Laughlin Advice Requested

When I come to town for the Cutting Edge conference, I plan on arriving on Saturday 11/11 and spend two days in Laughlin. I have several things in mind to do, but if there's anything that you know about, let me know.

Yes, I've recently read, and bookmarked, Mike's WoO article about his visit there in 2012. (I'm the guy who created the map for that page!) But I've never been there. And his article really focused on the casinos. I'm more interested in the area in general.

FYI: I normally fly on Sunday to avoid the high Saturday night hotel rates, but I screwed up and accidentally booked a Saturday flight. I coulnd't get a reasonable rate in Vegas, but got a free ($7 resort fee) room at Harrah's Laughlin, so it's a no-brainer. I'll be there for two nights.

I also went to VisitLaughlin.com. No ideas there that I didn't already find out about thru Google research.

Anyway, no real plans for when I get to Laughlin sometime late Saturday afternoon, other than casino hopping.

On Sunday, I figure I'd go for a road trip into Arizona, stopping at Avi first. My points of interest are in Oatman and Kingman. Or anything else in that area?

I also know there is a high-speed boat ride to Lake Havasu. Yeah, the London Bridge is there, but is there any other reason to take that ride? I mean, I'm something of a museum guy. If they have a decent presentation about how the London Bridge was dismantled, transported and rebuilt, then I might be interested, but to just see it? Pass. Unless there's other stuff to do in Lake Havasu. And please don't say 'shopping'. I might spend a few minutes in the gift shops at the locations I already said I would stop at, but that's only because I'm already there. I'm not a shopper, and I'm traveling alone. But if it's really recommended, I might just drive there rather than kill 6 hours by including the boat trip.

On Monday morning, I'm gonna drive to the Riverwalk Trail and walk to Davis Dam. Then head to Vegas, with a stop at the Eldorado Canyon Mine in Nelson.

But am I missing anything? Is there anything else that is a must see?

I know there are things to do in the river (swimming, jet ski rental, etc.), but I suspect that summer will be over by then. What else is there in or near Laughlin?


Thanks.

I have never found much that interests me in Laughlin. Oatman is okay if you have small kids but as an adult I find it to be like every other small western tourist ghost town. A small main street with ice cream, candy, and tourist crap for sale. The kids love feeding the donkeys but that is really the only thing I found unique about the place.

If you have a Diamond card, I think Laughlin is my favorite Diamond lounge because you can sit outside and look over the pool and river. They now limit you to one visit a day unless you are a high Diamond or have earned X amount of points that day.

Don Laughlin has a pretty nice car museum in his casino.
About two miles north of town, there are ancient rock carvings that are reached after a short hike.
I dint think there is much to see in Kingman, I might skip it. I'd go to Oatman via Golden Valley and when leaving, return to Laughlin via the road to Golden Shores, not the direct road. Rt66 is spectacular...
Havasu has an eclectic swap meet Sunday mornings, but not much else, imo.
If you like big cats, there is an animal sanctuary about an hour east of Laughlin called Keepers of the Wild.
It's a bit pricey but the money goes to a good cause. Lots of lions and tigers and bears. All rescued, many from failed animal acts. Just west of it is a pretty cool vintage gas station, where you can get a photo op with some great old American cars.
Lastly, on the far side of Davis Dam is a great little park. They stop collecting admission at 4, and it's a nice drive through it, with several secluded coves overlooking the Colorado River.
My favorite bar is across from the Pioneer, on the second floor of a shopping center. It's either the Hideout or Hideaway. Great spot to meet some locals or watch a game.
Nice place to visit, wouldn't want to live there.

The Nellie E is two and a half hours away in Parker. Be sure its open. (Only half the year and only on weekends, cash only) No airconditioning. a/k/a Desert Bar.

Oatman has a motorcycle museum.

Bull Head City is supposed to have some impressive semi precious gems but I don't know much about it.
It used to be everyone went to Bull head city to buy realestate as the town outgrew its two stop signs. Now I think everyone goes there to post for sale signs, who knows?

Why not just prowl the casinos?

Billryan said " I'd go to Oatman via Golden Valley and when leaving, return to Laughlin via the road to Golden Shores, not the direct road. Rt66 is spectacular...


I second that. That road is unbelievable. Often the edge of the roads go straight down into deep canyons. It is very twisting road but the scenery is worth it. I would think a motorcycle would be the best way to drive it but we went by car and everyone was snapping pics while I drove.

If you are into cigars, there's a Native American smokeshop next to the Avi.

It's Veteran's Day weekend... There's an airshow at Nellis AFB north of Las Vegas. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform. Maybe you should go into town?

Speaking of that map, quite a few properties have changed names since you created it. You might ask the powers that be if they could use an update for whatever you think would be fair for the work.

You definitely should visit the car museum at the Riverside. Be sure to notice my collection of 1948 license plates on the wall. I hear there are some good walking trails just north of the bridge on the Nevada side, however haven't checked them out yet. Oatman is rather kitchy. I wouldn't recommend going far out of the way for it, but in you're bored in Laughlin, there aren't many better choices. Lake Havasu City I don't know that well. Pretty nice area around the bridge but touristy. Never did that speed boat ride but have been tempted.

As you drive between Laughlin and Vegas you might consider a detour to Nelson's landing for some cliff jumping. Consider yourself dared.

Don't go alone... there has to be a survivor to tell the tale of "What ever happened to DJTB?" It's no help if all the evidence is that the bottom of the Colorado river.

