Sunday, August 21, 2011

Arc De Triomphe, Free to See in Las Vegas

     Among the many sights to see in Las Vegas is the reproduction of Frances Arc De Triomphe.  This Paris landmark is a war memorial that is also the tomb of the unknown soldier.  The Arc in Vegas is approximate two thrids the size of the original. 
                    This is the one in Las Vegas.  They are indeed hard to tell apart.      

 The Arc de Triomphe  is one of the most famous monuments in Paris . It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.  The Arc de Triomphe  honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Nappoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces.  Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier from World War I.

Eiffel Tower Las Vegas

     Las Vegas is full of near life experiences.   Reproductions of world famous landmarks and iconic art are all over the place.  Caesar's Palace has a David identical to the original and carved in marble from the same quarry as the original. This post is about the Eiffel Tower of Las Vegas.  While I have always wanted to visit the city of lights, time and money have not been on my side.  So I turn my attention to the Eiffel Tower of Las Vegas.
     The Las Vegas Eiffel Tower is an copy of the one in Paris.  I can't tell if it is an exact copy in every thing except height.  The one in France is 1063 feet tall while the one in Vegas is only 541.

As you can see they are very close to identical.  They are both impressive structures.  The one in Las Vegas comes with a view of the strip.  There is one restaurant and an observation deck.  The restaurant requires reservations and of course serves french food.  The observation deck requires an ticket and prices vary between 10 and 15 dollars.  It certainly gives you more than a flavor of the original.  It is definitely a near real experience



Related Post on this Blog
Michelangelo's David at Caesar's Palace Las Vegas

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Best Guide to Las Vegas Night Life

I am a little past prime night life material.  A night at a poker table is much more appealing that trying to listen to someone talk above the dance music.  That's me.  So first hand reviews are not an option.  However I do pay attention to the information available around Las Vegas.   If you are looking for information on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, there is no better place than the Las Vegas Weekly Magazine.   This is a link to their wed site.  It is also a free weekly magazine that you can pick up all over town.  If you want to know what's happening in Vegas, this is your ticket.

Las Vegas Guide,  Night Club Guide,  Entertainment Guide

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Best Tips for Getting Into Las Vegas Shows

The perfect tip for getting the best Las Vegas Show tickets is to plan in advance. There's no question but that this is still true. Shows in Las Vegas can be sold-out months in advance.   However, if you are a planner, then you're way ahead of the game.

Customer Loyalty Programs may also be important.  Las Vegas is not as generous as it was. There is a reason to choose preferred hotel and stay there any time you go to Las Vegas. Certainly if the show is in the hotel you happen to be staying in, then you have influence that someone off the street doesn't have. The hotel concierge is usually an asset you should think about.   Its their job to solve these kinds of problems for you.

The Net is also a good place to look. There are a number of sites dedicated to everything Las Vegas. I have incorporated a link to the Best of Las Vegas on my blog. I did this for many reasons. The first is that I went through the various sites and this one was the one I liked the best. In the interest of full disclosure, in case you follow the link, visit the site and purchase something I receive a commission. Its very little but it is still a commission. You will find all manner of deals on their website. Including bargains on show tickets.

If all else fails you'll find ticket brokers in Vegas that will get you a ticket. It means more money, sometimes a lot more money. Use them as a last measure.


las vegas guides, las vegas attractions, las vegas ticket venders, las vegas ticket inside tricks, las vegas ticket specials, las vegas ticket discounts.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Alien Space Craft Hover Over 2011 World Series of Poker

Not really, but it kind of looks like UFO's.  You can stop by the World Series of Poker and watch for free.
That is when it is in session.

Gambler's General Store Las Vegas

In my wanderings around Las Vegas I stumbled upon an interesting store.  I was actually looking for a particular book on playing poker when I was referred here.  When I arrived I discovered that the store has a lot of very interesting items for purchase.  Old slot machines were the most interesting to me.  If you are a poker player there are all manner of chip for sale.  There are also books on any number of other kinds of gambling.   The store is located at 800 S. Main Street,  Las Vegas.   This is a few blocks south of Fremont Street.



