Opting AGAINST Las Vegas
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So we had to determine where we would spend our vacation.
The options were: British Columbia, NW tribal casinos, or Las Vegas.
It was a close call, but Las Vegas lost: that surprised me.
Note: my wife is not a gambler, and she left the decision as to where to go up to me.
Objectively, NW tribal casinos offer me more of what I want, and less of what I don't.
They offer the same games I play in Las Vegas; I like the crews better at some of the Las Vegas higher end properties, but that is not a deal breaker, as the tribal folks are good enough, and (mostly) friendly.
Comps are available both in Las Vegas and at tribal joints, so that is a wash.
Air fare to and from Las Vegas is always a PITA, no question, and it is getting worse as time goes by.
I suppose the deciding factor is that, except for gambling, there is nothing that I want to do in Las Vegas: I've seen the tourist sites, explored, and now it is just "same old, same old."
Not good.
As it is, we'll do some driving along the Oregon coast to visit / stay at the tribal casinos, and the drive on HWY 101 and the ocean still intrigues me.
I guess I hate deserts.
So no Las Vegas this Fall: maybe next year?
Maybe not.
any time of year. Most movies that are supposed to be
in AK or someplace else are usually shot in BC.
Quote: EvenBobScrew casinos, go to BC. It's drop dead gorgeous there
any time of year. Most movies that are supposed to be
in AK or someplace else are usually shot in BC.
I often disagree with Bob. He's spot on on this one. It's so nice, I emigrated there.
That said, Highway 101 is on top of my list of vacation destinations to travel next year. Can't go wrong with either.
The Oregon and Washington coasts or even the northern California casinos... why not?
Sure some of them are small now but just how many blackjack tables do you really intend to play at?
No airport, no taxi, no longhauling, no hour long hotel check in.
As to films shot in BC... yeah, its beautiful but mainly its cheaper to shoot in Canada than in the USA. Canadian unions are on the ball. Way back in the sixties Prime Cut was shot with a twenty second opening shot of Kansas City. The rest of the film was all Canadian locations including a Canadian fair of some sort at which the director simply shot one guy hawking loads of Kansas City memorabilia that had been sent in via Fed Ex.
On Edit: Its a bit like the Seminole Casinos in Florida. They are "close enough to Vegas" to satisfy many people. Those who are desperate for craps or roulette however have to go to the offshore day boats. Or in California, they must go to this Card System for craps due to some weird law. The significant factor is that not all of a Trip to Vegas involves gambling. It involves the trip, the hotel, the adventure, the food, the booze, the "buzz" of sights and sounds ... and the Faux Vegas available at a local casino may be defective in several respects but it is shorter and cheaper and "good enough" for many.
Quote: FleaStiff
As to films shot in BC... yeah, its beautiful but mainly.
Mainly if you're on a tight budget, that's true. If you
want gorgeous mountain scenery, though, BC makes
that point in spades. For years people thought the
entire Wild West looked like Monument Valley. It
was the stereotype for a 30's and 40's western.
BC is the stereotype for beautiful rugged wilderness
in today's movies.
I'm not sure if this has been fixed, as in natural replacement has started, but it definitely affected my family's desire to make our annual trip.
I definitely understand the plane cost becoming a factor. That's pretty much the sole factor when determining when I can make it out there now, since the difference can be as large as $300. For me, the cost is worth the glitz and glamor of Vegas, but I can foresee a time where I'm in the same situation as you.
Quote: ahiromuUmm, yeah. Have any of you guys been to BC recently? I went fishing there with my family (near Cache Creek) for just about 15 consecutive years. Beautiful, pristine, etc. Yes. However, About 10 years ago the pine beetle began to devastate the area. Within a few years at least half of the trees, if not 3/4, were dead. I know there was a fire there a few years ago, but I'm really surprise there hasn't been a "national emergency" style fire.
I'm not sure if this has been fixed, as in natural replacement has started, but it definitely affected my family's desire to make our annual trip.
I definitely understand the plane cost becoming a factor. That's pretty much the sole factor when determining when I can make it out there now, since the difference can be as large as $300. For me, the cost is worth the glitz and glamor of Vegas, but I can foresee a time where I'm in the same situation as you.
I live in the heart of the area the pine beatle hit. At a casual glance it is now hard to tell, yes there is much less timber in the forest but it still looks like a green forest. The last pine beatle epidemic was particularly bad but the beatles have been doing their thing for centuries or millenia and never actually kill the forest. The trees that are spared have little competition and thrive. The first valley I saw devasted by the pine beatle in the 70's I thought had nothing left growing, but 10 years later it was totally green and now you can't tell there was ever an infestation there.
