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Pawn Stars in Las Vegas?

Posted on February 24, 2010 by scottyvegas

Now in its second season Pawn Stars is The History Channels reality based show that marries the Antiques Roadshow, with history of antiques and their values, and Orange County Choppers, macho personalities and a doofus (sorry Chumlee) for comic relief.

The format of the show is simple, people bring in various items to sell or pawn. Experts are usually brought in to inspect the item for authenticity, give a history lesson, and place a value on it. Once that’s done the shop employee haggles with the sometimes quirky seller over price. Much like OCC the personalities of the shop employees are interwoven into secondary plots collectively making for a fairly interesting and entertaining show.

The Pawn shop is an actual business that’s been in operation for the last 26 years called Gold and Silver Pawnshop. It’s located right on North Las Vegas Boulevard, about five blocks south the Fremont Experience on the East side of the street.

Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
713 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101 – (702) 385-7912

During our January 7 -12 trip I decided to check it out. It was around 10am that Friday morning when I talked my wife into going. I thought there would be a good chance that they might be filming since it was right after the holidays, their second season just started, and it was a weekday. Sure enough as we walked in there was a doorman you said “we are filming, feel free to look around but do not look at the camera”. So we looked around and slowly migrated in-line with the camera view. Some guy was selling/pawning a painting or something. It was hard to tell as I was trying to get on camera without looking directly in that direction. I was just getting my pose on when they stopped to take a break. We saw all the regular show “characters” except Corey. These guys are just everyday people with a sweet gig, which I believe adds to the appeal of this show.

So if you are looking for a free diversion from gambling or have something to pawn or sell, stop by and check it out. Oh and don’t forget to mention ScottyVegas.com for a special surprise.

By the way, in the Detroit area Pawn Stars airs on Monday nights at 10:00pm EST on the History Channel. Check your local listings for channel and time in your area.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Trip Planning, Trip Report | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

Flamingo $20 Dollar Trick Upgrade Gone Wrong?

Posted on January 27, 2010 by scottyvegas


The Flamingo

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas

My buddy, let’s call him Paws, just got back from Vegas. Inspired by my post: Free Room Upgrade? Let me introduce you to “The $20 Trick” he decided to give the trick a try since he was going to be in town for four nights in a standard room.

Paws approached the Flamingo reservation desk and presented the twenty bucks sandwich style and inquired about an upgrade. The reservation host took the twenty, set it aside, and said she could accommodate his request. Everything went smooth.

As Paws approached his now “suite” upgrade he noticed a larger than normal door. He entered and was immediately hit with a strong cigarette smoke smell. He then noticed the large oversized bathroom door. Well needless to say it didn’t take long for Paws to realize he was in an OLD special needs accessibility suite. But now tired and hungry from the flight, he put down his luggage and headed for some food and drinks.

Several hours later Paws returns, now exhausted and buzzed, heads for bed. When he pulled back the covers he had the strange feeling that the linens on the bed weren’t changed from the previous occupier. But given his current condition Paws got in anyway. After laying there for a few minutes trying to get comfortable he felt something change. Paws reached down by his feet and extracted a dirty sock that wasn’t his! He immediately threw it across the room and promptly fell asleep, ahhhhh…….the miracle of alcohol

Besides the sock there was a host of other issues, mainly due to the fact that the room hasn’t been updated in decades. Regardless, the next morning Paws went down to complain and was quickly moved to another cruddy standard non-refurbished Flamingo room.

Lessons learned / Tip: Don’t stay at Flamingo and be aware the “Trick” may not always work in your favor.

FYI – The other sock was never found. (Not to imply that Paws was looking for it)

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Tips, Trip Planning, Warning | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

What would you NEVER do again in Las Vegas?

Posted on December 19, 2009 by scottyvegas


Las Vegas Strip

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Oh what a great question this is. I frequently peruse and participate in forum discussions at Trip Advisor. Someone posted this question and as you could imagine it received an overwhelming response with over 120 replies. I found the replies both entertaining and informative. They kind of answer many questions people ask or wonder about when planning a Vegas trip. The replies have confirmed mental notes I have made to myself, “NEVER eat at the Riviera Hotel Casino buffet again!” and so on…….

