AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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Archive for March, 2011

March 23, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 23, 2011

March 23rd 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! Well, many weeks are great but even here in Las Vegas we sometimes hit a few road bumps. Last issue, I noted a great pending weather forecast with nice weather and highs near 70 F. Uh-oh. Clouds, wind and rain moved in the next couple of days. Fortunately, the rain was mostly in the overnight hours. Then, I lost a few days due to medical leave regarding a nagging health issue (I’ll be fine). OK… I put that behind me and my main computer starts acting up for the umpteenth time. Taking an hour (or more) to boot and running slower than the weakest Windows 95 machine did back in the old days.

Side Note: This is the second time in less than a decade that I’ve had extreme problems with an HP computer. (It was not an operating system problem). Oh sure, they had a fix to download. Did nothing. Which means they are very aware this model has issues (online forums were full of complaints). But what do they care? Was there a recall? NO. Steer very clear of buying HP computers.

Given I had to swap out one machine, I got very ambitious and decided to re-allocate all the office machines, upgrade memory in the older ones (Windows XP still performs very well with 2+ GB of memory), new router, the entire works. And decided to do it myself with the help of staffer Rick Ziegler. Thought it would take 1/2 a day. We did finish. After three days of torture and numerous hours on the phone to tech support (the new router turned out to be defective, which took hours to figure out). Auugghhhhh!

What does this all have to do with Vegas? Nothing at all. I thought you’d just feel a whole lot better knowing that I’m not always out enjoying all that fun stuff on The Strip and downtown! Oh, also… a couple of my sections are missing this week. (Amy and Rick still did a great job on the meat of the newsletter as they always do). Trust me, it is a lot more fun to search out What We’re Watching videos, answering Members Mania than fighting computers. This wasn’t by choice.

March Madness Video, As Promised – Rick Ziegler went downtown the first week of March Madness to catch all the activity. People were loving the new zip line, live entertainment abounded, a 25 foot basketball basket challenged visitors (this was funny to watch) and plenty of people were simply having a good time. Click to watch Las Vegas March Madness Spring Break 2011 Video

How Did So Many Miss The Point? I read just about every print and blog story (many by writers I truly admire) on the closing of The Sahara, and am in shock about how they all missed the management angle which I noted in my article Closing Of The Sahara Las Vegas – The Real Story. (Nearly 30 people made great comments that are worth going back and reading below the story). The general mantra was “bad economy, hotel closes”. The truth is that the terrible management combined with the economy cost the death. As I noted, Sahara’s competitors managed to weather the worst of the recession (as did The Sahara, Vegas visitor numbers have been inching up for months now). Management killed the joint.

42 year Las Vegas resident Norm “Is There Anyone He Doesn’t Know” Johnson was the other person who diligently noted that management was to fault and Norm has an immense knowledge of what was going on there. For those wanting to dig deeper (especially all the writers who wrote off the closing simply to the economy instead of doing their homework), I suggest you check out his article simply entitled The Sahara Hotel

New Contact Info – We’re changing our contact email to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com (simple enough, right)! We’ve been using AllVegasTV@aol.com for more than a decade. It dates back to when we were serious about launching an All Vegas TV streaming network. 9/11 happened, we never launched, but also never bothered to change the contact email. Which leads to a branding issue: People write Dear All Vegas and similar. Now, perhaps everybody will figure out that this is the official newsletter of (drum roll please) AccessVegas.com

Speaking Of Contact Us and Vegas Video Networks – 10 years later, someone finally did launch a (growing) network of Las Vegas programming. I’m a huge fan of what the Vegas Video Network is doing. Here’s a little “directly contact Ted” tip/hint: I nearly always watch Living In Las Vegas at 7:30 PM (Pacific) on Tuesdays and Pub Crawl which airs at 8:00 PM (Pacific) on Wednesdays. Both shows air LIVE, and just below the video screen on the live page is a chat room. Enter your name (or internet handle) and you are into the chat. Me? I’m usually there chatting away about Vegas while I enjoy the live show. Come join us!

