ENCORE REVIEW
Las Vegas, over the last decade, has become North America’s Entertainment Mecca. The days of going to Sin City on a gambling junket have been replaced by entertainment packages designed for singles, families and an added option for the dedicated gambler. In fact you can head to Vegas and spend a week being entertained without spending a cent in the casinos. There is always something to see and something to do on the strip that has grown extensively since the turn of the century.
In a recent January visit, my team held up at the MGM Grand and took on what Vegas had to offer. Here are eight things that occupied our week which left very little time to do anything else. There was a time when three or four nights would be enough …. but not any more!
1. A VISIT TO GRAND CANYON WEST: HOME OF THE HUALAPAI NATION
How could man connect with nature while protecting the Hualapai Nation, their culture and values which are deeply engraved in the canyon walls and proudly displayed for the world to see? At Grand Canyon West you can explore first-hand the beauty of the Grand Canyon from top to bottom and soak in nature’s beauty at your own pace.
Grand Canyon West is home of the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk (the glass walkway 4,000 feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most popular day trips from Vegas just a 2 ½ hour drive from the strip. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is voted the “Best New Bridge” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Grand Canyon West offers a rich cultural experience (owned by the Hualapai Tribe so there are live Native American performances and a village with authentic dwellings of the tribes in the region) as well as spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River.
Also at Grand Canyon West are overnight canyon-facing cabins and the only Helicopter/boat rides in the Canyon (the reservation is the only place where helicopters can land at the bottom).
Upon our visit to Grand Canyon West, we were met by our personal and very knowledgable tour guide who took us on an exclusive tour of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Ranch.
Our stop at Guano Point offered a breathtaking panoramic canyon view of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Here you can visit remnants of a historic tram that stretched 8,800 feet across the canyon to a guano mine discovered in the 1930’s. At the Hualapai Market, visitors can interact with Tribal members offering Native American jewelry and crafts.
At Eagle Point, we discovered authentic Native American dwellings depicting multiple tribes during a walking tour of the Native American Village. Traditional entertainment from multiple tribes is continuous all day at the amphitheatre.
We wrapped up our visit at the Hualapai Ranch and enjoyed some great western hospitality in the restaurant which looked more like a western saloon. The BBQ chicken, ribs and corn was a welcomed treat after a long afternoon exploring God’s country. The ranch itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can rent a cabin or two and enjoy horseback rides that take you to the canyon rim or along the canyon rim.
The Hualapai, meaning “People of The Tall Pines,” are native people of the Southwest. Traditionally hunter-gatherers, they inhabited an area of more than 5 million acres. Their homeland stretched from the Grand Canyon southward to the Santa Maria River and from the Black Mountains eastward to the pine forests of the San Francisco peaks. Today, the Hualapai American Indian Reservation, created in 1883, is nearly 1,000,000 acres that includes 108 miles of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. There are approximately 2,100 enrolled members of the Hualapai Tribe and nearly half live in Peach Springs, the capital of the Hualapai Nation, on Historic Route 66. Years of social and economic hardship led Hualapai Leaders to take measures that would lead to an independent future for the generations to come. As a result, the Hualapai decided to open their land to visitors in 1988, creating Grand Canyon West as a tourism destination. Currently, multiple improvements – including a “Boys and Girls Club” facility, a “Head Start” facility and a Social Services building – have been built in Peach Springs. Many more projects are planned for the future, all made possible by Hualapai Tourism.
FACTS you should know before you go:
Grand Canyon West is privately owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe and requires the purchase of a permit and Legacy tour package for entry. Roundtrip shuttles are available between Hualapai Ranch, The Welcome Center, Eagle Point and Guano Point.
Pets are not permitted on tours or allowed to be left in parked cars. Pet accommodations are available at the Hualapai Ranch (fee applies). Service animals are permitted on tours.
- Smoking allowed in the designated smoking areas only
- Dispose of trash in provided receptacles.
- No outside food and/or drink is allowed on the premises.
- There is limited cell phone service.
- Please respect the Tribal Land!
