Las Vegas , Nevada

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Vegas museums aren't all day affairs, but little gems that delight in showing a specific cultural phenomonon.  They are a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Vegas and show your kids a little culture.

The Neon museum rescues discarded neon signs, most of which rest at the "Boneyard," a vacant lot filled with fantastic lighted signs that await the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to restore them.  Repaired signs are scattered throughout downtown Las Vegas and lit nightly.

The museum sits along the Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byway.  Three newly refurbished neon signs are scheduled to be added to the median in late 2009.  www.neonmuseum.org.

Spa experts say getting rid of toxins can help alleviate aches and pains, and I can attest to the validity of that concept.  After indulging in my heat wrap that smelled deliciously of cocoa, my joints seemed to move better as well as offer less pain.  Many believe that detoxification wraps should be done at the change of each season to prepare your body for the coming changes.  With the winter solstice approaching, what better excuse does one need?

The seven events attract 175,000 visitors over 10 nights.  120 bullriders, calf ropers, bronco busters and steer wranglers compete for $5.625 million in prize money.  Make no mistake, however.  This is one of the most dangerous sports.  In 2007 the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund helped injured cowboys and their families to a tune of $4.6 million. (100 percent of contributions goes to eligible applicants.)

Tickets sell out months in advance, but each year unused tickets are available for resale at the ticket booth at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (and at exorbitant rates through scalpers).  While you are there, browse the hundreds of booths selling cowboy regalia at a premium.  Those in the know head over to Boot City, where cowboy equipment, clothing and stuff is sold year round.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Holiday Concert

Genre: Swing

Venue: Ovation

Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, at 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $34.95, $44.95 and $54.95 plus tax and applicable fees

All ages welcome- Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 

Ovation at Green Valley Ranch (21 and up) at Steel Panther from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 80's glam metal parity band, hair band Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, great fun and rauncy humor.  Free.  Ages 21 and up.

The Chrome Room, Sante Fe Station features Purple Reighn, a Prince Tribute band, every Saturday night.  Doors open at 10:30 p.m. (ages 21 and up) with $5 cover charge.

Yellow Brick Road, a great tribute band that harnesses the sounds of Robert Plant, Jimmy Hendrix and other classic rock stars from the golden age of rock play each Saturday at Access Showroom inside the new Aliante Station.  Doors open at 10 p.m.  Free for Boarding Pass members, $5 for all others (ages 21 and up).

Sunset Station's Club Madrid features ENVY, a contemporary hits and hip hop cover band, each Saturday at 11 p.m..  Free.  Ages 21 and up.

I wnet to L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, while waiting to attendd a performance of Ka (a Cirque du Soleil performance).

Since I had about an hour to spare before meeting a friend to see the performance, and because I was looking for a quiet place to have a drink – away from the craziness, noise, and frenetic energy of the casino – and so I chose L’ Atelier du Joel Robuchon.

Walking to the door, I advised the maitre d’ that I wanted a quiet place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.  He escorted me through the main dining area, which consists of a large open kitchen in the center of the room surrounded by a counter where diners are seated, to a small bar at the back of the restaurant.  It was a perfect location, away from the frenetic energy of the food preparation and the noise of gregarious diners.  And I appreciated that I wasn’t stuck in some corner where I’d be ignored, as so often can happen with a woman dining (or drinking).

With the help of the wine steward I selected a nice glass of red wine, full-bodied enough to stand on its own and not needing a food pairing to bring out its best flavor.  The wine steward was helpful, inquiring about my taste preferences, and made two suggestions, allowing me to choose.

When served, the wine was opened in front of me, a nice touch that guaranteed me that the wine was fresh.  It was delicious, and I could settle back and enjoy some relaxation time before meeting up with friends.  The service was excellent, with my waiter checking back to see if I needed anything more without hovering or making me feel uncomfortable for just want to enjoy a good glass of red.  Bread and crackers were offered, although I declined.

I did have a chance to browse through the dinner menu, and it contained some delicious sounding items, including small tasting-sized portions and a complete multi-course tasting menu.  I spent a little extra time looking at the dessert menu (my favorite course), and was nearly tempted by La Framboise (fresh raspberry surprise inside white chocolate sphere, yuzu ice cream).

This is not a restaurant for the budget conscious.  A glass of good wine is going to run you around $25, and from a quick look at the menu, I’d guess that a nice meal and a cocktail is going to run you around $100+ per person.  Wine will increase that tab substantially.  Of course, since Joel Robuchon was named “Chef of the Century” that price may be a fair one.  People who’ve eaten there rave about it!

The stop off was exactly what I wanted, a half hour of quiet time, away from the crowds of people, before continuing on with an evening full of plans.

Would I go back?  Absolutely!  And I’m looking to try the tasting menu next time.

L’ Atelier is open for dinner only, Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday 5 –11:30 pm.

Photo credit: Personal collection

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Bing, bing, bing. . . the bells, whistles, and bumpers of pinballs fill the air at the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, while on display is the world’s largest pinball collection.

Established as a non-for-profit corporation, the museum showcases games from the 60’s to the present. It’s pure pinball, so deposit your coin and see if you can play well enough to rack up those additional games. The museum is family-friendly (no violent games allowed), and prices for the games are 25 cents for the classic games and 50 cents for the post-1990 games.

The Hall of Fame has 4,500 square feet of wall to wall pinball machines that, unlike many slot machines, will have cheering and laughing. Here you can have fun — whether you win or lose.

In fact, there is no focus on making a profit here. No high brow decorations, uniforms, marketing plan, or art to convince you to spend even more and more money. No comped dinners or drinks. Most everything you’ll see is recycled from some where else. Here, it’s all about the game. Playing pinball. All profits from the Pinball Hall of Fame go to support the Las Vegas Branch of the Salvation Army. It’s not a big money maker — and it’s not designed to be — but their website shows the checks issued every month.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is located at 3330 East Tropicana (northwest corner of Tropicana and Pecos), about three miles away from the strip. That’s about a $20+ cab ride, or take the bus from the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard & Tropicana. The bus drops you off right in front of the Pinball Hall of Fame, takes about 20-30 minutes, and costs only $1.25 each way.

Hours are 11 am - 11 pm, Sunday - Thursday, and 11 am - Midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Games are 25 and 50 cents. Restored pinball machines are available for purchase. The trip down memory lane is FREE.

Photo credit: flickr

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