4100 And Counting! – We only got serious about Twitter recently and are proud to now have over 4000 followers. Pretty cool! We don’t tweet 20 times a day and we don’t tell you what we had for lunch or talk about our political views. It is simply all the Las Vegas news and info as we get it, including a number of very good deals every week which don’t make this newsletter because of deadline issues. Go ahead and follow us. We promise you’ll be glad you did: http://twitter.com/AccessVegas

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Celebrity Lineup For 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational In Las Vegas Continues To Grow – Charity Tournament Hosted By Aria Resort & Casino At Exclusive Shadow Creek, March 31 – April 3 – Entertainment and sports stars Larry David, Gabriel Aubry, Jerome Bettis, Sam Bradford, Stuart Scott, Brandi Chastain, Richard Dent, Paul O’Neill, Mike Piazza, Anthony Anderson, Maury Povich, Dennis Haysbert, Alan Thicke, Adrian Young, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Grant Show and Boris Kodjoe join the growing list of celebrities scheduled to attend the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), hosted by Las Vegas’ ARIA Resort & Casino, March 31-April 3.

Rockhouse Hosts First Ever ‘Sheen Mondays’ Celebration Party Like A Warlock Every Monday Night – ‘Sheen Mondays’ + Rockhouse = #winning. Rockhouse is throwing the only Charlie Sheen party in Las Vegas with ‘Sheen Mondays’ every Monday night. Winners can partake in an open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight, $10 for girls and $20 for guys. The ultra-dive bar will also introduce its newest cocktail for warlocks with a different constitution, a different brain and a different heart; the Tiger Blood Tea.

Tacos & Tequila Introduces The Ultimate Margarita – Get Your Chonga On With T&T’s Newest Margarita – Tacos & Tequila has added a new margarita to the familia; introducing the “Chonga”. The 54-ounce party in your mouth, frozen margarita is enough to excite any partygoer. T&T takes it a step further and tosses in two upside down 7-ounce Sol beers that flow directly into the giant margarita. T&T’s signature daiquiri bar carriers an assortment of different frozen flavors. Revelers daring enough to try the “Chonga” can create up to 720 unique flavors. With over 50-ounces of fun and flavor the “Chonga” margarita is every spring breakers dream.

Spring Arrives At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – “Carnival In The Garden” Features Carousel, Ferris Wheel And Butterflies ON Display Through May 8 – To celebrate the debut of spring, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens feature a spectacular floral exhibition filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival, on display through May 8. Four enchanting gardens lure guests with scents of tulips, hydrangeas and daisies, while a colorful Ferris wheel, moving carousel and greenhouse full of beautiful butterflies catch the eye and lift the spirit.

Starlet Angel Porrino Returns To Peepshow At Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Through April 3 – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ only striptease spectacular, welcomes back Las Vegas local and “Holly’s World” co-star Angel Porrino as she takes over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her sexuality. Porrino will fill in for Holly Madison during her hard-earned vacation dates through April 3, 2011. As a free upgrade to all PEEPSHOW ticketholders, audience members have the exclusive change to meet Porrino during a special post show meet & greet in the PEEPSHOW lobby following current performance. The meet & greet will provide an opportunity for fans to take their own photo with Porrino and have their favorite PEEPSHOW memorabilia autographed by the “Holly’s World” co-star. Season two of “Holly’s World” is now airing on E!. Photo By Denise Truscello

Lagasse’s Stadium Las Vegas Hosts Die-Hard Basketball Fans During NCAA Tournament – Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo plays host to the most die-hard of college basketball fans during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. One-of-a-kind stadium seating allows guests to comfortably lounge while watching the back-to-back tournament action on one of more than 100 flat screen televisions.

Terry Fator Celebrates Two Year Anniversary At The Mirage Las Vegas – It was a full house Friday night as unparalleled ventriloquist Terry Fator celebrated the second anniversary of his hit show, Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert at The Mirage. Media, VIPs, fans and guests lined up at the entrance of Terry Fator Theatre, anxious to get in and see the incredible headliner perform after Fator announced the addition of new puppet, Berry Fabulous. Songs and dialogue never before seen or heard were also in store and as 7:30pm approached, the lights went down and the music went up as Fator took center stage.

ATV Off-Road Desert Adventure TourATV Off-Road Desert Adventure Tour – Get ready for a wild all-terrain vehicle adventure in the red desert near the Valley of Fire State Park! Drive to the top of the mesas to see views of Lake Mead, the entrance to the Grand Canyon and the north side of the Valley of Fire.

