The Las Vegas Adventurer

8 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Miracle Mile Shops- Planet Hollywood
2. Take 1 Nightclub
3. The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino
4. Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino
5. Caesars Palace
6. Palms Casino Resort
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7. MGM Grand
8. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
   Now owned by the Morgans Hotel Group, the Hard Rock today is less grunge

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What to do, what to do over the 4th of July (2009) weekend?  Should you watch Vegas magician Steve Wyrick risk his life performing the “Death Drop?” catch Hoobastank at the El Cortez Hotel?  check into one of the top hotels to take advantage of those megapools? or just sit back and catch one of the many fireworks displays?  Your choice.

DAREDEVIL Magician Steve Wyrick And Club Tattoo Co-Owner Chester Bennington Attempt “Death Drop” Escape

Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.

Steve Wyrick, Daredevil Magician

Club Tatoo

Miracle Mile Shops’ southern Las Vegas Boulevard entrance (by Hawaiian Tropic Zone)

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

3663 Las Vegas Blvd., South map it

Rock the Block with Hoobastank

July 4 at 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Presented by the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, Miller Lite, Mix 94.1 and X107.5

Fremont East Entertainment District (map it)

Tickets ($15 in advance and $20 day of the event at the door)

The El Cortez offers free parking with over 1,200 spaces in its garage and valet.

About the El Cortez Hotel & Casino

600 East Fremont Street

Lebron James hosts a party at Tao Beach

Friday, July 3^rd

^{Tao Beach}

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino

3377 Las Vegas Blvd. South map it

Doors open at 10 am. Cover charges are as follows: Men $30, Ladies Free

702.388.8588

Lebron James Host revelers at LAVO

Saturday, July 4^th

Lavo Restaurant and Nightclub

The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South map it

Doors open at 10 pm.  Cover: Men $30, Women $20

702.791.1818

Hardnox performs at Pure

July 4th

Caesars Palace

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. map it

Party with DJ Reflex and Warren G. on July 3rd

$40 includes front-of-the-line admission for the females; $60 for males

702.731.PURE (7873)

Jay-Z at the Pearl with special guest Ciara

Friday July 3^rd and Saturday July 4^th at 8 p.m.

The Pearl at the Palms

4321 W Flamingo Rd map it

from $129

702-942-7777

David Copperfield at the Hollywood Theatre

June 29, 2009- July 5, 2009

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South map it

7:30 p.m., 10 p.m. with 4:30 p.m. matinee shows on Saturdays.

$99.25

1-877-880-0880

Stone Temple Pilots at the New Joint

Thursday, July 2^nd at 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Hotel

4455 Paradise Road map it

702-693-5000

from $45

Jamie Foxx’ Intuition Tour at the New Joint

Friday, July 3^rd and Saturday, July 4^th at 9 p.m.

Hard Rock Hotel

4455 Paradise Road

702-693-5000

from $49.50

Vegas’ dirty little secret is that during its “family friendly” heyday, about 10 percent of visitors were under 21 (no stats are broken down for those under age 21).  Now that it has reverted to its Sin City image about 10 percent of its visitors are under the age of 21, although the recession did show a drop in underage visitors for 2008.  The fact is that Vegas casinos never solicited families, but were responding to guests desire for something to do for families that wanted to travel with their kids.  Vegas is also full of young families, many of whom came to the town as singles, found work and got married – just like people in other cities.  Hmmm…

Kids are neither safe nor welcome to wander around casinos unsupervised (and never allowed on the casino floor).  Many of the larger resorts are as big as a town and if you wouldn’t send their kids out to the streets of New York or Boston to explore on their own, then you shouldn’t let them run loose in a casino.  But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t great things for kids to do while here.  Kids actually like many of the same things grownups like – at least mine do.  They love great food, great swimming pools, games and entertaining shows.  Vegas is most fun for families with teens, as the large scale and noise of many casinos tires littler ones quickly.  Teens love the thrill rides and arcades up and down the Strip.

Stratosphere has three of the world’s highest rides located 100 stories above the ground: Xscream (which teeters riders over the edge of the tower 900 feet above the ground), the Big Shot - a thrill ride that shoots fun-lovers 50 meters into the air at a force of 4G’s before letting them free-fall back to the launching pad - and Insanity, an appropriately named, dizzying spinning ride that dangles passengers over the edge of the tower before whirling them around at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

America’s largest indoor theme park, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, offers 21 rides and attractions.

Speed - The Ride at the Sahara takes passengers around a roller coaster loop and up a 224-foot climb at speeds topping 70 mph and then retraces the same path…in reverse.