For directions, tour packages and additional information please call 888-868-9378 or 928-769-2636 or visit the website www. Hualapaitourism.com or www.grandcanyonwest.com
2. RACING A SPORTS CAR: REVVING UP AT THE LAS VEGAS SPEEDWAY EXOTICS RACING
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
6925 Speedway Blvd.
Exotics Racing is an exciting driving experience located at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Exotics Racing brings you the original supercar track driving experience with the world’s largest fleet of exotic cars. Established in 2009, Exotics Racing has had over 30,000 satisfied customers drive today’s most exciting supercars, with professional racing instruction on a real race track. Exotics Racing is the first racing school to offer customers a chance to choose from a wide variety of exotic cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, and drive them the way they were meant to be driven… on a race track! They currently have 14 different exotic cars to choose from.
Prior to driving I was provided with a welcome briefing followed by technical driving instruction in a classroom environment where I learned proper driving position, braking and accelerating techniques as well as the racing line on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Road Course. Following the classroom session and after suiting up, one of the lead instructors took me as a passenger in a Porsche Cayenne for Discovery Laps to help get familiar with the track’s challenging turns curves and straight-a-ways. This helped me feel at ease from the very first lap so that I could fully enjoy my time on the track. When I was ready to drive, I was met by my racing instructor who sat in the passenger seat of my Ferrari during my memorable driving experience. The instructor ensured that I should take full advantage of the performance of the car…. which I did!
In all, the complete experience lasts about two hours. Driving packages start at just $199 for 5 laps and if you want to take your driving experience home with you, they offer the opportunity to purchase a copy of the on-board video to share with your friends and family. Drifting ride-alongs and gift certificates are also available for that special someone and if group events are what you are looking for, then look no further than Exotics Racing!
Get yourself revved up. Visit ww.ExoticsRacing.com for more information.
3. VISIT A GUN SHOOTING RANGE
GUN GARAGE
515 S. Dean Martin
South of Tropicana
I must admit that I had reservations about throwing in this activity as part of my overall Vegas experience but I’m glad I did. Not being a gun toting guy for any reason including hunting, I figured this would be the only time I would be able to be a cop or CIS agent in training under full supervision. Let me make it absolutely clear, that I went there strictly to have fun and check out my skills as a sharpshooter …. and I did. This shooting range is state-of-the-art featuring 12 full lanes and its just over a mile from the Vegas strip.
An assigned NRA trained range officer helped me feel the exhilaration of high-powered firearms. These included hand guns, shot guns and rifles. For the first time I handled an Uzi, an M4 and an HK USP 9MM hand gun amongst others. Never knew how much of a back kick each shot has and the number of shells that keep coming at your face. It didn’t take me long to realize why I was wearing safety glasses.
Upon arrival you are briefed on all the safety issues and you get to choose your target image. After your session you are able to see your marksmanship results and get to keep the target sheet.
I found the entire staff on the range and in the store, completely hospitable and helpful. The premise was spanking clean and organized.
This is the only place you should be when it comes to shooting any kind of firearm … even if it’s only once. It’s safe and exhilarating for sure.
www.gungarage.com
4. DINNER AT AN AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB
Ri Ra Las Vegas
Shops at Mandalay Place
3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas
702-632-7771
Rí Rá Las Vegas is a 100% authentic Irish pub that has received rave reviews since opening in March of 2011. It’s a fun spot to unwind with great food, a unique atmosphere, live music and other entertainment.
Owners and Dublin natives David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan have constructed the pub entirely out of salvaged and restored materials, which were found in Ireland and shipped to the U.S. The pub is crafted in the warm pub style of 19th century Ireland and features an authentic shop bar that began its life in the 1880s at Foley’s in West Cork, flooring from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast (where the Titanic was built), a whiskey bar featuring an original glazed jewelry cabinet from 1900 and an 8-foot-tall, 500-pound carved plaster statue of St. Patrick dating back to 1850. Even the staff is imported as 17 members are part of Rí Rá’s cultural exchange program where they work in Rí Rá pubs in the U.S. for one year.
All this authenticity is complemented by a delicious menu featuring authentic Irish cuisine with a hint of American flair. The pub serves a wide selection of appetizers, sandwiches, lunch fare and entrées seven days a week. Rí Rá also features live entertainment seven nights a week, including current Irish bands that come direct from Ireland to the Rí Rá stage. The night I visited the pub, Smilin’ Bob was rockin’ the stage. The band is comprised of musicians from popular Irish rock bands throughout Las Vegas. A majority of the members come from the band Finnegan’s Wak, who specialize in traditional Irish Songs, classic rock and their own original tunes.