When you all go to Laughlin can someone pick up my free play. I haven't picked it up for months. Darn Casino just locking it up but not fun to drive 90 miles... stay in Laughlin to play FP DB... just to get free rooms and food and 250 in Free Play.

I prefer the Red Card over the Diamond card.

I mostly recommend Oatman for the journey getting to it. Take 68 East towards Kingman, and hang a right on Aztec Rd in Golden Valley. follow the signs to Rt 66 and in minutes you are on one of the most spectacular drives I have ever witnessed in this country.
I can only imagine what it must have been like in the dust bowl era, with families in trucks with no power steering or brakes and everything they own on the back handling corkscrew curve after corkscrew curve.

https://youtu.be/ARpf2guiSFQ?t=264

If you bring a bag of carrots to Oatman be careful. Especially if you put them in a cargo pocket. Do not think you will simply hand them out casually one at a time. Burros can get aggressive. There is a place covered in old bills that has a pretty good burger.

I live in Phoenix so Laughlin is my go to gambling destination. It’s cheaper, looser games, and 90 minutes closer than Vegas. Eat (any meal) at Bumbleberry flats at the pioneer. that’s the best restaurant in town and it is very good. I am not a big explorer but I am pretty familiar with most of the casino stuff. Feel free to message me if you have any questions, I don’t check in here often anymore. I’m out and about exploiting loss rebates today and thought I’d check in :) good to see all the old gang.

Quote: bigfoot66

good to see all the old gang.

Good to see you too! Please drop by more often.
I liked the Pioneer mainly for its former web site that had the most detailed explanation of craps and craps terminology I've ever seen.
I agree with your 'best food in town' though I've not been there recently enough.

"Looser games". Do you mean looser slot machines? I'm not much of a slot player but have often felt that Laughlin had to offer bargains since it was, for a while at least, hanging by a thread and needed to keep its customers very happy.

Come back soon.

Supposebly there's a place called "Christmas Tree Pass" between Raughrin and Las Vegas, where you can go off roading and commit other such tomfooleries.

Yes, the turnoff for it is about two miles from town, and you end up north of Cal-Ari-Nev. Its the same dirt road that takes you to the rock drawings. It's about a forty five minute ride and is pretty hairy. I did it in a Mazda 3 rental and was convinced it wasn't going to make it. When I got thru it, I was relaxing in the small parking lot off of the highway when a group of bikers pulled in. We started talking and they told me not to even think about attempting it in the rental.
I recommend a four wheel drive, but it's not a necessity.

Thanks for all the replies.

As I said, I'm something of a museum guy. Whenever I'm somewhere of significance, where they have plaques telling some piece of history, I'm the guy that reads the plaques. The walking trail up to the Hoover Dam Bridge is a good example. That's what I was asking about regarding the London Bridge. Do they have displays showing the move and construction involved. If so, a trip to Lake Havasu might be in order.

While I'm not an "Are we there yet" kind of kid, I am a big kid. If you know of something with kid appeal, let me know.

Quote: billryan

If you like big cats, there is an animal sanctuary about an hour east of Laughlin called Keepers of the Wild.

That's actually already on my potential list.

Quote: FleaStiff

Why not just prowl the casinos?

I plan to, but want to do more.

Quote: Ayecarumba

There's an airshow at Nellis AFB north of Las Vegas. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform.

I saw a similar show in Atlantic City about 15 years ago. Sure, I'd like to see it again, but timing won't work for me.

Quote: Wizard

You definitely should visit the car museum at the Riverside.

Will do.

Quote: Wizard

I hear there are some good walking trails just north of the bridge on the Nevada side, however haven't checked them out yet.

Not sure if it's the same trail you're talking about, but I'm planning on walking from the parking lot just north of the bridge on NV side, to the dam. Anything else I should be on the lookout for as I walk?

Quote: Wizard

IOatman is rather kitchy. I wouldn't recommend going far out of the way for it, but in you're bored in Laughlin, there aren't many better choices.

Oatman sounds like a stupid tourist trap, but I'm a big ol' kid. Stupid tourist traps are just my speed. Particularly if they're cheap.

Quote: Wizard

As you drive between Laughlin and Vegas you might consider a detour to Nelson's landing for some cliff jumping. Consider yourself dared.

Consider yourself friends with a wimp. I'll pass.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Don't go alone... there has to be a survivor to tell the tale of "What ever happened to DJTB?" It's no help if all the evidence is that the bottom of the Colorado river.

Thanks for putting the Whammy on my trip! LOL. While my trip will be solo, I'm not doing that cliff jump. Even if I had people with me!

Quote: billryan

I mostly recommend Oatman for the journey getting to it. Take 68 East towards Kingman, and hang a right on Aztec Rd in Golden Valley. follow the signs to Rt 66 and in minutes you are on one of the most spectacular drives I have ever witnessed in this country.
https://youtu.be/ARpf2guiSFQ?t=264

"Getting to Oatman? That video is definitely on the road between Oatman and Kingman. And that seems hair-raising enough!

Quote: MaxPen

If you bring a bag of carrots to Oatman be careful. Especially if you put them in a cargo pocket. Do not think you will simply hand them out casually one at a time. Burros can get aggressive.

Thanks. I was gonna bring something but didn't know what. And I'm not sure if I would have thought to be careful about it.

Quote: bigfoot66

Eat (any meal) at Bumbleberry flats at the pioneer. that’s the best restaurant in town and it is very good.

I'll keep it in mind.

