Review of Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock

02 May 2011

The Arroyo Golf Club is often referred to as the premier private golf club in Las Vegas. Designed by Arnold Palmer in 2003 this much liked course is open to the public who have raved about it ever since it was first opened. The Red Rock Country Club boasts 738 acres of lush land and the course is kept perfectly manicured to ensure that players get the best golfing that can be found in the area. It offers all the players who come to Red Rock the opportunity of living a day in style in a private club atmosphere that is a real treat.

The 18 hole course is challenging but not too intimidating so it is fantastic for the casual golfer who just wants a day’s golfing in beautiful surroundings. The only complaints are that often the tee times are a little too close together which means that there can be a little waiting at every hole but on the whole most who come to Red Rock leave with a memory of a great day’s golf.

The incredible setting with the Red Rock Mountains in the backdrop and the friendly staff at the Arroyo Golf Club will make you feel welcome from the moment that you arrive at the fabulous club house. You will be treated as if you have just entered an exclusive private club and the cost of days golfing is well in the reach of most people making Red Rock a firm favorite when it comes to golfing destinations.

Read the rest of this entry »

Romance Package at the Venetian Hotel The Romantic Getaway

02 January 2011

The Romance Package at the Venetian Hotel is a great experience for couples or simply for people who believe in romance. The package includes a trip to Madame Tussauds museum, followed by a Venice-like Gondola ride with a meal at Zeffirinos thrown in for good measure.

 It is without doubt great value for money. Madame Tussauds is an out of the world experience, almost surreal and one leaves the place with a feeling of déjà-vu.

The tickets are easily available with no long queues to battle.  The Gondola ride can only be booked for the day while Madam Tussauds and the meal can be availed any time during the day. Almost everyone who visits these places comes out with raving reviews and a promise to oneself and others to return soon.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Review of Las Vegas Double Decker Bus of the Stars Experience

12 December 2010

For a fun and entertaining even, jump on the Las Vegas Double Decker bus of the stars. You’re guaranteed a night to remember. And why is this amusement so popular with so many Las Vegas visitors? Read on to find out...

The evening starts out at Mandalay Bay where you board the London style double decker with 67 other travellers, a great reason to be a part of it. You meet plenty of new friends and have a good giggle leaving you in a great mood to continue your evening.

The bus departs three times daily, so it’s nice and convenient for you to choose a time that suits you. You’ll travel along the famous Las Vegas strip, a 4.2 mile stretch which is home to many of the world’s largest casinos and hotels.

Read the rest of this entry »

City Review: Paradise, Clark County

01 September 2010

When you sit around and think about where you want to live, a hot, barren desert is probably going to be near the bottom of the list with the moon and at the bottom of the ocean. However, if Las Vegas were to enter into the equation, the idea of a desert suddenly doesn’t seem so dry. This is undoubtedly what when through many people’s minds as they re-located to Paradise.

Paradise, Nevada is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, directly outside of Las Vegas. Technically, Paradise is part of Las Vegas, located directly south of Sin City and acting as an urbanized area. The Clark County Commission governs Paradise and the population is near 200,000, making it one of the more populated areas in the county.

Since Paradise is really just south of Las Vegas, there are not a lot of original destinations in the town that are separate from Vegas. Even still, a lot of tourists don’t know much about the entire Vegas area if it doesn’t involve a new-age casino resort or an all-you-can-eat buffet. Unfortunately, some of the country’s best scenery is overshadowed by the gambling.

Read the rest of this entry »

City Review: Spring Valley, Clark County

18 August 2010

As far as vacationing in the United States, you’d be hard pressed to find any area with more to do than in and around Clark County, Nevada. Not only is this the home of the famous gambling hub Las Vegas, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for hikers, ATV enthusiasts, sightseers, history buffs, and much, much more.

The city of Spring Valley is located in the center of all the action. Only two miles west of the main Vegas Strip, Spring Valley receives much of the Las Vegas overflow and also its own tourists due to the hotels and restaurants located there for people who don’t want to spend the money for resort stays or who want to see other sites in Nevada.

Spring Valley also contains quite a few middle class to upper class residential neighborhoods and boasts an economy independent of Las Vegas, as evidenced by the nearly 120,000 permanent residents of this small city.

Read the rest of this entry »

Living the Diamond Life at Harrah's - Part 2

16 August 2010

Tuesday

I started the day with breakfast at the “Spice Market Buffet” where $20 buys you all you can eat from dozens of choices, including custom omelettes, lox and bagels and enough bacon to employ a dozen cardiac surgeons. I’m sure everyone is asked “Would you like the all day, all properties buffet pass for $40”, but if you saw my gut, you wouldn’t want to see me coming back for lunch and dinner too.

When I finished breakfast it was time to visit Caesars Palace, which was about a 15 minute walk. The tour of Caesars Palace included a couple of high-end suites, but unfortunately for our group, most suites were full, so we didn’t get to see “The Hangover Suite.” but you can see that they have some nice rooms for their top players.From the suite tour we went on a SWEET tour of the Qua Spa and fitness center.

Sweet, because it’s very nice place and we get a free pass. Unfortunately the hotels in vegas are so huge, that you often make decisions based on how much your feet hurt. My particular problem is that i wanted to work out on the stepper, but didn’t want to walk back to Planet Hollywood for my work out clothes.

Read the rest of this entry »

Living the Diamond Life at Harrah's - Part 1

15 August 2010

First things first, Harrah’s wants us to disclose that CasinoMan.net and several other important gaming and travel websites had writers invited to a “Live the Diamond Life” event. The writers were provided with flights, rooms, special events and “Total Rewards” credits by Harrah’s PR department. Harrah’s has not dictated how we report on the event or in any way placed any restrictions on what we publish (though we had to abide by rules about shooting inside the casino.

As for my own personal disclosure, I am a small time casino player, who prefers $5 table games and keeping my losses to just $100-200 per night at the casino. So, i’ve never been a considered a high roller or regular at the casino. I have been to Las Vegas about 25 times since 1985, when i stayed at the Riviera while working a booth at COMDEX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMDEX).

Read the rest of this entry »

City Review of Winchester, Nevada

08 August 2010

Winchester, Nevada is one of the many standalone towns and cities around Las Vegas that have the misfortune of being categorized as simply “Vegas.” That’s not to say that Las Vegas is a bad place, but since postal addresses only recognize Vegas in Clark County, Nevada, some tourists may never find out about locations like Winchester.

The city of Winchester is small in comparison to the rest of the cities in Las Vegas’ metropolitan area. Winchester is located directly south of Vegas and contains much of Sin City’s Strip. As a result, there are hordes of restaurants, motels and other attractions in Winchester that should interest anyone planning on vacationing in the area.

One of the biggest positives of visiting Winchester if you’re also visiting Las Vegas is that you can stay in Winchester and beat some of the traffic on both the roads and in the hotels. Since a lot of vacationers are preoccupied with wanting to stay in luxury resorts, this leaves Winchester’s hotels and motels open and available most of the year.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Gold Butte Back Country Byway

28 July 2010

There’s certainly no shortage of sights to see if you’re ever planning to make a trip to Las Vegas. The surrounding areas are scenic and historic, and anyone thinking that Vegas is a desert wasteland has simply never been there to experience the “portal to the west” feel of the land. The Gold Butte Back Country Byway is consistently one of Vegas’ most traveled roadways.

Gold Butte was a mining town established in the early 1900s. It was essentially part of the Old West atmosphere and only had around 1,500 residents in its heyday. This makeshift town was never meant to be a permanent home for people. The miners and their families were looking to strike it rich and jump over to California. The entire town was made up of tents and a few buildings.

The Gold Butte Back Country Byway is named after this town, but travelers of this scenic route get to experience much more than the remnants of one of Vegas’ oldest mining towns. Altogether, it usually takes a scenic driver about 5 hours to travel the 62-mile stretch of road. It is also suggested that drivers take a truck or a high-clearance vehicle, as not all the road is smooth sailing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Las Vegas Tourist Attractions - Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town Casino

27 July 2010

If you’re planning on making the trip to Las Vegas to visit a casino, you’re more than likely going to have to leave the kids at home. Casinos just aren’t kid-friendly places, and even many of the the Vegas shows are far too risqué for anyone under 18 years of age. However, Sam’s Town Casino offers a unique family-friendly experience with their Mystic Falls Park indoor extravaganza.