Click To Book ATV Off-Road Desert Adventure Tour Now!

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March 16, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 16, 2011

March 16th 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows

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

Hello From Las Vegas! After an exceptionally nice week of temps flirting with 80 degrees (F), we’re going to revert to the average March high of 69 for pretty much the remainder of the month. If your curious, April averages 78, May 88 and June 99.

Due to my research time on the Sahara closure and the extended amount of information in my column here this week, Members Mania will not appear. I simply didn’t have the time to do it all! Members Mania will return next issue.

Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

I Hate Kissing You Goodbye – On Friday March 18, 2011 employees of The Sahara were stunned by the announcement that this iconic Las Vegas property would be closing in 60 days (the legal notice time required). I’ll be honest: I was stunned too! Although I knew of the pending Sahara announcement, I figured it would have something to do with major hotel improvements, following in the steps of some of their direct competitors. (Turns out I might have been not far off the mark after all, but time will tell).

This whole thing did not make sense to me. Sahara had weathered the recession, Vegas visitor numbers are picking up, no new competing hotel rooms are on the horizon (sans the reopening of The Plaza, which is still a long ways away). So I went over the next evening to do some poking around. Listening (overhearing) people. Talking with employees. And, I found out some information that I have not otherwise seen reported. I’ve put it into an article entitled Closing Of The Sahara Las Vegas – The Real Story where I combine my first-hand reports, empirical evidence, and (at the end) some substantiated conjecture about the future of the resort.

I know that we usually don’t go THAT in-depth on covering the business side of Las Vegas. I’m eminently qualified to do so but I like to have fun, and it is more fun to report on the fun side of Las Vegas. Many of you don’t care who owns what. You just want to enjoy it! But even if the article isn’t up your alley, you may have thoughts about (or fond/interesting memories of) this legendary property. Click on over to the article and leave your thoughts and comments in the comment box.

March Madness and Spring Break, Oh The Crowds! – We spent time both downtown and on The Strip during the first weekend of March Madness (the week of the conference tournaments). I’ve seen this city busy… but rarely like this (apart from New Years Eve or three-day holidays). Absolutely unbelievable! I expected The Strip to be jammed, but was pleasantly surprised that Fremont Street — the entire length of it — was CROWDED. Yes, I mean a sea of people. And the downtown casinos were hopping! Rick Ziegler got some great video which we’ll have for you in about a week so you can see for yourself.

Holly Madison Beer Pong O'Sheas Las VegasHolly’s World – I don’t watch much reality TV (sans Dog The Bounty Hunter, Pawn Stars, and Steven Seagal: Lawman — guy stuff). But because it was Las Vegas based and PeepShow is a sponsor, I felt obligated to start watching Holly’s World. I’m not much for the drama, but Holly along with co-stars Angel and Laura are easy on the eyes so I have no complaints.

Pictures: See Holly Madison Playing Beer Pong At O’Sheas Las Vegas

What’s coolest to me? Despite the fact that they work at Planet Hollywood, the show actually gives a taste of what it is like to live here. Plenty of filming at Holly’s “McMansion” in Southern Highlands (map dot does not indicate her house) and lately in Josh Strickland’s condo (my trained eye nails it as the One Condominiums — which I lived just a few blocks from while it was in construction phase a few years ago). Plus, they’ve shown them at they gym, at off-strip restaurants. Like… actually living in Las Vegas! PS Tip of the hat to Celine who also really embraced living here, kept her Lake Las Vegas house when her last Caesars run ended, and has really endeared herself to our community.

Anniversaries, Anniversaries – Speaking of living here, I’m getting ready for a couple of exciting milestones myself: April 3 will mark my 18′th year living here! I do not regret a minute of it. I wouldn’t leave for twice the money. I’m not sure how I’ll be celebrating, but mostly likely on The Strip, very possibly at Rhumbar outdoors enjoying a celebratory cigar and libation with their incredible view of the mid-strip. (I really need to hit them up to be an advertiser… since we only take advertising I can comfortably endorse).

Then come May 27, this newsletter (which was arguably the first Las Vegas blog in its original form) celebrates our 11′the year of publishing! Oh, and we are working on a reader-appreciation event for late April, but don’t want to spill the beans until all the details are in place.