The Roller Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino is an exciting roller coaster with twists, loops and dives around the resort. It features the first-ever heart line roll, which provides a sensation similar to that felt by a pilot during a barrel roll in an airplane.

The Desperado, one of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters, is located near the California/Nevada border just 30 minutes from Las Vegas at Buffalo Bill’s in Primm, Nevada. The ride begins with an initial lift height of 209 feet and a breathtaking 225-foot drop.

Dinner in the Sky puts 22 people plus five staff in “sky car” platform 180 feet above the Las Vegas Strip where they dine on fillet mignon or chicken.

Pole Position Raceway offers guests 48-inches and above (who can a able to safely operate an indoor kart) the chance to drive (or ride in) a full-size, 600 HP race car for six laps around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at top speeds of 145 mph.

Vegas Indoor Skydiving gives the feeling of sky diving without jumping out of a plane.

Bootleg Canyon Flightlines let guests “fly” 1000 feet above Bootleg Canyon.

Dive with Sharks through the Shark Reef Aquarium.  Dive-certified hotel guests of Mandalay Bay and THEhotel who are 18-years and older can dive side-by-side with dive guides and more than 30 sharks, including sandtiger, white tip and sandbar sharks, in a 1.3-million-gallon exhibit.

Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along With Transportation And Tour invites those at least 16 years old (14 years for some tracks) to drive or ride along with race cars.  To participate in the Driving and Ride-Along Experiences you must have the ability 1) to climb through a 15″ high by 30″ wide window that sits 36″ from the ground 2) wear a driving suit: sizes S - 3X.

Photo courtesy of MGM Mirage.

It is hard being a teen in Vegas.  Many activities that are open to teens elsewhere are restricted here because of the gambling.   And video arcades get expensive.  That’s why people who bring in all ages concerts are a real boon to the community.  These concerts were announced in Smashmouth Magazine, a free street and online magazine devoted to all things musical in the Las Vegas, St. George and San Diego area.  Check them out.

Image courtesy of Goya Photography

  Vegas loves any reason to party, and the 4th is one of the best.  Fireworks will pop up all over the valley at parks, entertainment hot spots and any other place where one can safely light a fire.  But the sparkly lights are only one reason to watch the sky on (or close to) the Strip.  After all, what we are really celebrating is our country and our community, so gather with fellow citizens and toast our democracy.

On The Strip

Watch the fireworks at TAO Beach at the Venetian (Doors open at 8:30 pm.  Cover charges are as follows: Men $40, Ladies $20); or check out the fireworks from Lavo Terrace at the Palazzo (Special dinner seating and menu.  For dinner reservations at LAVO call 702.791.1800).  The Beach at Mandalay Bay features reggae band Mystic Roots right after the fireworks ($20; tickets are available through the Mandalay box office at (877) 632-7000 or through Ticketmaster.)

Off The Strip

The Fremont Street Experience will offer animated images of fireworks via the Viva Vision canopy. The overhead canopy will also premier "Don McLean’s American Pie" electronic show on the Viva Vision canopy, Janis Joplin’s Original Band Big Brother & The Holding Company on Friday, July 3 and The Grass Roots on Saturday, July 4. Admission is free.

VooDoo Lounge lets party goers step outside on 51st floor patio to watch the Strip light up.  The $100 open bar package includes front-of-the-line admission to the club – just arrive before midnight.

Image courtesy of sxc.hu 

11 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, NV
2. Palace Station Hotel and Casino
3. Palms Casino Resort
4. Suncoast Hotel and Casino
5. Sam's Town Resort
   As with many Las Vegas lodgings, discount packages often can be found by
6. Aliante Station Hotel and Casino
7. Green Valley Resort Spa Casino
8. Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, NV
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9. King Tut's Pub and Poker
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10. Goodsprings, Nevada
11. Jerry's Nugget Casino
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Bands to Follow Anywhere We all know that The Killers have been and always will be a local Vegas band, but you may not know that some of the hottest music in town is played at small clubs throughout the valley.  Many draw celebrities and Strip entertainers who want to sit in and make something special happen after hours. The trick is to find them. Most of these bands don’t start playing until 10 p.m. or later, so catch a quick nap so you can rock all night. Best of all, most of these venues are free or little more than pocket change. (Please check schedules before heading out to see if your favorite band is still there, as they change quickly.)