5. CHOCOLATE DINNER AT THE SUGAR FACTORY THE SUGAR FACTORY AMERICAN BRASSERIE
Paris Las Vegas Hotel
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Reservations: 702-331-5100
Chocolate does not come any more elaborate or decadent than this. The Sugar Factory has a chocolate menu that would make you salivate and fill you with amazement as to what they can create with cocao right on the premises.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie and its attached retail location is conveniently located at Paris Las Vegas. The 30,000-square-foot space houses an expansive restaurant and dining room, the confectionary emporium’s flagship retail store, a decadent Chocolate Lounge and more as it serves up delicious cuisine to patrons 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Situated in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, with direct access from Las Vegas Boulevard, a spacious patio frames the entryway, welcoming guests with a myriad of vivid colors and breathtaking design elements into a one-of-a-kind confectionary heaven where the imaginative world of Willy Wonka meets the trendsetting style of MTV. Designed by rising talent Amy Kim of AK DesignNETWORK, who has many impressive projects to her credit including a collaboration with Philippe Starck on the groundbreaking interior of the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, Sugar Factory American Brasserie takes the guest on a breathtaking, visually-inspiring journey from beginning to end. The impressive dining room is given a traditional French brasserie feel with intricate details and handmade art from local artists, accented by etched mirrors, black and white imagery, and brass finishes. Every piece of furniture in Sugar Factory American Brasserie was custom-made for the venue.
Known world-wide for its stacked roster of celebrity fans, Sugar Factory provides patrons with a vast selection of confections, apparel, gift baskets and more. Sugar Factory’s signature Couture Pops take center-stage, and as a special feature to this flagship store, Sugar Factory presents a special edition, diamond-encrusted Couture Pop valued at $1,000,000. The ‘Million Dollar Couture Pop’ made its grand unveiling at the opening of Sugar Factory on March 4, 2011 in the hands of the gorgeous Kim Kardashian.
The mouth-watering menu at Sugar Factory American Brasserie has been handcrafted by a team of world-class chefs, including: Executive Chef Michael Sellmann, Corporate Pastry Chef Michael Gillet and Chef & Restaurateur Bryan Ogden. The magnificent menu features perfectly executed classics such as pizzas, burgers, pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, sandwiches and more, along with signature items such as Smoked Salmon Frittata, Grilled Black Angus Filet and Toasted Brioche Eggs Benedict. Breakfast options will be served all day including fluffy waffles, omelets, crepes and specialty egg dishes. Of course, Sugar Factory American Brasserie has an over-the-top dessert menu featuring signature classic sweet treats such as homemade cupcakes, gelato, milkshakes, sundaes, chocolate pizzas, pastries and more, along with a selection of original specialty treats such as Raspberry Lemon Brulee Pizza and the King Kong Sundae with 24 different scoops of ice cream and toppings.
The Chocolate Lounge, a crown jewel in the colossal compound, acts as an intimate alcove set to deliver the ultimate experience to both novice and veteran chocolate connoisseurs with a vast selection of chocolate fondue options, accompanied by wine, champagne and liquor pairings. Sugar Factory’s Chocolate Lounge features chocolates flown in from countries around the world, including Ecuador, Madagascar, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic, just to name a few. With prices ranging from $28 to $1,000, guests may choose a simple tasting for two, or a decadent feast which includes a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, Dominican dark chocolate, a gold-chocolate sphere and more.
Sugar Factory has proved to be the hottest new spot on the Strip. Hollywood favorites have always had a soft spot for this decadent destination, with Tinsel Town’s favorites dining in, such as Kim Kardashian, Drake, Holly Madison, Brody Jenner, Lo Bosworth, Kourtney Kardashian, Charlie Sheen, Eva Longoria, Nick Cannon, Samantha Ronson and many more. With faces like these popping up at a moment’s notice, patrons have the chance to make their experience at Sugar Factory, even sweeter than imagined.