Highest Poverty Rates – The metropolitan areas of the U.S. with the largest gains in people living below the poverty level:

1. Las Vegas, 2. Modesto (CA), 3. Detroit, 4. Ft. Myers (FL), and 5. Los Angeles.

My recent blog post How Retirees Will Help Las Vegas’ Local Economy Rebound From Recession talks about how the area will rebound, and what part retirees moving to our area will play. Make sure to read and comment!

Las Vegas Keeps You Young? – Mis-filed away, I found a story that I meant to tell you about last year. It is entitled Irvine woman celebrates her 100th birthday Sunday and starts out by saying Mary Beatrice “Bea” Wood is an Irvine resident, regular visitor to Las Vegas, and a daily, two-hour Texas Hold’em-player, who will turn 100 years old on May 2. So you see… regular trips to Las Vegas and a couple hours a day at the poker tables might not be bad for you after all!

Is That Sign Big Enough? – The new Walgreens (next to Planet Hollywood) wants to build a sign. After all, they want people to know they have store available for you to shop at. However, this isn’t your ordinary sign. The sign they are asking for variances on is 322 feet wide and 60 feet high. To put that in perspective, that is about five times the size as the neighboring Planet Hollywood sign! We’ll keep you posted…

Queen Victoria British Pub Las Vegas

Queen Victoria British Pub At Riviera – With around 25% of our readers outside the US and a significant British readership, I wanted to check out the relatively new Queen Victoria Pub at The Riviera. They bill it as …the only British owned, British run pub on the LV Strip. We serve 24 beers on draft & 60 in bottles. British menu serving English Breakie & Fish & chips. The Queen Victoria shows ALL televised English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Champions League, Euro 2011 Qualifiers, Carling Cup, FA Cup, World Cup and most all other live soccer (football) games shown in the USA. They also have an exceptionally large beer and libation selection and serve breakfast 24/7 (a practice that is unfortunately dwindling in Las Vegas… what happened to the Up All Night, Sleep All Day city I moved to).

Worth the trip to the Riviera? Maybe not for the average visitor (especially if you have no interest in British fare or aren’t much of a drinker). But if you want to check out a couple of the newer themed bar/restaurants, you can knock two of them out in one shot: Rock ‘n Rita’s at Circus Circus (All-American fare, flair bartending) then stroll across the street to Queen Victoria. For those who don’t want to miss their favorite (international) football or rugby game, they are probably showing it! Call them once you hit town (702) 794-9458.

Box Cutters – A couple of months ago, I noted how ineffective the Transportation Screw-Up Safety Administration is (except for making you get nekkid and turning your vacation into a miserable delay) and how most people on the front lines of aviation will tell you that if someone wanted to get on board or sabotage a plane, it could be done. Now we hear about the guy in New York who accidentally brought box cutters on a plane. The TSA missed a good-sized item like that!

A friend of an associate recently noted that his wife flew twice before realizing that she had a small knife in her carry-on (only realizing so after she gave the bag a good clean-out). We’ve got to find a better way. The only thing the TSA is getting done is jacking up the price of an airline ticket and making your lives miserable. These “officers” need to go back to being mall cops.

Of Ferris Wheels And Such – Evidently, the plans are back on for Harrah’s Caesars (corporation) to build their Project Linq between The Flamingo and O’Sheas. Imagine the Fremont Street Experience anchored by a massive Ferris Wheel (think London Eye). In direct competition with this idea is a company who wants to take 10 acres across the street from Mandalay Bay and build an amusement park anchored by their own 500-foot Ferris Wheel.

In my lengthy time living here, I have lost count of how many of these proposals have stormed out of the gate with a big news splash, only to go nowhere. So, I’m not holding my breath and we’re not going to do much talking about it here until somebody breaks ground. Don’t get me wrong: I like both ideas! Harrah’s has already been using the Linq site to hold holiday-themed events like the Cinco De Mayo Las Vegas Party (click for video) they did last year, and a great St. Patrick’s day event (video coming soon). The amusement park idea sounds interesting. I’ll just believe them when I see them.