It’s a hard task describing the Mystic Falls Park in accurate detail with just simple words. It’s really something you have to see in the flesh to appreciate. The sites and sounds and the surreal climate of the indoor park offer an experience that simply cannot be recreated.

Finding Sam’s Town Casino is an easy task. When you’re in Vegas, The Strip stands out as the city’s centerpiece; and to get to Sam’s Town, simply turn west for six miles on Boulder Highway and you can’t miss this large and unique casino nestled in the shadow of the Sunrise Mountains. The resort has 646 rooms and suites, a casino and plenty of other options like the event center and buffet.

Read the rest of this entry »

US Attractions - Duck Creek Trail of Clark County Wetlands Park

25 July 2010

Over the years, the city of Las Vegas has started showcasing a lot more than the casinos that initially made it famous. With the natural formations and huge mountain range surrounding Clark County, places like the Duck Creek Trail in Wetlands Park have become increasingly popular destinations for folks who want a break from the ordinary.

The Wetlands Park is a crucial component of the area’s ecosystem. Even though there are quite a few sources of water around, with the Colorado River and many natural mountain springs, the Vegas/Clark County area is still a desert. It wouldn’t take much at all for a wetland area to dry up and seriously cripple the ecosystem.

Because it’s so valuable, the Wetlands Park is fully protected. The area encompasses over 2,900 acres of widely varied wildlife and plant life. There’s a delicate balance existing right now, and folks do all they can to ensure the habitat is protected. The wetland receives its water from the Las Vegas wash. This flow supports the frail habitat and the fluctuating marshes.

Read the rest of this entry »

Las Vegas Attractions - Freedom Park

22 July 2010

Designated skate parks have been popping up all over the United States for decades. They first started being built for skateboarders to have a place to skate where they would be both safer and out of the way of the police who always tried to shut them down. A lot of these skate parks were inevitably named “freedom” park, and the Freedom Park in Las Vegas is one of the most popular.

Before the recent renovations last January, Vegas’ Freedom Park didn’t place much emphasis on skating, however. In fact, with the lackluster sporting environment, it didn’t place much emphasis on any sport. It was basically a designated area for kids to stay out of traffic. Now it has finally become a respectable and popular landmark of the community.

Anyone driving around Vegas would have to be blind to miss this massive park. It’s located right on Washington Avenue, across from the swank Desert Pines Golf Club, and covers an impressive 68-acre plot of land. This multi-use park is really attracting the sporting types and tourists now that the $17.5 million makeover is completed.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Mummy Springs

20 July 2010

There aren’t many places to walk to in seclusion if you’re in Las Vegas. With the many restaurants, shops, casinos and other large buildings in the metro area, Sin City is basically the city life on steroids. Outside of the city, however, is a different story. The Clark County area offers plenty of hiking locations for visitors, including the popular Mummy Springs.

Mummy Mountain stands tall as the second highest peak of the Spring Mountain range in Nevada. It got its name due to resembling a sarcophagus of ancient Egypt. Mummy Springs is a trail found further down the mountain and makes for great hiking that even beginners can enjoy without having to worry about hardcore climbing.

Mummy Springs is a quaint location prized by the locals and a favorite of pet owners. Many people walk their dogs up the trail, so much so that there had to be laws passed for having animals on the trail. If you take a dog, you must have a leash no longer than six feet. All waste must also be removed. These rules are for the other visitors’ convenience.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nevada Attractions - Sandstone Canyon Overlook Horse Trail Loop

19 July 2010

Thousands of hikers around the globe make the trek every year to Las Vegas, Nevada, of all places, to experience a hike around the Spring Mountains and through the various red rock formations in the Red Rock Canyon area. The Sandstone Canyon Overlook Horse Trail Loop is one of the more popular destinations for hikers and sightseers in the area.

The Spring Mountains in southern Nevada are huge and offer a never ending assortment of activity potential for visitors. From a small Clark County community called Mountain Springs, you can get to the Sandstone Canyon Overlook and experience a difficult hike that will test the limits of anyone who enjoys hiking as a hobby.

The overlook is located on the actual Mountain Spring trail pass, so you have to go up the mountain a bit before you even get to it. This is the type of destination you go to, knowing full well what you’re getting into. All visitors should be ready for a hike; and if you’re bringing horses, make sure you’re an efficient rider before attempting to climb the trail.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nevada Attractions - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest of Spring Mountains

17 July 2010

In recent years, Las Vegas has started to earn a reputation for the wild countryside in very close proximity. Most people think of the area round Vegas as a sprawling desert, but the southern border of Nevada is also a mountain range, and the Spring Mountains provide a lot of tourism potential, including Red Rock Canyon and other parts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Due to its higher elevation and abundance of natural springs, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF) is a stark contrast to the surrounding desert only mere miles away. The mountain range is expansive and the declared national forest encompasses 6.3 million acres of green forestland and is the largest National Forest in the country outside of Alaska.

One of the most unique aspects of Vegas’ National Forest is that it’s not a continuous stretch of mountain. Instead, the entire forest area is spread out all over the southern part of the state and even parts of eastern California. All in all, there are 10 separate ranger districts scattered across miles, including the popular Santa Rosa Range.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Bitter Springs Back Country Byway

15 July 2010

Nevada is absolutely jam packed with hundreds of tourist destinations, especially around Las Vegas. The desert oasis full of casino resorts is great for the gambling types out there, but Vegas and the surrounding area presents a tourist’s paradise in terms of scenery and historic locations. Driving the Bitter Springs Back Country Byway, tourists get to see a lot of what the area offers.

Anyone planning on venturing to Nevada to cruise this strip of land should know that it’s an unpaved road that can get a bit rough at times. It’s certainly not a drag strip and all motorists should take it easy and enjoy the scenery. It should take anyone about 2 hours to fully enjoy the scenic tour, although the byway isn’t that long.

Also, your run-of-the-mill rental car probably isn’t going to make the trek. This byway is something that needs to be planned out and not simply a route you can stumble across. You should have a high-clearance vehicle, a truck or an ATV, and you should make sure to bring some supplies just in case of a breakdown.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Hoover Dam

13 July 2010

Nevada is far from the barren wasteland that some visitors of Las Vegas may think it to be. In fact, all the glitz and glamour of the city is possible because of the powerful Colorado River that runs through the state. That water is held off by the Hoover Dam, and besides also functioning as a power plant, the dam also serves as one of the country’s hottest tourist attractions.

The Hoover Dam is located in the south of Nevada and shares a border with Arizona. The dammed water from the Colorado River creates Lake Mead (Nevada) and Lake Mohave (Arizona). Motorists can’t miss it on highway US 93.

Hoover is absolutely huge, standing 726 feet high and covering 1,244 feet in length. The structure is what’s known as a concrete arch-gravity dam, when it was built, it was years ahead of its time in terms of construction and sheer scale. The project was originally known as Boulder Dam.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

11 July 2010

For a country of over 300 million citizens, wildlife preserves are certainly common in the United States of America. One place you might not expect to find one, however, is in the metropolitan area of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is located in Henderson, Clark County and it has become a great tourist attraction in recent years.

A few places like this may be a bit difficult to locate if you’re not entirely sure how to navigate your way around Las Vegas. Luckily, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is in prime position next to the highway, and it’s certainly large enough to be spotted. You’ll find the preserve on Moser Drive, right next to Boulder Highway and Sunset Road.

As far as what you’ll see in there, well, the name pretty much says it all. It’s not like a zoo with multiple types of animals. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is for various types of migrating birds, endangered species, a large variety of waterfowl and other species of birds.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Cathedral Rock Trail

10 July 2010

Hiking has always been a popular activity for those among us who like to stay active, but a simple walk around the block just won’t do. Real hikers want to get out and experience various trails and mountains from all around the globe, and many make the trek to Nevada to hike along the Cathedral Rock Trail.

There are many formations named “Cathedral Rock” around the globe, and most every one takes its name due to the temple-like shape of the rock. For the Cathedral Rock located in Nevada’s Spring Mountains, the red rock rises straight up out of the ground and has a flat plateau with plenty of room on and around the rock for hiking.