Poker books, Blackjack instruction book, how to play blackjack, how to play craps, insiders secrets to blackjack, lottery secrets, lottery winning numbers, vintage slot machines, poker tables, crap tables, dice, playing cards,  gambling supplies

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Revenge of the 80's Nancy Rayguns on Fremont Street

I was down on Fremont Street just walking around and happened upon the 3rd street stage just as the musice started.  The Nancy Rayguns were performing.  If the 80's was your decade and that is the music that makes up the sound track of your youth, then this is he band for you.   The Nancy Rayguns will help you with that flashback grasshopper and transport you to where you really long to be.  The show starts at 9:00 p.m. on the 3rd steet stage. 







fremont street experience, free concerts, fremont street attractions, live music, fremont street live music,  fremont street entertainment, free entertainment

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Like New Plaza Hotel will reopen in September

At the west end of Fremont Street anchoring the Fremont Street Experience is the Plaza Hotel. It has been undergoing a 35 million dollar renovation. In June the held a job fair to fill over 700 positions. No one can remember when the hotel was updated last. So it was due. The room furnishing came at a bargain in that they were slated for the stalled Fontainebleau project. More lounges have been added and the entire casino has been gutted and replaced. I've heard that you can get a room for about $44 a night. Great deal for a brand new Vegas Hotel




Fremont Street hotel grand opening.  Plaza Remodel, Union Plaza,  Plaza renovation,   New hotel on Fremont Street.  Fremont street and Main Street

Sunday, May 22, 2011

CityCenter Death Ray Alive and Well

Last year after the completion of the Citycenter it became apparent that the curve in the Vdara building  caused the sun light to focus in such a way that the sun bathers at the pool were getting fried.  It became a story told around the world.  The fix for the Solar Convergence phenomenon according the MGM Resorts International is umbrellas.   Seems like a band aid to me.  Of course they have put up warning signs and I hear the gift shop is selling SPF 140.

Friday, April 29, 2011

New Night Spot Insert Coin Opens on Fremont Street


There exists a new night spot on Fremont Street in the downtown area of Las Vegas.   It can be found in the block just east of Las Vegas Blvd.  It is known as Insert Coin.  It's name is actually a reference to putting a coin in a video game.  This is an adult Las Vegas version of a Video arcade.  The environment is lounge like.  With cozy niches where video game screens rotate to face cove like seats  for the gamers.  Drinking alcohol is an additional attraction to your arcade experience along with the dance floor and DJ that weaves in a club like feeling. Definitely a unique combination of experiences.  There was no cover charge to get in when last we checked.
Fremont Street East,  Fremont Street Experience, Video games, Nintendo, wii, Game boy,

Country Western Bar on Fremont Street Las Vegas

Locate on the 2nd floor over Hennessey's Tavern and Mickie Finnz on Fremont Street is a country western bar. The bar is named the Las Vegas Country Saloon. Inside there's a dance floor, stage and a mechanical bull. This is all you have to have for a country western bar. They have got live music and a Disc-jockey, depending on which evening you might be there. They open the doors up at 8:00 pm. The place is just west of Las Vegas Blvd. and just east the Fremont Street Experience.  So dig out your cowboy boots and get down that cowboy hat and Cowboy up.
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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tourist Map of Las Vegas

Tourism Stripmap Feb2010

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Elvis is Big in Las Vegas

I  have been an Elvis fan for as long as I can remember.  Elvis is everywhere in Las Vegas,  Walking around Vegas you see him everywhere.  On Fremont Street on any given weekend night there are a half dozen Elvises walking around.  There are multimedia tribute shows that do Elvis proud.  Then there is Big Elvis.  He performs regularly at Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon on the Strip Near Flamingo.  I first went to Bills to play a little low limit no limit Texas hold'em.  They have a game with low antes and buy ins.  While I was there I heard Big Elvis sing.  He is called Big Elvis because he is Heavy.  He actually has lost a lot of weight.  Anyway, his show is free and he is very good.  Stop by and see him.  If you are driving there is free parking you enter off Flamingo.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Perform on The Strip in Las Vegas - Free in Las Vegas

Your an undiscovered singing star and just need a chance to show your stuff.  Want a resume builder.  Well here it is, your chance to perform on the Strip in Las Vegas.  At Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon you can Sing on the Strip.  Bill's is located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo, in the heart of the Strip.  From 8 pm to 2 am Sunday through Wednesday you can sing Karaoke.  Of course you will need to use carefully drafted phrases in your resume when you describe your experience.    