Concerned About West Coast Radiation Affecting Your Nevada Visit? – With the incredible tragedy in Japan and the concern about radiation reaching the west coast of the United States, some of you may be understandably worried about visiting. Don’t be, but don’t take my word for it. Click over to the video Las Vegas Radiation Fears Unfounded for a report you’ll want to see.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Caesars Palace and Nobu Hospitality Plan to Open in Las Vegas the First-Ever Nobu-branded Hotel, Restaurant, and Lounge Concept – Caesars Palace Las Vegas and Nobu Hospitality announced that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to develop the world’s first Nobu Hotel, an innovative concept that will integrate an exclusive hotel tower with the first Nobu restaurant and lounge on the Las Vegas Strip.

The planned development would further the tradition of world-class accommodations and service that is synonymous with the resort’s luxury brand. In announcing this tactical relationship, Nobu Hospitality has reinforced its focused growth strategy, expanding through the complete hospitality spectrum.

Bingo Players Score Big At Binion’s With $25,000 and $5,000 Jackpots – It did not take long for players to start raking in jackpots at Binion’s Bingo Hall. The iconic Las Vegas property brought bingo back to the casino on February 1, 2011 and within 26 days, two lucky winners scored big. Rasela from Hawaii was the first to hit, winning the $5,000 Bonanza Coverall on February 10. Then just 16 days later, James, a Las Vegas local, cashed a really big “BINGO” with the $25,000 Gaming Arts Super Bonanza Coverall Multi-Win. On February 26 during the 7 p.m. session, James, who plays at Binion’s regularly, covered his entire card in 48 numbers to earn the prize.

CSI: The Experience To Host Spring Blood Drive In Partnership With United Blood Services On March 26 At MGM Grand – All Donors Receive Free Admission To CSI: The Experience – Did you know that more than 250 donors are needed every day to meet the needs of hospital patients throughout Southern Nevada? As part of an incentive to encourage communities to donate and make a positive difference, CSI: The Experience is partnering with United Blood Services to host a blood drive Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MGM Grand. All donors will receive a complimentary ticket to check out the intriguing and hands-on exhibit, CSI: The Experience between March 26 and April 9, 2011.

The Palazzo Las Vegas Celebrates The Arrival Of The Spring Season With Vibrant Butterfly Decor – The Palazzo Las Vegas will welcome warmer weather with colorful butterfly inspired decor throughout the resort. Bursting with bright colors and distinctive butterfly designs, guests will enjoy a charming spring atmosphere during their next visit to The Palazzo. Bright hyacinths, tulip willows, cherry blossoms, forsythia topiaries and 16-foot Amstel King Ficus trees will line the atrium waterfall while 15-foot Japanese plum blossoms and 5-foot tulips complement the lobby gardens.

Join The Madness Of March As Fremont Street Experience Celebrates College Basketball With “March Hoops” – Basketball Fans Are Invited To Enjoy The Month-Long Free Event – Join the Madness of March as Fremont Street Experience celebrates college basketball. Sports fans are invited to take part in the month-long event, March Hoops, now through Wednesday, March 30. March Hoops at Fremont Street Experience features free entertainment every night with two sexy stage shows — Hardwood Hotties and Dream Team Divas by Face Productions — and the High Hoops Zone interactive area where guests can test their skills at 20-, 25- and 30-foot basketball hoops. Debuting March 15 was the world’s largest NCAA bracket on the 1,500-foot long Viva Vision screen, which will be updated daily throughout the NCAA tournament.

Piano! Las Vegas Starring Ryan Ahern Celebrates Grand Opening At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – International recording artist and world-champion pianist Ryan Ahern celebrated the grand opening of his new show Piano! Las Vegas on February 23 – marking a new residency on the Las Vegas Strip. Playing music genres from Broadway to Rock n’ Roll to Boogie Woogie, Ahern amazes audiences with his diverse arrangements and mesmerizing hand speed. The show plays Saturdays –Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Ryan Ahern celebrates on the red carpet during the Grand Opening of Piano! Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Romance Package at The Venetian Hotel TourRomance Package at The Venetian Hotel Tour – Add some romance at the beautiful Venetian Hotel during your Las Vegas vacation. Propose to George Clooney at Madame Tussaud’s, glide down the Grand Canal, and dine at Zeffirino’s or Tintoretto’s. Do it all in a day or spread out over the duration of your trip, the choice is yours!

Click To Book Romance Package at
The Venetian Hotel Tour Now!

