sprint Cup winner Jimmie Johnson, the parade of drivers performed burn outs at the Spring Mountain intersection.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

This year will be my husband and my 4th year in a row to celebrate New Years Eve in Vegas. We have watched the fireworks from The Strip – do you have a suggestion for the best place to see the fireworks? We stay at Harrah’s.

We really enjoy your newsletters!

Diann from New Oxford, PA

 

Ted Responds:

Next week, we’ll have a link to our complete run-down of New Year’s Eve events and parties. (The link is already in this newsletter, but we’ve just gotten a ton of stuff in that we need to post).

If you’ve done the fireworks on The Strip and are looking for something else, you may want to check out one of the parties we’ll be listing in the next few days. The best for the money is probably the one at PBR rock bar as you are on The Strip, they have a good-sized outdoor area, but you can retreat back into the warmth and have the restaurant’s restroom facilities right there at your disposal. If you can’t wait until we get the listings done for next week, give them a call at 702-750-1685.

In general, here’s what you need to know about the New Year’s Eve fireworks on The Strip:

* The Strip is closed to traffic from about 6 PM to 2 AM. Wherever your car is by 6 PM, that is where it is going to be.

* If you want to make reservations at a nice restaurant (highly recommended), make them NOW and make them in the area you are planning to party and watch the fireworks.

* The hotels pretty much go into lockdown. You can’t enter a hotel unless you have a room key, and you can’t park at one unless you are a guest. This is for New Year’s Eve only. The rest of the year, they want you parking at their joint and bringing your cash inside!

* There are porta-potty stations up and down The Strip. Make a mental note of where they are in case all that liquor starts to make you need one!

* Yes, you can drink. But… only out of plastic containers. Buy a big bottle of water (32 ounce or whatever), and mix up your own big drink in your room and you are on your way!

* Stay away from the center of The Strip. By 10 PM, it gets so crowded that you can barely move. Get yourself down by Aria at the very least. As a rule of thumb, the farther south you go, the more elbow room you get.

Don’t worry about missing anything. Last year, fireworks were shot off from MGM, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and Stratosphere. If you are staying mid-Strip, either slowly make your way south on foot as it gets more and more crowded, or simply jump the monorail which will whisk you down to MGM (and back again later). Don’t even think about driving or attempting to catch a cab. All of the side streets get jammed.

Hope that helps! Also, we know that many of our readers participate on various Las Vegas groups and forums. Feel free to post a link to this newsletter, letting people know that we’ve posted this advice. Please do not copy/paste the actual column elsewhere. Outside of the fact that it is illegal, we work very hard on this newsletter and need people to actually come by and see it for themselves so that our advertisers know we have eyeballs. Without actual visitors to this newsletter page, we lose our advertisers we go bye-bye. Thanks!

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 December 4, 2013

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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+

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

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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+

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

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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

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!

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