Travel Log: Las Vegas

Entertainment, "the show," taking a gamble -- all potentially NASCAR terms, yet all coined phrases of Las Vegas.

Last week -- or should we say, Monday -- it was California's Hollywood glitz and glamour that threw out the red carpet for NASCAR's three series. This week, it's a different type of entertainment that's a little rough around the edges. This place is known for its late nights and scorching days. But did you know that Nevada derives from the Spanish word, Nevada, meaning "covered in snow?"

Gambling was outlawed in the state in 1909. Two years later, Las Vegas officially became a city. In 1931, gambling was again legalized in Nevada. Since then, it has grown to become the most populous American city founded in the 20th century. It was certainly no gamble that the city's growth parallels that of gaming in the state.

Cowboy Trail Rides -- Just a few minutes from the neon lights of The Strip sits a plot of land that oozes with Old West culture and entertainment. This family-owned horseback tour offers trail rides of many different agendas, including barbecue rides, canyon rim rides and a list of other scenic trail excursions.
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renoraines33 -- Jerry's Nugget off Lake Mead is the best prime rib in the city. Saw Ward Burton there a couple of years ago so it must be something!

coastyinvegs -- OK, I live in downtown Vegas. You want cheep beer and free entertainment, the Fremont Experience is where it is at. Best buffet in Vegas that won't break the budget is Main Street Station. Excellent micro brews at the 777 Brewpub in the casino there too with great food.

Sunshyn88 -- If you are looking to get away from the hustle of The Strip, the Green Valley Casino and Resort is really nice. There is a nice casino, several restaurants, a movie theater and a shopping area across the street. We really enjoy The Elephant Bar -- fantastic food and reasonable.

misschriss88 -- I'm heading to Vegas next week (I can't wait)! We stay downtown, it's like Mardi Gras! Great concerts, everything within walking distance, better deals down there also! The Bayou has the best drinks!

babyblu336 -- I've been to Vegas three times now and have kind of learned what is worth going to. Everything in Vegas is expensive for the most part, but you can find places that you get a lot of food for the money. My favorite is The Grand Luxe Cafe. There is one in the Venetian and a new one in the Palazzo. It's owned by the Cheesecake Factory, so think Cheesecake Factory portions (enough for two) and an extremely extensive menu. The restaurants are also huge, so there's usually a very short wait, and I believe they're open 24 hours, if not close to it. Definitely go and you can save by splitting an entree between two people and still have leftovers! For cheap beer, go to O'Shea's in the back of the Flamingo (I believe) -- $2 Miller Lites on some nights. Can't beat it!

RebelShooter -- There are great sports bars all over Vegas that serve terrific food at reasonable prices. Try PT's, Village Pub, Thunderbird or Winchell's (not the doughnut place). For those who caught the In-N-Out addiction in CA, we got 'em here in Vegas, too. For the best frozen custard, go to Luv-it's, a family-owned drive-in for decades, or Sheridan's -- good custard but without the history.

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Thursday: Sunny with a high of 74 degrees, low of 49
Friday: Sunny with a high of 75 degrees, low of 52
Saturday: Sunny with a high of 75 degrees, low of 51
Sunday: Sunny with a high of 68 degrees, low of 46
Complete Forecast

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