Quote: billryan

Yes, the turnoff for it is about two miles from town, and you end up north of Cal-Ari-Nev. Its the same dirt road that takes you to the rock drawings. It's about a forty five minute ride and is pretty hairy. I did it in a Mazda 3 rental and was convinced it wasn't going to make it. When I got thru it, I was relaxing in the small parking lot off of the highway when a group of bikers pulled in. We started talking and they told me not to even think about attempting it in the rental.
I recommend a four wheel drive, but it's not a necessity.

I have no idea where you're talking about. (Turnoff for WHAT?) And I'll have a rental. Can you narrow that down a bit?

DJTB read my post that's right before Bill's.

Turn off for Christmas Tree Pass.
If you go to Keepers of The Wild, take Rt 66, not Interstate 40. It's a half hour longer but much nicer. Unlike Rt 66 from Kingman to Oatman, Rt 66 from Kingman to KOTW is tame, but historic.

Quote: billryan

Turn off for Christmas Tree Pass.
If you go to Keepers of The Wild, take Rt 66, not Interstate 40. It's a half hour longer but much nicer. Unlike Rt 66 from Kingman to Oatman, Rt 66 from Kingman to KOTW is tame, but historic.

I want to second or third what Billyran had to say about the petroglyphs at Christmas tree pass. Look them up on the web if you want to see them before taking the hike, which is well worth it to me. I believe there are around 700 glyphs.

Also the chunk of the Motheroad, [route 66] from Golden Shores to Near Kingman I believe is the longest unbroken section of route 66 left in the country.

I live in Lake Havasu and take the local paper, in it weekly they have an insert on Thur. called the "Entertainer". It's a short magazine on all the local happenings each week. You can view it by going to www.LaughlinEntertainer.com.

I think the London Bridge is well worth a short jaunt out of your way if you are going to Oatman anyway. But we each assign our own values. The local museum is pretty small, but has the story of moving the bridge and stories of the local Chimahuevei {sp?} indians.

Right at the London bridge is the terminus for the water shuttle from Laughlin.

If you take the 95/163 route, there is a great historical marker a couple miles after the turn on to 163. It's a tribute to a little known period in the U.S. Army when they equipped several Calvary units with camels.

Quote: billryan

Yes, the turnoff for it is about two miles from town, and you end up north of Cal-Ari-Nev. Its the same dirt road that takes you to the rock drawings. It's about a forty five minute ride and is pretty hairy. I did it in a Mazda 3 rental and was convinced it wasn't going to make it. When I got thru it, I was relaxing in the small parking lot off of the highway when a group of bikers pulled in. We started talking and they told me not to even think about attempting it in the rental.
I recommend a four wheel drive, but it's not a necessity.

I have taken Christmas Tree Pass more times than I can count, including a few times in a Camaro and a few times in a Firebird. I never thought it was hairy, you can make it hairy if you go way too fast. I was going crazy in a jeep one time and I did hit an embankment going too fast around a corner. More than anything, I would be worried about kicking up rocks and chipping your paint.

I have never actually timed it to see if you save or lose time from and to Vegas, but If I had to guess, it's about the same.

I think you lose time. It's certainly not something to take if time is a factor. Maybe years ago, when the road to Laughlin was a single lane and you'd invariably get stuck behind a truck or motor home doing 40.

I just did a ‘fly-over’ using Google maps satellite view.

Yeah, I’ll stick to the regular road.

On the flip side, Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman seems hairy enough for me.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I just did a ‘fly-over’ using Google maps satellite view.

Yeah, I’ll stick to the regular road.

On the flip side, Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman seems hairy enough for me.

Try this at high speed. It's also a 6% grade downhill heading south.


Beautiful scenery on that whole stretch of 160 in SW Colorado.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I just did a ‘fly-over’ using Google maps satellite view.

Yeah, I’ll stick to the regular road.

On the flip side, Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman seems hairy enough for me.

I'll agree with you on that one. Looking forward to seeing Oatman but not driving that section of Route 66.

Not worth the trip without the view from Rt 66.

Quote: Mikey75

I'll agree with you on that one. Looking forward to seeing Oatman but not driving that section of Route 66.

Why? It was the interstate highway for years. Just have to drive speed appropriate.

Quote: petroglyph

Why? It was the interstate highway for years. Just have to drive speed appropriate.

I'm sure the road is fine I'm just looking at all the curves.

Everyone dies. Not everyone truly lives.



I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference
Bobby Frost

Quote: billryan

Bobby Frost

Robert is turning in his grave!

DJ I'd love to hear your thoughts on Laughlin when you get the time. Looking forward to hearing how your weekend went.

Short version: I have a great time.

But now I’m in Vegas for a couple days.

Next week, when I can type using a keyboard and not tapping on an iPhone, I’ll write a much longer report.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Short version: I have a great time.

But now I’m in Vegas for a couple days.

Next week, when I can type using a keyboard and not tapping on an iPhone, I’ll write a much longer report.

I'll look forward to reading it!!

Trip report. Laughlin 11/11-11/13, Vegas 11/13-11/16.

V-E-R-Y L-O-N-G post alert. (Almost 5,000 words!)

Note: I've put in photos, but put them in spoiler tags, to prevent left-right scrolling.

For those just interested in a summary and the casino landscape, I only played craps and poker. I hit almost every place in Laughlin, and they all had $5 craps tables with 3-4-5x odds or better. Downtown Las Vegas I only hit Golden Nugget, The D, Downtown Grand and Four Queens. They had a mix of $5 and $10 tables. On the strip I played at TI, Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Cromwell, Bally's, Paris and Planet Hollywood. It was hard to find a $5 table on the strip, but I seem to recall finding one somewhere. On the flip side, Mandalay Bay minimum on a Monday afternoon was $15. Kinda wonder why since they claim to be hurting.

