It’s time for another rousing edition of Travel Around the Internet! Brace yourself.
Here are just a few of the items that have shuffled across our inbox lately:
Disney Cruise specials and kids sail free!
Marriott wants to Twitter, email and Facebook you to Hawai’i! By all means, let them!
Party like a rock star in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has thrived on witty slogans, such as “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” “Las Vegas: What you want. When you want,” and “Your Vegas is showing.” Regardless of the vacation Mecca’s strategically contrived marketing campaigns to attract visitors, there’s never been any doubt about the uninhibited fun and exhilaration offered in Sin City.
Truly, where else can vacationers go to eat, drink, gamble, dance and mingle alongside actors (A-list to Z-list), wealthy heiresses and rock stars?
I still have very vivid memories of playing Blackjack with Jenny McCarthy, having cocktails with Dennis Rodman (when he was still in the NBA), hanging out with Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails and getting a drink spilled on me by an extremely inebriated Paulie Shore. Okay, the latter wasn’t fun, but you can see the variety of celeb-types that hang out in Vegas.
If carefully planned – choosing the right place and the right time – you can “do” Vegas like a rock star and even bump into some real ones during your night out on the town. Here are some tips:
Dress the part and you'll be ready to party like a rock star.
Definitely dress to impress. Many vacationers come to Vegas with nothing more than shorts, t-shirts and a pair of flip flops. While these clothes may be acceptable for an afternoon poolside, they’re definitely not for hitting the party scene. Dress codes are strictly enforced at all of the top lounges and clubs, so be sure to pack appropriately or you’ll be turned away.
Nothing compares to the nightlife in Las Vegas.
Ask around for the night’s hot spot. The place to see and be seen varies from night to night. On some nights it may be Lavo at Palazzo and on other nights it might be Tao at the Venetian or XS at Wynn. Sometimes celebrities host parties at nightclubs, so inquiring can direct you to the best place.
Now that you have your tips, remember to let your inhibitions go. You’re on vacation in Vegas, so live a little. It’s time to momentarily forget about the kids, work, etc. and let loose and truly party like a rock star. That also means you should be prepared to stay out all night long. Don’t worry; you can spend the following day resting by the pool.
Photos by Las Vegas News Bureau and Barbara Kraft.
Bask in the sun poolside at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat a special mother to a relaxing vacation. What better place than poolside in Las Vegas. The weather in the City of Sin is perfect during the month of May – not too hot, but definitely not cold. Usually, the sun is shining bright and the champagne, wine and exotic cocktails are flowing under blue skies and palm trees.
Remove yourself from the crowds with a private cabana.
The best way for Mom to enjoy a Vegas pool, without having to fight amongst the throngs of tourists for a perfectly located lounge chair, is to arrange for a private cabana. Through the concierge desk, most of the resort hotels offer cabanas to hotel guests and visitors for a fee. It’s worth the money to have your very own poolside retreat.
For example, recently my wife and her girlfriends celebrated a special occasion at the beautiful Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, a sensational resort located off the Las Vegas Strip. They stayed in one the hotel’s lavish rooms overnight after enjoying the resort’s restaurants and nightlife. The following day, they arranged for a private cabana. It came furnished with a flat-panel HD television and comfortable sofas with pillows, a safe for valuables, and an endless supply of fresh towels. Right outside of the cabana were two lounge chairs situated in front of a private pool overlooking the resort’s crowded pool and spa complex.
The Pond at Green Valley Ranch is a 21 and over sanctuary.
The ladies were served by a waitress that kept food and drinks replenished throughout the entire day as they swam in the refreshing water and basked in the sunlight and cool spring breeze. The cocktails were delicious and the food was spectacular. The great part was that $250 worth of drinks and food were included with the cabana rental. What a great deal!
Later, the ladies invited their families, including the kids to join them at the cabana. So, not only did it providing some relaxing girl time, it made for a great afternoon of family fun.
The cabanas at the Red Rock Resort, Palms, Hard Rock Hotel, The M Resort and Mandalay Bay are great choices too. Their prices and amenities vary. Also, many of the hotels offer an exclusive, enclosed pool area with cabanas for the 21 and over crowd. At Green Valley Ranch it’s The Pond.
