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Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 20, 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
Las Vegas Events

Gambling In Las Vegas

Gordon Wins $1,452,799.89 Playing Wizard Of Oz – Journey To Oz At Margaritaville Casino – Caesars Entertainment is proud to welcome Gordon into its enviable circle of millionaires. If you’re looking to get lucky, a Caesars Entertainment resort is a sure bet. The company has created 703 millionaires since 1987; with those player winnings fast approaching the $2 billion mark, the company announced Millionaire Maker powered by Total Rewards, a celebration of these guests’ winnings and a promotion aimed at making even more millionaires.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Honored New Headliner Andrew Dice Clay With Memorabilia Case – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino welcomed Andrew Dice Clay to his new home at Vinyl with a memorabilia case dedication. Several of Clay’s iconic leather jackets were unveiled in a memorabilia case, which will be on display throughout the famous comedian’s residency. At the event, Paul Davis, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Vice President of Entertainment, and Jody Lake, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Chief Operating Officer, gave a few words to welcome the performer to his new home. Next, Lake introduced the legendary comic to an extremely enthusiastic crowd. Photo: Pat Gray-Erik Kabik Photography

Las Vegas Hotels And Construction

Dining, Drinking, And Dancing

Palms Casino Resort Unveils A Swank Rec Room With A View – Palms Casino Resort opens The View, a unique recreational space with a stylish bar scene and of course, spectacular views of the city. Part big-city bar elevated by the charm of old-school board games, billiards and shuffleboard, The View is an upscale lounge perfect for casual conversation, cocktails and eclectic musical offerings. Located atop the Fantasy Tower between Nove Italiano and Moon Nightclub, The View is the perfect transition spot from dinner- to-nightclub or a final destination for a nightcap.

PBR Rock Bar Celebrates Tax Day With Open Bar Special – Tax payers will enjoy a “tax break” at PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with an open bar special on Monday, April 15.

Whether tax day partygoers want to spend hard-earned refunds or save cash after paying back Uncle Sam, guests will enjoy open bar access from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., priced at $10 for ladies and $20 for gentlemen. Patrons will also enjoy challenging the hot spot’s bartenders for the chance to win 50 percent off drinks during Rock, Paper, Scissors Mondays, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Restaurant Guy Savoy Inside Caesars Palace Introduces The Cognac Lounge Offering Rare Cognacs – Restaurant Guy Savoy’s new Cognac Lounge is now open in its location inside Caesars Palace. Cognac connoisseurs and novices will enjoy the master-crafted and rare cognac menus that are solely found at the award-winning restaurant. The menu is expected to evolve as Restaurant Guy Savoy acquires other bottles or bottles are finished.

The cognac menus feature different cognacs that will take the palate of spirit aficionados to a different time and place. Before drinking, enjoy a mouthwatering gourmet meal at the Restaurant Guy Savoy, a recent awardee of Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and Michelin two-star.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

March Events Las Vegas

L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon At MGM Grand Celebrates Easter With Extraordinary Chocolate Display – L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino showcases an exquisite confectionery chocolate display in celebration for Easter. Executive Pastry Chef Kamel Guechida along with his team of four created the display for more than eight weeks. They discussed and sketched dozens of ideas before they come up with the final design. More than 70 pounds of milk, white and dark chocolate are used to mold the chocolate sculptures of 150 flowers, 120 eggs and 60 hens.

More Las Vegas News

Tickets Now On Sale For 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational – The 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) is back this year starting from April 4 to 7, 2013. The event will be held, for the third year, at Shadow Creek Las Vegas and it will be hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino. Spectators who want to access one of celebrity golf’s most popular events, at the commended Shadow Creek Golf Course, can avail the tickets which are currently on sale. For four days, the biggest names in entertainment and sports will gather for the competitive golf and special events which aims to raise money for numerous worthy charitable organizations.

Legendary Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers Brian Wilson And Jeff Beck Announce Vegas Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp – Two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame living legends will visit Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp to teach the Rock and Roll fans this coming April 18-21. Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys and 2013 GRAMMY Award® winning renowned singer/songwriter and Jeff Beck, revered guitar virtuoso and eight-time GRAMMY Award® winner will be the camp’s counselors. Register now to save a slot for the exclusive music camp this spring.

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Canyon Dream Air and Land TourMaverick Canyon Dream Air and Land Tour – A 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft starts your ultimate adventure. Upon landing, your excursion will begin with a seat on our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an amazing 25-minute breathtaking helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon.

As you soar above this natural wonder you will see beautiful scenery from the Kaibab National Forest, Tower of Ra and the mighty Colorado River. Ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park concludes your journey. Absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy a gourmet box lunch.

Click To Book Maverick Canyon
Dream Air and Land Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Recycled Percussion by Terri D’Richards

Recycled Percussion – “Junk” Instruments Meet Off-Beat Comic Sensibility – With a Motley Crue meets Oscar the Grouch opening number, Recycled Percussion sets the tone for their show, blending dynamic Rock style performance, “junk instruments” (power tools are instruments — aren’t they??) and off-beat comic sensibility.

They also have no objection to letting the audience share in the enthusiasm, as “the most interactive show on earth” makes sure everyone has their own drumstick and pot, pan or toaster to beat on throughout the proceedings. The results give a whole new meaning to “Rocking the joint”.

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – March Madness is in the air, and it is certifiably insane both on The Strip and Downtown. For our international readers (upwards of 30% of you, thanks for reading and telling your fellow countrymen who enjoy Las Vegas), March Madness is our college basketball playoffs where 68 teams compete, each with a chance to advance and win it all. Even those with no general interest in the sport tend to follow these exciting playoffs.

The weather has been stunning and in the mid-70′s pretty much every day of March (sans just a few). The 10 day forecast shows us staying at that pace to finish the month. It has been perfectly beautiful here in the high desert!

artist rendition of Gansevoort hotel

Gansevoort – No, this isn’t the latest zillion dollar art purchase by Steve Wynn. Gansevoort is a high end hotel group with properties in New York City and The Caribbean. What’s that have to do with us? They are the group who will be taking over Barbary Coast/Bill’s Gambling Hall, doing the $185 million renovation to turn it into a high-end boutique hotel with an emphasis on daylife/nightlife.

They think that they’ll get $250 per night for a room in a market that is struggling with depressed room rates. We’ll see. With this development and the old Sahara turning into a similar property, I’m not sure how there will be enough well-off 21-35 year old patrons to go around. Don’t be surprised if both properties end up with lower rates and a more broad outreach to a greater segment of our visitors after being open a while.

Unconscionable – When I moved here, the Frontier Hotel was in the midst of a seven year strike and there were always a few picketers in front of it. Of late, employees of Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas have been picketing because they are working without a contract. However… they just took it to far. Way too far.

Recent picketing included a sit-down protest right on the Las Vegas Strip. Don’t take my word for it. See the story and video for yourself: Demonstration shuts down traffic on the Las Vegas Strip

The blockage of Nevada’s most famous thoroughfare lasted a whopping 50 minutes, at the very busy time of 5 PM! I’m no economist, but I have to think that the disruption was very costly to many thousands of visitors affected by it. When a $10 cab ride turns into a $40-50 ride because of delays and detours, that is time and money that our visitors did NOT expect to have to outlay.

Whether someone in a cab, on a tour bus, or even simply taking the regular buses on The Strip, the delay was costly in time alone. Time that all delayed visitors could have been spending enjoying themselves (and spending money on more fun, productive forms of entertainment than being stuck in transit).

Picket all you want (on the sidewalk). Demonstrating is a right we cherish. But when a group of people gainfully employed in a state with very high unemployment take the extra step to ruin a portion of your vacation, they lose any sympathy I would have had toward their side of the story.

The Cosmopolitan is essentially bank-owned and my understanding is that the bank is honoring the old contract. These workers make good money and have solid benefits in a state where unemployment is still very high and many resorts are still losing money.

Wayne Newton's Ranch Las Vegas

News Not So Good For Mr. Las Vegas – The deal to turn Wayne Newton’s Casa De Shenandoah ranch into a “Graceland of the west” fell through, and evidently that was the last straw for the crooner’s financial situation. The ranch is for sale, and many of the exotic animals inhabiting the property have been sold to an Oregon wildlife sanctuary.

Wayne, his wife, sister-in-law, and retired personal secretary occupy three houses on the estate and contest that even if the land is sold, they have previously structured legal leases on the homes which will allow them to remain on the property. Photo: Google Maps

Living The “High” Life In Las Vegas – We’re not talking about Miller beer here. My Nevada Assemblyman Joe Hogan (D-Las Vegas Strip) — someone I’m no fan of for unrelated reasons — has introduced legislation to legalize possession and use of nominal amounts of marijuana here in Nevada. I’m agnostic on the issue. I grew up in Oregon with plenty of pot around, but have never been a user because when I tried it a few times a zillion years ago, it made me paranoid.

We’re curious about your thoughts. Is allowing people to have a little weed on vacation something long past due, or would this make you think twice about visiting (if enacted)? You can go to our Access Vegas Facebook Page and scroll down to the story and leave a comment, or email us at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Sports Capital Of The World? – Las Vegas is often referred to as the Entertainment Capital Of The World (a claim that New York City fights us on), but for the past couple of weeks, we’ve hosted:

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup (top level) and Nationwide Series
  • Pac-12 Basketball Championship
  • Big League Weekend (Chicago Cubs vs. Texas Rangers, two pre-season games)
  • Mountain West Basketball Championship
  • Western Athletic Conference Basketball Championship
  • West Coast Conference Basketball Championship

Add in St. Patrick’s day and some other events which have probably slipped my mind, and it has been busy, busy, busy! In fact, at one time not only were three NCAA college basketball championships we’re not only happening at the same time, but on the same street (Tropicana: Thomas and Mack, MGM Gardens, and Orleans Arena)! And, all were being nationally televised to boot.

Celtic Feis guests celebrating on the Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York Hotel
Visitors Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2013 At New York, New York Hotel Casino

Crowd of people at Celtic Feis

We Love Oscar – Last but not least, irrepressible former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was recently quoted in the L.A. Times article Taking on the Vegas haters:

“You know what people should do who come here and bad-mouth our city?” asked former Mayor Oscar Goodman, 73, who also was a mob lawyer here. “They should try our lake. It’s nothing that a good pair of cement shoes couldn’t cure.”

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Rick Ziegler

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

  • Pub Crawl #104: A Night In Paris (Las Vegas) – The Ivy’s tour one of their favorite casinos in Las Vegas. Frankie’s Tiki Room gets some love. A viewer is guided toward an unforgettable weekend including:

    PARIS: Le Central, Gustavs, Mon Ami Gabi, Sugar Factory, Napoleon’s, and Gordon Ramsay Steak. BALLY’S: Tequila Bar & Grill and The Book.

  • Red Rock Conservation Area – Get off the Strip and go see some nature. Twenty minutes from the Strip is Red Rock Conservation Area. Here is a quick look at Red Rock. Hike, mountain climb and bike the loop from TheVegasTourist.com
  • Mystere Revealed – See Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular Mystere through the eyes of two new performers as they join the amazing show at Treasure Island. Players Network takes you backstage where the secrets of Mystere are revealed to the new acrobat and new dancer.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Are there any strip resorts that do no charge a resort fee? It seems a bit like a forced money grab to be charged for unused services. When I spoke with the Paris their comment was basically ” too bad, use the services”

Have a great day,

Thom

I suppose it was inevitable that Caesars resorts would join the bandwagon and impose resort fees but as we travel over from Scotland every Jan. for 2 weeks, our additional fees at the Flamingo next time will end up costing us $252!!!!!

We are completely addicted to Vegas, having been 16 times now but must admit that it is becoming an increasingly difficult sell to our friends and family. The prices of buffets have been steadily rising over the years, the timeshare and ticket touts are more aggressive each year and the porn peddlers are annoying to say the least!

Fortunately we did quite well on the slots this year which will help offset the resort fees, surely the hotels should simply increase their rack rates and include internet access as standard instead of these so called “perks” no one wants such as a free daily newspaper or access to pools which are often closed when we are there.

In the past we didn’t bother with money off coupons etc. but they are now somewhat of a necessity.

Keep up the good work,

Mrs. Jane Baillie

 

Ted Responds:

With Caesars Entertainment properties, you are essentially exchanging a resort fee for the fact that they will be upgrading rooms with the money (or so it appears to me as I follow the financial dots here). Having said that, I’m not defending them. At least on a airplane, you have a choice whether to bring that second bag or eat their meal or board early should you choose to pay for various upcharges and classes of service.