Also, for the first time, because I don't like walking thru TSA holding a lot of cash, I put most of my bankroll in a new bank account. Bank of America. There's branches in Vegas, including an ATM in the building where the M&M store is. I only brought $1,500 in cash. I never needed the ATM, and went home with over $1,000. And any expense that I could pay in cash, I did. So I guess you can say I did OK. :)


Now, a detailed trip report. Enjoy.



Saturday 11/11

United from Newark NJ was overbooked. They were offering $700 to get bumped. I'd normally jump at that, but the next flight wasn't for 6 hours, so I didn't volunteer. It turns out the First Class was overbooked. They were looking for someone to bump, so they could put a First Class person in coach and not have to bump them off the flight. Nice. I later found out that someone took the $700, but none of the First Class people were willing to move. For that, they offered $700, then $1,000, then $1,500, and finally someone took $2,000. Think about it. $2,000 to sit in a less comfortable seat, but still in the same plane. Damn! At least nobody was dragged out, kicking and screaming...

Anyway, I got into town and in my rental car at about 2:30pm. On a normal Saturday, I work as a dealer in a pub poker league at a place called BLVD Bar and Grill in NJ. Prior to my trip, I discovered that there's a place across from South Point called Boulevard Bar & Grille. Despite the different spelling, I gotta stop, right? Played some video poker and had a French Dip. Yummy.

After lunch I went to Primm for a while. I had first visited there on my last trip. I kinda liked it. Plus, I had meant to check out the Lotto Store. For those that don't know, the only access is thru the parking lot of the Primm casinos, but it's on the other side of the state line. Nevada doesn't have a lottery. This is where all the Las Vegas lottery players come. A few years ago, during a huge Lotto period, it attracted the news people too. One reporter shoved a mic in a player's face, asking what he'd do with the money. His response? "Hookers and blow!" Gotta love live TV!

Anyway, I really can't believe that the store was devoted to Lottery sales and wasn't a regular convenience store. However, in all my research, I never realized that there is a legitimate convenience store less than 1/2 mile away, close to the highway interchange. So I went in. The Lotto Store is just that. It's convenience store size, but all they sell is lottery tickets. OK, part of one wall has some referigerators of soda, (and beer?), etc. But other walls have a variety of Lottery vending machines, plus several stations with employee terminals. And there's a counter to scratch scratch-offs. Yeah, this place was named exactly right.

When I left town, it was just after sunset, and dark when I got to Nipton Road. That's the way to go from Primm to Searchlight, then Laughlin. Just a two lane road with one small town (small? Does 5 houses count as a town?), and no lights, for 31 miles. In the dark. The entire stretch, I saw only two cars going the other way. I wasn't scared or anything, but boy was I looking forward to getting back to civilization. Searchlight to Laughlin was on a 4 lane road, with enough company that I no longer felt lonely.

When I got near Laughlin, Google maps told me to take Thomas Edison Dr to Harrah's. I chose to continue on to Casino Drive, so I could check out the 'strip' on my way to Harrah's. I should have followed the app's directions. I forgot that Kid Rock was appearing at the event center. Thousands of concert goers who had parked at the various casinos (for FREE!), were simultaneously crossing the street. It only cost me about 5 minutes, but my bladder wasn't happy with the delay. LOL.

It's been a long day (after getting little sleep the night before). Checking in at Harrah's took time because of a room shortage. After a few minutes a manager comes over and punches some codes to get me in a group of rooms that are kept in reserve. Turns out I got a handicap room near the elevator. Whatever. I just need a bed and shower. After settling in, I went to dinner at a familiar restaurant: Smashburger. But as I found out, the menu is a little different than the Smashburger back home. No frizzled onions, plus no "Build your own" option. They called it their "Airport" menu. Whatever. I ate, played a little poker, and called it a day.



Sunday 11/12

Got up and on the road by 8:00. Without knowing anything about the place, I planned to eat breakfast at Avi. On the way in, I see a sign about a half-price breakfast special for new player club members. Well, now I know where I'm eating! As I enter, I see the only craps table is closed, but there's one table active in the poker room. I get my players card, and get my breakfast special. It was just basic eggs, hash browns, bacon and toast. The flavor was a little off (how do you screw up eggs?) but it hit the spot. Then I checked out the poker room. One full table, two names on the list. She took my name and suggested I come back at 10:00. Then I wandered around and discovered that the craps table had opened up, but had that bump wall for a half table with one dealer. Played with a couple other people, did well. At 10:00 a second dealer showed up, and they removed the bump wall. That seemed like a good time to check my poker status, so I colored up and went to poker. Nothing happened in poker. I was still third on the list, but now there were 3 others as well. I asked about opening a new table. She said 3 of the people are call ins, and they won't open a table unless there are 7 people there, waiting. Since that sounded like it might be at least another half hour, maybe more, it seemed like a good time to hit the road...

My next stop was going to be Lake Havasu, but it occurs to me that I've already done a lot of driving, with a lot more to go, and lots to do, so I skipped going to Lake Havasu. Maybe next time...