The actual Cathedral Rock Trail will take hikers around the formation and through other parts of the Spring Mountain range. The actual rock is just the focal point of the entire trail. This majestic rock rises in the air around 1000 feet above the road below it. Anyone climbing to the summit, if they don’t experience vertigo, will access a priceless view of the surrounding area.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Mary Jane Falls

08 July 2010

Waterfalls are always popular tourist attractions, no matter where they’re located. These nature-made wonders seem permanent, but they’re extremely fragile. Even one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls, is eroding at an alarming rate. Some of the smaller waterfalls of the world won’t be around long, so falls like the Mary Jane Falls in Vegas are a must-see feature if you’re a fan.

The Mary Jane Falls site in the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada is one of the most visited in the region. It’s not hard to find the trailhead if you follow the proper roads. Take I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N in Reno. Then you’ll drive to Echo Road, just past the USFS ranger station. You’ll see a fork in the road and the marked sign at your destination.

You’ll find trails to multiple falls here. You can choose to check out the Big Falls, or you can proceed with hiking toward the Mary Jane Falls. Most likely, unless the weather is really bad, you’ll run into a lot of people at the parking area, picnic area, on the trails and especially at the falls. This is a highly visited destination, so it might not be right for you if you’re seeking seclusion.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major Attractions Surrounding Las Vegas - Lake Mead National Recreation Area

06 July 2010

While some people like to take their vacations to tropical islands and big cities, others like a more open and historic destination, and Nevada offers these types of vacation spots by the dozen. Obviously, Nevada brings in a lot of tourism due to Las Vegas, but many other landmarks in the area share the spotlight, including the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a large landmark made up of two huge reservoirs and is located in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. The Nevada side is the Lake Mead side of the attraction, with the Arizona reservoir Lake Mohave making up the other half. Lake Mead is impossible to miss - it’s located at the Hoover Dam.

It’s really an all-in-one vacation to visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Not only can folks see the huge reservoir, but they also get to tour and experience the Hoover Dam. Because of the type of location and everything Lake Mead offers, nearly 8 million people make the trek there every year, making it one of the most visited sites in the United States of America, and certainly Nevada.

Read the rest of this entry »

Las Vegas Attractions - Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park

04 July 2010

Every major tourist attraction city in America has some type of zoo or botanical garden facility. It’s a family-friendly and informative experience for people of all ages, and Las Vegas is no exception. Although Vegas’ zoo has a fancy name, the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, it’s still a basic zoo and operates as a nonprofit organization.

With all the many casino resorts in Las Vegas, one might expect any zoo in the city to be a large, lavish piece of property with thousands of exotic animals from all over the globe. However, the Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park only covers a very small 3 acres and is a relatively small facility that mostly houses animals that can thrive in the dry climate.

From the outside, the zoo is very whimsical and even a bit outdated in terms of everything that surrounds it. The low faded walls are painted yellow and green, and the actual “Zoo” sign looks like something from a 1960s casino on The Strip. The inside of the facility is kept nicer, at least, and the animals are cared for by well-trained staff.

Read the rest of this entry »

Major US Attractions - Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

30 June 2010

Las Vegas has many attractions to lure people to the city, as you could imagine, but one of their most notable attractions has nothing to do with gambling or the other activities you’ll find in Sin City. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is one of the city’s only remaining relics of the pre-gambling era.

The Mormon State Historic Park gets its name from the actual Old Mormon Fort located on the property. 50 years before Las Vegas received its name and long before it was known as the gambling center of the world, Mormon missionaries built a fort on the property and it was eventually declared a historic landmark and has remained untouched over the years.

Mormons are sure to stay clear of Las Vegas these days, as their religion strictly prohibits 99% of what Vegas has to offer, but back in 1855, the natural springs flowing through Las Vegas provided the Mormon settlers with a prime location for living.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Crazy Girls

16 May 2010

The city of Las Vegas definitely has no shortage of adult-themed entertainment shows for the visitor feeling a little on the naughty side. One of the most talked about these days is the Crazy Girls show at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. Almost every review of the show reads the same: Crazy Girls pushes the limits of even a show in Las Vegas.

When guests are filing into the medium-sized auditorium at the Riviera, there’s really nothing that stands out as unusual. The stage setting is fairly basic, the room is unassuming and most are totally unaware of the spectacle they’re about to behold. Crazy Girls is the kind of show that sneaks up on you and bites - but in a good way.

To properly gauge the type of show Crazy Girls is, one must first be honest with his or her self: if you’re going into a topless show, then you’re going because you want to see the topless girls. Vegas stage shows don’t offer the “I read Playboy for the articles” excuse. There’s no art involved with the typical high-kicking showgirl; it’s about nudity.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Sin City Comedy at the V Theater

12 May 2010

Apart from gambling, nothing quite says Las Vegas like a good, old-fashioned comedy show. Many try their hand at entertaining the tourists with humor, but only a very few actually succeed. One of the lucky ones, able to weed through the muck, is the comedy-slash-burlesque show Sin City Comedy.

There’s certainly nothing flashy about the name, but it’s ironically poignant in a classic Vegas sorta way. With the city itself, you would be hard-pressed to find any comic not taking shots at Vegas, but Sin City Comedy doesn’t get by on selling the same old cigarette-smoking senior citizens routine.

Playing at the V Theater on the Miracle Mile in Planet Hollywood, Sin City Comedy deals with three comics (subject to change at any time) delivering both separate sets and partnered skits. As the show starts, the comics make it clear that self-deprecating humor and Las Vegas certainly go hand in hand.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Hypnosis Unleashed at The Tropicana

30 April 2010

People go to Las Vegas to see a show for a host of different reasons. Maybe they enjoy the nude reviews and various dancers. Perhaps they like to have a few drinks and a few laughs at a good comedy show.

Or, as evidenced by the plethora of hypnosis shows available, they like being amazed by the power of suggestion. If hypnosis is your thing, and you like to wash it down with a splash of uninhibited behavior, then Hypnosis Unleashed will definitely be right up your alley.

Currently, Hypnosis Unleashed is playing at The Cellar at the Tropicana on Las Vegas Boulevard. Ticket prices are around 50 to 70 dollars, and the show starts at 9pm sharp.

Hypnosis Unleashed isn’t your garden variety hypnosis show by any stretch of the imagination. With most shows, you’re urged to conduct yourself as you would on a golf course. You’re supposed to be quiet, pay attention and let the hypnotist work his or her craft. With this show, however, rowdy behavior is actually encouraged.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Todd Paul Brings Unique Humor at a Great Price

25 April 2010

Las Vegas isn’t at all shy about grabbing up the hottest comedians and throwing them on stage. Currently playing at the Night Owl Showroom at the Hooters in Sin City, Todd Paul has an ongoing show where he single handedly quashes every preconceived notion about a stand-up comic with his never-ending onslaught of energetic banter.

If you were going into the latest Avatar-like movie and was handed a pair of 3D glasses at the door, you probably wouldn’t think twice about it. The glasses are to enhance what you see on the screen. But when someone hands you 3D glasses walking into a comedy show, you have to wonder exactly what you’re in store for.

This is what separates Todd Paul from the run-of-the-mill comedian. His show not only features stand-up comedy skits, but you’re also getting a visual performance that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The man’s appearance alone is enough to make you remember. Todd’s a burly man with tatted-up arms, bright red glasses and long brown hair.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Wayne Brady: Making It Up!

18 April 2010

Described once as the “friendliest black man on the planet,” comic extraordinaire Wayne Brady has been on a meteoric rise to stardom for over a decade. Even still, the talented improvisation master remains underrated in the mainstream, by and large, and even with two hit TV shows to his credit, Mr. Brady’s Vegas show, Making it UP, doesn’t get its deserved credit.

Wayne Brady was a fixture on America’s version of Whose Line is it Anyway, co-starring Drew Carey. He’s also the host of the daytime game show Let’s Make a Deal, and had an unforgettable performance on the second season of the Dave Chappelle Show. This has prepared Wayne for the big stage of Vegas, and he hasn’t disappointed yet.

