Las Vegas "All You Need To Know!"...

[Heather1957]

I'm not sure if this has already been posted but just in case it hasn't I have posted a link for a free trip to Laughlin from Vegas.

It is an all day trip and yes of course it is to get punters to spend some money away from the Strip but it is a beautiful location right on the banks of the Colorado and across the bridge to Arizona!

If you've been to Vegas a few times and want to get the feel of something a little different then it is worth a visit.

Having been a few times we actually stayed for 3 nights a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time.

freevegastours/voucher.aspx

I would recommend it - it is one of the times when you actually do get a free lunch (with no conditions!)

[Guest]

We went to Laughlin a few years back... There is a shopping outlet in there... Might be worth it for that x

[abiknox]

Just re-read this again in preparation for our September trip. Thanks for taking the time to write it, it really is helpful!

[Diamonddog2801]

A really good piece about the Neon Boneyard :

smartervegas/news/articles.aspx?aid=7

There’s the Silver Slipper, Sassy Sally’s and the Letters from the Sahara. Turn a corner and you will run into Lady Luck, a cactus, and a huge shamrock. Further down, there is a martini glass, a king, and a sign for the Queen of Hearts Hotel. There’s more! Lots more: A giant metallic hustler playing pool, The Moulin Rouge, The El Dorado, even the Stardust! Thousands of light bulbs, neon tubing, and several acres of old signage lie dormant. It’s the only thing left of the buildings that held these signature marquees high. It’s the last piece of history of a town that never seems to get old.

What’s old in Las Vegas becomes new again. Seems to be the standard. Imploding buildings making way for mega casino resorts properties, leaving behind a mound of dust and tales to be told. What once had a brilliant past now has a bright future. The Neon Boneyard, located on Las Vegas Blvd near downtown Las Vegas is home to over 150 vintage signs that once illuminated the cities skyline. Paying homage to its history, the Neon Boneyard is filled with the last remains of infamous Las Vegas landmarks.

Even the Neon Boneyard sign is iconic. The letters that spell out “Neon” are a hidden reference to the typography of famous signs that grace the Vegas strip. For example, the “N” is from the Golden Nugget. The letter “e” is from Caesars Palace. The “o” from Binion’s Horseshoe and the “n” celebrates the Desert Inn.

Then there is the tale of the Silver Slipper. Billionaire Howard Hughes moved to a penthouse at the Desert Inn in the late 60’s. The Silver Slipper, which sat across the street from the Desert Inn, was brightly lit and rotated, annoying Howard Hughes. He was also paranoid that someone had placed a camera in the toe and was spying on him. He contacted the owners of the property and asked that they shut it off. The owners would not. So Howard Hughes bought the Silver Slipper and had the sign moved.

The signs, at the Neon Boneyard dates back to the 1930’s, and mark the first of an era. Those who designed them and the buildings are also a part of history. The visitor center is the actual curvilinear structure that once was the lobby of the famous La Concha Motel and is on the cities Historic Register. An acclaimed African American architect Paul Revere Williams designed it. The lobby was slated for demolition, but was instead cut into eight pieces and moved from the strip to the Neon Boneyard sight where it was reassembled.

Betty Willis became the first woman to design a signature work of art in the 1950’s that graced the first integrated casino in Las Vegas - The Moulin Rouge. Willis is also known for her “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign that now one of the most photographed signs in the world and seen by millions of visitors each year.

The Moulin Rouge, has it’s own story. Many of the performers on the Las Vegas strip, including the Rat Pack, would go to the Moulin Rouge to watch performances by Sammy Davis, Jr and Etta James. It was partially owned by Boxer, Joe Louis and by a minority woman who was the first minority female to get a gaming license. It survived two out of three fires – before it was completely destroyed. Fortunately, the sign had been taken down a week to the day of the last fire that broke out and destroyed the building “We think that sign has a guardian angel, says Danielle Kelly, Executive Director of the Neon Museum. “It’s the only thing left of the Moulin Rouge and we are amazed how it survived any of those fires.”