It certainly does us (as a travel company) no favors. When you book a hotel through our booking box in this newsletter or at AccessVegas.com, we only get credit for what the hotel costs. Not the resort fee portion. Also, saving that $250 in resort fees would allow Jane to attend an additional show. Many of the top Las Vegas shows sponsor us and make this newsletter possible. (If booking any of those shows, please also do it through our links so they know we sent you. With our Featured Show advertisers, we send you directly to their official ticket site).

Short of some kind of “truth in advertising” legislation, we’re highly unlikely to see this practice change. They can advertise lower rates that look like a deal when the total room cost isn’t. Take The Quad, for instance. Midweek rates in May are around $30, but with the resort fee tacked on, you’re paying a more serious $50 per night (plus any taxes).

Still not bad when you look at what a similar hotel in another tourist city would cost. But, Las Vegas was built around the concept of leaving you enough money in your pocket to enjoy yourself with while you are here.

Basically, ALL Strip properties now have resort fees. The closest you can get while still avoiding them is:

Disclaimer: Resort fee information is volatile and subject to change. The information we have is the best at the this time.

So, if you really want to flip the bird to resort fees but want to be on The Strip (IE, no more than a very short walk from it), Clarion, Elara, and Royal Resort are the three to look into. If you don’t mind being just a couple blocks away, Marriott (the one on Convention Center Drive), Platinum, or Super 8 Koval are your best bets.

Downtown, Plaza and Gold Spike are the only ones sticking it to 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 March 13, 2013

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Hotels And Construction

El Cortez Hotel Named To The National Register Of Historic Places – The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) named El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as one of the cultural resources worthy of preservation.

“We are thrilled to become one of the beloved properties across the nation recognized on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Our hotel represents not only the treasured memories of our city’s history but also embraces the future of downtown,” executive vice president of El Cortez Hotel & Casino Alex Epstein said.

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

March Events And Specials

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2013

Las Vegas Nightlife

March Madness Las Vegas 2013

More Las Vegas News

UNLVino Takes Place At Las Vegas Strip Locations For 39th Annual Event April 18-21, 2013 – This year, the 39th annual UNLVino will expand to four days of events, for wine, beer and spirit enthusiasts, April 18-21, 2013. Nevada’s original wine festival will showcase an array of international beverages and continue Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s mission to raise millions of scholarship dollars for students of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

Tickets are now on sale for 2013’s exciting festivities at UNLVTickets.com. The perfect Valentine’s Day gift for wine connoisseurs – UNLVino’s special $350 wine-lovers “passport” package – includes admission to all four tastings, a savings of more than $100.

North And South American Wines Go Head To Head During The Golden Nugget’s Wine Revolution – On April 12-14, 2013, winery owners, winemakers and consumers will get together in the fifth annual spring wine event. The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host the said event where wines from North America and South America will go head to head in the Wine Revolution. Guests will enjoy the silent and live wine auctions, wine tastings, poolside receptions and many more.

The event is regularly priced at $260* but discounted price is available for guests who will book in advance. The discounted ticket price is sold for $199* for all four events. Guests can purchase the event separately.

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Las Vegas Strip at sunsetMaverick Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour – Landing tour with Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world.

Click To Book Maverick Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Million Dollar Quartet by Terri D’Richards

Million Dollar Quartet – Incredible But True – Shake, Rattle or Roll but DO get yourself to a performance of “Million Dollar Quartet” for an unforgettable evening of Rock ‘n’ Roll history and live performance. Harrah’s newly remodeled showroom hosts the Las Vegas version of this hit Broadway and touring production, which gives audiences a fly-on-the-wall perspective into a once-in-a-lifetime event that took place December 1956: the convergence of 4 legends in Rock ‘n’ Roll history.

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – NASCAR almost got rained out last weekend (rare spring storm), but now we’re in the upper 80′s all this week! I dusted off all my patio furniture and my trustworthy old CRT TV that I keep on the back porch ($25 from Craigs List… I can leave it out there because it isn’t worth stealing) and it is al fresco dining nightly.

I’d love to tell you that we’re playing hooky, but Rick got hit with a nasty “summer” cold and I’ve been working on our super-cool, soon-to-debut “Best Of” voting software (unlike any other Best Of internet voting out there — it will be really fun), so we’re running a little lighter than usual this issue. All should be back to normal next week.

The Weather Channel is predicting a major winter storm for a good part of the nation next week. You know those cool new gadgets we have called airplanes? Get on one and come see us and thaw out.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Rick Ziegler

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

  • Wynn Las Vegas ‘Tulips’ Unveiled – As part of the resort’s continued commitment and appreciation of public art, Wynn Las Vegas unveils ‘Tulips’ by renowned artist Jeff Koons. Rendered in mirror-polished stainless steel and transparent color coating, ‘Tulips’ will illuminate the Wynn theater rotunda at Wynn Las Vegas. The sculpture was acquired at auction for a price of $33,682,500.
  • 2013 NASCAR Hauler Parade Las Vegas Strip – The annual NASCAR Hauler Parade is the unofficial kickoff to NASCAR weekend in Las Vegas. All the haulers that bring the race cars to Las Vegas, get polished up and run down the famous Las Vegas Strip. By http://www.thevegastourist.com
  • Lake Mead and Nevada’s Desert – The lake stretches far beyond the dam into the rugged desert landscape along the Nevada and Arizona border very near Las Vegas. Lake Mead is now a National Recreation Area and a starkly beautiful place to visit. In our video, we mention the possibility of renting houseboats to travel into the far reaches of the lake. But if you don’t get out on the water itself, the landscape around is colorful and wild and easily accessible. Just a few miles from downtown Las Vegas, this is the real Nevada, a great state to visit.

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 March 6, 2013

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

The Rat Pack Is Back! A Tribute To Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean – Old Vegas from the Sands returns nightly in “The Rat Pack is Back! A Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean” and it headlines at 7 p.m. nightly at The Rio.

The stellar cast includes impersonators of Frank Sinatra (Brian Duprey), Sammy Davis Jr. (Kenny Jones), Joey Bishop (Mickey Joseph) and Dean Martin (Drew Anthony). There’s even a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and performer (Jamie Edwards). The Lon Bronson Big Band Orchestra provides the live music for the entire show. They are legendary in Las Vegas entertainment circles.

Rock Of Ages Headlines Las Vegas Motor Speedway Pre-Race Show For March 10 Kobalt Tools 400 – Rock Of Ages will rock Las Vegas Motor Speedway prior to the Kobalt Tools 400. Cast members of the smash-hit show will perform as part of the pre-race activities at the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Sunday, March 10. The performance will start at approximately 11:15 a.m. Pacific

Live Country Music Concerts At Fremont Street Experience Return April 5-6 – The Academy of Country Music and Las Vegas announced today that for the seventh consecutive year, ACM Weekend at Fremont Street Experience will be taking place on Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6th. On the heels of the ACM Party for a Cause Festival at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, this ultimate ACM after party continues in downtown Las Vegas at Fremont Street with two nights of all-star concerts headlined by Gary Allan and Jake Owen and featuring performances by Randy Houser, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Kip Moore, Joe Nichols and Sunny Sweeney.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Presents Def Leppard Fantasy Camp Featuring Special Guest Lita Ford – Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp continues to offer its classes April 4-7, 2013 with the camp headliner Def Leppard. The camp will be joined by the band’s members including Joe Elliott on vocals, Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen on guitars, Rick “Sav” Savage on bass and Rick Allen on drums.

Campers will be engaged in different activities including master class which will teach them about music especially from Def Leppard. In addition, fanatics will also have a chance to jam nightly with the famous rock stars, perform live on stage as well as write and record original songs. They will also learn how to play the favorite songs of the band such as “Rock of Ages,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Too Late for Love.”

The registration is already open and campers can choose either from the Recording Star package or Headliner package. Both the four day packages include scheduled classes, lunch, daily jam sessions, an opening night cocktail reception and a final concert performance DVD. On April 7, Sunday, a live concert will be hosted by the campers and counselors which will be the camp’s culmination. For registration and more information, visit www.rockcamp.com

Construction, Remodeling, And Renovations

Las Vegas Global Business District Unveiled – The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority unveiled its plans today for the Las Vegas Global Business District, an overarching vision for the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area.

Bellagio Completes $40 Million Room And Suite Remodel In Resort’s Spa Tower – Bellagio, one of the world’s most iconic resorts, recently completed the remodel of Spa Tower’s 928 rooms and suites which will definitely elevate the guest experience.

The three new Executive Parlor Suites are also introduced which are designed with entertainment as well as technology in mind. The 2,500-square-foot suites each feature a separate high-tech home theater living area and a billiards lounge that invites guests to host interactive yet intimate events in a vibrant setting.

Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Tacos & Tequila Celebrates National Salsa Day With Salsa Sampler – Can’t Make It To Vegas? Here’s The Recipe! – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) will bring the heat for National Salsa Day with Chef Saul Ortiz’s salsa sampler trio Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Priced at $5, Chef Ortiz’s homemade salsa sampler will feature three salsas including: Scorpion Pepper Salsa which makes a tasty addition to soups and sandwiches; Salsa de Arbol, ideal for accompanying red and game meats; and Roasted Jalapeño Salsa that’s best served with chicken or grilled seafood items. To enjoy the flavors of Tacos and Tequila at home, guests can prepare their own version of the salsa sampler with Chef Ortiz’s salsa recipes:

Chef Todd English Takes on Californian Bordeaux at Bellagio’s Epicurean Epicenter – Saturday, March 9, 2013 two giants in the food and wine world – celebrity Chef Todd English and Justin Winery, the pioneer of the Californian Bordeaux-style wine – will join forces at Bellagio’s Epicurean Epicenter series.

Differentiating Epicurean Epicenter from other wine dinners, Chef English of Olives has extensively worked with Bellagio’s Master Sommelier Jason Smith to craft cuisine for this event around Justin Winery’s featured Bordeaux – instead of the other way around. The result will be imaginative dishes like the “Duck Duck Goose” – a Seared Duck Breast with confit leg ragu and foie gras tortellini which will perfectly accentuate the elegant, yet herbal structure of the 2010 JUSTIFICATION Paso Robles.

Travel+Leisure Names Gold Coast’s Ping Pang Pong One of Nation’s Best Chinese Restaurants – In its most prestigious recognition to date, Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino has been named one of the “Best Chinese Restaurants in the United States” by Travel+Leisure magazine.

The popular Asian cuisine hotspot was the only Las Vegas restaurant to be recognized by Travel+Leisure in the listing.

Travel+Leisure wrote: “…you’ll find regional specialties from across China, from dim sum served on pushcarts (Cantonese) to salt-and-pepper frog legs (Sichuan) and double-braised scallop hot pot (found throughout China). The night market fried rice is another standout, a satisfying mix of tender beef tossed with chiles, bean sprouts, and tomatoes. No matter which region they’re from, Chinese in Vegas can likely find their hometown specialties here.”

Las Vegas Events – March 2013

Cabo Wabo Cantina Las Vegas Gets Lucky With St. Patrick’s Day Specials – Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will celebrate a Baja-style St. Patrick’s Day with food and drink specials on Sunday, March 17.

The Las Vegas Strip-side restaurant will give Sammy Hagar’s signature Waborita an Irish twist by serving up festive Green Waboritas for $4. Live music and a DJ will keep the energy high as partygoers raise a toast to the patron saint of Ireland with $4 green beers and $4 shots of Cabo Wabo tequila. To stay fueled up for the shamrockin’ celebration, guests can enjoy two tacos for $5 with a choice of chicken, beef or pork.

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Helicopter over Grand CanyonMaverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour – Landing tour with a Continental breakfast or Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor for a champagne toast, beverages and hors d’ oeuvres in the heart of this spectacular wonder of the world. Fly back through the Grand Canyon on your way to the Bowl of Fire full of flaming red rock formations. Conclude your journey with an exciting flight between the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter Wind Dancer Air and Landing Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Terry Fator by Denise Almas

Terry Fator – Puppets And Personalities Capture The Human Spirit – With his entourage of puppets, Terry Fator’s Ventriloquism in Concert captures his audience with extraordinary wit and humor, guaranteed to tickle the funny bone of even the grumpiest spectator.

Fator starts his show by introducing us to one of his most beloved puppets – Winston. Winston is a turtle with a seriously sweet personality. Crediting himself with Fator’s success, Winston easily wins over the audience.

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – And, what a week it has been! I thought the lead note today would be our amazing weather the past week. Like clockwork on March 1, the warmth kicked in. I checked my digital thermometer in the shade in back of my office that afternoon and it read a very nice 77 degrees. While the next few days will see a dip into the 60′s, the average high for March is 70, so (with rare exception), you can expect it to be between 60 and 80 if you visit this month. But that wasn’t the big news. I then thought that it would be this announcement…

MGM Resorts To Build 20,000 Seat Arena Behind New York, New York – Out of the blue came the announcement that MGM (the company) is partnering with arena management giant AEG to build an arena and shopping district behind NY, NY and Monte Carlo. Interestingly enough, this sounds suspiciously like the plans that Caesars Entertainment had (have?) with The Linq project. All that empty space behind Harrah’s is supposed to be where and arena goes. However, they’ve faced an uphill battle trying to get a Strip-area sales tax implemented to help fund it.