It seems like a shame that Wayne Brady: Making it Up isn’t the hottest show on The Strip, but there is a good reason for this: unlike many Las Vegas shows, Brady’s isn’t ongoing. This means show goers need to keep up to date with show times, and with hundreds of entertainment options in Sin City, that’s not always easy to do.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Donny and Marie at The Flamingo

11 April 2010

Las Vegas travelers usually have a basic idea of what to expect in the true city that never sleeps. With plenty of casinos, all-night buffets, city-wide mafia tours and enough disrobed women to start a nudist colony, one may think that former child stars and clean-cut Mormons Donny and Marie would stand out in Vegas like a sore thumb.

However, the brother-sister duo has been headlining at the Flamingo for a few years now, and their act continues to grow in popularity. I guess, in Vegas, nothing’s shocking anymore.

Donny and Marie have been famous for half a century. Marie, the younger of the siblings, began singing with her famous family of entertainers at only three years of age. Donny, crooner extraordinaire with his hit Puppy Love, was a star on The Andy Williams show at the tender age of five. Over the years, the duo has made a comfortable living entertaining.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - X Burlesque at Bugsy's Cabaret, The Flamingo

10 April 2010

Topless girls and Las Vegas go together like peanut butter and chocolate, but introducing new shows on top of already established shows can be a tricky venture. After all, there are so many topless revues happening around the aptly named Sin City. This is why X Burlesque had such a hard time in the beginning - they were up against the gamut.

X Burlesque is one of the most risqué and entertaining topless shows in Vegas right now, but it certainly wasn’t always like that. The show has been around for years, but has failed a few times due to poor production and spacey venues with no intimate feel at all. There was also the lack of originality working against X, but they’ve tightened up some.

These days, X Burlesque can be found at Bugsy’s Cabaret at the Flamingo. The 180-seat theater is a great setting for such a show. It’s infinitely more intimate than the warehouse-like auditorium they used to play, and with big TV screens on either side of the stage, there’s a new-age 3D feel to it all. Plus the ticket prices are only around $60 now.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Anthony Cools - the Uncensored Hypnotist

07 April 2010

Hypnotists are pretty common commodities on the Las Vegas scene. In fact, they come a dime a dozen. No matter where you venture in Sin City, you’re bound to find some guy waving his pocket watch around, telling you that you’re getting sleepy. However, Anthony Cools, a raunchier, livelier hypnotist, does things a little bit differently.

Currently playing at the Paris Las Vegas on Las Vegas Boulevard, Cools ups the ante of hypnotism with his widely popular show, Anthony Cools - The Uncensored Hypnotist. He makes a good living by taking something so common and adding a touch of knee-slapping comedy and R-rated absurdity.

A warning for people thinking of attending Cools’ “uncensored” show: Do not show up if you’re easily embarrassed. Some of the things Anthony gets his volunteers to do on the stage help give credence to the “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” clichéd saying. However, guests know what they’re in store for, and it’s all done in “clean” fun.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dirk Arthur's Xtreme Magic Brings Big Scale Illusion To The Tropicana Vegas

31 March 2010

Illusionists are some of the best-loved magicians in the world, especially when they do their illusions on a large scale. Some of the illusions by David Copperfield, for instance, have literally become things of legend - like making the Statue of Liberty disappear. Following in those same footsteps, Dirk Arthur brings his style of magic to Las Vegas.

Now playing at The Cellar at the Tropicana on Las Vegas Boulevard, Xtreme Magic is a big-scale illusion show starring the incomparable and highly talented Dirk Arthur. Throughout his career, Dirk has become braver and bolder with his illusions, and for something done on a medium-sized stage in Vegas, Dirk has no equal.

Dirk Arthur isn’t as widely popular as some other illusionists in the game, like Chriss Angel and David Blaine, but he does bring something to the table that’s always been a huge hit in Las Vegas: Cats. That’s right; like Seigfried and Roy before him, Dirk performs with beautiful tigers on stage.

Read the rest of this entry »

Carrot Top Keeps The Audience in Stitches at The Luxor Las Vegas

25 March 2010

Not every comic out there can make a living with stage props and one-liners. It takes a certain kind of genius to be able to pull that off on a regular basis. Just ask Gallagher, with his fruit-smashing extravaganza. Following in similar footsteps, Carrot Top is one of Vegas’ hottest comics, and his "aw shucks" humor mixed with a unique prop set has been popular for years.

However, one would be severely remiss to classify Carrot Top as a mere prop comic. This guy has been a world-famous comic for over a decade, appearing in movies, on Comedy Central, on a variety of late night talk shows, and he’s a regular at the time honored celebrity roasts. A simple prop comic couldn’t pull that off.

Currently, Carrot Top is playing at the Luxor in Las Vegas, and this show, ever-changing as it is, opens to a packed house nearly every night. The 90-minute show isn’t necessarily raunchy, but Carrot Top does use a fair bit of foul language, so all guests must be at least 18 years old to enter.

Read the rest of this entry »

Bite at the Stratosphere Vegas - The Rock Musical Vampire Love Story

21 March 2010

In the past couple of years, the centuries-old vampire has started to make a vicious comeback. With hit TV shows, movies and novels, one might think that the fanged beasts were something brand new to audiences all over. These vampires are everywhere today, and Las Vegas didn’t miss their chance to jump aboard the bus of the undead.

Playing at the Stratosphere in Vegas since 2004, Bite is an edgy show that really sinks its teeth into some of the biggest vampire - and Vegas - clichés out there. Not only is this adults-only show delivering up some in-your-face gratuitous nudity, but it’s also dredging up the bygone era of 70s and 80s rock and roll.

Some critics of Bite state that some things are better left dead, like the aforementioned rock music. Most others, however, find originality and even genius in a show so far removed from anything else going on in Vegas. Bite is certainly fighting tooth-and-nail to stay afloat now due to imitators, but its loyal following is always there.

Read the rest of this entry »

Charo Brings The House Down At The Riviera Las Vegas With A Musical Sensation

20 March 2010

Known primarily as the "cuchi-cuchi" girl, Charo is the one-name musical phenom who has wowed world audiences for decades. Before Las Vegas became so readily known for hundreds of various entertainment shows on The Strip, Charo was certainly one of the city’s most-loved performers - and she’s back with a brand new show.

In her new show, Charo: A Musical Sensation, the fast-talking and fast-playing entertainer gives a flashback performance, of sorts, taking fans back to the Spanish music of yesteryear. Charo’s new show is taking place at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, the same location she played throughout the 1980s.

Although Charo is easily considered to be one of the best guitar players on the planet, and undoubtedly the best flamenco-style musician around, she’s also equally adored for her bubbly personality and undeniable comedic prowess. During this show, Charo treats fans to the best of both worlds, integrating comedy with her music.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas shows - Drew Carey and The Improv All-Stars

19 March 2010

The Super Bowl is perhaps one of Las Vegas’ busiest times of year. With a city literally built around betting, it’s no surprise that gamblers pour in from far and wide; and the NFL’s biggest game simply provides them a great excuse to make the trek. For nearly a decade now, Drew Carey has taken advantage of the stir and has hosted an improv show.

Drew Carey and the Improv All-Stars is a mirror image of the other show Drew used to host with the world’s funniest improvisation comics, Whose Line is it Anyway. Due to legal hassles, Drew and crew cannot use the name, but the Improv All-Stars is basically the exact same show with much of the same cast.

Although Drew and the show roll in around the same time every year, they’re also known to pop up at other times and in other locations. It’s not an ongoing show in Las Vegas, but dates are set frequently enough that anyone wanting to watch it can easily set their Vegas trip schedule for the purpose.

Read the rest of this entry »

Matsuri - Stunning Magic And Acrobatics From Japan At Imperial Palace Vegas

18 March 2010

When it comes to athleticism and acrobatics, Cirque du Soleil has pretty much had Las Vegas in a stranglehold for decades now. However, other similar shows still manage to show up occasionally and prove that Cirque doesn’t have a monopoly on the stereotypical “afternoon” show in Sin City. On its third run, Matsuri is a great alternative to Cirque.

Matsuri is on its third go-round simply because the first two were far too watered down and cheesy for people’s tastes. Matsuri, meaning “festival” in Japanese, was based loosely on Japan’s obstacle course television shows that displayed far more humor than skill. The revamped version of Matsuri features something entirely different. 