So the next stop was Oatman AZ. It's a former mining town. When the miners left, they left their donkeys behind. Now there are a few residents who care for the donkeys and run a variety of souvenir shops. Plus a couple characters that perform a gun fight right on Main Street, a few times per day. Note that Main Street is also known as Historic Route 66. And it's the only road thru this section of the state. Note that Rt 66 is a 75 MPH road, but as you approach Oatman, the speed limit keeps dropping till it's 15 MPH thru town. If you weren't planning on stopping, and you get there when the gun fight is happening, you're screwed. There IS a road that goes around by all the houses, but if you don't know enough to take it before someone else pulls up behind you, you're gonna sit there for 15 minutes. Anyway, a short time after the show, I ran into one of the actors in one of the stores. He played the part of the "Bank Robber Robber-er". I told him the show was lame and hokey, but at the same time, fun and well acted. He appreciated the compliment saying, "It's hard to have a gun fight using blanks, but as long as people enjoy the show..."


They say the donkeys are still wild, but seemed tame enough. One of the locals said that they're used to people but can still be trouble. For example, one local told a dog owner "hold the dog, and don't let him down near a donkey. No matter how much tourists purchase and provide donkey food, small dogs still look like tasty snacks." The locals do take care of the donkeys. The younger donkeys who are still nursing, have "Do not feed me" stickers on their heads. The donkeys don't hastle the visitors. I.E. Unlike petting zoos where the animals know where the feed the visitors purchase comes from and therefore hastle those who have feed, these donkey seems content to let the tourists have the food, until placed on the ground. Also, I saw one visitor provide a small orange to a donkey. A local told her not to do that. Too much sugar in the fruit. I gotta believe it was true concern and not a way to sell donkey food. Almost every store in town also sells bags of donkey food for $1. FYI: The bag contains six 1 inch cubes of what looks like compacted grass clippings. Personally, I'd rather have an orange, but the donkeys seems to like the grass. At one point I saw a donkey work his way into a store and swipe a bag of food. The shopkeeper chased him out of the store, then helped the doney out by dumping the bag. "This one's trouble. Always stealing food..."


After hanging out a while and checking out the stores, I hit the road. The section between Oatman and Kingman has a lot of turns as it climbs over the mountains, but also has many spots to stop and take in the picturesque view. I stopped at the highest point, Sitgreaves Pass (Google it). While taking pictures, a gal in a sports car pulled up right to me to ask if the view is good. I said it's fantastic. She thanked me and drove off without getting out to look for herself. Whatever.


In Kingman, I visited the Powerhouse Visitor's Center and paid $4 to visit their museum. Interesting stuff, plus a collection of classic electric cars. I saw most of the cars online, but seeing them in person was very cool.

Lunch at a diner across the street. It was tasty but nothing to write home about.

After lunch, I headed back to Laughlin, using the direct route, Rt 68. The last 12 miles or so is a rather steep hill down to the Colorado River. I was during this descent that my playlist randomly played "30,000 Pounds of Bananas".

I got back to Harrahs late in the afternoon and decided that this was probably my only chance to go swimming on this trip. It was an overcast day, not great for swimming, so I skipped the hotel's beach and used the hot tub. Afterwards, I started to think about dinner, and upon re-reading this thread, decided to go to Blumbleberry Flats at Pioneer. I had the bacon mac & cheese. It was yummy, but the serving was so big I couldn't finish it!

I stopped at several of the Laughlin casinos, playing poker and/or craps at each of them. The only place that left me with memories worthy of repeating was Riverside.

- First, the gal at the player's club booth warned me to keep the card away from other cards, and even provided a card holder for it. Otherwise, she said, it may become demagnetized by the other cards. Seriously? I've heard about that 30+ years ago when hotels start switching from keys to cards. Is this casino stuck in the 80s and using equipment that old? Whatever. I'll keep it seperate until I leave town. After all, I'll need it the next day when I use the new player special for half-price at their breakfast buffet.

- Second, there's a bar called the Loser's Lounge. While the name seems like it's a place to drown your sorrows after a bad day gambling, this place takes it in a different direction. The walls are loaded with photos of world-class losers, including Bill Cosby, OJ Simpson, Kim Jong-un, Milli Vanilli, Vanilla Ice, Nixon, Charlie Sheen, the Hindenburg.


- Third, thier $1 chips are the cheapest chips you can get. Plain plastic with hot foil stamps that have been worn away to the point where you can barely verify their validity.

- Fourth, the Classic Car showroom. "Vintage" doesn't adequately describe the cars on display. A very cool way to spend an hour.

After visiting most casinos, I went back to Harrah's, played a little, and called it a night.

Note: All the Laughlin casinos have simple parking lots with obvious access. Except Harrah's. Here, as soon as you turn off the road, you have decide if you're using the garage or surface parking. Also, even if you decide to use the garage, you could find yourself accidentally driving thru the employee lot, and ending up at the surface lot. And from there, there's no easy way back to the garage. Don't try to figure it out looking at Google Maps. On the map, it seems obvious. However, some of the key access points had cones blocking them off. Very aggrivating.



Monday 11/13

I got up, checked out, and played a little on the way out since I felt I hadn't played enough to justify the free room, and I wanted to be invited back.

Next stop, Riverside to cash in on that half-price new player buffet. In retrospect, I should have gone to McDonald's for breakfast. The buffet had very few food items. The only saving grace was the requisite omelett station. Except even that was somewhat of a let-down since the cook couldn't handle more than two orders at once. Then I played a little before leaving town. While walking to my car, I noticed they were uloading a shipment of new casino chairs. They were doing this in the parking lot, adjacent to the main entrance. Doesn't this place have a loading dock?