Karaoke on the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Karaoke, Elvis impersonator, Big Elvis,

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Who are These Women and Why are They Tying That Guy to a Pole - Fremont Street


So I think that maybe there was a bachelor's party.  Sorry, my batteries died so I didn't get the whole show.

Hoover Dam and The Hoover Dam Bypass Free in Las Vegas

Just south of Las Vegas you will find one of the wonders of the United States.  The Hoover Dam was built during the depression and cost the live of more that 100 worker to build.  It was previously know as Boulder Dam. There is a visitor’s center and the Dam itself is open for tours.  Because of the importance of the Dam to the economy of the United States the dam has its own security force.  If you want to drive across the dam, your car is subject to inspection.  The dam straddles the boarder of Nevada and Arizona.  Recently the Hoover Dam Bypass was opened.  This is a site unto itself.  The Dam is about 35 miles south of Las Vegas along the way you go through Boulder City.  There are numerous places to have a great breakfast or lunch in Boulder City.  The Main Street has Antique and other stores to visit. 

The Hoover Dam is quite a site and it is Free in Las Vegas

Sara Evans Performs at Free Concert Fremont Street Las Vegas

On April 1st at 10:45 pm on Fremont Street, in Las Vegas Sara Evans will Perform in Concert. The Concert is free and open to the public. Just come on down and dance to the music. The concert is part of a celebration of Country Music in association with the Academy of Country Music Awards.  The music begins at about 6:30.  Sarah Darling, Casey James, Brett Eldredge, and  Lee Brice also perform.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Shelby American Museum and Tour Las Vegas Speedway



Shelby.  It's a legendary name in the American automotive industry.  For more than a half of a century the name Shelby has represented dream automobiles.  The most memorable to me are the Cobra and the Mustang GT350 and GT500.  All cars that were on the top of my wish list.

Shelby American Inc. is alive and well in Las Vegas.  They are located at the Las Vegas Speedway, a short drive north of downtown Las Vegas.   Shelby operates a both a Museum and  a factory.  The Museum is open Monday -  Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays 10:15 am to 2:00 pm.  There is also an organized tour.  The Tour gets you onto the factory floor in addition to the Museum.  The tour happens once a day to 10:30 am. Its best to be at the facility by 10:15 if you want to go on the tour.  There are no reservations required
The museum hold classic Shelby vehicles and well as prototype cars.  How much does all this cost, you ask.  Nothing.  Admission to the museum is free and there is no cost for the Tour.  Such a deal.

The Link to their site is http://www.shelbyautos.com/tours.asp.  Have a good time.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Celebrity Inpersonators On Fremont Street Free In Las Vegas

Celebrity impersonators congregate in and around Fremont Street in down town Las Vegas.  There is everything from Elvis to Spock.  For a donations , you can have your picture taken with them.  Or you simply watch all the entertainment.

Mad Hatter, Bachelor party, Alien impersonator, Kiss impersonator,  Kid Rock,

Largest Gold Nugget on Display - Free In Las Vegas

On Fremont Street within the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is displayed a gold nugget that is approximate 62 pounds. It is the largest gold nugget on display anywhere. According to the display it was found by a guy with a metal detector. Apparently this guy got the urge to go metal detecting and when out behind his trailer. There six inches below the surface he found the nugget. This nugget is about eighteen inches tall. At the current price of gold, about 1400.00 dollars an ounce, that equals over a million dollars.

Where's my metal detector?

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Country Legends with Country Chuck Las Vegas

I have been in Vegas for a while now and keep my radio set at 102.7  FM.  This is a country station that plays mostly current country hits.  However, on Sunday morning I get treated to a little country history.  Country Chuck's show is on locally from 6 am to 10 am.   I am kind of musically adventurous and listen to a wide range of music.  Country Chuck's Country Legend Show let me experience the great country player of the past.  His selections are request driven and are sometimes very unique.