The Spa at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
Of course, you may want to treat your mother to more than just a day at a cabana. A spa package is a nice way to pamper her as well. You can arrange for a spa treatment, including massage, in the morning and the cabana for the afternoon.
Whatever Las Vegas resort you choose, your special mother is sure to enjoy her time in the Las Vegas sun.
Photos by Jason Roth and Green Valley Resort & Casino.
The luxurious Bellagio of Las Vegas
With hotels in Las Vegas slashing room rates to attract vacationers, there’s no better time to experience the luxury of Bellagio.
Photo by Jason Roth
The red, sandstone buttes of Sedona are picture perfect.
There’s no escaping the overwhelming awe one experiences during a visit to Sedona, Arizona. The majestic red sandstone buttes in contrast with a vast blue sky combined with the mystical aura of the region have been a place of wonder since the days of the Wild West.
Take in the tranquility of Sedona's landscape in a private, creek side cottage.
Today, the cowboys and Indians of the past have been replaced by throngs of tourists eager to experience one of Mother Nature’s most remarkable landscapes. Whether enjoying an exhilarating off-road adventure, exploring many of the area’s hot Vortex spots, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts in its abundant gift shops and art galleries, or tasting the unique flavors of its many dining options, Sedona has everything necessary for an exciting family vacation.
There are many places to stay during a Sedona vacation, ranging from the small, no-frills motel to the luxury resort and spa. One of our family’s favorites is the quaint L’Auberge De Sedona Resort. Nestled at the bottom of a cliff and situated on the banks of Oak Creek, guests are invited to stay in The Lodge, The Creek House or in a one or two-bedroom private cottage. The cottages, in particular, offer an opportunity for guests to truly experience the natural beauty of the region from their private front porches.
Restaurant on Oak Creek offers an incredible fine dining experience.
L’Auberge De Sedona is also home to one of our favorite restaurants, the famous Restaurant on Oak Creek. Hugely popular with visitors and locals alike, the restaurant offers an unparallel outdoor dining experience along the trickling creek side. Its seasonal menu of French-inspired American cuisine is an outstanding epicurean treat and its vintage wine selection is superb. Wine Spectator has awarded the restaurant a “Best of Award of Excellence” for 14 years in a row. It’s a “can’t miss” during a Sedona vacation.
Tlaquepaque Village
A great place to find a variety of dining and shopping options is the nearby Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. It’s always on our list of places to visit. Resembling an authentic Mexican village, Tlaquepaque is an epicenter for the Sedona experience, with eclectic live entertainment, artisans and flavors all in one beautiful, natural setting. If you love Mexican food, a “must try” is El Rincon. Their food is influenced by the Navajo and is “muy delicioso.”
Tlaquepaque is also a great starting point for an off road tour of the area’s majestic landscape. Sedona Off Road Adventures offers Hummer and Jeep tours at the Village as well as from The Adventure Store located in the Uptown Mall. Many tour options are available and the vehicles can accommodate groups of up to 12 at a time and always offer an adrenaline-filled trip. Off road tours are very popular, so reservations are encouraged. Also, don’t forget your camera as the panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll want to capture the experience.
Get up close and personal with the Sedona landscape with an exhilirating jeep tour.
Sedona Off Road Adventures, as well as other tour operators, also offer wilderness horseback tours as well as mountain bikes rentals for the extreme outdoor enthusiasts.
While in Sedona, you can also hike the rugged terrain in search of the area’s many purported spiritual Vortices (Vortexes). Sedona has been labeled as a spiritual center for many generations, because power emanates from vortexes producing some of the most remarkable energy on the planet. This energy is the reason why Sedona is home to a lot of people that are “on the path” of spiritual growth. It is also the reason that a large New Age community and tourism industry has sprung up in the Sedona area, bringing with it a variety of spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities. Sedona is now often referred to as a spiritual Disneyland. Popular Vortex spots include Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill. Maps of these locations can be found at all of Sedona’s New Age shops.
If you do decide to hoof it into the Sedona wilderness, as always, please take proper precautions, like packing plenty of water, a map and a cell phone. You wouldn’t want to become a permanent part of the landscape.