I lived in Vancouver for 10 years and British Columbia is absolutely gorgeous. The drive along the 99 from the Lions Gate to Whistler rivals or betters the Hwy 1 Pebble Beach to Big Sur route. When my kid goes to University, we're heading back to the Lower Mainland. The Transcanada between Hope and Cache Creek is also lovely, and I highly, highly recommend the Banff to Jasper routing (in Alberta, mind you).
Something to consider in an October trip is the weather and the rain. I think the weather will be better along the Oregon Coast, while the NorthWet might be starting its rainy seaon.
I'd prolly go buy 2k lotto and call it good, at least your DVR will let ya catch the last breaking bad.
Enjoy whatever ya do!
Quote: IbeatyouracesTrust NOTHING in ANY tribal casino.
Right, but if you have an "entertainment budget" are really just looking for a nice time with your partner, etc. the coast casinos can be so much better than Las Vegas (unless you want a chance to win). It's all relative.
Quote: kenarmanI live in the heart of the area the pine beatle hit. At a casual glance it is now hard to tell, yes there is much less timber in the forest but it still looks like a green forest. The last pine beatle epidemic was particularly bad but the beatles have been doing their thing for centuries or millenia and never actually kill the forest. The trees that are spared have little competition and thrive. The first valley I saw devasted by the pine beatle in the 70's I thought had nothing left growing, but 10 years later it was totally green and now you can't tell there was ever an infestation there.
That's really good to hear, was an incredibly bad eyesore for such a beautiful place. I used to visit Lake Hihium, was offroaded for an hour and was without all electronics that didn't run on batteries for my vacations. I honestly don't know if I could handle a week without my computer and being connected any longer.
I really don't get the fear of tribal casinos and "fair" at all. I never felt like the "deck was stacked against me" or anything like that... but a lot of people are of that opinion.
Quote: MrVA travel / vacation opportunity presented itself for early October: both my wife and I can take time off from work then, which is often tough to coordinate.
So we had to determine where we would spend our vacation.
The options were: British Columbia, NW tribal casinos, or Las Vegas.
It was a close call, but Las Vegas lost: that surprised me.
Note: my wife is not a gambler, and she left the decision as to where to go up to me.
Objectively, NW tribal casinos offer me more of what I want, and less of what I don't.
They offer the same games I play in Las Vegas; I like the crews better at some of the Las Vegas higher end properties, but that is not a deal breaker, as the tribal folks are good enough, and (mostly) friendly.
Comps are available both in Las Vegas and at tribal joints, so that is a wash.
Air fare to and from Las Vegas is always a PITA, no question, and it is getting worse as time goes by.
I suppose the deciding factor is that, except for gambling, there is nothing that I want to do in Las Vegas: I've seen the tourist sites, explored, and now it is just "same old, same old."
Not good.
As it is, we'll do some driving along the Oregon coast to visit / stay at the tribal casinos, and the drive on HWY 101 and the ocean still intrigues me.
I guess I hate deserts.
So no Las Vegas this Fall: maybe next year?
Maybe not.
If you ever want to have a nice vacation and also do a little gambling at some decent tribal casinos considering coming to San Diego for vacation. Several of the casinos even have nice hotels. Of course you can always stay close to the beach and then make the drive out to the casinos for a day or night of gambling too. I'm amazed at how many tourists I meet playing craps at Barona or Sycuan. I didn't realize so many tourists even knew about the local tribal casinos.
BTW October is a GREAT time to visit southern California (assuming we aren't in the middle of any massive wildfires anyway).
If you're a beer drinker then you can spend one day gambling and the next sampling beers at one of the 70 breweries some of them world class.
For those who like the various casinos, sure. Enjoy San Diego sunshine and adventure.
Check out this site for an analysis or two of each of the casinos that interest you: Location, access, offerings, Booze Situation, Comps.
In fact Vegas is definitely not my first choice due to distance. I live in Tampa.
My first choice is large music festivals. I own a pop-up camper with all the candy, hot shower, ac, heat, toilet, kitchen ect. Its like a small apartment at the music festival.
I camp out at multi-day music festivals 3 times a year. I generally hit Vegas just one a year.
Heading out to magnolia music festival in 2 1/2 weeks, John Prine, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson headlining.
Will be in Vegas in 5 weeks, Nov 2, 5 nights. Staying at 4 queens 3 nights, 2 of the nights comped, then moving to the D 2 nites, 1 nite comped, resort fees comped.
Quote: MrVA travel / vacation opportunity presented itself for early October: both my wife and I can take time off from work then, which is often tough to coordinate.
So we had to determine where we would spend our vacation.