MGM Resorts is moving ahead with their plan, and financing it privately should let them start moving on it relatively quickly. We’ve previously documented the “renovation” wars between the two local gaming company giants, and for now it looks like MGM Resorts is not only going to win the arena war, but build their own version of Linq, using arena event traffic to drive the shopping/dining/drinking commerce. Very similar to what has been done with arenas around the country.

That was the big news until (seemingly hours later), it was announced…

Resort World Las Vegas

Resort World To Build On Stardust Property – Genting — a Malaysian company involved in successful business ventures around the world ranging from gaming to energy — bought the old Stardust property, including the skeleton of what was to become the Echelon project. They plan to spend $2 billion now to build a 2000-3500 (reports vary) room Asian-themed property, signifying the return of themes to The Strip. Opening is planned for 2016 and if things go well, they are willing to invest another $5 billion.

We’re guessing the rendering above to be what the full build-out would look like. And for those who are still trying to picture where this is at, the property just above (upper right hand corner) is Circus Circus.

This is going to be a mid-tier property that not only woos gamblers and visitors in general , but specifically attracts Asians. While many Las Vegas properties cater to Asians, this will be the first one that is truly Asian-themed (especially with the demise of Imperial Palace) and actually run by Asians.

Some are questioning whether The Strip can absorb the re-opening of The Sahara and this project while visitor spending is still soft. Here’s the little secret that it seems everyone else in the media and blogging world have missed:

In Las Vegas, we have a very significant Asian population living in an area bordered by Sahara (north), Flamingo (south), Jones (west) and… The Strip (east). I know… I live in the area (and have access to some of the most amazing authentic little Asian and Hawaiian restaurants you can imagine).

There is no question in my mind that by building an Asian “CityCenter” that has the true feel of Asia, they will draw nicely from this local ethnic population. Most of whom like to gamble and are at least upper middle-class. This group lives literally at the back door of this new project, and the resort will have easy back-door access to the parking garage off of Industrial, making it a very short, easy (no fighting Strip traffic) drive for these locals. We tested this drive ourselves. Piece of cake.

The media and pundits forgot to factor that in, but I bet that Genting company didn’t! Even if these locals only account for 5 or 10% of the business, that will be a help.

Proud To Welcome – A couple of top performers have joined our advertising roster! We’re amazingly pleased to have both Terry Fator and Soul2Soul: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on board.

As always, booking our sponsors through the text or graphical links you click on in this newsletter or at AccessVegas.com not only gets you direct access all of these great shows, but that way they know you are one of our readers and this encourages them to continue supporting us, which helps us keep the lights on around here.

Note: Although the Soul2Soul ad notes 2 weeks left, they are returning for selected dates in April as well. If you like country, don’t miss this special limited Vegas run!

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Rick Ziegler

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

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 February 27, 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
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Attractions

World-Class, Record-Breaking Roller Coaster Speeding to the Adventuredome at Circus Circus – Coming soon to The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas, roller coaster fans get ready for negative G drops, gravity-defying turns and over-the-edge twists! Only the second of its kind in the United States, El Loco, The Adventuredome’s newest roller coaster, will offer thrill seekers a unique and exhilarating ride experience in a custom and compact design guaranteed to excite all.

The Adventuredome will begin construction on El Loco in the coming weeks and the coaster will be ready for screams and thrills in December.

Designed by S&S Worldwide, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of vertical and family thrill rides, El Loco roller coasters are famous for their record-breaking steep first drops and one-of-a-kind moves. With only five other El Loco coasters worldwide, the addition of the ride to America’s largest indoor theme park will provide Vegas visitors an exclusive opportunity.

’50 Greatest Photographs Of National Geographic’ Open In Las Vegas – National Geographic’s 50 Greatest Photographs traveling exhibition finds its new home at Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian after The Da Vinci – The Genius’s limited engagement concluded. The exhibition will showcase the 125-year-old history of National Geographic through the celebrated and unforgettable photographs including “Afghan Girl” by Steve McCurry, iconic image of Jane Goodall and chimpanzee by Nick Nichols and the never-before-seen view of Mecca by Thomas Abercrombie. Visiting the exhibit will give the guests a chance to expand their knowledge about the exhibits. It features stories behind the photos and the extensive profile of the photographers.

Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figure Of Celebrated Icon Whitney Houston – On Monday, February 11, 2013, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas unveiled a wax figure of singer, actress and producer Whitney Houston.

The first single from Houston’s second studio album was titled “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and earned the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988. The song’s accompanying video became one of Houston’s best recognized music videos and ran in heavy rotation on MTV, VH1, and BET. At Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, Houston’s wax figure will be styled in the same way she appeared in the video, wearing a tight purple-pink tank dress and blonde curly hair. Photo credit: © Patrick Gray/ Retna

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Town Square’s New Meatball Spot Introduces Happy Hour Specials – Celebrated Chef Carla Pellegrino’s popular new Meatball Spot at Town Square Las Vegas has introduced a tasty new happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Happy hour specials include meatball sliders, featuring all meatball selections, such as classic, chicken and vegetarian meatballs, topped with a choice of sauce including classic tomato, garlic Parmesan and pesto all on a brioche bun, priced at $2.50 each. Patrons will also enjoy two-for-one drink specials on all cocktails. The happy hour specials are available in Meatball Spot’s bar area.

Palms Casino Resort Opens Heraea- High-Energy Restaurant And Sports Lounge With A Feminine Twist – Ladies now have a new place to play with Heraea, the ultra-chic American restaurant and sports lounge created by The ONE Group, celebrated its grand opening at Palms Casino Resort on February 17, 2013. The original dining concept offers enticing cuisine, energetic music and state-of-the-art sports viewing in a stylish space with a feminine flair.

Trevi Offers Specials For National Meatball Day – On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Trevi Las Vegas will honor National Meatball Day by serving several meatball specials which aims to highlight the classic Italian fare.

Executive Chef Peter Scaturro offers meat lovers a meatball appetizer to start their meal. The appetizer is made from two jumbo-sized five-ounce meatballs, valued at $5. For lunch, guests can enjoy the delectable sub made with focaccia bread, marinara sauce, homemade meatballs and melted mozzarella. The sub is served with patate fritti, valued at $15.

St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2013

Spring Break Las Vegas 2013

Tacos & Tequila Brings South Of The Border Party For Spring Break 2013 – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will host the wildest south of the border Spring Break fiestas in Las Vegas with food and drink specials available Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 31.

The month-long Spring Break offerings include the “Seis y Seis” package with six specialty tacos and six bottled Sol beers, priced at $29. Spring Breakers also may enjoy a $5 menu daily, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring chicken quesadillas, habañero chicken wings, beer, well drinks and more.

Las Vegas Hotels

More Las Vegas News

Soul2Soul - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Maverick Skywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon TourMaverick Skywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon Tour – Your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk departs from the Las Vegas Strip. Experience a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip on your flight. Upon landing at the Grand Canyon, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, The Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Click To Book Maverick Skywalk Odyssey Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Spring is in the air, we’re seeing temps in the 70′s for the next week, March Madness is on the way, and plenty of Vegas news to dive right into this week:

The Shooting And Crash – As most of you know, last week saw a very unfortunate incident on The Strip. To recap in brief, one pimp shot at another pimp (both alleged*) in a car-to-car shooting as they were northbound on The Strip approaching Flamingo at around 4:30 AM, headed away from the nightclub at Aria.

* I say “alleged” because although published reports seem to do a good job of verifying this, I don’t have the deep pockets for legal counsel which the local press have.

The driver who was shot accelerated his car and crashed into a cab which was legally in the intersection, creating a fireball which instantly killed the cab driver and a 48 year old breast cancer survivor. She was tourist from the Seattle area. The cabbie was 62 and a Michigan transplant who had moved out here care for an ailing family member. The Strip was closed for 15 hours right at Flamingo, creating unimaginable havoc for both auto and foot traffic.

When you consider that on average, nearly 110,000 people arrive in Las Vegas to visit every single day of the year, the odds of you being affected by a situation like this are extremely rare. Many have commented that this kind if incident is far more common in a typical, really big city (which we’re not). Still, it is highly unfortunate. Our hearts go out to those affected and best of luck to law enforcement who is actively pursuing a known suspect.

Police do have the suspect in custody. They found him holed up in Los Angeles. For those wondering, yes we have the death penalty here. And yes, if convicted, a person in this situation would be eligible for it under the following stipulation for Nevada capital punishment: The murder was committed by a person who knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person by means of a weapon, device or course of action which would normally be hazardous to the lives of more than one person.

The Rumor Is True – Last issue, we noted a rumor floating around that Ceasars Entertainment (CET) was dropping their “No Resort Fee” policy for reservations beginning March 1. We’re super-careful about unsubstantiated information and told you that we’d let you know when and if it was confirmed. It has been confirmed, and booking with their company will mean a $10-25 per day (depending on caliber of property) daily resort fee which will get you free internet (one device), use of the fitness center, local phone calls, and the like.

I monitored much of the internet fallout (we spend the hours and hours doing it so you don’t have to). Outside of the usual outrage, the most common thread seemed to be (and we paraphrase) “I used to stay at CET because of the lack of resort fees, but now that I’m paying them just about everywhere, I’m free to go back to exploring staying at other hotels”.

I’ll tell you why I believe this decision is being made: Last year, CET CEO Gary Loveman (or Loveperson for those of you who are politically correct) announced plans to really spruce up their properties, including the rooms. It is no secret that CET has quite a bit of “deferred maintenance” (some things are a little on the ragged side). Now enter their main competitor MGM Resorts, who recently announced $300 million in pending room renovations. The battle is on! Except that both companies have a heavy debt load. $300 million is not pocket change.

MGM Resorts has indicated a willingness to sell an asset if they need to (a discussion of what they would part with is for another day, but the Crystals shopping center at CityCenter seems to be on the block). I’m guessing that CET simply sat down and said “We could raise the refurbishment capital we need to keep up if we simply added resort fees. Pretty much everyone has them, so it won’t put us at a competitive disadvantage”. And so it happened. At least you have my conjecture.

Theoretical Loss – For you gamblers who get a fair amount of comps and want to better understand how the casino figures out how much you may lose (and thus how much to “reward” you in comps), our friends Jason and Tony from Vice Lounge Online discussed it in Episode #104 of their podcast. You can listen on your computer simply by going to that page and clicking on the download link. It will start playing. This topic takes up about the first 10 minutes of the show.

20,000 And Counting – We were late to the Twitter game, only jumping in about 2.5 years ago with Twitter.com/AccessVegas. We’re extremely proud to have just passed the 20,000 follower mark, despite being an independent organization with no social media budget (and being told by the “experts” that we were doing it wrong).

A dirty little secret of social media is that you can actually “buy” followers. Some people set up tens of thousands of dummy accounts, you pay them, and they have all the dummy accounts “follow” you and drive your number up. We did NOT choose that route. Our followers are all people who checked out our stream and made the conscious decision to click the follow button.

Note: Whenever we bring up social media, people write concerned that we’re moving everything over there. Not at all. It is just an additional avenue to get people information. Some of you enjoy reading a newsletter like this one, others prefer to read tweets and click on story links over there. Same info, just two different ways to get it to everybody!

ONE The Show – If you’ve ever visited Myrtle Beach, you’re probably aware of a variety show playing the Alabama Theatre. This show has been an area staple for something like a decade. The show title? ONE.

Not to be outdone, Cirque du Soleil was brainstorming to name the new Michael Jackson Cirque spectacular, which had toured for the past couple of years under the name Immortal. They came up with the name of… ONE. The show starts May 23 at Mandalay Bay and tickets are available now: Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson: ONE

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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I read your news letter all the time and enjoy it more than the [other Vegas publication]. My question to you is what happened to The Amazing Jonathan? Last year when I was in Las Vegas I had tickets for his show at the Harmon Theatre, when we got their they said the show was canceled. Then I think he was going to be at Bally’s and again was canceled.

What is the story on this? I really enjoyed his show.

Thank you,

Carmine

 

Ted Responds:

AJ moved to Bally’s at the end of last summer and basically quit just before the end of the year amid claims that the hotel was doing a very poor job of promoting his show (lack of signage, etc). For now, we understand he is playing occasional out-of-town gigs.