I had planned on parking near the bridge, then walking to Davis Dam. I skipped it, realizing that in casinos, there is plenty of opportunity to do some hiking, whether you want to or not, and I had already done plenty. Vegas is calling, so I skipped it, as well as the road that goes directly to Davis Dam.

After about 5 miles, I came to Christmas Tree Pass Road. Based upon posts here, it seemed like an interesting diversion. However, upon turning, and seeing that the 'road' was nothing more than a well-worn dirt path, along with a sign with all sorts of warnings about the danger of proceeding, I decided to proceed less than 100 yards before changing my mind.

My original plans were to stop at the Eldorado Canyon Mine in Nelson. They have tours at 9:00, 12:00 and 2:00. I had called to make a reservation, but couldn't remember the if I asked for 9:00 or 12:00. Besides, they told me that they need a minimum of 4 people, and would call me to confirm. Since they never called, I didn't turn off even though I DID notice the signs on Rt 95.

Next stop was Railroad Pass casino. The last time I was there, I did very well at the craps table. Unfortunately, when I got there around 10:30, I was told the craps table opens at 3:00. So on to the next stop.

Fiesta Henderson. Pai Gow Dan used to work here. Years ago, I played craps when he was dealing. So I decided it was fitting to play a little in his memory. An ice cold craps table took my buy-in quickly, so I passed on my plans to also play Pai Gow Poker.

Next stop, Mirage. I had a free room thru MyVegas. And since hotel guests get a parking pass allowing in-out priviledges, I had to go to Mirage before my other MGM property stops. It was too early to check in, but they were able to give me a room key that had no room assinged, to use as a parking pass.

Next stop, Gambler's General Store. If you don't know it, make a point of visiting. They have all kinds of casino quality equipment, as well as souveniers. It's about 1/2 mile south of the Plaza on Main Street.

Next Fremont Street. Parked at the still free Golden Nugget valet. Played craps at GN, The D, DTG and Four Queens. Nothing exciting to report. Lunch at Pizza Rock. Great pizza! While downtown, I totally forgot to check out the new expanded Golden Gate, totally forgot to take a look at the progress at Las Vegas Club, and totally forgot to take a ride on the driverless shuttle. Sigh, oh well...

Next stop, Mandalay Bay. I wanted to stop here ever since 10/1 to show them some love. Unfortunately, the craps tables were all $15, so I played poker instead. Turned out to be a good choice. It was early evening and Monday Night Foodball had already started. The poker room was doing a MNF promo: $50 to a random seat every time there's a touchdown. The poker room wasn't that busy, so my chances were high. Sure enough, I won one of those $50 prizes. They were also doing $100 high hand promo. I didn't even realize this until at around 7:30, right when I started thinking of dinner and people mentioned that the 6-7 hour had no qualifier, so it rolled over to a $200 prize this hour. So I stayed and at 7:50 I got a hand that qualified, then waited till 8:00 to get paid before heading to my next stop.

As it happens, that hand was the only poker hand I had on my whole trip worth mentioning, and not just because of the $200 high hand bonus. It was a $1/$2 no limit table. I was dealt pocket aces in the big blind. As people are limping in, I'm trying to decide how much to raise. I finally settle on $15 when the small blind makes it $14. Fine, I call the $14 and see what the flop brings. Four more players call. The flop is beautiful. A-8-8. Full house. The only thing that can beat me is pocket eights. I'm thinking about my bet when the small blind makes it $25. I don't really want to tip my hand, so I just call. There's one more call before the button raises to $60. The small blind immediately raises all in for about $140. All I'm thinking is how do I get the other players to come along for the ride? I had about $260, but ultimately, I just call, and the other players fold. I show my aces, and the small blind shows Ace King. He's drawing dead, and I'm pulling in over $200 profit. Plus I'm probably gonna get that $200 high hand bonus as well. Sweet. Gave the dealer $5 for the pot, plus another $10 when the high hand was paid.

Next stop, NY NY for dinner at Nine Fine Irishmen courtesy of MyVegas. I've eaten the Shepard's Pie there in the past, and it's good, but decided to have the Chicken Pot Pie instead. It's also pretty good. Best part is the bread pudding for dessert. It's fantastic! The table they gave me was behind the stage, next to the state door. So all during dinner, I had a back stage view of the band. Interesting view, but even though the speakers face forward, it was still pretty loud. Good thing I was alone and not trying to have a conversation. After dinner, I played craps for a bit.

Time to call it a night. Back to Mirage. The front desk clerk tells me "There is a problem with the reservation. (uh, oh) We are having computer issues. The room is assigned but can't be changed. (ok...) So we have a room for you but it's not the same category as what you reserved." So now I'm wondering why she's being apologetic. Doesn't she know that I'm supposed to get one of the shitty rooms they save for MyVegas people? (The free MyVegas room I got at MGM Grand last year WAS shitty.) "So we had to upgrade you to a 1,800 sq ft suite." Um, whaaat? "Hope you enjoy it. This suite usually goes for over $400 per night!" Holy crap!

I head to the suite. It's on floor C. Yep. The Mirage is too cool to have numbered floors for the suites. So the top 5 floors have letters. (If numbered, they would have been 28-32). My suite is at the end of a long hallway. That walk was a small price to pay. This suite was SWEET! It was bigger than any apartment I ever had. I think it may have been bigger than the first floor of my current house. An entryway adjacent to a wet bar with a fully stocked overpriced minibar. Living room with couch and love seat and a huge TV. Four seat Dining room. Bedroom that was probably bigger than the shitty hotel room I should have gotten. Bathroom almost as big as the bedroon, with both a large stall shower and a seperate tub, two sinks, and a hall leading to a walk in closet (with robe and slippers), and another room for the shitter and bidet. Thick carpetting all over, including the bathroom. In addition to the TV in the living room, there was a TV built into a piece of furniture at the end of the bed. Turn it on, and the TV rises out of it. There was another TV in the bathroom, for viewing while in the tub I suppose. I expected one more in the shitter room, but no. Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos.