Now, instead of tango competitions and sporadic jumping around to carnival music, Matsuri features a lot of legitimate acrobatics instead of aerobics, and they manage to pull off some great athletic feats with the 18-man Japanese roster. The music has also changed to show more classical Japanese influence.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Marriage Can Be Murder at Fitzgeralds

16 March 2010

Thanks to such interactive comedy hits like Tony and Tina’s Wedding, there’s always room in Sin City now for a play-along production involving the guests and expecting them to be drawn in in order to pull off a good show.

One of the longest running in Vegas has been the hit comedy-slash-suspense thriller, Marriage can be Murder.   If you’re a fan of the old board game and hit movie Clue, then Marriage can be Murder is probably a great show to see.

It has that who-done-it feel going on, where some audience members will get to participate in the storyline, looking for the killer. This dinner show is suspenseful, funny and entertaining all rolled into one package.     

The show takes place at the beautiful showroom at Fitzgeralds on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. The showroom is designed to look more like a banquet room, with guests sitting down to enjoy dinner while playing along. It’s a legitimate dinner, with salads and entrees and even a dessert. The real show starts after eating.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Fantasy at The Luxor Atrium

15 March 2010

There are hundreds of shows one can find on the Las Vegas Strip. The real question comes down to your particular tastes. Do you like comedy? Maybe the arts? Or are your tastes a little more provocative? If so, there’s nothing like a topless Vegas show to scratch that naughty itch - and Fantasy is currently Vegas’ most visually stimulating.

Fantasy is currently playing every night at 10:30 p.m. via the Luxor’s Atrium Showroom. The show’s been going on for a while, and to date, Fantasy has never lacked a loyal following. Maybe it’s the actual production quality of the show that keeps people coming back. But it’s far more likely that the nude women are packing seats.

The show is pitched in a straightforward manner, and it doesn’t really deviate from its adverts. Fantasy is as close to truth in advertizing as you’ll probably find in Las Vegas. It’s promoted as a half trashy, half classy topless revue, where racy women dance, sing and entertain the folks at a frenetic pace.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Ultimate Manilow: The Hits at The Paris Theater

14 March 2010

Fans of the standards haven’t had much to look forward to in recent years, and this is especially true if they’ve been venturing out to Las Vegas in hopes of catching a classic crooner delivering a legitimate concert without the over-the-top bells and whistles. The truth: contemporary music is going the way of the dodo, but Barry might save the day.

Barry Manilow is the top-selling contemporary artist of all time, with over 80 million albums sold to date. In that world, he’s as big as Elvis or the Beatles in rock and roll, and is certainly able to pack folks into the Paris Las Vegas to see a show from a bygone era with Ultimate Manilow: The Hits.  

There’s something about Barry that drives women wild, and that’s primarily what his audience is made up of. Well, that and husbands who were dragged against their will. Even still, Vegas is the world’s biggest tourist trap, and enough tourists happen to be contemporary music fans to make Manilow’s show one of the biggest in the city.  

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Las Vegas Shows - Terry Fator and his singing puppets

08 March 2010

Ventriloquists have long had their place in show business. Of course, some are better than others, and it doesnt take but a slip of the tongue literally - to go from the top of the world to the bottom of the dummy heap. For Terry Fator, his has been a road paved in gold, it seems, with TV spots, big-time endorsements, and an ongoing Vegas show at the Mirage.

Terry Fator is one of the most unique ventriloquists working in the entertainment world today. Not only is his delivery nearly flawless, with every dummy he uses having a distinct personality and voice, but Fator also adds singing into his act. This is something that no other famous ventriloquist has ever tried on this level and been successful.

Fator won the hit TV show Americas Got Talent in 2007 by wowing the judges with his impressive singing talent. Terry is able to keep completely tight-lipped while belting out such classics as I Got You Babe and, his show-winning number and Etta James mega hit, At Last.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Free Beer! The Improv Show

05 March 2010

Comedy shows have always had a tight grip around the neck of Las Vegas. Even famous acts like The Rat Packfeaturing Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra - offered guests a lot more than crooner classics. Their shows delivered some great comedy sketches and even some legitimate improve. Following in those footsteps is Vegas Free Beer! The Improv Show.

Its always extremely difficult to describe an improv show in any type of general terms; i.e. good, bad, entertaining, etc. This is due to the nature of improvisation comedy: theres never any set stage or routine, per se; there are simply some talented improvisation comedians who feed off of one another and deliver original skits.

For Free Beer! The Improv Show in particular, its very similar to the UKs and Americas hit show Whose Line is it Anyway, where a cast of comedians, directed by a host, take audience suggestions and play out different scenarios on a whim. The spirit of Free Beer is certainly along those same lines.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Best of Vegas' Entertainment - The Naughty Boys Hypnosis Show

19 February 2010

Balancing raunchy humor with hypnosis is certainly a Las Vegas specialty, and no hypnotist was better at the art than Dr. Naughty. Much of what youll find in Vegas today is something passed down from a previous generation, and the Naughty Boys Hypnosis Show is certainly no exception.

Dr. Naughty left more than an entertaining legacy behind he left two sons, Corbin Craft and Rolan Whitt. These two brothers are currently entertaining fans at the Harmon Theater outside of Planet Hollywood in Sin City. As their father before them, the Naughty boys live up to their name with their brand of bawdy hypnosis.

The Naughty Boys are able to do something that few Vegas hypnotists have been able to do in the past, and thats pull off a live show without any plants in the audience or prescreened actors lending their talents to the show. Basically, the boys will grab any audience member willing to volunteer and put them on stage.

Read the rest of this entry »

Real Interactive Entertainment in Las Vegas - Tony And Tina's Wedding

10 February 2010

Taking a trip to Las Vegas today is like visiting some dreamscape wonderland, packed full of the biggest and brightest lights your mind could ever imagine. Most of Vegas is vastly new and improved, hoping to usher in a new generation of entertainment for a new generation of tourists and gamblers.

However, you can still find some tried-and-true traditional favorites if you look in the right places. One of Las Vegas biggest hits today has been a big hit for a long time, Tony and Tinas Wedding.

This show has been going on for years. Its basically an interactive wedding, inviting guests in to sit with either the bride (Tina) or the groom (Tony) and their respective families played by some really funny and talented actors. The shows success comes from its utter realness.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Lance Burton one of the worlds few true magicians

09 February 2010

Todays magic seems to be missing something very important: the actual magic. With magicians out there like Criss Angel and David Blaine, the televised feats of death-defying mysticism seem all-too accessible to the average magic fan and far-too Hollywood-like in their special effects to be considered anything remotely magical by those with a proclivity to be left in awe of the feat and not the performance. This brings us to one of the worlds few true magicians, in the purest sense of the word, Lance Burton.

For a dozen years now, Lance Burton has been playing shows at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas; and while his ticket sales may have taken a hit when Criss Angel waltzed into town with his wildly sporadic rendition of a Cirque du Soleil show with added illusions, all those wanting to watch real magic still gravitate to Lance Burton.

Displaying a hidden rabbit may literally be old hat, but in comparison to the overcompensating and less than gratifying reveals of the big-named magicians, Lance is a pure sip of magic in an industry laced with watered-down imitators.

Read the rest of this entry »

See A Darker Side to Sin City With The Vegas Mob Tour

05 February 2010

Long before Las Vegas became well known as the place to catch every washed-up act from sea to shining sea (as well as some great ones, mind you!), the common consensus was that the mob pretty much controlled much of the day-to-day activities. Going to Las Vegas these days, youd be hard-pressed to find signs of any gangster-style mafia activity.

The big-shot entrepreneurs proved that money talks and intimidation walks. But this is actually a good thing. Mob activity is much kinder and gentler when its fictionalized; and if you want to get close to the mob, minus the concrete boots, the Vegas Mob Tour is available in Sin City, showcasing the best - or worst, depending on your disposition - of what the mob had to offer.

The Vegas Mob Tour is carried out via bus and takes around two and a half hours from start to finish. During this time, youll be chauffeured around to many locations where the mafia and organized crime in general once had a firm grip on the landscape.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - V: The Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood

04 February 2010

In Sin City, its not a far leap to assume that the V in Vegas could easily stand for Variety. After all, this is the city that declared gambling wasnt enough of a guilty pleasure to keep people coming back. So they equipped the city with $5 pig-out buffets, legal brothels, the all-night liquor stores and, of course, the lively shows to keep you entertained.