Sugar Factory isn’t your average sweet spot. The brand has made confections part of popular culture and has turned sweets into the latest designer accessory. Sugar Factory’s signature Couture Pop collections have already hit the red carpets in the hands of celebrities at major events in Miami, Los Angeles, New York City and Las Vegas. Kim Kardashian, the Pussycat Dolls and Britney Spears are now endorsing their very own Couture Pops, and are just part of the buzz that has made Sugar Factory a staple. www.sugarfactory.com
6. A LITTLE MAC MAGIC AND COMEDY THE MAC KING COMEDY MAGIC SHOW
Harrah’s Las Vegas
In 2014, Mac King will be celebrating his 14th year performing in The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s, Las Vegas – a true testament to the staying power of the show and of Mac King’s magnificent talent. In fact, King is contracted to perform at Harrah’s Las Vegas through 2015, which will make him the longest-running magic show in Las Vegas in 2015. King, who was recently named Best Strip headliner by the Las Vegas Weekly, presents a super family-friendly show filled with laughter and magic that keeps the audience guessing “How did he do that?”
King captivates audiences as he casts out a fishing line over their heads and catches live goldfish out of mid-air, performs amazing sleights-of-hand, makes his head completely disappear in a paper bag, and renders himself invisible, all while remaining unbelievably funny.
King is also an accomplished author with several magic books and kits that teach young aspiring magicians how to amaze and astound their friends (full line of products available at www.mackingshop.com. King, one of today’s brightest and most talented magicians, takes the stage twice daily Tuesday – Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
7. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IS A MUST SEE
A visit to Las Vegas would not be complete without taking in one of the several Cirque du Soleil productions on the strip. In 2012, I took in one of the last shows “Viva Las Vegas” at the Rio. Even though that show has moved on, there are plenty of others to get your fix. Every show is different and each one more amazing than the other. Seeing Cirque in from out under the tent and on a fixed Vegas stage is somewhat more engaging and elaborate. The atmosphere is completely different – slick, amazingly staged and totally mezmerizing.
Currently there are 8 shows running consecutively. These are O at Bellagio, Michael Jackson ONE at the Mandalay Bay, Mystere at Treasure Island, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage, Zumanity at New York – New York, Criss Angel BELIEVE at The Luxor Hotel + Casino, Zarkana at Aria Resort + Casino and KA at the MGM Grand.
8. FRANK MARINO’S “DIVAS LAS VEGAS”
A Cast of Superstar Female Impersonators
The Q Theatre
The Quad Resort and Casino
3535 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
1-800-351-7400
What would a trip to Vegas be without taking in at least one naughty but nice show. This is the most biggest and outrageous drag show you will ever see.
This 75-minute energetic show starring Las Vegas’ longest running
headliner Frank Marino as comic icon Joan Rivers features an all star cast of
superstar female impersonators who not only recreate but almost uncannily duplicate the likenesses of stars ranging from Britney Spears to Cher and Diana Ross to Beyonce even Madonna and Dolly Parton have been known to stop by. Meanwhile, Marino in his role as the show’s emcee and star changes between every act bringing an international whirlwind of couture to the stage with each spectacular entrance.
From the moment he steps on stage you realize that there is no other entertainer like Frank Marino. It’s not just his campy voice, his smoothly electric performance, or even his impeccable selection of clever comedy material. It’s his energy, which of course is the key to putting on any live show. After more than 20 years starring in “La Cage” at the famous Riviera, Frank Marino and his many alter-egos have taken Vegas by storm in this always new show.
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In addition to the 8 great sure bets listed above, we have to make note that Las Vegas steps up to celebrate other cultures and holidays in grandeur style. While we were there, it just happened to be Chinese New Year and so we thought we would give you a glimpse of what we saw.
CHINESE NEW YEARS LAS VEGAS STYLE
One place I wouldn’t have expected to go all out to celebrate Chinese New Years is Las Vegas. From the lobby dress-up at the MGM Grand, to the Chinese Gardens at the Bellagio and the outdoor celebrations at Fremont Street Experience, celebrations were ongoing and drawing big crowds.
For more than a few hours, Fremont Street staged everything from culinary samplings and entertaiment by Dragon dancers to traditional dancers accompanied by an amazing digital display of visuals on the overhead Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest video screen. This takes place in mid-January and goes on for a few weeks.
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There is so much to do and see in Las Vegas that it was impossible to complete or for that matter, put a dent into our list. On our next trip we will explore and revisit many of the attractions, events and dining experiences that await us.
Visit www.Vegas.com
Reviews and Photographs by Joey Cee
*Originally published March 2012.