Country Chuck receives phone calls and emails from all over the country.   I assume that he is either being heard on the Internet or is syndicate on other stations.  I'm not sure how it is done.  Some of his callers have turned into a cast of characters that update their antics weekly.   Country Chuck weaves his dry sometimes sardonic wit into commentaries on current events.  So, if you want to get your hillbilly on, tune into FM 102.7 the Coyote on Sunday mornings for some country classics.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Free in Vegas Largest Gold Nugget on Display Fremont Street

On Fremont Street within the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is displayed a gold nugget that is approximate 62 pounds.  It is the largest gold nugget on display anywhere.  According to the display it was found by a guy with a metal detector.  Apparently this guy got the urge to go metal detecting and when out behind his trailer.  There six inches below the surface he found the nugget.  Where's my metal detector

Fremont Street Experience, Fremont Street attraction,
Fremont Steet Display, Downtown Las Vegas,

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Fremont Street Impersonators From Elvis to Spock

Fremont Street has a lot to see.  There are street performers of all sorts.  Some of them are famous.  There's a sax player who has been on the street for many years and does very well.  There are also a number of celebrity impersonators.  Some impersonators are far better that others. They are all present for your photo opportunity. These people pose for the donations. This is simply a small sample. There was also Superman, Batman, a Playboy Bunny, and several others. Those photographs didn't turn out great. For my own money the most realistic was Spock. Then again I'm a Star Trek Fan. The Dark Angel in the arms of Elvis is also a unique visual image. Elvis, the Dark Angel and the Ample Lady certainly were the most requested while I was there.

Binion's Casino - Poker's Hallowed Ground

If you are a Jazz musician, it Bourbon Street.  If you love Baseball its Cooperstown. If you are a Stock Trader its Wall Street.  If you are a poker player then its Binion's.  Binion's is where the World Series of Poker began.  Benny Binion also started the Poker Hall of Fame.  The current popularity of poker is attributed to the World Series of Poker and Chris Moneymaker's victory at Binion's.

Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, Tom McEvoy, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Huck Seed, Scotty Nguyen, are just of few of the player who made names for themselves winning the WSOP at Binion’s.  The WSOP as we know it began in 1970.  It remained at Binion's until 2005. 

The Casino has seen its fair share of troubles.  Benny Binion was indeed a full on mobster.  He lost his license to run a Casino and his kids took it over.  They made a movie about.  The Casino was eventually closed by the Gaming Commission and then purchased by Harrah's Gambling, who took over the World Series of Poker, the trade mark Horseshoe, and the Poker Hall of Fame.  The Casino is currently up and running and has a series of poker tournament everyday.  In addition the poker room has live games available 24/7.
It just seems to me that if you are a poker player and you are in Las Vegas, then you must make a pilgrimage to Binion's to play and walk the halls where so many poker player got there claim to fame.

Not Everything is Bigger on the Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street Vixen

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Maharaja Hoohak Cafe Open on Fremont Street Las Vegas

Located at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd. is the Maharaja Hoohak Cafe.  I watched as the facade was constructed on this building and it is impressive.  The ornate wood working is seldom seen anywhere, let alone the exterior of flashy Las Vegas.  They do not serve alcohol so 18 and older are permitted.  I understand that certain nights of the week feature DJ's and Belly Dancers. 

Smoke cafe, Fremont Steet East, tobacco, Water pipes

Hardcourt Hotties Performing on Fremont Street Las Vegas

The HardCourt Hottie are preforming on Fremont Street for most of the month of March.  Here is a snapshot of their act that I took the other day.  The Fremont Street Experience provides free entertainment during the week and over the weekends.  There can be a total of three separate stages operating at any one time.  On big weekends they talent is much better with names that most would recognize. 

Saturday, March 5, 2011

NASCAR Jacket Backs Fremont Street Las Vegas



Its NASCAR week in Vegas and I went for a stroll on Fremont Street.  One thing that pops out at you is the variety of colorful jackets that are only here during NASCAR events.

Fremont Street Experience,  Nascar Week,  Nascar jackets,  Nascar advertisement

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Best Comp in Vegas and Who We Have to Thank


What does the World Series of Poker and free drinks in casinos have in common. Benny Binion. He invented them both. If you read his story it is contradictory to say the least. He was convicted of murder more than once and implicated in others. Yet he was beloved by many. Telling his story is more than a blog can do. I knew that he was responsible for the World Series of Poker. But perhaps his greatest contribution is that he was the first casino operator to offer free drinks to the gambling public. So the next time you get a drink at a casino, remember to thank Benny.