Since I enjoyed them so much I thought you might enjoy them as well so I went through them all and plucked out my favorite, cleaned them up and made a few comments. Regardless of how many times you’ve been to Vegas you should be able to take something away from these.

Tip – Trip Advisor is a great site for hotel reviews and everything else trip related regardless of where you’re headed. I use it to get hotel price ranges, see honest photos taken by reviewers, and to review area attractions. I highly recommend it, check it out.

 

Forum Replies:

NEVER go to Circus Circus or Slots a Funk (Fun) again!

I would NEVER do so much shopping without working out how to get my purchases home first – or leave shipping everything until the last day!

I’ll NEVER spend New years Eve in Vegas again

I will NEVER leave Vegas before 6:30am – You don’t know how bad this is until you’ve done it, avoid if at all possible

I will NEVER eat at the IP (Imperial Palace) buffet again

I will probably NEVER go to Las Vegas with family (parents, sister, brother, niece, ect.) again. I find it very hard to have an intimate family time in Vegas.

I will NEVER go when money is so tight I have to watch every penny.

I will NEVER take a red eye flight to Vegas without having a room ready when we arrived.

I will NEVER take money from an ATM from my credit card. Fees are ridiculous.

I will NEVER visit Las Vegas for only one or two nights.

NEVER ever keep playing the same slot machine, because I was stupid to think it’s going to hit.

I will NEVER stay at a dump like the Riviera again to save money

I will NEVER book a red eye flight home when checking out of my hotel at 11 am that day – Having a rent a car is priceless in this situation

I will NEVER put more than $20 in a non-paying slot thinking that “it is bound to start hitting!”

I will NEVER stay Off Strip again. I am a Strip person, through and through.

We will NEVER see the Blue Man Group again – This one surprised me, but there were several postings, I guess it’s not for everyone

We will NEVER go with family & friends who only have a $20 budget (per day)! – I can’t even imagine!

NEVER get lured into Casino Royale with “free money” from their Zoltar fortune-telling machine. First you had to sign up for their casino card and then learned that you will be playing certain “special” slots machines with the credit to win a chance at a pot. It took forever to lose all our “free money”. We should have just walked away. – Been there, done that, live and learn

I will NEVER go to another timeshare presentation – that was 3 hours wasted out of 4 days of precious Vegas time.

I will NEVER walk from New York New York to the stratosphere because it didn’t look that far. – Distances are deceiving on the strip
and the sidewalks aren’t straight

I will NEVER ever go with none gamblers again they stand behind you and say why do you think this is fun? What is the attraction? As my other friend said they just “sucked all the fun out of gambling”. – Once again, I can’t imagine

I will NEVER remember that the Tropicana casino is not worth walking across the bridge to visit it.

I will NEVER gamble more than the amount I plan for each day. Never chase comps!

I will NEVER again go see the Show in the Sky at the Rio. – Don’t get me started…

I will NEVER go to Las Vegas and think I will get by on my winnings.

I will NEVER go over my personal drink limit while gambling. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I will NEVER book a flight somewhere else with an 8 hour layover in Vegas. Sounded fun at the time. I lost more on that layover than our regular vacation.

I will NEVER again stay in 5 hotels in 6 nights.

I will NEVER forget that I’m in Las Vegas on vacation, and given my limited time there, there are some things more important than saving $10 on something….

I will NEVER stay at a hotel with the idea that it’s just a place to sleep and clean up at. I discovered that a nice room DOES matter.

I will NEVER drink too much and spend the following day or two trying to recover- Vegas time is too precious – Amen

I will NEVER ever go with friends who bring their kid! – See Post: Children in Vegas

I’ll NEVER go to Bonanza (world’s largest gift shop) again

I will NEVER again worry about a strip view when I NEVER look out the window once after the day I arrive….I would prefer a better room that a better view.