He has also started a regular TV show on the Vegas Video Network every other Wednesday night at 9 PM Pacific. The show is archived for on-demand viewing at

http://www.vegasvideonetwork.com/our-shows/burn-unit/

or you can add the Vegas Video Network for free as one of your Roku channels (check the travel section) and watch it there.

The Vegas Tourist also did a couple of recent interviews with him regarding his classic cars: The Amazing Johnathan talks car auction with Sazzy and The Car Tour with The Amazing Johnathan and Sazzy

I’m going to Vegas and was wondering what was the name of the bar on Fremont that has drag queens bartending and I think a bowling alley?
Drink and Drag? Can my mom and I walk there from Fremont? We don’t rent a car and don’t know where it is.

Thanks,

Colleen

 

Ted Responds:

It is indeed called Drink and Drag and yes, they have a bowling alley (just a few lanes, it isn’t the main attraction). We must note that this is for the (how do we say it politely) adventurous. Expect to be served by drag queens, men in their undies, you get the picture. A “fabulous” time.

It is in Neonopolis, which is ON Fremont Street just past the casinos so you’ll have no problem at all. Find the end of the canopy (The D end), cross the street, and it is in the mall across from Walgreens.

Make sure to send us a report!

Hi Ted from South Texas, the changes to the site are awesome well done, Sir. All this information you and your staff put out is priceless and very very much appreciated.

God bless you and have a great day.

Noe Alaniz

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 February 20, 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
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Jersey Boys And Eiffel Tower Restaurant Raise More Than $10,000 For American Red Cross – February 6, 2013, Jersey Boys hosted the “Oh What A Night” event in collaboration with Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Guests joined together for this unique culinary event at the restaurant, raising more than $10,000 to benefit the Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s Service to Armed Forces program.

At 4 p.m., Jersey Boys cast members Graham Fenton (Frankie Valli), Deven May (Tommy DeVito), Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi) and Rob Marnell (Bob Gaudio) joined acclaimed Chef Joho in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant kitchen, donning specially designed chef coats to prepare for the event. Photo Credit: David Tingey/Tom Donoghue Photography

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Las Vegas Art & Attractions

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Debuts “Warhol Out West” – Andy Warhol once said, “The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting.” Now, the wait is officially over as one of Las Vegas’ premier cultural destinations, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) debuted its highly anticipated exhibition, Warhol Out West.

Organized in partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, this pioneering collection is centered around the iconic artist’s depiction of all things Western. “Warhol Out West” features 56 of Warhol’s works including paintings, sculptures, photographs, screen prints and wallpaper. Exhibits include Warhol’s 1960s Pop paintings of celebrities and consumer products; the 1980s advertisement series; the beloved “Double Elvis” painting; and his rarely seen “Cowboys and Indians” series.

Katy Perry Debuts Her Madame Tussauds Wax Figure – Pop star Katy Perry posed for photos with a Madame Tussauds Las Vegas wax figure of herself at Paramount Studios on January 26, 2013.

“Whenever I have to go do something particularly that I don’t necessarily want to do, I’m just sending her cause she’s a great identical version of me,” remarked Perry.

The figure of Perry is featured in Madame Tussauds Las Vegas’ Music Room. Guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite music icons. Turn the volume to ten by interacting with figures such as Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown and many more. Guests can move like the King of Pop at a smooth criminal photo experience, get behind the turntable at an interactive DJ booth and channel their inner rock stars while enjoying a karaoke area. Photo credit: Jerod Harris, Getty Images

Spring Break Las Vegas 2013

NASCAR Las Vegas 2013

NASCAR Hauler Parade Returns As Las Vegas Motor Speedway Hosts Sprint Cup Series – The NASCAR Hauler Parade, the traditional kick-off for Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s NASCAR Weekend, will take place on Wednesday evening this year as the 1.5-mile superspeedway will host a full day of Sprint Cup Series practice on Thursday.

The popular NASCAR Hauler Parade will thunder up the world-famous Las Vegas Strip at 6 p.m. – under the fabulous neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip – on Wednesday, March 6. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – originally scheduled for late January – has been moved to Thursday, March 7. Practice will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the grandstands will be open to the public, free of charge.

Las Vegas Hotels

Shopping In Las Vegas

Bulgari’s SERPENTI Collection Exhibit Slithers Into The Shops At Crystals – Italian jeweler Bulgari celebrates one of its most iconic design motifs with a walk-through spiral exhibit at The Shops at Crystals. The SERPENTI Collection presents an extraordinary set of snake bracelets, belts, necklaces, watches and rings. Comprised of 18K white gold with diamonds and emeralds, the Serpenti watch coils around the wrist in a seductive and tantalizing manner. Embracing and beautifying the neckline, the Serpenti necklace dons 18K pink gold with rubellites and diamonds in an elegant fashion.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Commonwealth Introduces ‘Wednesdays’ – Celebrate Fashion, Art and Music in Downtown Las Vegas Every Week – Commonwealth will introduce a new night combining the style community and Downtown Las Vegas with the launch of “Wednesdays,” a weekly event fusing art, music and fashion.

Fashionistas will don their standout attire and raise a glass to culture while enjoying the chic atmosphere with Commonwealth’s pre-Prohibition decor and expertly-crafted libations.

Maverick Silver Cloud Sunset Helicopter TourMaverick Silver Cloud Sunset Helicopter Tour – This Las Vegas helicopter flight at sunset is a must for Las Vegas sightseeing. Catch a one-of-a-kind sunset aboard our air-only Silver Cloud flight and return from the Grand Canyon as the stunning lights of Las Vegas come to life and transform the city into the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Air Tour Only (No Landing). Duration: approximately 3.5 hours.

Click To Book Maverick Silver Cloud Sunset Helicopter Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Donny And Marie Osmond by Sarah Jane Woodall

Donny and Marie – A Lifetime Of Showbiz Honed To Perfection – Vegas is full of has-beens who have seemingly crawled through the mists of time only to reemerge on the Strip in half-baked spectacles showcasing highlights from their long-dormant careers. I fully expected Donny and Marie Osmond to be two such performers – I mean, how long has it been since either one of them had a hit? In the theatre, I made sure to order a stiff cocktail from the waitress, to help me get through what was sure to be an unbearably hokey show… and settled back, ready to start making snarky comments to my date.

Then Donny and Marie came on… and my socks were completely knocked off. They are fantastic!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – I’m taking a few mental health days to cope with the gray skies. I think we’re on our third day of partial cloudiness! OK… I jest. I’m working on a few new projects, so no Members Mania or What We’re Watching this week. But, I do have some odds and ends to talk about, so I hope you enjoy:

No Las Vegas Brothels For Now – Despite what most people think, prostitution is NOT legal in Clark County (Las Vegas). You have to go to the surrounding counties. The past couple years, there have been talks locally to change that. Legalize it, make it safe, tax it (just like they do in surrounding counties). As “libertarian” (with a small “L”) as I am, this isn’t something I can support. Our “Sin City” image is pretty sanitized. You can get into trouble here, but you really have to seek it out. Nice midwestern church-going people can say they are going to Las Vegas without their friends giving them too much disapproval. We don’t need to lose that.

The New Fruit Loop – Over near the airport, an area of a cluster of gay bars is called the “fruit loop”. Please save the complaints. The patrons call it that. Now, downtown’s Neonopolis is turning into a very gay-friendly area. Drink and Drag is open (get served by drag queens and men in their underwear), and Krave nightclub (the gay nightclub formerly at Planet Hollywood) is attempting to relocate to Neonopolis as well. I say attempting because they are facing some financial difficulty. Hopefully, they will get it all worked out.

I’m straight and I’m male so I can’t really say it is my scene. (And, I cannot for the life of me figure out the female obsession with drag queens). However, Las Vegas is “live and let live.” I’m proud of our reputation for being a welcoming place for everybody who wants to enjoy a vacation.

Thinking Of Buying A Vegas Home? – I’m going to do a very hard about-face. For years, I’ve suggested buying pre-owned homes in established neighborhoods. You generally get a bigger lot (including back yard), mature landscaping and trees (yes, we have trees in Las Vegas), and you are closer to the attractions and activities you’ll most likely want to enjoy.

So why my change of advice? Last year, a law went into effect which makes it much more difficult for banks to foreclose on homes. So, despite estimates that we still have serious numbers of homeowners delinquent on their mortgage, foreclosures have trickled down to next-to-nothing. Instead, we’re seeing more short sales. Which are an intensive pain (for the buyer) because they offer no guarantee. You have to make a offer, hope that yours is the highest among multiple bidders (generally investors who will be renting the house out), then wait and wait and wait until the bank gets around to deciding if they will accept the offer.

It gets even worse if you are not paying cash, because many foreclosures are beat up to some degree (missing windows, water heaters, etc) and banks generally won’t loan money for a home that isn’t in move-in shape. And, that is IF you can get the home appraised at the number you are offering.

With a new home, everything is good to go, and you get a warranty plus the ability to choose some of your options. Plus, you’ll be in a neighborhood of home OWNERS who have have a vested interest in keeping the area nice.

Don’t take my word for it. Check out the recent articles Buying a home? Beware of the not-so-short sale, Three Las Vegas-area communities in top 15 for home sales and In Las Vegas’ real estate market, short sales have become the norm

24/7 Coffee Shop (On Steroids) – The Quad (formally Imperial Palace) has announced that the infamous-portion-serving Hash House A Go Go at their location will now be open 24/7. We’re completely in favor of this. Somewhere in the past decade, some of the bean-counters along The Strip decided against having a 24/7 dining option. That is abominable. People come here to forget about time, and if you look at your watch and realize it is 3:30 AM and you are HUNGRY and want some food before bed, you should be able to get it.

The New Rumor – As we send this out, there is a serious rumor circulating the internet regarding Caesars Entertainment dropping their “no resort fee” mantra and joining the resort fee crowd starting with reservations in March. We’re having trouble substantiating it (some blogs are saying one thing, some phone clerks another) and we have yet to see an official statement.

We should have more definitive to say next week. In the meantime, if you hold present reservations, this means that you were NOT party to booking with a resort fee and should demand that one not be charged when you visit.

New Section – We recently added a section noting the latest concert announcements for Las Vegas, along with ticket links. It has proved to be very popular, helping you see who has announced that they are headed our way. Nothing like seeing your favorite musical act here!

But… many don’t know that we have premium tickets (great seats that may cost you a little more) for concerts and events around the United States. And, by purchasing through us, you help support what we are doing here. So starting this issue, we’ll also be listing and linking some of the top draws that others are purchasing tickets to.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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 February 13, 2013

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Attractions

Extra TV’s Adrianna Costa Unveils Wax Figure Of Sandra Bullock At Madame Tussauds – Extra TV sweetheart Adrianna Costa unveiled a wax figure at Madame Tussauds of Sandra Bullock. The figure is the first of Bullock be added to the Madame Tussauds estate. A vision in red, Bullock is red carpet ready, holding a clutch and wearing an elegant knee-length dress.

“There’s something about Sandra Bullock that leaves me in awe,” remarked Costa. “She has won numerous awards, yet manages to stay humble. Her talent, charming personality and dedication to charity is incredible, and makes her an inspiration to us all.” photo credit: Erik Kabik / erikkabik.com

Wynn Las Vegas Unveils Tulips by Renowned Artist, Jeff Koons, for public display – Wynn Las Vegas continues its appreciation and commitment of public art as it unveils Jeff Koons’ sculpture Tulips. The transparent color-coated sculpture is made from a mirror-polished stainless steel that will illuminate Wynn Theater rotunda at Wynn Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Barbara Kraft

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Drinking, Dancing, And Partying In Las Vegas

Tacos & Tequila Celebrates National Margarita Day And National Tortilla Chip Day – Tacos & Tequila (T&T) celebrates National Margarita Day with two-for-one Top Shelf margaritas and National Tortilla Chip Day with $5 nachos, inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Partygoers can throw on Mexican sombreros on National Margarita Day as they sip two-for-one Top Shelf margaritas on Friday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Rhumbar Shares The Love With Cigar And Cocktail Pairings Throughout February – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino invites guests to get cozy on the heated patio while enjoying rum and cigar pairings throughout February

RHUMBAR will celebrate love all through February by allowing guests to create their ideal rum and cigar pairings for $20. Suggested pairings include: Romeo y Julieta Real Short Churchill cigar complemented by a glass of Rhum Barbancourt 15-Year Estate Reserve; the vibrant La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Robusto perfectly paired with El Dorado 15-Year Special Reserve rum; and the Padron Series 1926 No. 2 Maduro accompanied by the barrel-aged Ron Zacapa 23.

Trevi Welcomes Spring Break Revelers With Specialty Menu – Trevi inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will welcome spring breakers with unbeatable food and drink specials Sunday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, Feb.24 to Friday, Mar. 29.