For more on the life of Benny Binion go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Binion

Free in Las Vegas - Largest Bronze Statute in the US MGM Lion


It is easy to find. Millions of people drive right by it every year. Right out in front of the MGM in Las Vegas.

MGM Lion Statue was cast in 1,600 individual half inch thick plates.
The total height of the statue is 70 feet including the 25 feet pedestal.
Weight of the statue is 100,000 lbs. That's one big statute.

Friday, February 18, 2011

World Largest Coke Bottle Las Vegas


So if you asked me to prove it, I couldn't. I know its not all that interesting, unless of course you are an angel named Micheal and you are doing a reprisal of your recent movie, except this time its the west coast wonders. It's Friday and I'm feeling lazy about posting anyway. If you guys were doing your job and clicking on the occasional Google ad on this blog, I might be a little more inspired. You know I make a few cents every time you click. I feel like I'm standing on a freeway on ramp begging for change. Anyway.

This is on Sin City's Strip. It right up from The MGM Grand. MGM has the biggest something too. I'll have to look that one up. It also next to the M&M store. So coke an candy. Such a deal

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cowboy Vic aka Vegas Vic Las Vegas Icon



It is easy to walk around Vegas and get overwhelmed by the sites and sounds. Everywhere you look there are signs with flashing lights and spectacular displays. Sometimes there is a lot of history behind the glitz. It the 1940's Vegas needed visitors. The city father hired a publicity firm to do the job. A caricature of a cowboy was created for the campaign. The phrase "Howdy Podner" was used in the adverting. It was a hit. Shortly there after a Neon sign version of the character was designed and placed upon the Pioneer Club on Fremont Street. The original sign had a waiving arm, a moving cigarette. and said "Howdy Podner" every few minutes. The arm no longer waives and he has been silenced. Other that that he has been restored and remains in his original perch on Fremont street. The building is now a souvenir store.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Nascar Cafe Sahara Hotel Las Vegas




Located in the Sahara Hotel and Casino of the Las Vegas Strip, the Nascar Cafe delivers the sites and sounds of NASCAR. Las Vegas has a long racing history. At the Las Vegas Speedway anyone can drive the track in exotic cars. SEMA and other conventions are regularly held here. The Nascar Cafe is a perfect place to round out a NASCR fans visit to the city.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Elvis Sighted Playing Poker on Fremont Street Las Vegas


I was at one of my favorite places to play poker and in walks Elvis. Just behind him was Austin Powers. The two had come from just outside of The Golden Nugget where they had been meeting and greeting fans and having their photos taken. They make regular appearances on Fremont Street and this is not the first time that I have played poker with them. You know Elvis is generous to a fault and he usually lets me win. "Thank you very much"

Elvis can be reached at http://www.lvtalentkings.com/

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Best Kept Secret in Las Vegas

Slot machines are the bread and butter of a casino. This is where they make most of their money. It is no wonder that most of the floor space in a casino is occupied by slot machines. The best kept secret in Vegas is how much they pay. Gaming laws in Nevada set limits on how much of your money a slot machine can keep. The minimum payback in Nevada is 75%. That means that if you run $100 in a machine you should get back $75. It doesn't actually work that way on a short term survey. But if you put money in this slot machine for year you should have 75% of your money left.

The worst slot machines are at places like the Airport. They are set to keep a greater portion of your bets. It is alleged that there are slot machines that pay back 98% of the money that is played. I once went into a casino that had a sign out side that said 98% payback slots. I found out that this only applied to a certain bank of slots and was not every slot machine in the casino.