Damn, I would never pay those kind of rates for a hotel room, but I could easily see how this could be worth it. Also, too bad I can't really enjoy it. I'm only here for one night. It's already after 11pm, and I have to be at a meeting at Galaxy Gaming at 10am, meaning I gotta check out around 8am if I wanna do breakfast. I already processed my MyVegas free Mirage lunch buffet and planned on using it at breakfast.



Tuesday 11/14

Unfortunately, I woke up late, so I had to skip breakfast, getting out of the hotel just after 9:00. Just enough time to drop my bags at Bally's and get to Galaxy at 9:55.

I doubt there's anything I can say about the meeting that doesn't violate the non-disclosure clause that's in my contract. Suffice to say, I'm happy with the outcome. (For those that don't know, I created a Roulette side bet, Poker For Roulette, and Galaxy is my distributor.)

My original plan was to return the rental next. My next two days are tied up in/around Ballys for the Table Games Conference, so I figured no need to pay for the car - or for parking!

But my rental agreement says I have to return it by 2:30. It's only 11:00, and I still have that buffet at Mirage. Plus I hadn't really played there, so I headed back. The buffet was one of the best I've ever had in Vegas, plenty of choices in a variety of styles. I was surprised that it had self-serve beverage. (The shitty buffet at Riverside in Laughlin had waitress service for beverages.) On the other hand, Mirage buffet has a bar that was no extra charge although I beleive it was limited alcoholic choices. I'm not a drinker, but it nice to know so I can spread the word. Then I played there a bit, as well as at TI, mostly to get on TI's radar since I may want to stay there if I come for G2E.

Next, returned the rental. I was thinking about walking to the bus terminal 1/2 mile away, or taking the shuttle to the airport to save a little on the Uber fare. Ultimately, I decided to get a Uber from the rental center. After all, how much more could it be than from the airport? Besides, I had heard that finding the Uber pickup at the airport can be tricky.

Great decision. I'm on the Uber app as I'm walking thru the rental car garage. I arrive at the pickup point just seconds after my car gets there.

Get to Bally's around 3:15 and there's nobody checking in. So rather than use the kiosk, I go to a person, and am checked in, without problems, rather quickly. I get my bags, head to the room, and take a nap! Yeah, it's been a long couple of days.

At 5:30 I get up and head to the Table Games Conference. For those that don't know, it's like a small G2E. A mini expo held in a banquet room the size typically used for weddings. The only booths there are new table games. There's also a second room, arranged like a classroom, for educational conference sessions. I've already commented on the games shown in the thread about the conference. It always starts with a cocktail evening in the expo room. This year, the food was somewhat lacking, so after the cocktail evening, I walked Angela to her car, then headed to Wahlburgers in the Grand Bizarre Shops in front of Bally's for dinner. Then some craps at Bally's then bed.



Wednesday 11/15

All day at the conference. They provide breakfast and lunch too. Light stuff offered in the expo room, so you can eat while visitng the booths. Spent a lot of time with my Vegas Honeys, Heather and Angela (plus Mike). You may recognize them, as one or the other is usually featured in the Wizard's videos.

This photo is from Thursday. As is my tradition, I sneak a dessert plate out from lunch and give it to Angela who offers to share it with Heather. That's what Angela is holding. (Thursday lunch is in a different room, served banquet style, and is where they announce the winner of the Best New Game competition. Someone has to stay at the booth, so that's why Angela missed lunch. Heather is Mike's videograher, and since Mike was at the lunch, I'm not sure why Heather wasn't also.)


After the conference ended for the day, Heather and I hung out in the ballroom for over an hour talking about all sorts of stuff. I had planned on taking her to dinner, but neither of us were hungry, so she took a rain check. Timing was perfect when a guard came in to kick us out as we were all talked out. I walked her to the valet where she was shocked to see a price of $18. As I see her pulling out a random credit card, I asked her if she had a Total Rewards credit card. She does. She put that in. Free! She kept thanking me until the valet brought her car up. Frankly, I wasn't sure if that was a perk of the TR credit card, but it was worth a shot.

I then headed over to Planet Hollywood to play some of Gamblit's skill games. I wrote about that in the Table Games Conference thread. I was gonna eat at PHo, but somehow forgot, and was back at Bally's before I realized that I hadn't eaten yet (Vegas does that to me). So, I know this seems boring, but I went to Wahlburgers again. I guess you can say I like it.



Thursday 11/16

Again, all day at the conference, followed by some craps and poker, then Uber to the airport. No dinner since I don't like big meals before a flight. I was taking the red-eye home.

Thinking there would be plenty of Uber cars available center strip, I went to the Uber pickup at Bally's before reserving a ride. But, for whatever reason, it selected Flamingo as my pickup spot. So I cancelled that ride and reserved again. This time it correctly selected the Bally's pickup point. With a 2 minute wait for pickup.

Skipping dinner might have been a mistake. I ended up having a bagel in the airport. I forget the name of the place I got it, but it seemed like a fresh bagel - at 9:30 at night!