College students will spend their week of freedom with $6 TREVI Bites including tomato bruschetta, fresh stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, Romano chicken sliders, homemade meatballs and mini stuffed cheeseburgers.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

More Las Vegas News

Bellagio Introduces A Master Sommelier’s Wine Classroom – Bellagio Resort & Casino, home to a record 17 sommeliers and the only resort in the world with three Master Sommeliers, presents A Master Sommelier’s Wine Classroom, an interactive series of 90-minute seminars in which guests learn about the multifaceted world of wine from Bellagio’s highly trained and skilled wine team. Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., classes will be held the third Wednesday of every month at MICHAEL MINA restaurant* and will be led by Bellagio’s Director of Wine and Master Sommelier Jason Smith.

Maverick Silver Cloud Grand Canyon TourMaverick Silver Cloud Grand Canyon Tour – Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Fly back through the Grand Canyon on your way to the Bowl of Fire full of flaming red rock formations. Conclude your journey with an exciting flight between the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!

Click To Book Maverick Silver Cloud Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Evil Dead 4D: The Musical by Guy Chapman

Evil Dead 4D: The Musical – Interactive Comedy And “Horror” – “Evil Dead 4D: The Musical” isn’t your standard musical. Then again, it isn’t exactly your standard show on the Las Vegas Strip. But its uniqueness is what sets it apart and makes it work, being the Strip’s only production based on a movie at the only casino themed around the excitement of film: Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – The days continue to get longer and warmer. Temps in the mid-60′s have plenty of visitors enjoying short sleeves during the daytimes and into the evenings.

Thanks for the nice comments on last issue’s “not a podcast” audio segment that I recorded. I do appreciate the continued requests that I resume my Vegas podcast, and I may down the road. This just isn’t the right time to commit to it. However, I’ll keep inserting some audio from time-to-time. It allows me to go a little more in-depth on what we’re writing about here and other Vegas happenings, plus insert some more detailed opinion I don’t have space for here. Also…

I’ve had numerous requests to move this section back to the top. It is the norm in print publications to have the editor or publisher’s column at the front. I’ll tell you why I don’t (for now): Most visitors just want to know what’s new, hot, where to eat, what show to see, and what is  happening during their next visit. If the first thing they see is a column going off into something about our local real estate market, local politics, or other more in-depth content, they might assume that we’re not for them. We don’t want that to happen.

We’ve had a couple of big hotel announcements and some good visitor numbers, so let’s dive right in.

Big Hotel News – The Downtown Grand (formerly Lady Luck) is well on its way with the head-to-toe remodel. They are announcing some of the restaurant line-ups, room decor, and pricing (around $69 a night for weeknights), and we’ll have a full section on it next issue.

Also, the owners of the shuttered Sahara have all their financing in place to do a similar top-to-bottom remodel, and are starting immediately. Unfortunately, The Sahara name (and much of the iconic look) will be gone, and the property is going to attempt to get the “hip” club-going crowd as their clientele. We wish them luck on that. With the nearest neighbors Stratosphere, Palace Station, Riviera, and Circus Circus, they are not in the most trendy part of The Strip.

Close But No Cigar – If you visited Las Vegas in 2012, you helped set a record of 38.9 million visitors for the entire year! We were gunning for 40 million and just fell short. However, it still beat the previous record by 500,000.

Gaming revenues for the entire state were just shy of $11 billion. To put that in perspective, one of the two major gaming companies on the Las Vegas Strip (and I’m not mentioning which one because tossing them under the bus isn’t my point) is in debt $23 million. Going to take a while before all is well again in gaming land.

El Cortez’s Café Cortez Take-Out Menu – Staying downtown and want to skip room service charges, but want something up in your room? Café Cortez inside El Cortez Hotel and Casino now offers a daily take-out menu available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The take-out menu features a variety of cuisine, such as:

  • Appetizers: chicken quesadilla, $8.25; Cajun chicken wings, $7.50; shrimp cocktail, $8.50; and more
  • Salads: Greek Salad, $8.95; Chinese chicken salad, $8.95; and more
  • Burgers: Jackie’s Burger, $7.95; Swiss burger, $8.50; veggie burger, $7.75; and more
  • Sandwiches: Deli selects, $7.95; corned beef or pastrami on rye, $8.95; fish sandwich, $7.75; and more

Ruth’s Chris Opens On Las Vegas Strip – Replacing the much beloved Range steakhouse in Harrah’s, the area has been completely redecorated to reflect both the New Orleans origins of the dining company alongside Las Vegas touches. Provided your attire is reasonable, we still suggest the one-floor elevator ride up there for a drink and a nice, close-in view of the Las Vegas Strip even if you will be dining elsewhere. (A $14 martini at Ruth’s Chris followed by a $1.99 foot-long hotdog next door at Casino Royale would make an intersting combination).

No Mirage For Ruffin – Billionaire owner of Treasure Island Phil Ruffin has admitted to making two failed attempts to buy the neighboring Mirage. We would have loved to see it because the maverick spirit of independent casino owners not only built Las Vegas, but create more competition (which inevitably is good for the visitor). Mirage owners MGM Resorts are financially solvent enough to NOT need to sell The Mirage. Now, Ruffin has his sites set on constructing a convention center behind Treasure Island to help drive more convention bookings.

Want To Buy A Casino? – Published reports indicate that the relatively new Sands casino in Bethlehem, PA is available for around a billion dollars! If that is a little steep for you, the town of Searchlight, Nevada — including casino — is for sale. If Searchlight rings a bell, it is an hour south of Las Vegas and now famous as the hometown of U.S. Senator Harry Ried (D-NV).

$5 million will get you over 60 parcels of land which not only include the town’s one casino and restaurant, but also a 21 room motel just a block down the road and numerous other commercial properties. If you have your own plane, you can fly right into the Searchlight airport (wide/long enough for most private jets, but no amenities, airport code 1L3). Price does not include the town’s private residences.

March Madness – The hotels are getting out of the gate much earlier this year with their March Madness party announcements. (Due to copyright reasons, they have to call it “Hoops Month” and similar). We’ll have a slew of them starting next week.

But for now, we can note that the LVH (formerly Las Vegas Hilton) is showing ALL of the games in their main theater (the one Elvis made famous). Admission is free, the size of the theatre allows for massive HD screens, they are promising food and drink specials, and giveaways. Just might be worth the monorail ride or use our hotel booking box in this newsletter and see what LVH room rates are running.

Hope you are enjoying this issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am planning a trip to Vegas in June. It will be only my 2nd trip there. Last time we stayed at TI and thought it was nice. We did not make it to Fremont Street but do want to on this trip. Was debating staying back on the strip –vs- Fremont (Golden Nugget).

Would it make any sense to split the trip up and stay 2 nights at each? Or is it just as easy to stay at one and take a taxi or bus a couple times to the other location. I am sure it is a matter of personal preference, but do you recommend staying on strip or Fremont? We are moderate gamblers and enjoyed Vegas for both the gambling and the entertainment.

I enjoy your webpage!

Thanks,

Rick Bacon

 

Ted Responds:

Glad to hear you are coming back. I’m sure it won’t be the last time!

While Golden Nugget is certainly the class of downtown and an excellent choice, I would still strongly suggest spending all four nights on The Strip and making your first ever downtown visit during one evening of your trip. (Note: I said evening because that is when all of the free entertainment, light shows, etc.) happen.

We enjoy downtown, but it isn’t for everybody. Also, since this is only your second visit, you’ll still want to be wondering The Strip and checking out the zillion things on your “Vegas To Do” list. Realistically, downtown can be explored in one long evening.

Before you visit, we suggest checking out a few episodes of Fremont Street Live. Each is about 30 minutes and will give you a bit of that downtown vibe and information.

If cabbing, I’d suggest having the driver drop you at El Cortez, then making you way all the way to The Plaza for great overview of all of Fremont Street. THEN, work your way back dining, drinking, and gambling at places that caught your eye. However, both The Deuce and SDX (Strip Express) will also drop you right at Fremont Street.

As a moderate gambler, I do believe you’ll find downtown preferable if you understand that you “pay” for how super-fancy everything is on The Strip by way of tighter slots and poorer table game rules. Downtown is still “old Vegas” and according to statistics, gives you a better chance at winning. However, please remember there are no guarantees and luck can strike anywhere, at any time!

I enjoy getting all the Vegas updates from your newsletter. I will be back in February for my 36th birthday & I cannot wait! This will be the 3rd time in 10 months that I’m returning to Vegas. Keep those newsletter coming!

Sincerely,

Mandy from Nazareth, PA

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 February 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.

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Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
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Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

The D Welcomes Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse To Downtown Las Vegas – Bringing another signature element of Detroit to Downtown Las Vegas, Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse opened its first out-of-state location inside the D Las Vegas Friday, February 1. The D is excited to welcome the popular restaurant, named Metro Detroit’s “Best Italian,” to the newly renovated hotel and casino.

“Andiamo is all about family tradition and delicious food, and it’s going to be a great addition to downtown Las Vegas. We really look forward to sharing another taste of Detroit with locals and tourists who visit the D,” said Derek Stevens, co-owner and CEO of the D.

Drinking, Dancing, And Clubbing In Las Vegas

Rhumbar Celebrates National Margarita Day With Buy-One-Get-One Pineapple Chipotle Margaritas – Guests won’t need to wait for Happy Hour to enjoy great drink specials this National Margarita Day. On Friday, Feb 22, RHUMBAR, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, will celebrate the festive date by offering buy-one-get-one Pineapple Chipotle Margaritas all day.

The signature cocktail is made with Ambhar tequila, Dutch Orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice and Monin Pineapple Chipotle Syrup. The finishing touch is a dash of Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce making it the perfect juxtaposition of sweet and spicy.

Rockhouse To ‘Rock You Like A Hurricane’ With Mardi Gras Specials – Rockhouse located inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino will rock the Las Vegas Strip with their ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

With plenty of beads to go around, the ultra-dive bar invites Fat Tuesday partygoers to blow through the hot spot and enjoy delicious Hurricane cocktails, priced at $5, all day long.

Cabo Wabo Cantina Rocks National Margarita Day – The tequila will pour at Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino during a rockin’ National Margarita Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 22.

Every day is Margarita Day at Cabo Wabo Cantina with more than half a dozen margarita selections including Mango Picante, Margarita Verde and the signature Waborita. Sammy Hagar’s Strip-side eatery will honor the date dedicated to good times and the margarita by serving up $8 house margaritas all day.

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Hotels

Miracle Mile Shops February 2013 Events, Deals, And Promotions – Miracle Mile Shops February 2013

As part of the center’s Caring, Giving, Changing community campaign, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will collect donations in its fountain for Goodie Two Shoes Foundation. Throughout February, all change tossed in the popular water feature and the center’s indoor rainstorm will benefit the local nonprofit, which provides disadvantaged children and children in crisis with new shoes, socks and other items deemed essential for good health and positive development

Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Tours (Day or Night) by MaverickLas Vegas Strip Helicopter Tours (Day or Night) by Maverick – A Flight Over The Las Vegas Strip. Save time and money. Our Maverick Lights tour with out the Transportation. Spend more time seeing Las Vegas and arrive at our terminal 30 minutes prior to departure time. Reserve your seats today!

Click To Book Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Tours (Day or Night) by Maverick Now!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We’re taking a left turn in this issue. I was able to make it down to the final night of the Barbary Coast (aka Bill’s Gambling Hall) and instead of posting a few photos with notes, I decided to try my hand at an audio report. Long ago and far away, I did a podcast that many of you enjoyed (and still ask that I resume).

While that isn’t on the horizon at this time, I thought it would be fun to do an audio clip. If everyone enjoys it, we may do these from time-to-time just as another way to bridge the “Las Vegas to YOU” digital divide. Hope you enjoy it: Click To Listen!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

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

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 23, 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
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Legendary Vocal Group Boyz II Men Announces Extended Engagement At Mirage – Beginning March 1, 2013, Boyz II Men will continue its singing engagement at The Mirage Hotel & Casino with 78 shows on select weekend dates until December 29, 2013. Catch the performance of baritone Nathan Morris with tenors Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris at the Terry Fator Theatre as the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B vocal group serenades the guests with their classic music.

Donny & Marie Osmond Extend Their Flamingo Las Vegas Shows – Donny & Marie will continue their performances at Flamingo Las Vegas until 2013 giving entertainment for their sold-out audiences. The duo was recently voted by Las Vegas Review-Journal’s readers which includes “Best Show,” “Best All-Around Performers” and “Best Singers.”

Donny explains, “When we first wanted to return to Vegas and were looking for showrooms, I saw the one at the Flamingo and immediately knew that this was it, this was the one. It was traditional Vegas, and it was intimate enough yet big enough to support a larger production show. It was a perfect fit.”