Dont let anyone tell you different, Vegas is all about variety. Speaking of variety, Planet Hollywood currently has the aptly titled V playing in their V theater. Vegas loves that V, apparently.

The Miracle Mile Malls theater inside of Planet Hollywood is called V, and V: The Ultimate Variety Show is its namesake production. Many Las Vegas shows at other hotels and casinos stick with a certain theme. For instance, Cirque du Soleil has their acrobatics. Sin City Bad Girls have their rock tunes and bare breasts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - The Sopranos' Last Supper

27 January 2010

The mafia is a big hit around the world, no pun intended. And perhaps no mafia rendition in history drew the fanfare that HBO’s The Sopranos did. Beginning in 1999, the Soprano family drama followed the life of north Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano and his many problems with his own emotions, family (both families) and law enforcement.

The show ran for eight successful years, and after the disappointing 2007 series finale, talks of a spinoff show or even a big-budget movie were in the works. However, nothing ever panned out, and the original cast hasn’t been back. This didn’t stop Las Vegas from picking up on the theme, though, with their version of the hit show, The Soprano’s Last Supper.

The Soprano’s Last Supper is currently playing at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, but this is the show’s third home. While the real show was still fresh on everyone’s mind, the Vegas spoof version wasn’t doing nearly as well.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - The Haunted Vegas Tour

08 January 2010

Las Vegas is packed full of dozens of shows to see on any given night, ranging from family fun to shows of an adult-themed nature. However, going indoors to sit during a show isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some like to be out and about while on vacation, and this is where the Haunted Vegas Tour and S�ance can really do the trick.

Instead of buying a pricy ticket and packing into an auditorium, the Haunted Vegas Tour takes you on a tour of the city. Except, of course, these aren’t just any regular locations you’re visiting. These locations are supposedly haunted.

With American hit TV shows dealing with the paranormal like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures and Paranormal State, ghost-lust is at an all-time high. Outside of the usual bright-light appeal of Vegas lays a dark, dreary desert. Ghost fanatics claim this is a prime location for other-worldly activity.

Read the rest of this entry »

Ka - Another Spectacular Show From Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas

06 January 2010

Cirque du Soleil has been putting on incredible shows in Las Vegas for decades. The wide-ranging troupe has a vast collection of shows, ranging from whimsically themed shows suitable for children to adults-only expositions, showcasing the classic Vegas-esque showgirls.

At the MGM Grand in the heart of Vegas, Cirque puts on a nightly display with their long-running variety show Ka. To newcomers and hardcore Cirque fans alike, Ka seems to stand alone as a greatly intense display of acrobatics, stage mechanics and even audience seating positions. It’s a sensory experience the likes of which only Cirque can bring.

Ka is an Asian-inspired production, deviating greatly from the original Cirque show-pony productions that made them famous. The stage is unique here; instead of having a solid stage for performers, two giant platforms and five smaller, moveable platforms give an appearance of floating.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - The Rat Pack Is Back

25 November 2009

Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Frank "The Chairman" Sinatra, those other two guys - wow, has there ever been a better act in the history of Las Vegas than The Rat Pack!?

Sure, the king of them all, Elvis Presley, is famous in Vegas. There’s also Wayne Newton, Tony Bennett and Celine Dion, to name a few more. The Rat Pack’s success and reverence crushes the entire lot however; the 4-man group (sometimes 3-man) has become the true archetype of Vegas excess.

The Rat Pack is Back is considered to be the best tribute going to the now-deceased members of the original group. It wasn’t well received at the start, and it has now been through two different hotels, currently playing its third - and if the guys of the group have anything to say about it, this will be the last stop for a while.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Vegas Shows - Scarlett And Her Seductive Ladies Of Magic

11 November 2009

The world of magic is mostly dominated by men. Now, this isn’t a slight to the fairer species; it’s just how it happened out. When magicians became popular and accepted (as in, not burned at the stake), the world attitude of women was that their place was better suited in the home or as mere sexual objects.

Well, women have proven this to be a false premise, and the Las Vegas show Scarlett and Her Seductive Ladies of Magic proves that women can handle themselves in the decidedly male world of magic. However, the gratuitous nudity may suggest that being desired and thought of as a sex object couldn’t hurt things too badly.

After a successful run with a family friendly show at Planet Hollywood’s V Theater, Scarlett decided to take the step and incorporate nudity into her performance. The Riviera magic/nude entertainment show runs on a relatively simple premise. A single-named performer, Scarlett, performs run-of-the-mill magic tricks as her nude assistants - and some other nude women along the way - help out.

Read the rest of this entry »

Jubilee at Bally's - The Longest Running Production in Las Vegas

21 October 2009

Las Vegas is known as Sin City for a good reason. Bally’s is one of the most popular casinos on The Strip in Vegas, and their critically acclaimed topless show, Donn Arden’s Jubilee, takes the cake in terms of adult entertainment.

For many, the complete show, including the stage setting, the ambience, and the actual storyline are what makes Jubilee the best. For others, it’s the finest showgirls in Vegas that make this a must-see. Whichever you’re going for, Jubilee has been a top show for 28 years for one good reason: it’s entertaining.

There are many hotels in Las Vegas that are fitted with the most modern and sleek interior design schemes, which is great, but at Bally’s, you get a little piece of old Las Vegas. It’s like stepping back in time and most visitors appreciate this classic look and feel. This is why Jubilee is still popular with visitors today.

Read the rest of this entry »

Love - The Beatles inspired spectacle from Cirque du Soleil

06 October 2009

Cirque du Soleil has long been one of Las Vegas’ best performing groups. In recent years, they’ve started joining forces with other popular acts to give show-goers a little more bang for their buck. The Criss Angel experiment might not be working out too well, but now that Cirque has hooked up with The Beatles, if only in spirit for the most part, they seem to be back on track.

Before George Harrison of The Beatles passed away, he had formed a strong relationship with Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. The two were planning to merge Beatles classics with the awe-inspiring feats performed by Cirque.

The idea was to create a masterpiece using music and the troupe’s unique style of entertainment to form something wholly original. After Harrison’s death, Laliberte continued to work on the theme, and in 2006, Love was launched at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Read the rest of this entry »

Another Top Ten Things you Must do in Las Vegas

24 September 2009

Las Vegas, Nevada is the single-most popular gambling city in the world. Also known as Sin City, it’s also a place where adult entertainment options are in no short supply. Whether visitors are looking to party, gamble or simply see the sights, Vegas is the type of city that offers up choice in abundance. They may catch a bad rap, but there are some family-friendly options if you’d prefer.

The vast majority of Vegas travelers are there for one reason and one reason alone: gambling. That still doesn’t mean vacationers can’t check out other must-see things in Vegas. Here’s a list of ten popular locations to give you some ideas.

One: Emeril’s

Vegas is packed full of all-you-can-eat buffets and 99-cent shrimp cocktails, but every once in a while, vacationers want some world-class cuisine. This is where Emeril’s comes in. Emeril Lagasse is one of the best chef’s in the world, and his restaurant at the MGM Grand is a true delight.

Read the rest of this entry »

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular

02 September 2009

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most loved opera dramas of all time. Andrew Lloyd Webber produced an absolute masterpiece that will continue to generate positive ratings and revenue for the next 200 years. It started as a novel and then hit the big screen before showing up on actual stage.

Bringing this show to Vegas was not an easy task at all. The Venetian picked up The Phantom of the Opera and changed the name to Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. Their first order of business was renovating the theater to make it resemble the Palais Garnier, the famous 2,200-seat Paris opera house.

Phantom finally reunites Webber with Hal Prince, the show’s director, and Gillian Lynne, choreographer. The trio transformed Phantom into a 95-minute thrill ride that will feature every song from the original production. As far as over-the-top "Vegas" goes, this show is pretty tame.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sin City Bad Girls Show in Las Vegas

24 August 2009

Las Vegas is changing, almost everyone can see that - but try as they might to break free from the Sinatra era and the burlesque styles, show producers always find that classic appeal is where the money’s at. Recently, Peepshow, a new take on a classic burlesque feature, opened and became an instant hit. Hoping to recreate the magic, the Las Vegas Hilton has just very recently opened their newest nude production, Sin City Bad Girls.