Thanks for the trip report!! I enjoyed reading about Laughlin and Vegas. Glad you had a safe trip and sounds like the tables where pretty nice to you as well!!

nice report.lovely girls.

I think the girl in the sports car asking about the view may have been referring to a different type of scenery than you were contemplating..

Eighteen dollar valet down to zero... that's great.

400 a night for a mini suite. Wow. I'd rather blow the 400 at the craps tables then on a room with so many tv sets.

The girl in the white dress....must have been pretty cold in that room.

From my original post:

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I also know there is a high-speed boat ride to Lake Havasu. Yeah, the London Bridge is there, but is there any other reason to take that ride? I mean, I'm something of a museum guy. If they have a decent presentation about how the London Bridge was dismantled, transported and rebuilt, then I might be interested, but to just see it? Pass.

I’m going to Laughlin after G2E this year. I still don’t think I’ll go to Lake Havasu. But part of my desire to know more about the London Bridge being moved and rebuilt has been satisfied.

One of my news/trivia feeds, an eZine called Now I Know, had a blurb about it and linked a very nice BBC article all about it.

If you’re as curious as me, give it a read. Good stuff.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/the_bridge_that_crossed_an_ocean

The ride itself is the reason to take it. It's almost two hours of high speed boating along a beautiful route. It's a pleasant afternoon trip.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

From my original post:
I’m going to Laughlin after G2E this year. I still don’t think I’ll go to Lake Havasu. But part of my desire to know more about the London Bridge being moved and rebuilt has been satisfied.

One of my news/trivia feeds, an eZine called Now I Know, had a blurb about it and linked a very nice BBC article all about it.

If you’re as curious as me, give it a read. Good stuff.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/the_bridge_that_crossed_an_ocean

If you are traveling by auto, from Laughlin it's only 1hr.15min. southish. If for some reason you go out to the Avi to play, it is only one hours drive. Several glances at the the lower Colorado along the way.

If one route you drive goes through Needles, the last Harvey House is there. http://www.harveyhouses.net/states/california/cahouses.html

Needles is depressing for me to look at, but it has history of the old steamship deliverys?

If you want to go another way, you can swing through Oatman, which is fun and interesting.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Donkeys+Of+Oatman/@35.0256967,-114.3828222,3a,75y/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipNMn5qGHOJP_T1iOcAtgbLrf3Y6qc2SoqYHZCVD!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNMn5qGHOJP_T1iOcAtgbLrf3Y6qc2SoqYHZCVD%3Dw188-h106-k-no!7i5312!8i2988!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x80ce13b49a2596d5:0x74c78d6ac8da23e7!2sOatman,+AZ+86433!3b1!8m2!3d35.0263915!4d-114.3835698!3m4!1s0x80ce13b4c0c99ac5:0x277ac52f1c8aaf63!8m2!3d35.0256969!4d-114.3828222

If you take the middle route [dont] you can find out how many stop lights a village can install per mile of road, and then swear to never go that way again.

London bridge really is a marvel to look at and wonder how all those giant stones were moved and put back where they belonged on the other side of the world.

Havasu has a pretty good Sunday swap meet that runs from early fall to late spring. It's over by 1pm so get there early.
I wasn't impressed with the bridge, and I'm a student of history.

Quote: billryan

Havasu has a pretty good Sunday swap meet that runs from early fall to late spring. It's over by 1pm so get there early.
I wasn't impressed with the bridge, and I'm a student of history.

I’ve always liked the story of how London Bridge ended up in AZ, espcieally the (now beloved apocryphal) bit where the crazy American thought he had bought Tower Bridge not London Bridge. (Tower Bridge is much more iconic looking and often confused for London Bridge by tourists.)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2275097/amp/The-batty-American-bought-London-Bridge-LONDON-BRIDGE-IN-AMERICA-BY-TRAVIS-ELBOROUGH.html

I believe he really knew the difference. Everything was numbered over there and re-assembled here.
His crowning achievement was when he filled out the customs declaration. the value was high put the tax was 'zero' since it was an antiquity.

I liked the water taxi service to the airport from the casino. They actually held the plane for me when they saw the water taxi heading over to them.

Between Vegas and Laughlin, not too far out of the way, is Nelson's Landing. This is a hidden gem in southern Nevada. It's a protected cove along the Colorado River. It is probably best known for cliff jumping. There are a lot of YouTube videos about it, but here one of me jumping.


Direct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX4tHeFlOF0

If we can get a big enough group together, I would be up for a WoV excursion there. I'm able to drive six comfortably, including me.

Quote: Wizard

Between Vegas and Laughlin, not too far out of the way, is Nelson's Landing. This is a hidden gem in southern Nevada. It's a protected cove along the Colorado River. It is probably best known for cliff jumping. There are a lot of YouTube videos about it, but here one of me jumping.

Direct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX4tHeFlOF0

If we can get a big enough group together, I would be up for a WoV excursion there. I'm able to drive six comfortably, including me.

I've taken the drive down to water, but don't you need a four wheel drive vehicle to get to that spot?
Some very cool historic markers on the route.

Quote: billryan

I've taken the drive down to water, but don't you need a four wheel drive vehicle to get to that spot?

No. My 2WD Toyota HIghlander made it. The dirt road is not that tough. Before I went, I was nervous about it, as some web sites make it out to be brutal, but it's not bad at all.

Quote:

Some very cool historic markers on the route.

You pass a mine that offers tours along the way. My kids have been there on school field trips, but I've never been, so can't comment.