Academy Of Country Music Announces 2-Night Outdoor Music Festival – The Academy of Country Music is announcing the addition of a 2-night outdoor music festival as part of the THE ACM EXPERIENCE, the country music lifestyle event created for fans during The Week Vegas Goes Country®. The ACM Experience is a fan-focused three-day event including the ACM EXPO, outdoor music festival and much more, to be held April 5-April 7, 2013 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The events will culminate in the already-announced ACM Fan Jam, a ticketed event headlined by Brad Paisley, on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

Las Vegas Attractions

Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens Chinese New Year Theme Welcomes Year Of The Snake – Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes the Year of the Snake with vibrant and alluring floral designs created rich in Chinese tradition. Guests are invited to celebrate now until March 3.

The Conservatory uses the early practice of Feng Shui in designing its tranquil temple. Feng Shui is an art that uses surroundings to invite balance and harmony as well as positive life energy. Every garden in the Chinese New Year display includes water which ensures a positive flow of energy. Pine, plum and bamboo – three friends of winter, are also visible in the display which symbolizes perseverance, modesty, and integrity, respectively.

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Public House Las Vegas at Luxor Toasts Wine Down Wednesdays With Half-Priced Wine And Prix Fixe Meals – Public House Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino has launched Wine Down Wednesdays with specially priced wine and prix-fixe menus every Wednesday night from 7 to 10 p.m.

Super Bowl Las Vegas 2013

Rhumbar Hosts Tailgate Parties And Drink Specials Leading Up To The Big Game – RHUMBAR at The Mirage Hotel & Casino will transform into a lush outdoor tailgate celebration with a series of postseason football parties on the stylish patio during all playoff games, culminating with the Big Game Tailgate Party on Sunday, Feb. 3. During each playoff game, football fans can watch their favorite teams play on multiple flat-screen televisions throughout the patio.

Rockhouse Tackles Open Bar Specials For The Big Game – Rockhouse located inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino invites Super Sunday partygoers to enjoy an open bar special for ‘The Big Game Sunday, Feb. 3.

The hot spot will offer fans an all-access premium open bar from kick-off until the final whistle blows, starting at $100.

Mardi Gras Las Vegas 2013

PBR Rock Bar Brings “Bourbon, Beads, And Bulls” Mardi Gras Party To The Strip – PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will bring a taste of New Orleans to the Strip with its “Bourbon, Beads and Bulls” Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

In honor of the famed Bourbon Street party, the Strip-side hot spot will offer Fat Tuesday partygoers a bourbon drink, colorful beads and bull rides for $10 all day.

Valentine’s Day Las Vegas 2013

Tacos & Tequila Heats Up Valentine’s Day With Romantic Menu For Two – In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Saul Ortiz has created an irresistible prix fixe menu at Tacos & Tequila (T&T) inside Luxor Hotel and Casino. Guests will fall in love with the flavorful menu priced at $58 per couple available exclusively on Thursday, Feb. 14.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Maverick Indian Territory Grand Canyon TourMaverick Indian Territory Grand Canyon Tour – This exciting tour begins by flying over the beautiful Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, the world famous Hoover dam and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano. View the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the southwest along the way. Maverick Helicopters will descend and land in the Hualapai Indian Territorym 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon.

Click To Book Maverick Indian Territory Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Where did January go? It seems like New Year’s Eve was just last week, and now we’re already about to stare February squarely in the face. The year’s shortest month brings average high temps in the low 60′s and an average annual rainfall of nearly an inch (our wettest month of the year). I wouldn’t bother packing the umbrella. Your odds of being here when it rains are always slim-to-none. But, I wouldn’t bother with the swimsuit either. Not just quite yet.

Bill’s Gambling Hall – You only have a little over a week to take your last peek into the Barbary Coast (aka Bill’s Gambling Hall for the past few years). February 4, 2013 will see property owner, Caesars Entertainment, closing it, and giving the three-decade old hotel a top-to-bottom makeover including a rooftop pool club that will be thumping all day and all night (from what we understand).

How many more clubs (both dayclubs and nightclubs) can Las Vegas withstand? Well nightclubs is one of the few Vegas subjects I’m not really up on. However, with the game-changing, mega-club Hakkasan opening this year at the MGM Grand, some people knowledgeable about the nightclub industry here claim that the market will reach such saturation that you might actually see a club (or two) close.

Is it just me, or does the name Hakkasan sound like a noise one makes when they get food caught in the wrong tube while they eat?

Interesting Perspective – The U.S. Federal Government borrows about the same amount every single day that it cost to build all of CityCenter. Ouch!

Classroom Gaming Edumacation – A recent article Casino U: A look inside UNLV’s gaming lab told all about how tomorrow’s gaming (gambling) managers are getting trained for the business. In the past, you’d work on a casino floor, learn the games, learn your people skills, and get some up close and personal experience with your customers. The next generation is learning in classrooms, which includes learning how some of the basic games are played.

Look… if you want to get into casino management, how about you read a “How To Play Craps” book, and go hit the tables a few times?!? Is that too much to ask? I just continue to worry about this ever-growing disconnect between management and the actual business they are running. You can only learn so much in a classroom.

When Golden Gate and (then) Fitzgerald’s owner Derek Stevens decided to sink a pile of cash into remodeling both those properties, he did it because he was downtown on-site on a very regular basis and saw the demand. Not because a bunch of clueless consultants who never get out of a classroom told him to. And, he continues to be on-site making sure the guest experience is a good one. Without ever learning how to in a classroom. Oh my!

Revel A Smoke-Free Failure? – Probably going back nearly a couple of years, we noted that for those of you who prefer smoke-free casinos, you’d want to keep your eye on Atlantic City’s new Revel. They had planned to open and stay completely smoke-free. Oooops.

The property has seriously struggled since opening and while the soft economy and Pennsylvania gaming didn’t help (this was pre-Hurricane Sandy, the storm which hit Atlantic City hard), even pundits who despise smoking are citing the no-smoking property policy as hindering business. It appears that smoke and casino gaming will be intertwined for some time to come.

They’ll Never Learn – An investment firm recently purchased 427 condos at Veer (the two buildings at CityCenter which look like they are about to tip over). They got a nice recession-era bulk price and plan to rent them out for a few years before selling them when the market is better. Sounds like a plan, right? Not quite so fast.

I said something back in 2000 when a condo tower was proposed for the site of the Harley-Davidson Cafe and I’m sticking to it. 1. People don’t want to live on the Las Vegas Strip and 2. For the price of a Strip condo, you could stay in an upscale hotel suite every single night for 2-3 straight years.

Strip condos (excepting Turnberry, which technically isn’t right on The Strip) have simply never been great investments and for some reason people believe that it is just the current market conditions. When things get good again, we’re going to find out that it has been a bad idea for over a decade, will continue to be a bad idea, and I’d be shocked if we see any new condo construction in the next decade.

New Years Resolutions – I’ve made some “minor” resolutions to get more organized, lose some weight, and get on the treadmill. However, unlike in years past, I’m taking a much more sensible approach to it all. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

I’m spending perhaps 15-20 minutes per day simply organizing my life (ranging from all the mess of computer files strewn all over my hard drive to my paper document filing system to projects around the house) and the results are starting to show. Give it a try for yourself. 15 minutes a day goes by before you know it, but do it every day for a month and you see progress.

I also did some math. Did you know that if you reduce your caloric intake just 500 calories per day (provided that your present eating habits have you keeping a stable weight), you’ll lose a pound every week? Believe it or not, 500 calories is pretty easy to ditch. That’s about the amount in a personal bag of potato chips, normal dish of ice cream, or some brands of candy bars. A one-time small sacrifice once a day should add up over the year. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I am frequent traveler to one of the “funnest” cities in the world – Las Vegas (3-4 times a year for quite a while) and find very useful your Access Vegas website – Thank you for the good work.

One of my regular visits has been during the opening week of the college basketball tournament now referred to as March Madness opening week. In the past the casinos rolled out a bit of the red carpet with low cost rooms and free expanded sports books to view/bet the games as an extra enticement. It has created a great atmosphere to relieve the glory days of your alma mader and spend some money with your friends from those days.

Last year I noticed for the first time the “money makers” started to think of ways to increase revenue from the event. For example Planet Hollywood started to charge for their extended viewing area on the casino second floor (Mezzanine next to Peepshow). It was something like $68.00/day but included all you could eat and drink from their portable bar/grill.

Imperial Palace (The Quad) removed its free, over-flow, viewing area that used to contain free appetizers. To find a free, extended-viewing area in a Ballroom type setting we had to move off strip to Gold Coast.

Now – This year before even arriving I have noticed room rates tripling during this years time. For example, Flamingo, where we have stayed several times and have enjoyed its location, is above $300.00 a night on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday combinations. Harrah’s – Total Rewards has blacked out all room promotions during this time period. I have never seen rates this high ever during a peak period/event.

I would love to hear your insights on if the casinos are truly selling out two months prior to the event or are the “money makers” simply getting greedier.

Regards,

Jeff Carpenter

 

Ted Responds:

Part of this is simply due to the increasing popularity of March Madness here in Las Vegas. Add on to that the many colleges which have spring break around that time and you’ve got some seriously rising demand for our city’s 150,000 hotel rooms. Rooms have really always been about supply and demand. It just so happens that the demand has really started to skyrocket.

Las Vegas has become THE place to be for events like March Madness and the Super Bowl. So, the people partially to blame for the room rates are your fellow visitors. Hotel rooms are no different than airline tickets: The prices swing completely based on demand. The demand is high.

Now, let’s toss in that both major gaming companies (Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts) under extremely heavy debt, and have little incentive to toss out any favors at a time when they aren’t exactly begging for customers. Mandalay Bay’s sportsbook has even been offering bottle service — getting a reserved table for buying a high-priced, complete bottle of liquor — during football games. (We’re unsure if this practice will catch on around the industry).

Now, obviously, we have nothing to do with this. We’re observers, and we generally refuse to shell out unnecessary premiums. But at the end of the day, refusing to pay, and looking for a better deal is the real way to drive the prices down. Which brings me to…

You Can Still Get Reasonable Rooms Even During March Madness – All of the properties you mentioned plus the rewards club were all Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah’s company). Pssssst… I’ve got a little secret for you: They aren’t the only game in town! You are not married to them! Just because you are part of any “loyalty program” doesn’t make it a one-way street.

I did a search for March 21-24 through our booking box in this newsletter and found the Flamingo at $261 a night. Still spendy, but certainly not the $300+ they wanted to charge you! (So much for loyalty).

Also, I found some pretty reasonable rates considering it is the opening weekend of March Madness:

  • Under $60: El Cortez, Palace Station, Clarion (just a few steps off The Strip, a block north of Encore)
  • Under $90: Stratosphere (all new rooms), Riviera, Plaza (all new rooms), Circus Circus, more…
  • Under $120: The D (all new rooms), Four Queens, Tuscany (all-suite, 1/2 mile from Strip), more
  • Under $150: Golden Nugget (pride of downtown), Tropicana (all new rooms), Luxor, LVH, plenty more…
  • Under $180: Trump (nice), Westin (nice), MGM, Monte Carlo, plenty more…

While these certainly aren’t like the mid-week rates you’ll find in the middle of summer, they aren’t bad for a super-peak time.

I hate to beat a dead horse, but if all of our readers would be kind enough take 10 seconds out of your life to use our booking box toward the top of this page (or at AccessVegas.com) and see if our hotel partner can do better than your “loyalty program” (or the site you usually book at), we’d both perhaps be better off for it.

There is nothing “loyal” about $300+ a night rates at The Flamingo, and booking through our site helps support this newsletter. Win-win for everybody!

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 16, 2013

Posted on by

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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

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

Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Don Rickles Headlines Las Vegas For Record-Smashing 54th Straight Year – One of the most established names in Hollywood and Las Vegas – internationally renowned comedian, actor and entertainer Don Rickles – has signed for a sixth consecutive year at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Rickles will make two weekend appearances at The Orleans in 2013: April 13-14 and September 28-29.

Rickles will be headlining in the Entertainment Capital of the World for the 54th consecutive year, an all-time Las Vegas record.

Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars Experts Featuring Autograph Sessions At Gold & Silver Pawn In 2013 – Pawn Stars along with the Gold & Silver Pawn team announced the autograph sessions of the star of the show as well as the experts that will be held this 2013 as filming allows.

Owner of Gold & Silver Pawn and star of Pawn Stars Rick Harrison said, “It took some serious planning and trial runs but we think we now have a system that works to allow more fans to meet us and the experts on the show. That was the one piece missing to a great experience when visiting Gold & Silver Pawn.” Located at 713 South Las Vegas Blvd., the small store is visited with over 4,000 people every day and film taking also takes place starting at 7 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. every weekday year-round. The busy schedule and space are the challenges that one team at Gold & Silver Pawn have overcome.