The Neon Museum has been restoring and displaying signs as public art installations.
Inside the boneyard, the signs are strategically placed. Each tour is guided. Each sign has a story behind it. “We wanted to give visitors a loose narrative of the history and create an accidental find, says Kelly. The boneyard’s maze of signage is designed to take you on a tour through downtown Las Vegas, to motels and local businesses and the strip. The largest signs are placed wherever there is room, and there is a layering effect utilizing texture, colors and shapes. The tour takes about an hour and is open Tuesday through Friday at noon and 2PM and Saturday at 9:30AM and 11AM. The cost is $15 per person and Children 12 and under is free. Reservations are mandatory.
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If time is an issue, you can take your own self guided tour. Nine refurbished signs can be visited, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in an outdoor downtown “gallery”. The gallery begins in front of the Neonopolis at Las Vegas Boulevard near the Hacienda Horse and Rider and includes the original Aladdin’s Lamp. The gallery extends to the 3rd Street cul-de-sac adjacent to The Fremont Street Experience canopy and includes The Flame Restaurant, Chief Court Motel, Andy Anderson, The Red Barn, Wedding Information, Nevada Motel, and Dots Flowers.

By car, there is a federal scenic byway, from Sahara to Washington Blvd, where restored signage is displayed and is designated as a nighttime neon experience. There you will see Benion’s Horseshoe, the Bow and Arrow, Hacienda Horse and Rider, and newly installed Society Cleaners, Normandie Hotel and the Lucky Cuss.

The Inside Scoop: The grand opening of the Neon Boneyard and new Visitor’s Center is slated for the end of September 2012, and they are planning on having nighttime tours with the signage dramatically lit. The two signs they are now looking to restore and awaiting grant approval are The Apache Motel and the Delmar Hotel.

If only these signs could talk…oh the tales they would tell!

Neon Museum Hours of Operation and Information
• When: Tue. -Fri. at noon and 2 p.m. and Sat. at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
• Cost: $15 per person. Children 12 and under are free.
• To Reserve: Call 702-387-NEON (6366) or visit neonmuseum.org.
• Make reservations at least a week in advance. Don’t show up without a confirmed appointment.
• Bring bottled water. The Boneyard is outdoors in a dirt lot so it’s usually hot.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are good to have. It’s very bright in The Boneyard and little shade.
• Wear closed-toe walking shoes because there may be broken glass on the ground.
• Take a camera and use it for personal photos only. Other multimedia equipment is forbidden
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

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Well worth a visit!

[Guest]

Combining the Neon Boneyard with the new Mob Museum would make a great day out Downtown.

themobmuseum/

And to think some people consider Downtown Las Vegas to be just Fremont Street and the Experience...

[Diamonddog2801]

An interesting link to 'The Linq' :

lasvegasblog.harrahs/las-...fusion-of-wow/

and :

lasvegasblog.harrahs/las-...ore-linq-news/

Shows how O'Sheas has already gone, and how the soon-to-be-renamed Imperial Palace (no one knows yet..) is going to change dramatically too.

[Diamonddog2801]

Not strictly about travel planning but - if you want to understand the history of Las Vegas (right from its very early origins) this website is, quite simply, by far the best I've ever read on the subject :

john-uk/LasVegasHistory/LVHISTORY.html

Really - it is an astonishing read. I have seen museums with far less information.

[Guest]

I can't remember if the Deuce/SDX schedules have been included on this thread but even so, here are the up to date schedules which may be useful to people thinking of using the buses to get around Vegas.

SDX
rtcsouthernnevada/tra...(05-20-12).pdf

DEUCE
rtcsouthernnevada/tra...(05-20-12).pdf

WAX
rtcsouthernnevada/tra...(05-20-12).pdf

The WAX is a good choice for a quick journey to Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street) especially if you are staying near the Tropicana Intersection of the Strip (i.e. Excalibur, NYNY, Tropicana, MGM, Luxor etc).

[Diamonddog2801]

Originally Posted by Diamonddog2801

An interesting link to 'The Linq' :

lasvegasblog.harrahs/las-...fusion-of-wow/

and :

lasvegasblog.harrahs/las-...ore-linq-news/

Shows how O'Sheas has already gone, and how the soon-to-be-renamed Imperial Palace (no one knows yet..) is going to change dramatically too.

See more...

Update from the Las Vegas Advisor about the Imperial Palace new name :

IP Name Confirmed: Imperial Palace will henceforward be known as The Quad, Caesars Ent. has revealed. The rebranding will be complete by the end of the year, although some aspects of the physical transformation of the property will be ongoing into 2013

[ClaireB]

We're going for the 1st time this year whilst in Orlando, I've booked it as a surprise for my ohs 40th, he hasn't got a clue and from reading this thread has got me even more excited, I've booked 3 nights and now wish I had done 4 or 5 but I suppose it will get us to go back.

Thanks for so much info I've learnt a lot and really can't wait to check in on 3-11