I will NEVER again buy new shoes for a Vegas trip

I will NEVER stay at the same hotel for 6 years (MGM). Once I started checking out different hotels (off and on the strip) I was addicted. – I love trying new hotels

NEVER buy a wristband pass to a club from the street promoters even if they are legitimate, they will tell you anything to sell you the wristbands. – Never buy anything from a street vendor/person

I will NEVER again decide it is a great idea to do a round of golf midday when the temperature is 120.

I will NEVER again leave all my money in Vegas again!

Have your own “NEVER do again in Vegas” you would like to share? Well go ahead leave it in comments.

Filed under: Fun, Gaming!, reviews, Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Up, Up and Away! Stratosphere Las Vegas

Posted on November 20, 2009 by scottyvegas

X-Scream

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Have you ever been to the Stratosphere? You know, that tall needle like structure way north on the strip? Funny how most people I talk to say they’ve never been there. Yet the Stratosphere seems to always be in the background of every Las Vegas ad you see. The problem with the Stratosphere is that nothing is close to it and it takes effort to get there.

But if you’ve never been there before maybe you should consider it, why, you ask? Well if anything else it has several unique attractions that no other hotel in Vegas has. The first and most obvious is that it is the tallest building in Las Vegas and offers spectacular views of the whole city and the surrounding mountains. The amount of Air traffic in the Las Vegas air space is unreal. Blimps, helicopters, and planes are everywhere all day, every day. It’s a neat experience to be at level with a flying blimp or helicopter. If that isn’t enough in itself the top of the Stratosphere is home to three record breaking thrill rides.

  • X-Scream – Is like a giant teeter-totter 866 feet above ground and 27 feet over the edge!
  • Insanity – Will spin you at a 70 degree angle 64 feet over the edge at up to 3G’s!
  • Big Shot – Shoot’s you up 160 feet at 45 mph to a total height of 1081 feet above ground!

(I’ve been on X-Scream, The Roller Coaster (removed 12/2005), and Big Shot. Let me tell you the Big Shot is a trip.)

As you would imagine there is also a restaurant at the top of the tower that revolves 360 degrees. Though I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding food quality the view/experience gets thumbs up.

I’ve only been to the Stratosphere once back in 01/2005 and I really don’t remember too much about the casino floor but do recall having to go through a cheesy “mall” like area before getting to the elevators that takes you to the observation decks. The shops in the “mall” area were not very appealing, flee market type stuff. I also recall the whole place being kind of a dirty dump. But don’t let this stop you. If you’re feeling adventurous to experience Vegas a little different, consider visiting the Stratosphere because the rides and observations decks won’t disappoint!

Cost (as of 11/09):

TOWER TICKETS (Observation Deck)
Adult – $15.95
Child – $10.00
RIDE TICKETS
Big Shot -$13.00
xScream – $12.00
Insanity – $12.00
EXTREME VALUE PACKAGES
Tower Admission + All Rides $35.95 (Extreme All Day Unlimited Package)
Tower Admission + 3 Rides – $29.95
Tower Admission + 2 Rides – $25.95
Tower Admission +1 ride – $21.95

Interesting fact: Since its opening in 1996, five people have jumped to their deaths from the top of the tower.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Trip Planning | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

A King’s Ransom, Elvis Style!

Posted on October 30, 2009 by scottyvegas

 

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Elvis may have left Vegas in 1976 but it seems he has left his shit at the Ippy, the Imperial Palace that is. Yes you heard correctly the Imperial Palace is going to be the new temporary home of The King’s Ransom Museum billed as “a one-of-a-kind exhibit of priceless Elvis Presley artifacts and memorabilia”.

The museum will include such objects as Elvis’ 1977 Lincoln Continental, stage and film wardrobe, personal clothing items, jewelry, guns, badges and a variety of Elvis’ law enforcement objects, as well as personal artifacts from his Graceland home.