Sin City Bad Girls was created by Glenn Medas, a reputable entertainment exec, and Michael Chambers, an Emmy Award-winning choreographer. Both men know that there’s a simple formula to getting a Vegas show off the ground: The women must be gorgeous.

For this, they went after a celebrity of the Vegas ilk - former Christina Aguilera impersonator of "American Superstars" fame, Lorena Peril. Behind Peril’s good looks and incredible voice, the duo cast 7 other beautiful showgirls to complete the ensemble. Sin City Bad Girls is a visual and auditory treat from the start thanks to Peril and the ensuing eye candy.

Read the rest of this entry »

Review of Hit Las Vegas show, Peepshow starring Mel B

09 August 2009

Everyone knows that Las Vegas offers a whole lot more than gambling. If you’re in the mood for some adult entertainment, Sin City is definitely the place to be. One of the city’s newest forms of guilty leisure is the Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. From the moment the lights dim down and the music starts, you know you’re in for the show of a lifetime.

Before getting into the details of the show, it’s undeniably worthy to note who stars in this scantily clad production. For starters, former Spice Girl singer and British actress, Mel B, co-headlines the main event. She’s an incredibly talented and absolutely gorgeous woman who’s definitely not shy when it comes to showing a little skin. Her presence in a thong and see-thru top is worth the price of admission alone.

Then you have the perfect ten, the former Playboy model and Dancing With The Stars contestant Kelly Monaco. Miss Monaco is known around the country-even the world-for being a complete and total knockout. Together, the duo brings great singing, great dancing, and a feast for the eyes that can’t go on long enough.

Read the rest of this entry »

A review of Zumanity, Cirque du Soliel's other side

05 January 2009

Who knew that Cirque du Soleil had a sensual side? If you’ve ever watched a Cirque production like "O" then you’re well aware of the high-flying, insanely precise, entertaining brand of acrobatics that only Cirque can bring you. For audiences of Cirque’s newest show playing at the New York, New York hotel and casino, Zumanity may be too much for your senses.

It’s a racy and sometimes raunchy adults-only show that explores human sexuality for over 2 hours. The performers are gorgeous and just as talented as you’d expect any Cirque du Soleil performer to be. And just like you’d imagine a dirty Vegas show - yeah, it’s that provocative.

As soon as the curtain lifts, you get a full idea of why this show is labeled "adults only". This tribute to human sexual expression pays homage to Las Vegas’ nickname of "Sin City," and does so extremely well. But while some acts in the show are worthy of the Cirque name, others have a tendency to appear amateurish and seem like they’d be seen in strip clubs or cheesy bars.

Read the rest of this entry »

Do you Believe? A Criss Angel Show

04 December 2008

We’re all a little excited about seeing magic. When that guy at a party does a card trick, you immediately ask, "How’d you do that?" Of course, he never tells you. And the truth is you don’t really want to know.

Every magic fan in the world knows who Criss Angel is. As the star of his own hit television show Mindfreak, Criss has done everything from walk on water to making pedestrians disappear.

His entire career is based on an extremely rare ability to make us question what is possible in the world. You watch Criss and know that it’s just a trick, but you’re not sure how it’s not real. Team Angel’s immense talents up with Cirque de Soleil and you have the makings of one of Vegas’ greatest shows: Believe.

According to Criss, he’s been planning this show for around 15 years. When you see it, you’ll see that his time was extremely well spent. Believe is playing at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, and the beautiful theater does the show justice.

Read the rest of this entry »

Penn & Teller in Las Vegas Headliner Magicians

21 November 2008

Conspiracy theorists debunked, holistic remedies found to be fraudulent, and the words "Holy cow" were proven to be offensive. Who are the detectives on the case? It’s none other than Vegas’ own Penn & Teller.

Their hit Showtime late night series "Bullshit" is a number-one rated comedy for the magically talented duo. Penn, who’s the tall and talking member of the duo, is sure to tell outlandishly loud tales with Teller, the short and silent "other" half of the duo sets up and carries out most of the tricks.

The two are currently playing at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Their show doesn’t have some catchy name - they’re Penn & Teller, they don’t need one.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Review of the Las Vegas Show Danny Gans at the Danny Gans Theatre

17 November 2008

For people not overly familiar with Las Vegas, you may not know who Danny Gans is. If not, he’s a singer-slash-comedian who was once a professional baseball player. Danny’s been called "the man of a thousand voices," "the ultimate impersonator," and even "the most famous actor who never appeared in Bull Durham," (an ironic pun to the fact Danny appeared in the hit Kevin Costner film but ultimately had his scenes cut) but is also a very accomplished and funny comedian. Any man who has a theater in Las Vegas named after him must be doing something right. And if you’re feeling the need for a good laugh, Danny Gans is currently at the Danny Gans Theater.

The reigning Entertainer of the Year in Las Vegas welcomes the audience in with some warming commentary before going straight into his act. Although, many have seen his show multiple times and claim Danny has a propensity to switch it around some.

However, a lot of his material, such as the singers he impersonates, remains the same. If you’re looking to be blown away by any showgirl-type kicks or high-flying acrobatics, then you’ve better cancel in advance.

Read the rest of this entry »

Le Reve at the Wynn Las Vegas

12 November 2008

Meaning "The Dream" in French, Le Reve was the first-ever production show to open in the Wynn Las Vegas casino resort. This ultra-lavish show is held in a one-million-gallon capacity theater and hosts an array of diving and other spectacular displays of acrobatics and special effects.

The show was created by internationally acclaimed director Franco Dragone. The aquatic in-the-round dome theater makes sure that no audience member is more than 40-feet from the stage during the show, enabling every participant to witness the close-up action. There are probably better shows playing in Vegas, but Le Reve is definitely worth seeing.

First off, the domed theater just looks spectacular. Le Reve strikes you immediately as one-of-a-kind, but it’s also blended with a little Cirque de Soleil. So it only makes sense that any Cirque lovers would absolutely adore this show. You will also be taken aback at just how intimate the setting is.

Read the rest of this entry »

What on Earth are the Blue Man Group

01 November 2008

If you’ve never witnessed a Blue Man Group show live, then now’s the perfect chance. The group, which consists of three "blue" men played by Phil Stanton, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman, has now found a permanent home at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The trio has been likened to new-age mimes, as they’re mute performers who entertain by incorporating a mix of idiosyncratic instruments and gut-busting playground comedy into their routine. They present themselves covered in blue grease paint over latex bald caps and wear black clothing.

The group initially shocked audiences by the element of surprise. No one was aware of the group’s intentions, and to find unexpected humor and actual talent was a much welcomed and impressive gift.

Read the rest of this entry »

Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Review

13 October 2008

Fans of Las Vegas, Nevada can agree - there’s a little something for everyone. No matter what you’re into, you can find something to do in Vegas. It’s truly the land of a million options, although most only arrive for one or two. One Vegas attraction that some are unaware of is the Folies Bergere show at the Tropicana.

Critics of the show agree that Folies Bergere is the glamorous spark that takes Las Vegas back to a long-removed golden era. This timeless musical show personifies "sexy" Vegas, and provides classic entertainment that proves to be a much appreciated break from magic and mayhem. The show takes its name from The Folies Bergere, a Parisian music hall which was extremely popular throughout the late 1800s to around 1920. It’s still in business today.

For lovers of all things music, dance and entertainment, Folies Bergere has a seat reserved just for you. It contains all the elements that a great Las Vegas show needs to succeed: singing and dancing, gorgeous scenery, gut-busting comedy, and the cr�me de la cr�me of Las Vegas - the showgirls.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Number One Illusionist of all time is David Copperfield

04 October 2008

Before Chris Angel and David Blaine came along with their edited for TV magic, David Copperfield reigned supreme as the top illusionist in the world. This master magician has made the Statue of Liberty disappear - enough said.

He plays 500 shows a year and constantly tries to top himself. David has been playing Las Vegas for years, and his magic show always prevails as one of the top entertainment destinations, not only in Las Vegas, but in all of America.

He is hailed by both fans and critics alike as the greatest illusionist of all time. If you’ve never seen David Copperfield perform, there’s no better time than right now. The man has walked through the Great Wall of China, flown through the air, and even made audience members disappear. He’s truly one of a kind.