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

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March 2, 2011

Access Vegas Insider Vibe March 2, 2011

March 02nd 2011 Posted to Las Vegas Newsletter

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.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Seasonal Vegas Information
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Spring has sprung in Las Vegas with the month of March being busy, busy, busy. Spring Break and March Madness take center stage. Toss in Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday is this coming Tuesday) and St. Patrick’s day (which falls on a Thursday, allowing it to be turned into a weekend-long party) you really have a month of non-stop action.

Add in MTV’s Spring Break programming live from The Palms this coming week and temps mostly in the 70′s (F) for the next 10 days and I think that it is safe to say that our 8 months of summer has begun!

The 50 Most Beautiful Things on Earth – MSN Travel has listed the Bellagio Fountains as one f the 50 most beautiful things on earth (winning the fountain category). We couldn’t agree more. I’ve been watching the fountain shows since pre-opening during the testing phase and to this very day, I do not tire of them. I’ll sometime sit there for 2 or 3 shows (they are only 15 minutes apart after dark). Still stunning to this day.

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_7954

Bellagio Fountain Display at Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV; 12-17-2009

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_7963

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas, NV 10_2009 Dave Toussaint IMG_8047

Where Is Your #%@!* App For My Phone? – Great question! I really want to do one. We have the resources in place. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines because the popularity of various devices is changing rapidly. I’m not an iPerson (someone who buys only Apple no matter what and considers Steve Jobs to be a religious figure), so just doing an iPhone app and damn the other platforms was not an option. Android phones are really gaining popularity (I LOVE my EVO). Windows platforms are finally making a play. Palm has just released an iPad like tablet that appears to be a step up from the original iPad (although I’ve heard the iPad 2 has major improvements). While we make up our mind…

Reader Lance told us about the Mobile RSS Free app for the iPhone. You can enter our RSS feed into the app and be alerted every time we add major content or news. First, download the app to your phone (or iPad). Then enter our RSS feed code:

http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

In the meantime, your input is always welcomed. What would you like to see in an app? Do you know a good RSS reader app for Droid? What device are you using that you’d like to have the app for? Drop us a note at AllVegasTV@aol.com

The Death Of Las Vegas – Regular readers know that I spent the better part of the last three years refuting all the crazy national news stories which were sounding Las Vegas’ death knell. No need to beat that dead horse anymore as all the important indicators of the health of out tourism industry are on a slow-but-steady rise. Now, I’m not saying that all is well for every resident of Las Vegas. The metropolitan areas of the U.S. with the largest gains in people living below the poverty level are: 1. Las Vegas, 2. Modesto (CA), 3. Detroit, 4. Ft. Myers (FL), and 5. Los Angeles. But what does that have to do with our travel industry and your visitor experience? Absolutely nothing. The two were intermingled by out-of-state writers who flew in to do a hit piece and probably spent all of their time at the bars and blackjack tables.

Obviously, I’m biased but I personally don’t think you can adequately cover Las Vegas from afar. Out-of-state news stories were saying that the Las Vegas strip was deserted. At the same time I’m fighting traffic on The Strip and waiting in lines for the buffet!

There is something about just seeing the Las Vegas Strip on a daily basis. It speaks to you. The waves of visitors walking The Strip create a vibe that literally changes by the week and by the season. For the past three years, that vibe told me that Las Vegas (as a travel industry and destination) was going to be just fine. And yes, we are.

Deal Too Good To Pass Up – $129 for Loews Spa Day: Massage, Pedicure & Cabana at the “new” Loews at Lake Las Vegas. For $129, you get a 50-minute massage, 50-minute pedicure and full-day cabana rental at Spa Moulay. (Not valid for Saturdays or certain holidays). The cabana rental is on the private upper level, loaded with a basket of fruit, FIJI water, couch, flat-screen TV and more. If you’ve priced spa treatments or cabana rental prices on The Strip, you know this is an amazing deal. One actually worth the one-day car rental to take advantage of it! Details at $129 Loews Spa Day: Massage, Pedicure & Cabana

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Spring Wine & Jazz Fest Returns for 2011 – The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host its Third Annual Spring Wine & Jazz Fest March 24-27. This four day wine and jazz festival brings together consumers, winemakers and winery owners with poolside receptions, wine tastings, barrel and bottle samplings, cuisine pairings and a live wine auction.