If this has you written all over it you better hurry and book your trip now because this exhibit is only scheduled to be at the Ippy until April 2010. The cost of admission is $10 per person.

Great history overview of Elvis and Vegas with timeline (Actually very interesting)

But wait there’s more!

Oh the excitement never ends when it comes to Elvis and Las Vegas. Beginning this December at the Aria Resort & Casino in the NEW CityCenter complex (Opening December 2009) Cirque du Soleil will present their latest production titled, you ready for this? ELVIS. Much like the Beatles LOVE show, ELVIS will pay tribute to Elvis’ life through music, dance, acrobatics, and some Cirque du Soleil technical magic.

Note – According to Cirque du Soleil website “The official name of the show will be announced later this year.”

Man, I really like Vegas. -Elvis Presley

 

Filed under: Fun, Trip Planning | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Vegas Deals by Text? Yes, You Heard Correctly

Posted on October 22, 2009 by scottyvegas

Cirque du SoleilOriginally uploaded by scottyvegas2

While perusing the web I happened to stumble upon this site which I thought you might find interesting. So here’s the deal, Vegas Deals by Text allows you to sign up to receive various offers, that you select, to your cell phone through text messaging or by email. From the looks of things it appears, my impression anyways, that this site is fairly new. Regardless, offers are available in the following categories:

  • Casino offers – rooms, drinks, dinning!
  • Discounted show tickets!
  • Special night club events and discounts!
  • Golf offers and more!

Sign up procedures for offers vary. Some you do directly on Vegas Deals by Text, others you need to text a message from your phone, while others direct you to another site which is usually the resort or show offering location itself.

Here are some examples of offers you can expect:


  • “2 for 1 drinks @ Harrahs Flamingo IP or Osheas Bars. Redeem txt @ TR or Players Club.”
  • “2 for 1 tickets to George Wallace or Vinnie Favorito. Redeem @ TR or Players Club Booth.”
  • “Rooms from $59 w/ Free 24 hr WiFi, 2 inner tube rentals, & $35 activity credit! Use code INB284 to book now 800-639-9398 or http://m.mgmgrand.com“
  • “OVERSEED IS COMPLETE! Book tee times online starting at $30 for play on or before Oct. 1st.”
  • “Show this text at Hooters Casino to receive free ticket to Todd Paul with purchase of drink. Must be at least 21.”

 So if you are planning a Vegas trip, why not sign up and save some money? I did, and will post in comments any offers I receive or take advantage of.

Good Luck!

 

Filed under: Fun, Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Have Money to Burn? Then Check Out These Suite Cribs

Posted on October 10, 2009 by scottyvegas

No, this isn’t about a new MTV or Travel channel show, though it could be. Have you ever Wondered what kind of room $40k can get you in Vegas? Have a need for a basketball half court or a couple of bowling lanes in your suite? How about a suite with 10,000 square feet!

Check out this fun and interesting article from The Las Vegas Sun:

 http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/17/las-vegas-hotel-suites-take-luxury-new-level/

Interesting to note that it looks like all the major Casino Resort players have “extreme” high end suite offerings except Steve Wynn’s, Wynn and Encore properties. Wonder Why? Maybe it’s the reason his properties are still maintaining while the others aren’t, just an observation.

Filed under: Fun | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Did You Know?