Finally, if the weather’s warm and you need to cool off, take the family over to the famous Slide Rock State Park. There the Oak Creek has transformed the red rocks into a natural, slippery water chute. You can take a ride down the chutes, sunbath, wade or swim in the cool waters. It’s a blast.
Getting To Sedona
Sedona is located approximately 115 miles north of Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Highway 179 west. Travel time is just under two hours. Flagstaff is about 30 miles north of Sedona. The best, and most scenic route to take from there is Highway 89A south. The route will take approximately 45 minutes. And it’s a 288-mile, nearly five hour drive from Las Vegas.
The city also has a small airport (SEZ) accommodating private aircraft and offering charter flight, scenic air tours as well as car and jeep rentals.
Photos courtesy of the City of Sedona, L’Auberge De Sedona, Tlaquepaque Village and Sedona Off Road Adventures.
For vacationers looking for a spring wine tasting escape full of the fun and excitement only offered in Las Vegas, the annual UNLVino wine tasting event is the answer.
Wine enthusiasts enjoy the flavors at the UNLVino Grand Tasting at Paris Las Vegas.
Celebrating its 35th year, the three-day event offers wine enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the latest releases, the best vintages, and the finest varietals from across the globe. In 2008, more than 6,000 wine connoisseurs and novices converged at the Grand Tasting and enjoyed 2,900 bottles of wine from more than 750 wineries and 125 suppliers. It was America’s largest single day wine tasting. This year’s Grand Tasting promises to be equally exciting.
Champaign and sparkling wine will flow poolside at the Palms.
UNLVino kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at the Palms Pool and Bungalows with “Bubble-licious,” featuring champagne and sparkling wines. If you’ve ever experienced Las Vegas in the spring you know this evening outdoor event will be spectacular. Guy Fieri, celebrity chef and Food Network television personality will co-host. Advance purchased tickets are $100 or pay $125 at the door. Located on Flamingo Road, just west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Palms is home to the Playboy Club, great restaurants and exciting nightlife. A popular hotel for celebrities, the Palms is a great place to vacation like a “rockstar” during your wine tasting vacation.
The second night of UNLVino, “Auss-Some and Then Some,” will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday April 17, at the District at Green Valley Ranch, an upscale outdoor shopping, eating and entertainment venue located just minutes east of the Las Vegas Strip off Interstate 215 at Green Valley Parkway. The event will feature extraordinary wines from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America. Tickets for the event may be purchased for $75 in advance or $100 at the door.
Enjoy wines from the Southern Hemisphere at the District at Green Valley Ranch.
The District is adjacent to the luxurious, yet affordable Green Valley Ranch Resort offering rooms walking distance from the action. Enjoy a day at the resort’s lavish pool and spa before heading out for an evening of wine tasting.
The climax of UNLVino is the Grand Tasting from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Paris Las Vegas, offering a taste of the latest releases and the best vintages from around the world. The event also features an art and wine auction, offering an opportunity to bid on fine art, rare wines and wine country vacation packages. Registration and preview for the auction will begin at 2 p.m. with the bidding starting at 3 p.m. Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $100 for advance purchase or $125 at the door. Accommodations are available at Paris Las Vegas and Bally’s as well as nearby resorts, such as Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, or Flamingo.
Tickets for all three events are available at www.unlvtickets.com, or call (702) 739-FANS (3267). You may also purchase tickets at Guest Services at the District at Green Valley Ranch. As with most wine tasting events, attendees must be 21 years old or older to enter any of the three UNLVino events. Also, remember to drink responsibly.
All proceeds from the event benefit the University of Nevada Las Vegas, hence the name UNLVino.
Photos courtesty of UNLVino, Palms and the City of Henderson.
The M resort features progressive architectural style and design
In Las Vegas, resort builders are always pushing the envelope to create something new and exciting for the millions of tourists that visit the city each year. Rising from the desert floor on the far southern edge of the Valley, Las Vegas’ newest vacation destination, the M Resort, is no exception. As a matter of fact, with a view of it from my front yard, I’d call it immaculate example of cutting-edge architecture and design. It’s simply spectacular.
Scheduled to open on March 1 at Las Vegas Boulevard South at St. Rose Parkway, the 390-room M Resort is the first property travelers along I-15 from California now see. Its location also places the resort 400 feet higher than any other Las Vegas resort property, offering guests sweeping views of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip from the majority of its guest rooms and restaurants, many of which feature outdoor terraces overlooking its 100,000 square foot pool and events piazza as well as the Las Vegas Valley.