Las Vegas Attractions

2012 – Las Vegas – 2013

Valentine’s Day Las Vegas 2013

Romance Fills The Forum Shops Las Vegas With Trevi’s ‘That’s Amore’ – To celebrate the day of romance, Chef Peter Scaturro has created a special ‘That’s Amore’ couples menu for lovers to enjoy on Thursday, Feb. 14, at Trevi inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Priced at $70 per couple, the prix fixe menu will feature a light starter, the option to choose between three classic Italian entrées and a delectable dessert to share. Guests will have the choice of pairing their meal with Trevi’s signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, Lotion Potion Number 9, priced at $9. Other pairing options include a bottle of 14 Hands Chardonnay or 14 Hands Cabernet, priced at $30 per bottle.

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Castle Walk Food Court At Excalibur Hotel & Casino Celebrates Grand Opening With Former Mayor, Oscar Goodman – Castle Walk Food Court at Excalibur Hotel & Casino kicked off its grand opening in style with Former Mayor, Oscar Goodman, and dozens of Strip entertainers on Tuesday morning. Accompanied by two stunning showgirls, Goodman congratulated his long-time friend, Lincoln Spoor, CEO of Feel Good Brands, LLC, for developing the innovative new food court which brings the first Cinnabon, Hot Dog on a Stick, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Pick Up Stix and Schlotzsky’s to the Las Vegas Strip.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill At Caesars Palace And Gordon Ramsay BurGR At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Now Open For Lunch And Dinner – Chef Gordon Ramsay makes history in Las Vegas opening two different restaurants in two different locations within a week of each other on the famed Las Vegas Strip – the celebrated chef has opened three different restaurants in three locations all in one year.

Following the highly successful opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas in May, the Dec. 18 opening of Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace and Dec. 22 opening of Gordon Ramsay BurGR at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino marks three Gordon Ramsay restaurants to open in Las Vegas in less than a year, expanding the relationship with Caesars Entertainment Corp. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, the neighborhood restaurant at Caesars Palace conceptualized by the award-winning chef offers a lively English pub experience, while Gordon Ramsay BurGR brings Planet Hollywood the first gourmet burger concept from the celebrated chef.

Las Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas Sports, Sportsbook, And The Superbowl

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

More Las Vegas News

Take The Aria “Indoor Hike” With Steve “Rocket” Rosen, Fitness Guru – With health and wellness being an important topic for many in 2013, Rocket offers some insight on the Indoor Hike at The Spa at ARIA and how to stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions, even while on vacation:

What can guests expect during the Indoor Hike at ARIA? Once we’ve done some light stretching, we carry our yoga mats over the shoulder and begin to tour the beautiful ARIA resort. At various points of interest, including the Fine Art Collection, we conduct a brief orientation of the location followed by a few exercises. For example, at Jenny Holzer’s “Vegas,” we’ll do lunges, squats and step-ups on the nearby benches. The Hike then makes its way through the resort including a stop outside to learn about the amazing architecture and to climb stairs, of course. The entire experience consists of a great overall workout and can be modified for any fitness level.

New Year, New You! – Just because you’re in Las Vegas on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t keep your New Years’ resolution of getting fit and staying in shape. Maintain personal goals while easing the guilt from that late-night cocktail by experiencing a unique workout guaranteed to help you break a sweat.

  • The Spa at The Mirage offers a one-of-a-kind experience, Yoga Among the Dolphins, taking place in a serene, underwater viewing area within Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The underwater location features multiple windows, providing an intimate opportunity to view the resort’s family of bottlenose dolphins while flowing from pose to pose. The instructor-led class is open to the public and can be customized to accommodate all skill levels. Cost: $50 Time Length: 60 minutes; Friday – Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Reservations/Information: (702) 791-7472
  • Spa & Salon Bellagio offers its very own version of Boot Camp that is sure to leave you sweating. Using FitDeck exercise cards, instructors of Bellagio Boot Camp take you through an exercise circuit that is different with every class. Combining cardiovascular and resistance training methods, your entire body will be challenged. Don’t worry; you can recuperate and restore within the award-winning Spa Bellagio afterwards. Cost: $40 per person Time Length: 50 minutes; daily at 9 a.m. Reservations/Information: (702) 693-7472
  • Take part in an insightful tour of CityCenter’s Fine Art Collection with The Spa & Salon at ARIA’s Indoor Hike (featured elsewhere in this issue), which takes participants through some of the most scenic and heart-rate-raising areas of the expansive CityCenter campus. This heart-pumping workout focuses on the whole body as guests perform yoga and various exercises along the way. Cost: $50 Time Length: 60 minutes; as reserved Reservations/Information: (702) 590-9600

 

Maverick Grand Canyon Western Territory Tour By PlaneMaverick Grand Canyon Western Territory Tour By Plane – Experience the thrill of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, on a flight with Maverick Airlines. Fly in Maverick style on a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to Grand Canyon West as you enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point.

At the Indian Village you will receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture, and then proceed to Guano Point, where you’ll observe a breathtaking view of the canyon. Optional Activity: Don’t miss out on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the new glass bridge attraction suspended more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. A meal will be served while you sit back and admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon as you conclude your journey. Operator Maverick Airlines a division of the Maverick Aviation Group.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Western Territory Tour By Plane Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Frankie Moreno by Terri D’Richards

Entertainer Frankie Moreno – A Steady Momentum Of Talent – Welcome to Frankie’s house! Kick back, relax, have a drink and rock the experience where old Vegas Rat Pack retro collides with modern swagger style. Voted Best Strip Headliner by Las Vegas Weekly and Best All Around Performer by the Las Vegas Review Journal, this singer-songwriter earns his titles nightly, demonstrating all-around musical virtuosity in an accessible personality package — one moment busting a Jerry Lee Lewis like move on the piano, the next moment busting out a bottle of Crown Royal to pour shots for any audience members who approach the stage with an empty glass.

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Well, we just went through probably the worst/coldest 5 days in a row that I’ve ever experienced here in my nearly 20 years. Freezing temps would hit early evening and not let up until mid-morning. Pipes were bursting all over the valley because we do not know what a “Hard Freeze Warming” is. I left my water dripping and ran space heaters in the more vulnerable parts of my place. (Fortunately, my few outdoor pipes are already permanently wrapped).

When it gets this cold, locals stay home. A 1:00 a.m. grocery run on Sunday night found the streets unusually deserted. Staring over at The Strip on my way home — all lit up in its usual glorious glow — it was deceptively warm looking. But hey, at least for once I didn’t have to worry about all my food melting before I got it home.

The good news is, that little weather glitch is in the rearview mirror and the 10 day forecast is showing seasonal temperatures in the 60′s as far as the eye can see! Speaking of…

2012 Hottest On Record – Las Vegas set a new record for hottest year, but that factoid is a little bit deceiving. We didn’t have any days over 114 F and only a smattering of days above 110. Averages are determined by temperature readings 24 hours a day, seven days a week and Las Vegas’ true “average” temperature is just slightly above 70 degrees. Simply put, our overnight lows have continued to climb slowly but surely as more and more of the area has been developed, covering the rocky desert soil with heat-trapping asphalt and concrete.

I can’t say that I view this as such a terrible thing. Summer nights are a bit toasty, but the post-sundown temperatures during the rest of the year stay in a more comfortable range. Interestingly enough, the daytime highs haven’t really been increasing at all. Hot days and warm nights (or what we call spring and fall)… I’m in!

MGM Resorts To Spruce Up Rooms At Las Vegas Hotels – Hot on the heels of the rooms renovation at MGM Grand, the parent company MGM Resorts has announced that they plane to refurbish the rooms at the rest of their Las Vegas properties including Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Monte Carlo, and even Circus Circus. Yes, even the “lowly” Circus Circus!

For those of you who keep thinking you hear rumors of the demise or closure of Circus… probably never going to happen. From what we understand, the venerable hotel (we can’t really call it a resort) consistently earns money year after year. Every time we poke our head in, it seems like the parking garage is pretty full and the property is filled with foot-traffic. In related news…

Just Not The Rooms – Lost in the renaming and remodeling of the Imperial Palace (now officially The Quad) is the news that the hotel rooms apparently aren’t part of this facelift. Property owner Caesars Entertainment President Gary Loveman did note last year that room remodels to various properties will be on tap, but which ones and when were not specified. Looks like MGM Resorts is eager to beat them to the punch.

This Isn’t The Movie Version – Rock Of Ages has roared back into Las Vegas with a planned long-term residency at The Venetian. Yes, I say “back” into town as the show which spawned the Tom Cruise movie was tested here for a couple weeks some six years ago before heading to New York.

As the movie was an adaption of the stage show, it is very important to note that they are not identical. The show version contains some alternate music and is geared to be an audience-participation party. For those of us who lived the 80′s (high school and college for me), the music obviously has a close tie to our youth. But the good time vibe is ageless! Rock Of Ages tickets are available directly by clicking the graphic near the top of our our left sidebar.

Restaurant Week(s) In 2013! – We’ll have more info as it gets closer, but Restaurant Week will return twice this year. Taking part in Las Vegas Restaurant Week is simple. Diners can visit any participating restaurant during the specified dates and enjoy a multi-course, prix fixe menu. Each restaurant will create their own delicious menu offering at price points ranging from $20.13 to $50.13, with a fixed portion of the proceeds benefiting Three Square and the fight against hunger in Southern Nevada. Last year, you helped raise more than $610,000!

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

  • Hoover Dam Inside Out – The chief whiz of human invention around here was built long before anybody had even imagined the fabled Strip and was named for a sober President who probably never shook hands with a one-armed bandit. Herbert Hoover was President when construction began on the legendary dam that now bears his name. Note: Shot before the current drought when the lake was quite full.
  • Rock Candy Sticky Sweet performs at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas – Get your dose of downtown! Clips from two performances of Rock Candy Sticky Sweet on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Includes “I Love Rock n Roll”, We’re Not Gonna Take It”, “Just Like Paradise”, “Nuthin’ But a Good Time”, “Cult of Personality”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Wanted Dead or Alive”.
  • Las Vegas Strip street drive from 1988 – Taped from a car window in real time on January 11, 1988. Starting from the Landmark casino on Convention Center drive, turning unto Paradise going north to Sahara avenue, then heading south on the Las Vegas Strip, u-turn at the Hacienda casino then going north on the Strip to just past Sahara. See numerous hotels which are no longer with us.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Love your newsletter! I noted your comments regarding the Themed Hotels making the city popular. My sentiments exactly! Been visiting Vegas since 1996 (from the U.K.) often more than once a year (next visit in April).

We have seen Vegas change over the years, some great improvements (The Venetian, Paris, Bellagio, Caesar’s expansion to name a few); others not so. The City Center (for us) has not only spoiled the Vegas skyline but looks out of place on the strip and as previously mentioned, is too far off the strip to entice us inside (we will go and see the new Cirque show though).

With Imperial Palace changing to Quad and the planned project where Bill’s Gambling Hall is now, in the pipeline, we hope they don’t change Vegas too much. The ‘special’ hotels are what make Vegas what it is and make us yearn to visit year after year.

Greetings to you and your staff!

Marlene

 

Ted Responds:

I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve kept pretty mum on it as some people adore CityCenter (especially those who stay there, they just love it). However, in a skyline etched with so many desert-friendly colors ranging from the chocolate brown of Wynn and Encore to the gleaming gold of Mandalay Bay with plenty of other warm-looking structures up and down The Strip, CityCenter is the icy blue monolith that just feels out-of-place.

Fortunately, the Imperial Place and Bill’s makeovers aren’t bringing severe changes to the structures. We’ve featured some of the renderings in past issues, and they appear to be staying with a pretty neutral pallate.

The de-theming of hotels is going too far. What comes next? Do the bean counters take out the famed Bellagio fountains so they can put a strip-side shopping mall in? (I shouldn’t even mutter those words. I can see them right now sitting there and going “call our architects…”).

We’re obviously a few years away from any new hotel construction (and still hoping that the Fontainebleau eyesore gets torn down, although highly unlikely because it is probably 70% finished). Having said that, the next time someone gets the bright idea to build a grand new property on our famed Las Vegas Strip, I hope they embrace the kinds of themes and colors which made our little slice of mountain-framed desert world-famous.

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 09, 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
Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas Shows, Headliners, And Concerts

Vegas’ Best Party Rock Of Ages Celebrates Opening Night At The Venetian – January 5, 2013, the high-octane musical Rock Of Ages opened at The Venetian Las Vegas to an enthusiastic, full house at the Rock of Ages Theatre. The production is a hilarious, feel-good love story that celebrates the great rock songs of the ‘80s including “Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “We Built This City,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and more.