The options were: British Columbia, NW tribal casinos, or Las Vegas.
It was a close call, but Las Vegas lost: that surprised me.
Note: my wife is not a gambler, and she left the decision as to where to go up to me.
Objectively, NW tribal casinos offer me more of what I want, and less of what I don't.
They offer the same games I play in Las Vegas; I like the crews better at some of the Las Vegas higher end properties, but that is not a deal breaker, as the tribal folks are good enough, and (mostly) friendly.
Comps are available both in Las Vegas and at tribal joints, so that is a wash.
Air fare to and from Las Vegas is always a PITA, no question, and it is getting worse as time goes by.
I suppose the deciding factor is that, except for gambling, there is nothing that I want to do in Las Vegas: I've seen the tourist sites, explored, and now it is just "same old, same old."
Not good.
As it is, we'll do some driving along the Oregon coast to visit / stay at the tribal casinos, and the drive on HWY 101 and the ocean still intrigues me.
I guess I hate deserts.
So no Las Vegas this Fall: maybe next year?
Maybe not.
MrV, if you don't mind me asking, how did your trip go? I'd be particularly interested in which casinos you visited in the PNW. It's a beautiful area, and the tribal casinos are decent enough in WA state with respect to game selection and customer service. I don't have a ton of experience with the comps though. And I have never played in a casino in OR.
I did visit the Chinook Winds casino in Lincoln City, OR once. Absolutely beautiful place, overlooking the coast (although I do have a soft spot for the Oregon Coast). Unfortunately I was there early in the morning (about 10am) and the only game open was single-deck blackjack. No craps, no DD or 6D bj. Sadly I don't have SD BJ BS committed to memory, and in addition I hadn't brought my gambling bankroll as this was kind of a coincidence on a non-gambling road trip. C'est la vie, but I wish I had sat down at that table for just a few minutes...
We all value different things when driving though... I recall one sign just a few miles into California that warned me the way to the coastal route meant that the next 38 miles were through winding mountain roads with curves marked at 15 and some cliffs so steep lights had to be on when driving during the day. I loved the adventure and was so glad I had happened to stop and seek the coastal route rather than remain on the endlessly-unchanging freeway route.
I enjoyed Northern California but nowhere near as much as the far more lush greenery of Oregon and Washington. The vast tracts of land and the unique marine climate has made agriculture and specialty gourmet items a valuable product. Dairies, Creameries, Wineries and Breweries abound. Restaurants specialize in fresh crops from local farms.
As to casinos, some of the more recent construction in the very northern coastal California area seems to be on interest particularly to fishermen who wish to gamble.
I do think that Oregon and particularly Washington casinos have a good deal to offer and the diverse attractions that already exist make the area of great value. I only regret the stranglehold the Indians have on the WA state government, particularly the attorney general.
Quote: FleaStiff
I do think that Oregon and particularly Washington casinos have a good deal to offer and the diverse attractions that already exist make the area of great value. I only regret the stranglehold the Indians have on the WA state government, particularly the attorney general.
I regret that WA cannot offer video poker from a random, standard 52-card deck.
Quote: FleaStiffYes, I truly loved touring that area.
We all value different things when driving though... I recall one sign just a few miles into California that warned me the way to the coastal route meant that the next 38 miles were through winding mountain roads with curves marked at 15 and some cliffs so steep lights had to be on when driving during the day. I loved the adventure and was so glad I had happened to stop and seek the coastal route rather than remain on the endlessly-unchanging freeway route.
I enjoyed Northern California but nowhere near as much as the far more lush greenery of Oregon and Washington. The vast tracts of land and the unique marine climate has made agriculture and specialty gourmet items a valuable product. Dairies, Creameries, Wineries and Breweries abound. Restaurants specialize in fresh crops from local farms.
As to casinos, some of the more recent construction in the very northern coastal California area seems to be on interest particularly to fishermen who wish to gamble.
I do think that Oregon and particularly Washington casinos have a good deal to offer and the diverse attractions that already exist make the area of great value. I only regret the stranglehold the Indians have on the WA state government, particularly the attorney general.
Yeah, Flea, you and I share a love of challenging mountain driving. My best controller friend and I used to run between my place in Yakima and hers in Auburn (south of Seattle) with her in her Mustang and me in my Dodge Daytona just for the fun of it; she had better speed and acceleration, I had better handling. Our best time on a little over 100 miles of mountain driving was just under 1 hour (her); I was a few minutes behind that. Right up the side of Mt. Rainier and back down again. Little twisty switchback two lane road; hwy 410 was the name, it goes over the north side with the pass around 7000 feet.