Here’s some the M Resort’s other great amenities:
The M Resort features 351 guest rooms and 39 suites.
The 100,000 square foot pool overlooks the Las Vegas Valley.
So what’s nearby to enjoy during your vacation at the M Resort?
If you enjoy shopping, you can travel 30 minutes south on I-15 to the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas on the California state line in Primm or just minutes north on Las Vegas Boulevard to the Las Vegas Outlet Center.
You can also tee up for a round of golf at the nearby Rio Secco Golf Club in Seven Hills, located just a few minutes east off of St. Rose Parkway. Or you can try the Bali Hai Golf Course, located adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Take a scenic drive through the loop at Red Rock Canyon. Take I-15 north to Blue Diamond and head west. If you’re into adventure, take a hike on one of the canyon’s many trails.
Whatever you’re in the mood to do during your next Las Vegas vacation, you’re sure to find it.
The M Resort is now taking reservations, so check it out.
All photos by The M Resort.
The historic Boulder Theatre is the site of the fifth annual Dam Short Film Festival
Looking for a vacation full of romance, horror, drama and comedy? Head out to Boulder City, Nevada for the fifth annual Dam Short Film Festival. Held each year in February, this year’s event will take place Feb. 11 -14 at the historic Boulder Theatre, located at 1225 Arizona St. in the city born of the nearby monolithic Hoover Dam.
Giving the internationally renowned Sundance Independent Film Festival a run for its money, the increasingly popular festival will show 124 independent films broken into 22 themed programs, each featuring four to 12 films. And the best part is the ticket price of only $5.00 per program, making it affordable for the whole family. You can also purchase a four-day pass for only $50.
This year’s festival is unique because it falls on two special days. At 11:30 p.m. on Friday the 13th, a “Scream if You Can” horror program will be presented. At 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with a “Love & Romance” program; the first 20 ticket-holding couples to arrive will receive a free box of valentine’s chocolates.
The Dam Short Film Festival will take place Feb. 11 - 14 in Boulder City, Nevada
Attendees can take a part in deciding which films are best as winners are determined by the audience who vote with poker chips (now that’s so Nevada). Winners are selected in eight categories, including Best Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Student Film, Animation, Nevada Filmmaker, Audience Favorite and Horror/Science Fiction.
The winners will be announced at an awards gala at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 and will be followed by a showing of all the honored films at 8 p.m. Tickets for the gala and final showing are $10 per person.
Other events and venues, such as the Filmmaker Reception, Filmmaker/Press Lounge, and Film Market, will be held at the Boulder Dam Hotel at 1305 Arizona Street. The Boulder Dam Hotel was built in 1933 to accommodate visiting government and corporate project managers supervising the building of nearby Hoover Dam. The hotel quickly gained a worldwide reputation as a steady flow of dignitaries and celebrities checked in, such as Bette Davis, Will Rogers, Boris Karloff, James Cagney, Henry Fonda, and Howard Hughes. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Built in 1933, the historic Boulder Dam Hotel is a great place to stay.
To get to the Dam Short Film Festival a road trip is nice this time of year. Or you can make travel quick by hopping on a plane to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. A car may be rented at the airport’s recently opened Car Rental Center. Boulder City is just a 30 minute drive east of the airport off U.S. 93.
Boulder City is home to a few small and quaint hotels and motels, such as the historic Boulder Dam Hotel that offer quiet stays at a reasonable price. However, with its close proximity to the vacation Mecca, vacationers may choose accommodations on the Las Vegas Strip to take advantage of gambling, shopping, fine dining and other entertainment during their stay. There are no casinos in Boulder City as it’s one of the very few communities in Nevada where gaming is prohibited.
A hotel in Henderson, such as the Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, Sunset Station or Fiesta Henderson, will get you a few miles closer to Boulder City. Affordable rooms are also available just outside of Boulder City at the Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino or the Hacienda Hotel & Casino.
A fun family vacation with a dash of history, art and culture – what more can you want?
All photos courtesy of The Dam Short Film Festival.
© UpTake Networks, Inc. 2009