Lon Bronson and the All Star Band A Vegas essential. “Industrial strength rock, soul and funk.” Every Thursday: Ovation, Green Valley Ranch from 9pm-11pm (no cover, doors open at 8 p.m.) map it

Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns Another wild, rippin’ rock and soul band. Every Saturday night at Palace Station at midnight; map it Monday nights at the Palms starting at 10:30 p.m. map it

Clint Holmes Always entertaining in the classic Vegas sense backed by an awesome band. August 28-30th; October 23-25th; December 25-27th The Suncoast Hotel and Casino map it

Phoenix Stellar musicians. Fridays and Saturdays at Roxy’s Lounge at Sam’s Town at 10:30 p.m. (no cover; 2 drink minimum) map it

Mosaic Precision a cappella. No gig presently.  Do you have a place?

Yellow Brick Road A tribute band with an edge. Fridays at Access Showroom at Aliante at 10 p.m. (no cover) map it Wednesdays at Green Valley Ranch’s Ovation at (no cover, doors open at 8 p.m.)

Darby O’Gill and the Little People Humorous Irish rock. Fridays and Saturdays at Quinn’s Irish Pub at Green Valley Ranch at 10 p.m. (no cover)

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Raucous, rousing blues. No Vegas concert scheduled.  Book ‘em, Danno.

Scott Rhiner and the Moanin’ Blacksnakes Smokin’, moanin’, finger-burnin’ blues.

Regularly at the Sand Dollar Blues Lounge (SE Corner of Spring Mtn. & Polaris);  map it

King Tut’s (6138 West Charleston; NW Corner of Jones & Charleston) map it and

Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV (go down the 15 to Jean and take a right (app. 8 miles) map it

Latin Explosion, with Claudine Castro Latin pop, salsa and Regional Mexican Every Saturday, Royal Street Theater at Jerry’s Nugget Casino at 10:30 p.m. ($10 with 2 drink minimum) map it

Image courtesy of Goya Photography

1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. 755 E Flamingo Rd

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Vegas and secrets seem to go together, as our famous and controversial tagline implies.  Nevada has a long history with secret government projects as well, many of which are still “black.”  (Think Area 51.) But atomic testing is no longer one of them.  During the height of the cold war, the Nevada Test Site exploded over 1000 atomic bombs.  Vegas residents were encouraged to get out a blanket, don a pair of sun glasses and sit on the roof with their kids to watch the display 65-miles away.  The downtown hotels offered tour packages that coincided with scheduled tests and conducted beauty pageants where showgirls competed to become Miss Atomic Bomb.  Vegas’ mid-century modern architecture became known as the Atomic Style.

The Atomic Testing Museum, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the American Association of Museums, provides a brief overview of the culture surrounding atomic testing, but concentrates on the science and the people who were at the heart of the atomic industry. Interviews from those involved intermix with photographs, displays and movies to further understanding of what the test site represented and what it accomplished.

The museum is extremely comprehensive with multiple rooms that illustrate various aspects of the test site including non-weapons discoveries and an indigenous people’s room that talked about what had been at the test site before it was blown to bits. Other rooms include a gallery exploring atmospheric testing, a Grain Silo Theatre and a Today and Tomorrow Gallery.  The highlight, however, has to be the Ground Zero Theatre which gives you an “I was there,” experience of sitting on your roof watching the blast.  It is close enough to let you imagine the heat and awe of the time.

The best part of the museum, however, might be your fellow guests. If you listen closely and aren’t shy, you might strike up a conversation with someone directly involved in the industry. Science nerds seem prolific inside and since the site opened in the 1950s, many participants through the years are still around, apparently coming to the museum to fill out their memories and share their stories with friends.

The museum is also beefing up their contextual shows and exhibits.  Our own Congresswoman Dina Titus — who as a UNLV professor first came to fame as the author of “Bombs in the Backyard” — will moderate “After the Bomb: A Multi-Generational Panel Discussion” that will include relatives of Japanese survivors of the atomic bomb.  The forum, held in remembrance of the 64^th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, will discuss the ways in which the passage of time and other factors impact perceptions of historical events.

“After the Bomb: A Multi-Generational Panel Discussion”

Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 6pm – 8pm

Cost of panel discussions is $5 for the general public and FREE for museum members.

“Journey Through Japan” is presented in collaboration with the Japanese American Society, “Journey Through Japan” is a family-centered activity created to celebrate Japanese culture and increase historical awareness of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII. Children will receive a “Journey Through Japan” passport that will include a passport photo of the child in traditional Japanese dress. Participants will also enjoy activities such as; story time of “Sadako and the 1000 paper Cranes”, origami demonstration, sushi rolling, anime presentation, traditional Japanese dance performance and a Japanese Martial Arts demonstration.