Of course, he can’t recreate every televised trick for the Vegas audience, but he does demonstrate similar and equally impressive illusions by using objects a bit more suitable for a stage setting. For example, Copperfield pays homage to his Great Wall walk-through by using a large sheet of metal and effortlessly walking through it.

Read the rest of this entry »

Star Trek The Experience is Closing it's Doors

06 August 2008

A sad day sits on the horizon for many Trekkies. Space has never felt this empty. As the Hilton Hotel makes preparations to close down their Star Trek: The Experience site this coming autumn, loyal fans set their phasers to stun and prepare to wage war against the Borg-like fat-cats who decided that this exhibit isn’t popular enough to keep alive. As the stars slowly dim and fade away, Hilton execs are busy working on something to replace the exhibit.

The Experience is a blend of ship simulator, environment, museum, and gift ship/restaurant. It opened up 10 years ago, during the heyday of the Star Trek: The Next Generation movie series.

This exhibit gives fans a change to boldly explore a Trek time-line with a collection of various sci-fi vestiges. After purchasing a ticket that allows for unlimited rides for the day, customers are free to walk through a museum of Star Trek History. You can then explore displays for each of the major alien races from the show/movies, including the Borg, Klingons, and Ferengi.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Bellagio 'O' by Cirque du Soleil

30 July 2008

Translating to Circus of the Sun, Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment empire based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was founded in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberte, and Daniel Gauthier. The original name was Les Echassiers, and they toured Quebec in 1980 as a performing troupe.

Le Grand Tour Du Cirque du Soleil was a success in 84, and after securing a second year of funding, Laliberte hired Buy Caron from the National Circus School to recreate Cirque du Soleil as a proper circus. Their popular rapidly grew, and Cirque du Soleil went from a handful of employees in 1984, to over 3,500 today. Among their Big Top Touring shows are Alegria, Quidam, Dralion, Varekai, Corteo, and KOOZA. The list of resident shows includes LOVE, KA, Mystere, La Nouba, Zumanity, and the show currently featured at the Bellagio, simply titled "O"

Read the rest of this entry »

How Las Vegas was founded

11 July 2008

Las Vegas, which in Spanish means "The Meadows," was named by Spaniards in the Antonio Armijo party, who used water from the area while heading north and west along the Old Spanish Trail from Texas. In 1844, John C. Fremont traveled into the Las Vegas Valley, while it was still part of Mexico.

He was a leader of a group of scientists, scouts, and other observers for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In 1855, Brigham Young assigned 30 missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the area in attempts to convert the Paiute Indian population to Mormonism. A small fort was built near the current downtown area, serving as a stopover for weary travelers along the "Mormon Corridor."

Las Vegas was then established as a railroad town in 1905, when 110 acres was auctioned off in what is now downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas was part of Lincoln County until 1909, when it became part of newly established Clark County.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Fremont Street Experience

03 July 2008

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall and attraction in download Las Vegas. The FSE occupies the westernmost 5 blocks of Fremont Street, including the area known for years as "Glitter Gulch," and also portions of other adjacent streets.

The attraction is a barrel vault canopy, which stands 90 feet high at its peak, and covers approximately four blocks. Las Vegas is known for never turning the outside casino lights off, so each show begins by turning off the lights on all buildings under the canopy, giving views of the FSE show the full effect of the lights.

Fremont Street has a storied history. It held many Las Vegas firsts, including the first hotel, first telephone, first Nevada gaming license, the first elevator, first traffic light, and the first high-rise. For many years, the western end of Fremont Street was the area most commonly portrayed whenever producers wanted to display the lights of Vegas.

Read the rest of this entry »

The History behind the Bellagio Hotel and Casino

25 June 2008

The Bellagio is an AAA Five-Diamond rated luxury hotel and casino in Las Vegas, located on The Strip. MGM Mirage holds ownership of this luxurious hotel and casino, and it was built on the site of the demolished Dunes hotel and casino.

Inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy, Vegas’ Bellagio is famed for its elegance. One of the most notable features of the Bellagio is an 8-acre artificial lake between the hotel and the Strip, which holds the famous Fountains of Bellagio. The Bellagio has been one of Vegas’ most famous resorts since its inception. It employs approximately 10,000 people, and is visited by millions each year.

The Bellagio was conceived by Steve Wynn, an American casino resort developer, and built by his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. Wynn is often considered as the man who changed Vegas. In 1989, his first major Strip casino, The Mirage, opened, setting a new standard in Vegas, making immediate history.

With his second project, the 1993 Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Wynn proved once again that his vision for Vegas was different. The $450 million dollar resort was another instant smash with the public.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Brief Bio on Sheldon Adelson

15 June 2008

Born August 1, 1933, Sheldon Gary Adelson is an American billionaire businessman and property developer. As the third richest person in the United States, Adelson’s net worth of 26-billion dollars has earned this CEO the respect and admiration of millions who wish to follow in his footsteps.

Adelson is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which is the parent company of Venetian Macao Limited, which also operates The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Adelson’s biggest increase in wealth came when he sold 10% of his casino shares to the public.

Adelson has recently bore the brunt of rumor and scandal. He has come under fire for his involvement with right-wing lobbying groups. The allegations suggest that Adelson has financed several unsuccessful Republican congressional candidates and has attempted to raise as much as $250 million to attack Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

Read the rest of this entry »

A mini-bio on Steve Wynn

30 May 2008

Stephen Alan Wynn was born on January 27th, 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut, and is best known for being an American casino developer. He was thought to be responsible for the efforts of reestablishing Las Vegas in the 90s, spearheading the resurgence and expansion of the Vegas strip.

His companies refurbished and built some of the most widely recognized resorts in Las Vegas to date, such as the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Wynn. Wynn currently lives with his wife in a suite at Wynn Las Vegas, awaiting completion of their Highlands Golf Club home. He has two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian. Wynn suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, which affects his peripheral vision.

Wynn’s father Michael Weinberg ran a host of bingo parlors in the United States. In the late 40s, he changed his name to "Wynn", a marketing strategy and an attempt to counter anti-Jewish bias.

Read the rest of this entry »

Is it a good time to invest in real estate in Las Vegas?

22 May 2008

In the real estate market, you often hear teams like "peak" and "max", as if there’s an imaginary ceiling that’s going to stop it. And over the past few years or so, the big buzz has always been about when exactly real estate is going to max out. This is a theory that has been circling around since early 2002.

It’s nothing more but a reaction to the substantial increases in real estate values around the country. This fuel-fed paranoia has mostly been doused by media types and loud mouths who really don’t know a thing. The thought of real estate reaching its peak seems to be based on nothing more than the collective fear that real estate values through the USA may drop.

However, there is no fact-based reasoning put forth to support this fear. So, reasonably and rationally, it’s still safe to purchase real estate in hot-spots through the U.S. like Las Vegas. Your property will continue to have value.

Read the rest of this entry »

The oldest casino in Las Vegas, The Golden Gate Casino

21 May 2008

When you’re in Las Vegas, odds are you’re there to gamble. Not many people pay attention to other aspects of Vegas. To stop and look at Vegas as a whole, many would notice that it’s dry, dirty, hot, and extremely expensive.

The euphoric rush which takes over while gambling and partying often blinds individuals to the current state of affairs. But let’s face it, we all love to gamble. And some places in Vegas do have more appeal than others.

Though some people may rather stay in places like the Bellagio and Caesars Palace, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino really tells the sordid story of Vegas, and people still frequent its small quarters.

Read the rest of this entry »

Top Ten Things to Do in Las Vegas

10 March 2008

Dozens of things to do in Las Vegas means there is fun for the entire family not just those with blue hair. Traditionally, Las Vegas is known for a mixed bag of things to do including getting married, getting divorced, gambling and watching a few of the headline entertainers at a floor show. That has all changed now and changed for the better. Here are some tips for enjoying Las Vegas with the entire family:

1. Gamble

A major activity in Las Vegas will always be gambling. Everything from slot machines to World Class Poker Tournaments can be found in the 24 hour day casino hotels.

2. Gambling classes

If you don’t know your way around a deck of cards or a roulette wheel, why not learn as part of your activities in Las Vegas. Most of the large casinos will be happy to enroll you in a class to top off your knowledge of one or more of the games of chance.

Read the rest of this entry »