Posted on September 25, 2009 by scottyvegas

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

  • The three rides on top of the Stratosphere; Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream are the highest in the world
  • The Roller Coaster that once stood atop the Stratosphere tower was closed in December of 2005
  • The Stratosphere is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the U.S
  • Elvis made his first appearance in Las Vegas at the New Frontier Hotel in the spring of 1956.
  • May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley and Priscilla Anne Beaulieu are married in a private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel.
  • Dec 2-12, 1976 Elvis appears at the Hilton for a two-week engagement. It turns out to be his final Las Vegas appearance
  • 80% of all visitors are return visitors and average two trips per year
  • 44% of all visitors arrive by air while 43% arrive by auto
  • 89% of all visitors gamble with an average gambling budget of $500
  • Many of the first hotels on The Strip opened in the 1950’s such as The Desert Inn, The Sands, The Riviera, The Dunes, Hacienda, Tropicana, Royal Nevada,
    Moulin Rouge and The Stardust.
  • After the Hoover Dam was completed it took 6.5 years to completely fill Lake Mead
  • The average Las Vegas low temperature in January is 33 degrees Fahrenheit
  • The Luxor’s atrium could hold nine Boeing 747s stacked on top of each other.
  • A 3-ton section of the Berlin Wall, covered with original graffiti, can be seen in a men’s restroom at Main Street Station. It was bought from the German government for 17,500. http://www.urinal.net/main_st_sta/
  • The only casinos in Las Vegas that allow you to take photographs inside are Four Queens, Excalibur, and Harrah’s.
  • A 1910 law made it illegal to gamble in Las Vegas. In 1931, a gambling bill was approved that made gambling legal again.
  • The Dunes, demolished in 1993, was the first resort to feature topless showgirls in a show called Minsky’s Follies.
  • The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino opened in 1906, making it the first hotel and casino to open in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • The legal age to gamble in the state of Nevada is 21
  • Las Vegas is the 11th largest school district in the U.S
  • The legal age to consume alcohol in Las Vegas is 21

Filed under: Fun, Trivia | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

Sports, Drink, Food…..

Posted on September 18, 2009 by scottyvegas
 
Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Looking for somewhere to watch the game? Have a drink? Or get a bite to eat? If so, consider Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill located in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

So what’s so special about this place? Well, value of course, why else would I be telling you about it? Blondie’s is your typical sports bar, tons of TV’s, drink specials and a full menu. Most importantly it’s located just a few steps away from the Planet Hollywood Casino and the strip itself and they offer plenty of money saving coupons. For instance:

Tip:  Blondie’s has a daily “Happy Hour” between 3pm and 6pm where for $20 it’s all you can drink domestic draught and well drinks. Want a better deal? Use this coupon for Buy one get one FREE in other words, two can drink to your hearts content for three hours for only $10 each!

So, place your sports bet at the PH sports book. Keep the drink vouchers they give you for a later time. Then head over to Blondie’s to watch the game and drink your fill for $10.

Tip: Blondie’s also offers food discount coupons on their website.

Tip: Blondie’s also offers “Gift Certificates” for purchase at Restaurant.com which provides real value. Search zip code: 89109

Note: As far as service goes I’m 50/50. My first experience was great, the waitress was extremely attentive. The second time around the waitress we got was a complete ditz, so good luck.  

 Hungry? Blondie’s Famous Beer Can Chicken is awesome and extremely filling. It’s basically a whole chicken cooked with a full can of Budlight Lime shoved up its ass.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Tips | Tagged: , , , , | 4 Comments »

Beverly Hillbillies Gambler Casino?

Posted on May 20, 2009 by scottyvegas

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

It’s a little known fact that Jethro Bodine of The Beverly Hillbillies fame (aka. Max Baer Jr.) once owned a stake in a little off strip casino named, what else, Beverly Hillbillies Gambler Casino. Now don’t get all excited, the casino has been long closed. I guess all that ciphering proved too much for Jethro. 

But all is not lost as Dotty’s, no relation to the Hillbillies even though it sounds like it, has plans on opening the old North Las Vegas gambling parlor.  I bet if old Jethro would have put in a nice water’in hole he just might have had a shot. Opps, If you decide to visit the “historic landmark” and happen to stumble upon old Jethro don’t bring up the word “shot” apparently his girlfriend blew her head off with a shotgun a few years ago and I don’t think granny had anything to do with it.   

 As old Jed would say “If brains was lard, that boy wouldn’t have enough to grease a skillet.”

More info and source: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/06/busted-slot-joints-rebirth/

Filed under: Fun | Leave a comment »

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