Family Fun Day: Journey Through Japan

Saturday, August 8^th from 9am-3pm

The event is $5 per person which includes event activities and entrance into the museum. Museum members are FREE.

The Department of Energy conducts monthly tours by reservation, only, to the Test Site.  All 2009 tours are full, but reservations are being taken for 2010.  The tours are limited and begin from the Atomic Testing Museum.  Groups of 10 may request a tour.

Atomic Testing Museum
755 E. Flamingo Road (map it)
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-794-5147

Atomic Testing Museum is open 7 days a week,  Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p. m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., last tickets are sold at 4:30 p.m. to allow time to tour the Museum.  Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for Seniors, Military w/ ID, and Students w/ ID.  $9 for Youths 7-17. Children under 7 are FREE.

Image courtesy of Atomic Testing Museum.

1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Boulder City, NV

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The Las Vegas Adventurer stumbled upon Las Vegas writer Steve Friess’ May article on Boulder City in the New York Times.   In it, Friess hits most of the highlights of our favorite city by a dam site.  He mentions the big horn sheep that wander down to Hemenway Park (most have been relocated, now) a quick trip to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, local resident Desi Arnez, Jr., and some of local shopping and eating establishments.  We also love to sit with our dog and friends at Milo’s for a cool glass of wine and a hot conversation, or indulge in a chicken burrito at Toto’s (best homemade salsa in the valley) or wander through the numerous antique and arts festivals.  We also think Boulder City (map it) has become the area’s outdoor Mecca with most air tours departing from our airport, Bootleg Canyon attracting world-class mountain bikers, Lake Mead offering up some of the best striper fishing and aquatic sports in the state and the River Mountain Loop Trail coming right through our own back yard.

1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, A Sheraton Resort

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The partying may be calming down on the streets of LA after the Lakers’ win, but basketball fans can still indulge at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Vegas.  The Hoop Hall Experience (HHX) at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and the Hall of Fame tell the story of basketball from its literal peach-basket beginning to the high-tech multimedia experience that we all know and love today.  The exhibit is over 17,000 square feet of fun with interactive displays, paraphernalia from basketball legends like Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey when he scored 100 points and a piece of the floor where Michael Jordan took his final shot as well as video of the sport’s top players, games and coaches.

The Experience features six areas:

1. Bounce: a pulsing beat surrounds guests as they enter a series of themed environments. A two-minute show called “Bounce” features funky, infectious hip-hop music combined with quick-cut video centering around the game’s icon, the basketball.

1. Timeline: this voyage of discovery takes fans through the history of basketball. An engaging arrangement of graphics, text, large cutouts, electronic media, photos and artifacts fill the space and show the evolution of basketball.

1. Pep Talks: multimedia projection displays use actual sound bytes and dramatized readings to deliver real messages from famous coaches such as John Wooden, Bill Sharman and Lenny Wilkens.

1. Greatest Moments Theater: significant artifacts from the Basketball Hall of Fame including the most important pieces with momentous stories to tell. This zone includes a display of every inductee into the Hall of Fame.

1. Big Shots: a large format film, “Big Shots” is a narrated, multimedia journey of the game’s greatest hits and the most spectacular moments in basketball history. Guests waiting to get in the zone may try interactive games or capture themselves on DVD announcing the play-by-play for famous games in a highly interactive video announcer booth.

1. Circle of Steel: this exciting themed retail space holds great deals on basketball-related merchandise and includes favorite Hall of Fame collectibles guest can find only in the Hall of Fame and HHX.

Basketball Hall of Fame’s Hoop Hall Experience

Planet Hollywood (map it)

3667 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with last admission at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $24.50 (adults), $22.50 (seniors 65 and older and military), $21.50 (Nevada residents), $17.50 (children 4-12). Special group rates are available.

In perhaps the best promotion in Vegas, meat loving dads will enjoy free meals at Pampas Brazilian Grille through June 30, 2009.  The complimentary gift certificate can be obtained by emailing or calling the restaurant before making reservations.  Brazilian food is characterized by generous portions of meat.  The Grille features noble sirloin, Brazilian sausage, grilled vegetables, turkey and chicken along with rice, cheese bread, black bean stew and fried bananas. 

Pampas Brazilian Grille

Miracle Mile Shops 

3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, suite 610 (map it)

call 702-737-4748 or e-mail saleslv@pampasusa.com for the dining certificate

Dad’s deserve a little love once a year for their special father’s touch.  Over my lifetime, I’ve seen a huge shift in how much time fathers spend with their kids, but some things never change.  Dad’s are still the tough ones and the ones that turn boys into men and girls into women who love men.  My father was one who didn’t think the world was always gentle and he felt it his duty to help make us tough enough to survive even life’s most difficult times. He wouldn’t have been surprised by this recession and he probably would be one of the survivors.   Dads are the ones who prepare us for the real reality show. So, Dad deserves a special day each year and I am sorry mine is not here to let me show him how much I appreciated him.  Here are some special treats geared toward your own dad.