I have done some searching and can not find a survey or report that discloses which casino has what return. You see advertisements around Vegas that describe the loosest slots in Vegas. The best advise that I can give at this point is that the big hotels on the Strip have the worst payback. Downtown at Fremont Street is looser on average than the strip, and the outlying local casinos are the best place to play. Finally if you have some money that you haven't yet lost and you are at the Airport, play the slots.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Free in Las Vegas - Pawn Stars Pawn Shop


The location of the Pawn Stars Pawn Shop is at 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas Nevada. This is essentially within down town Las Vegas. This is a couple of blocks to the south of Fremont Street. The pawn shop is now something of a tourist attraction. It's among those photo opportunities of which vacations are filled with. It's quite common to observe folks posing in front of the shop. You are welcome to walk inside the Pawn Shop. I have notice that lately there is a line to get in.  I did this and discovered the whole cast of the Television show inside and working like it was just simply any other day. This was a little while back so I can't state if it is still true. The cast is becoming kind of well-known. The Pawn Shop is actually know as 'Gold & Silver Pawn". I can not help but believe that the show has changed the pawn shop. For right now there's no entrance fee. Go have your picture taken and its Free in Las Vegas.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Free in Las Vegas - Caesar's Palace Michelangelo's David


Michelangelo's David is alive and well in Las Vegas.
This is an exact replica of Michelangelo's masterpiece, that was originally hewn in the early 16th Century. The David stands 18 feet high and weighs more than nine tons. The sculpted is from the same Italian marble used by the master for the original. it is believed that David's pose depicts the tense moment, of tightening muscles and rising excitement, just before his facing and slaying the towering Goliath. He looks relaxed to me.

The original is in Florance Italy and is available for viewing there. But if you are in Vegas anyway, this is a nice bit of culture that is free in Las Vegas. It is located in Caesar's Place.

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign


One of the most famous sign of all time. The image of the sign is not protected under copyright and has been reproduced on every Vegas souvenir you can imagine. You too can have your own personal Vegas souvenir. Just drive a few miles south on Las Vegas Blvd. The local government created a parking lot at the sign so that the many thousands of visitors could safely have a picture taken at the sign. The sign has acutally been around since the '50s. This first one is on the highway leading from southern California. There is now one on Boulder Highway. There is also a sign similar to this orginal that welcomes visitors to "Downtown" Vegas. The real live authentic sign is just south of the strip. And its Free in Las Vegas


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fremont Street Experience Las Vegas


One of my favorite places in Vegas is Fremont Street. This is the downtown area of Vegas. The actual street has been closed and made into a pedestrian mall. The center piece of Fremont Street is the over head canopy. After the sun goes down the light shows begin. The Canopy is over 500 yards long. It has 12.5 million LED modules with a 550,000 watt concert quality sound system. It is awesome. There are two or three stages where there is regularly scheduled entertainment.

People watching is also in Vogue. Elvis, Batman, and Spiderman are regular attendees. For a fee, they will snuggle up with you for a picture. There are others in costume roaming around the street. I particularly like the show girls.
.

Also a part of the Fremont Street Experience is the Neon Museum. Las Vegas has scattered around town some of the iconic neon signs from its past. Las Vegas has set these signs up for all to remember. Fremont Street has a population of These signs.

The street is populated by vendor carts where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs and such. There are huge dedicated souvenirs stores. And of course there are numerous Casino hotels. I think the best of the bunch is the Golden Nugget. Binnion's is also a very famous casino on the street. Binnion's gave birth to the World Series of Poker. One of oldest continually operating Casinos in Las Vegas is located on Fremont Street. It is a little east of the Canopy by a couple of blocks. The El Cortez hotel was once owned by the famous reported mobster Bugsy Segal. If I remember my history correctly Bugsy sold the hotel in the late '50s.

The best part about all of this is that it is free to experience.  Thanks for visiting.  On you way out, can you click on one of those google ads.  They are harmless and I'll make a few cents.  Thanks.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Free in Las Vegas - Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World



This is an interesting item to be on the list. Anyone knows that it is free to visit a store. However this store is more like a museum or attraction than any store that I have ever visited. I like out door stuff anyway, but the displays in this store are amazing. Your walking around the place and suspended from the ceiling is a school of large fish. Various animals are displayed in natural settings throughout the store. And don't forget the fish stream running in the store.   The Store is connected to the Silverton Hotel.  This hotel has a 1117,00 Gallon aquarium with over 4000 different fish.  I was very impressed with this floor to ceiling display.
Definitely worth a visit and its free in Las Vegas

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Free in Las Vegas - Welcome to Las Vegas Sign