The high-energy performance had the crowd rockin’ out all night long with the audience waving hundreds of LED lighters in the air during the heartfelt ballads and singing and dancing on their feet during the finale. Director Kristin Hanggi and Choreographer Kelly Devine were also in the theater supporting the cast and at curtain call they joined the cast on stage to celebrate opening night. The talented cast includes Kyle Lowder as Stacee Jaxx, Carrie St. Louis as Sherrie, Justin Mortelliti as Drew, Mark Shunock as Lonny, Troy Burgess as Dennis, and Robert Torti as Hertz.

Celebrating The Holidays and 2012 In Las Vegas

Las Vegas Restaurants And Dining

Rice & Company Debuts Thunder Roll In Honor Of Australia Day – Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino celebrates Australia Day on Saturday, Jan. 26 with the debut of the Thunder Roll, a sushi roll created in honor of the handsome blokes of Australia’s Thunder From Down Under at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

Available throughout the month of January, the tantalizing Thunder Roll, priced at $18, is made with a delicious blend of soft shell crab, tuna, avocado and cucumber, wrapped in seaweed and topped with spicy mayo and kabayaki sauce. In honor of Australia Day, the restaurant will offer the celebratory roll half-off at the special price of $9 on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Inglenook And Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten Kick Off Bellagio’s 2013 Epicurean Epicenter Series – Heralded as the home of a wide range of award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano’s Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family, Bellagio’s 2013 Epicurean Epicenter series continues its tradition of innovative and immersive experiences. On Saturday, Jan. 26, guests can taste five wines from the legendary Inglenook estate, paired with the critically acclaimed cuisine of James Beard award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Bellagio’s Prime Steakhouse.

Las Vegas Sports And Sportsbook

Señor Frog’s Kicks Off Football Specials For Playoffs And The Big Game – Señor Frog’s Las Vegas at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino will host a football fiesta for playoffs from Saturday, Jan. 5 through Sunday, Jan. 20 and for Super Sunday on Feb. 3.

Football fanatics will touch down at the famous party bar with big game eats and drinks while the big games play on all of the restaurant’s high-definition televisions and huge projection screens. Sports fans will have guaranteed seating by purchasing any of the restaurant’s signature football packages: The Rookie, The Veteran or The MVP.

Drinking, Gambling, And Partying in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’ Ultra Dive Bar Rockhouse Moves From Imperial Palace To Venetian – This late January, the Sin City’s iconic party bar will bring back the same let-loose attitude at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. The new 9,000-square-foot location can be directly accessed from Las Vegas Boulevard providing convenience for hotels guests nearby and for those passing by. The original Rockhouse becomes the most famous party spots in the Las Vegas Strip.

Valentine’s Day Las Vegas 2013

Cabo Wabo Cantina Hosts ‘Love Stinks, Let’s Drink’ Anti-Valentine’s Party – Amor is a bore, so the drinks will pour at Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with a “Love Stinks, Let’s Drink” party on Thursday, Feb. 14.

The hard-rockin’ cantina will celebrate the independent and fabulous life with Sangarita, a combination of margarita and sangria, for $10 a glass and $30 per pitcher. Partygoers may toast to lovers past with $5 anti-Valentine’s shots including the Ex-Boyfriend, a stout blend of Patrón XO Café and Bailey’s Irish Cream; and the Ex-Girlfriend, a hard-hitting mix of tequila and Tabasco.

Las Vegas Economy And Real Estate

Las Vegas Attractions

Downtown / Fremont Street Experience

Miss America

More Las Vegas News

Maverick Helicopter Combo Adventure with River Rafting TourMaverick Helicopter Combo Adventure with River Rafting Tour – One of the most amazing ways to experience the Grand Canyon is with a landing tour and the added bonus of river rafting through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River. You will enjoy a helicopter adventure through the Grand Canyon and see awe-inspiring scenery at one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Following the helicopter tour through the Grand Canyon, you will land at the Boulder City Airport and meet up with the rafting crew. Your fully motorized and narrated river rafting voyage will depart from the base of Hoover Dam and float 12 miles down the grand Colorado River. The Colorado River rafting tour includes several stops along the river and lunch served upon reaching Willow Beach, Arizona. The rafting crew will transport you to your hotel at the conclusion of the tour.

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter Combo Adventure with River Rafting Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Anthony Cools by Sarah Jane Woodall

Anthony Cools – Good, clean dirty fun like nothing you’ve ever seen – Hypnotism – it’s not just for quitting smoking anymore! Long recognized as an effective way to tap into the human subconscious for practical reasons, the art of hypnotism has lately been co-opted by pranksters. Some devilish genius figured out that it’s just as easy (and much more fun) to hypnotize people for impractical reasons – and the next thing you know, a cottage industry was born. These days, there are several comedy hypnotists playing their trade on the Vegas Strip…the best-known of which is Anthony Cools.

What sets Cools apart from the competition? His rakishly smarmy charm, of course! Other comedy hypnotists might be more family-friendly or wholesome in appearance, but…come on! Did you really come to Vegas to see family friendly?! I didn’t think so!

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Happy New Year to all, and we hope that 2013 turns out to be a great (and lucky) year for each and all. It is turning out to be a colder-than-usual immersion for us. Midnight temps on New Years Eve were just above freezing, and we’re looking at below-freezing overnight temps now through Tuesday night. Not funny.

What A Bang! – New Years Eve was still more spectacular than ever. This year’s show featured over 8 minutes of fireworks and revelers enjoyed roaming over four miles of The Strip (it was closed to traffic) from around 6 PM until well past midnight.

To give you a comparison of the enormity of our celebration, we’ve created a Google Map of New York City with the length of The Strip superimposed on New York with Times Square in the middle. Those of you who took our advice and tuned into 8NewsNow.com we’re able to see their entire 2.5 hours show streaming live and culminating with the fireworks. For those who missed it, the fireworks-only portion of the broadcast is available online: Las Vegas New Years 2013 Fireworks

A New Record! – As we’ve told you all year, we’ve been staying pretty close to being on track to break the 40 million mark in visitors this year. What we know is that we’re going to beak the 2007 “boom era” record of 39.2 million. Estimates have us brushing up against the 40 million mark, but we won’t officially know until a couple months into the year once all the numbers are finally crunched. Having said that…

A Soft 2013 – Airline capacity into McCarran is going to be off a couple of percentage points in 2013, which means no relief on the airfare front. This will obviously affect some of you more than others. It will keep hotel rates pretty steady, which means those spending longer stretches of time here can amortize the airfare over more days. However, if you are the average 3 day visitor, you’ll be dinged harder as the cost to get here for those 3 days is likely to rise.

We continue to suggest visiting a little less often and staying longer. You won’t feel as rushed (trying to cram so much into so little time), you can take that tour or day trip and see some of our spectacular high desert and grand parks, and have time to get out of the “things we do every visit” rut.

Return Of The $8 Dinner Buffet – About a year before it closed, The Sahara shut down their buffet. It wasn’t anything special, but for $8 (if memory serves me correct), it was OK grub. That was the end of the cheap Las Vegas dinner buffet. Until now.

One mile west of The Sahara, Palace Station has brought back the $8 (actually $7.99 plus tax with players card) all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. We’ve had it and while certainly not that new fancy spread at Caesars, it is WELL worth the money. Heads above Circus Circus (located in the same general neighborhood and pretty much twice the price). 

Fresh salads and fruits, carving station, hamburgers and pasta (including seafood pasta) prepped to order, grilled and fried fish, decent deserts, all-you-can-drink non-alcoholic drinks. You know, the standard Vegas buffet drill.

So, if you have some wheels while you are in town and you like bargains, check it out. If you are cabbing it downtown and back for a night, it is a very quick detour to grab dinner and then catch another cab for the rest of your ride to Fremont Street.

Stadium Updates – Every few months, we keep you up on the various stadium/arena proposals which keep floating around. Here’s the latest:

  • UNLV – This one has turned into the front-runner and is garnering a lot of community support. An approximately 60,000 seat stadium would host UNLV football, major sporting events which we’re not currently in the running for (no venue that size in town), and additionally concerts and similar.

  • South Strip – The proposal to build a stadium south of the M Resort seems dead. Long story and lots of finger pointing and really not worth going into.
  • Downtown – No new news although some of the long time movers-and-shakers still would like to place a basketball/hockey arena downtown.

    I’m really dubious of having a Las Vegas NBA team. Most people living here come from elsewhere and already have strong ties to their “home” team. The Los Angeles Lakers have always had a very strong following in Las Vegas. Sure, the arena would fill up with people from out-of-town visiting here to root for their team (which would be good for tourism), but how well is a team going to do that has to play in front of a mixed-allegiance crowd every single home game? Especially in the NBA where home court advantage is huge.

Free Wi-Fi At Most MGM Properties! – Well… someone woke up and figured it is 2013 and more and more of us are connected everywhere we go. Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage have rolled out free wi-fi in their public areas (casino, restaurants, pool, etc.) Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor and Excalibur will be on-board around the time of Spring Break/March Madness. 

Springtime is set to also bring free wi-fi to all the rooms at these resorts. They aren’t promising blazing fast speed for free, but if you really want to sit by the pool or in your room and watch Netflix on your tablet, you’ll be able to purchase more speed as an add-on. Prices were not yet available.

Help Us Help You – One of the ways that we’ve been able to keep this newsletter complimentary despite the tremendous amount of research to put it together is because our hotel partner i4Vegas has been a consistent partner. When you book through the hotel links or booking box in this newsletter or at AccessVegas.com, we get the credit.

Unfortunately, despite our ever increasing readership, the number of readers booking with us has started to decline. To those that have and continue to do so, we thank you. You are the ones responsible for assuring we have the revenue to do what we do and can keep this newsletter significantly more ad-free than most online travel information.

For those of you that don’t, we’re asking that you take just a few seconds out of your life next time you book a Vegas room and plug in your dates and see what our partner can do for you.

“But Ted, XYZ hotel sends me really good deals”. Unless that deal is FREE (and more power to you if it is), you might be surprised just how good their deal ISN’T. And… how much more flexibility you have in your price range by seeing a quick comparison of everything that is available.

Our hotel partner is Vegas-centric and you’re not going to find them on the major comparison websites. Vegas is what they’ve been doing for years and years, and they’ve developed a special relationship with our hotels, buying rooms in volume and passing the savings on to you. (The hotels are happy because they don’t have to market or sell the room). 

If every single reader (that means YOU… not the next guy) would be kind enough to just take a few seconds to compare our rates and book with our hotel partner (through our booking box or links so we get credit) if we’re comparable, we’ll be able to keep the information flowing in its present form. And, you just might find some hotel deals you didn’t know about!

Members Mania Ooops – We’re not exactly sure how we pulled this one off, but last issue I did a full, special, year-end section of reader feedback and well-wishes. Which still appears in my copy on my computer, but for some reason vanished as the file was passed along to be placed online. If at first, you don’t succeed… We’re reposting it all in its entirety this week. (I can see it now: Sherlock Holmes in the case of the Missing Letters).

Hope that 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

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

As the year ends, I wanted to post a sampling of the great thoughts and wishes that were sent our way. We appreciate it, they mean much to us, and it is always exciting to think that we have so many amazing readers from around the globe!

Having been to Las Vegas 10 times in previous years, I have always purchased a calendar. However we did not go this year and have been unable to obtain one.

Could you let me know how I can obtain a calendar for 2013?

Thank you!

Lorna Richards

 

Ted Responds:

For our friends in the United States, you can get this one direct from Amazon. (Hint: Order two and you get the free shipping option). For our friends from other countries, you can perhaps do a search on your own area’s Amazon site for similar. Hope this helps!

Hi from South Texas. The changes to the site are awesome well done sir. All this information you and your staff put out is priceless and very very much appreciated.

God bless you and have a great day.

Noe Alaniz

I enjoy getting all the Vegas updates from your newsletter. I will be back in February for my 36th birthday & I cannot wait! This will be the 3rd time in 10 months that I’m returning to Vegas. Keep those newsletter coming!

Sincerely,

Mandy from Nazareth, PA

Thanks again for a wonderful newsletter year. They are so helpful for every visit to LV since I have subscribed.

Greetings from Germany and Frohe Weihnachten (Season Greetings) to you and your family.

Ollie and Diana

Just a letter of thanks for all the info you have provided over the last few years. My wife and I have loved our annual visits to LV for the last 16 years but regrettably due to our age and the escalating air fares from the UK we are reconsidering “annual”.

Hopefully we may make it again some time but meantime thanks and we hope you all have a great holiday and 2013.

Best wishes

Pam and Geoff Smithson

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year TO you and your staff. I love hearing about the city I love to visit.

Thanks for doing what you do!

The Kinloch’s in Philadelphia

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.