Hash House A Go Go Father’s Day Specials include pork tenderloin hash with crispy potatoes; spicy hot jalapeno bacon sandwich; crispy pork tenderloin quesadillas; and gourmet hot dogs as well as a Felix’s “Front of the TV Meal” that includes a 14-ounce cut of house-roasted Certified Angus Beef prime rib.

Hash House A Go Go
6800 W. Sahara Ave.

$8.25 to $20.95

Limited reservation times will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. All other times will be first come, first served. The restaurant will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For reservations or inquiries, please call (702) 804-4646.

Jerry’s Nugget restaurants are laying out the red carpet for dads.  Uncle Angelo’s Pizza Joint is whipping up Pesto Burgers for Dad, using a quarter pound burger that can be grilled-to-order and topped with pesto aioli, roma tomatoes, romaine lettuce and fresh mozzarella ($8);  BBQ Rib Eye comes with creamy bacon potato salad ($15); Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop is ladled with Alfredo sauce and served with garlic buttered green beans ($14); and Tuscan Chicken is laid over a bed of fettuccine in garlic oil and tossed with a grilled medley of zucchini, squash, mushrooms, roasted peppers, Anaheim chilies and corn ($12). Satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth with cannoli cake, tiramisu or carmel flan.

Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop  offers Shellfish Scampi with shrimp, scallops and calamari sautéed in white wine, butter and olive oil ($11.49); Twin Canadian Lobster Tails served in clarified butter, with a side of sweet potatoes and a squash medley ($21.99); Pappas Porterhouse made up of a 24-ounce porterhouse steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and served with sweet potatoes and a medley of squash ($28.49); Greek Combo Plate filled with spanakopita, dolmathes, feta cheese and kalamata olives and served with a side of Greek rice ($13.85); and filet mignon broiled to perfection, topped with sautéed mushrooms and green beans and served with sweet potatoes and a medley of squash ($14.99). All entrees are served with asparagus soup or house salad.

Decadent Desert

For those cooking at home, pick up a Chocolate Tuxedo Cake, ($19.95) chocolate cake filled with  chocolate fudge filling and covered with bittersweet chocolate ganache, serving up to 25 guests. Cake orders require at least 48 hours notice and are available now at Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop or Uncle Angelo’s Bakery.

Great Gaming

Any player at Jerry’s table games who earns 200 points on Saturday, June 20 will qualify to receive a Father’s Day gift. Players earning the required points will have a choice of a keepsake money clip or a signature Jerry’s Nugget t-shirt and can pick up their gift on Father’s Day, June 21. Also on Sunday, June 21, video poker players have a chance to receive a “spades jackpot” on all quarter and dollar machines. Winners receive a bonus payout on:
$500 bonus on a Royal Flush in all spades or $25 bonus on a Straight Flush in all spades (restrictions apply).  Check the website for other promotions.

Jerry’s Nugget

1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North (map it)

North Las Vegas, NV 89030

General Information: 702-399-3000
Toll Free: 1-866-399-3005

Dads Swim Free when accompanied by his kids on Sunday, June 21, noon to 6 p.m.

 
Carlos L. Martinez & Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Freedom Park

889 N. Pecos Road (map it)

702-229-1755

 

Municipal Pool

431 E. Bonanza Road (map it)

702-229-6309

100 National Parks offer Free Weekends 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and 145 other national parks that charge fees will be waiving the fee on selected weekends throughout the summer, including Father’s Day weekend.  Park partners including tour operators, hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and other vendors will offer additional discounts and special promotions on those dates. The entrance fees being waived at the 147 sites that usually charge for admission range from $3 to $25. The 244 other parks do not charge entrance fees. The waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions.

• June 20-21, 2009 (Father’s Day weekend)
• July 18-19, 2009
• August 15-16, 2009

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Chef Kim Canteenwalla invites dads to choose from his creative American dishes at Society Café Encore. The special menu also includes “Donuts for the Table” with Society’s house-made donuts with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces and a special “Strawberries & Angel Food Cake” dessert.

Society Cafe

Encore

3121 Las Vegas Boulevard South (map it)

$40 per person including choice of appetizer

Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (702) 248-DINE (3463) or (888) 352-DINE (3463).