One of the most famous sign of all time. The image of the sign is not protected under copyright and has been reproduced on every Vegas souvenir you can imagine. You too can have your own personal Vegas souvenir. Just drive a few miles south on Las Vegas Blvd. The local government created a parking lot at the sign so that the many thousands of visitors could safely have a picture taken at the sign. The sign has acutally been around since the '50s. This first one is on the highway leading from southern California. There is now one on Boulder Highway. There is also a sign similar to this orginal that welcomes visitors to "Downtown" Vegas. The real live authentic sign is just south of the strip. And its Free in Las Vegas


Free in Las Vegas - Volcano at the Mirage


First opened in 1989 the Volcano at Mirage is a site to see. The attraction includes water, lighting and sound effect to heighten the experience. If you stand directly in front of the Mirage you feel the heat from the fire burst. The eruption schedule begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues on the hour until the last show at 11:00 p.m.
And its Free in Las Vegas

Free in Las Vegas - Lion Habitat at MGM Grand

From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the MGM Grand Hotel displays lions for public viewing. The habitat is in the casino area and allows a very close look at the lions. There are usually several on display and they are accompanied by caretakers. The lions do not live at the MGM. They are brought in daily from a facility just outside of Las Vegas. The MGM displays many different lions so that the same lions are not displayed every day. Not too long ago long ago one of the lions went back to nature and bite a caretaker. The Caretaker is okay. However, MGM did not make the a regular part of the display.

Lions at the MGM and it is Free in Las Vegas

Free in Las Vegas - The Sirens of TI

Out side the Treasure Island hotel is a Vegas favorite, The Sirens of TI. We're not talking about emergency vehicle sirens. We're talking about the beckoning call of beautiful women. The show times are in the evening 7:00, 8:30 and 10:00 p..m. In the winter months there is a 5:30 show and in the summer months there is a 11:30 show.

This is a swash buckling adventure where Boy chases Girl on 17Th century sailing ships. They have songs, dancing romance and explosions. What more could you ask for and its Free in Las Vegas



Free in Las Vegas - Fremont Street Experience


One of my favorite places in Vegas is Fremont Street. This is the downtown area of Vegas. The actual street has been closed and made into a pedestrian mall. The center piece of Fremont Street is the over head canopy. After the sun goes down the light shows begin. The Canopy is over 500 yards long. It has 12.5 million LED modules with a 550,000 watt concert quality sound system. It is awesome. There are two or three stages where there is regularly scheduled entertainment.

People watching is also in Vogue. Elvis, Batman, and Spiderman are regular attendees. For a fee, they will snuggle up with you for a picture. There are others in costume roaming around the street. I particularly like the show girls.
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Also a part of the Fremont Street Experience is the Neon Museum. Las Vegas has scattered around town some of the iconic neon signs from its past. Las Vegas has set these signs up for all to remember. Fremont Street has a population of These signs.

The street is populated by vendor carts where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs and such. There are huge dedicated souvenirs stores. And of course there are numerous Casino hotels. I think the best of the bunch is the Golden Nugget. Binnion's is also a very famous casino on the street. Binnion's gave birth to the World Series of Poker. One of oldest continually operating Casinos in Las Vegas is located on Fremont Street. It is a little east of the Canopy by a couple of blocks. The El Cortez hotel was once owned by the famous reported mobster Bugsy Segal. If I remember my history correctly Bugsy sold the hotel in the late '50s.

The best part about all of this is that it is free to experience.

Bellagio Conservatory

Located just beyond the the check in counter in a spacious atrium. The Bellagio employs over 140 people to follow the changing seasons. You can visit the Conservatory over and over with a new experience each time. The atrium is open 24 hours a day seven days a week.



This living breathing work of art and its Free in Las Vegas

Friday, February 4, 2011

Free in Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame Museum


This Museum is free to enter. It is run by a not for profit organization. The vintage pinball machines are playable. The machine are from the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s. Most require the deposit of a quarter. The funds generated by game play are donated to the Salvation Army. The museum is located at 1610 E Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 434-9746

The hours of operation are from 11 am to 11 pm, except Saturday and Sunday when they stay open until 12 pm. The web site address is http://www.pinballmuseum.org./

Free Things to do off the Strip in Vegas

I want to develop a list of free things to do off the strip. I need your ideas on this. The world's largest gold nugget is available for viewing free of charge. You could have your picture taken with one million dollars cash. You could visit the Pawn Stars shop. I want your ideas. Use the comment function. Thanks for your help