 

Cabo Wabo Introduces Delicious New Menu Items – Tasty New Menu Options Spruce Up the Menu This Spring – Sammy Hagar’s Las Vegas cantina introduces several new items to the already flavorful menu. The updated Cabo Wabo Cantina menu features a combination of coastal Mexican and Tex Mex items.

Celebrate March Birthdays at McFadden’s St. Recovery Day Saturday, March 19 – March Birthdays Drink Free on St. Recovery Day – McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, will celebrate March birthdays on St. Recovery Day, Saturday, March 19. Party goers will enjoy birthday bash specials and more.

UGG/Swarovski launches exclusive boot for Vegas – With UGG Australia concept store opening last Fall, the store has partnered with Swarovski Crystal to produce a one-of-a-kind classic UGG boots just for the one-of-a-kind Vegas market. It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a must-have for Sin City’s flashiest. The limited edition boot costs $800 and can only be purchased at the UGG Australia store at The Forum Shops (3500 Las Vegas Blvd).

Rockhouse heats up the strip with spring-time patio parties – Drink Specials and Bikini Contests Take Over Rockhouse – Be prepared for the ultimate patio parties at Rockhouse this March, taking place Thursdays through Sundays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. The best parties on The Strip, Rockhouse’s drink specials and bikini contests will keep middays rockin’ all spring long.

Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter TourMaverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour – This Grand Canyon landing tour takes you to the West Rim where you will enjoy spectacular views along Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture.

 

Click To Book Maverick Indian Territory Helicopter Tour Now!

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

  • Bellagio Las Vegas, Hotel Room Video – Bellagio Las Vegas, Room Video of room 21008 with a stunning view over the lake and fountain show. Bellagio continues to hold its own against the elite hotels in Las Vegas.
  • Nikki Cafe Happy Hour at Tropicana Las Vegas – In anticipation of the May opening of Nikki Beach at The Tropicana, Nikki Cafe is open and throwing a locals happy hour 5-8 PM on Thursdays. Don’t worry… they won’t kick you out if you are visiting from elsewhere.
  • X Burlesque University – Not quite your average learning institution, X Burlesque University will teach you how to apply showgirl make-up, learn showgirl choreography, and you’ll even earn a diploma!
  • Rumor Hotel Las Vegas Offers Customers Opportunity to Book Entire Building – The Rumor Boutique Hotel at Harmon and Paradise was designed to invoke memories of Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles. ‘Rumor Boutique Hotel is one of the only true boutique hotels in Las Vegas,’ said the Siegel Group Director of Business Affairs Michael Crandall. ‘We wanted to bring something different to Las Vegas, something this city has never seen.’
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  • Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat – Living in Las Vegas certainly has many perks… one being the amazing access you get to activities usually planned for vacation trips. One great example that we’ve come across is the Dolphin Habitat at Mirage. Eight magical Atlantic bottlenose dolphins just waiting for you to join them as a ‘trainer for a day…’ You’ll get to feed the dolphins, learn to train the dolphins, and dine with the dolphins.
  • Featured Cocktail: Summer Kiss at Venus Pool Club – Pool season is literally just around the corner here in Las Vegas. Bartender Michael at the Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace walks us through the making of the pool’s signature cocktail, the Summer Kiss: Belvedere Pink Grapefruit vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

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  • Good Place To Go Horseback Riding In Las Vegas? – When you fly in and head straight for The Strip, you forget that Las Vegas sits in the middle of the old wild, wild west. Didn’t think that a 1/2 hour drive from The Strip would take you back in time? Check out this blog post which includes video and see one of my fave spots to get away from it all!
    Old Nevada - Bonnie Springs Ranch

    Bonnie Springs Old Nevada Horseback Ride

  • When Is The Liquor Store At Las Vegas McCarran Airport Supposed To Open? – Yes, the county approved a major liquor store at the baggage area of McCarran Airport. This post has the details!
  • Did All Of The Winter Rain Help Out With Lake Mead’s Water Levels? – Yes and no. Every drop helps, but we’ll fill you in on why the lake is going to have long-term problems filling back up, and what is being done about it. Especially given that Lake Mead (for now) is the primary source of drinking water for the Las Vegas area. And we’ll tell you why the hotel attractions like the Bellagio Fountains aren’t so wasteful after all.

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