NASCAR On Fremont Street Las Vegas

NASCAR is back in Las Vegas and they had an event on Fremont Street.  The cars were on display and the drivers made personal appearances. 

Golden Nugget Poker Room Video Fremont Street Las Vegas

The poker room at the Golden Nugget is tucked away at the back of the casino floor.  The tables and chairs are comfortable.  There is almost always a 1 - 2 No limit game that requires a $100 buy in.  There is also a 2 - 4 limit game with a $20 buy in .  TV are everywhere so you can watch your favorite game while you a playing.

Related Pages on this site

Fitzgeralds Poker Room Fremont Street

Binions vs Golden Nugget Poker Tournaments - The Battle of the Blinds

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Binions Steak House Fremont Street Las Vegas

On the top floor of Binion's Casino on Fremont Street in Las Vegas is the Steak House.  I first ate here over 20 years ago.  The food was great then and it still is today.  I took this video in the middle of the day.  The views are even better in the evenings.  It is a good place for a fine dining experience. 

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New Mediterranean Cafe Opens on Fremont Street Las Vegas

Locate near the corner of Fremont and Las Vegas Blvd. a new Mediterranean Cafe recently.  It is across from the Heart Attack Grill.  It is a small space with only a dozen or so tables.  The food was very good.

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Halloween 2011 Fremont Street Las Vegas

This is video I took while walking around Fremont Street on Halloween.  There was a parade going by at the time.  It was a very fun time/

Heart Attack Grill to Open on Fremont Street Las Vegas

     At the corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd. a new restaurant is opening.  It is called the Heart Attack Grill.  Comfort food to the max.

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Bikefest Fremont Street Las Vegas, October 2011

There is an annual event in Las Vegas which results in an invasion of motorcycles.  It is called Bikefest.  There are happening all around Vegas.  This is some video from Fremont Street and outside of Hogs and Heifers which is just off Fremont Street. 

Strange Orb Sighted Hovering Over Fremont Street, Las Vegas

While walking down Fremont Street under the canopy I just happened to look up.  There suspended form the canopy was a strange orb.  There seemed to be two figures chasing each other around the orb.  On closer examination they appeared to be an man in an astronaut suit, a boy on a bike with an ET in a basket, and the orb was the moon.  It seemed like an odd thing to be hanging from the Fremont Street Experience canopy.   I began searching the web of an explanation.  Not to long ago there was a ceremony at Fremont street commemorating the anniversary of the moon landing.  That explains the moon and the astronaut.   What about ET in the basket.  The movie ET was certainly a block buster, but what connection did it have  with Fremont Street.  I have not clue.  Maybe you can tell me.

Mickie Finnz Fremont Street Las Vegas a Look Inside

Located near the corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd. is Mickie Finnz.  The video above is just a look inside.  The facility is well attended. They offer live music but I am uncertain of the days and times.  

Fremont Street Experience, Cheap Dinning, la Vegas,

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Hogs & Heifer Biker Bar Fremont Street Las Vegas

Hogs and Heifer's is a famous bar that is located on 3rd Street a block and 1/2 north of Fremont Street.  If you have the time it is well worth the visit.  Hogs and Heifers is the focal point of a lot of the activities associated with motorcycle enthusiast and draws visitor from all over the world.   As Biker Bars go this is a great example.  The music that seems to always be played is either country western or southern rock.  There are a couple of pool table, but the main activity is drinking.  From a visual stand point the decorations tend to reflect the rebel image of some motorcycle enthusiast.  When I visited the bar I only had a video camera and the security told me that videos were not allowed.  A still camera could be used but only pointed at the bar area.

There is a rumour that the "girl bartender dancing on the Bar" thing started at Hogs and Heifers.  When walking around I saw a section of the wall dedicated to Elvis.   I also understand that there is another one of these bars in the New York area.  Again definitely a sight to see. 

Downtown Las Vegas  Hogs and Heifers Saloon, Biker gangs, outlaw biker bar, Harley Davidson, Harley bar, Coyote ugly,  Ogdon,  Biker Babes, Biker colors, Biker clubs, motorcycle clubs, la vegas,

Western RV Park Fremont Street Las Vegas

On Fremont Street just east of the Fremont Street Experience is located the Western RV Park.  The park is located at the corner of Fremont and 10th Street.  The Fremont Street Experience is just a short walk down Fremont.  The Fremont Experience starts at the Las Vegas Blvd which is the 500 block of Fremont.  This RV park is not a resort park.  What you get is basic.  A place to park with hook ups a shower, laundry and club house facility.   But then again it only cost $15 a night.  The park has security patrol 24 hours a day.  The following is a video of the park and club house.  They are dog friendly and boo likes the place.

     At the Corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd there is a bus you can catch that takes you down the Strip.  It cost $7 for a 24 hour pass.  The ride alone is like a tour.  Especially if you get on the upper deck.  There are numerous stops on the strip and it runs 24 hours a day. 

     I have stayed in this park many times over the years.  Fremont street had a bad rep at one time.  But that is in the past.  There are small markets selling food item within a block of the park.  This place is a gem yet to be discovered.

la vegas, camping las vegas, las vegas deals, las vegas packages,  cheap las vegas

Have Your Las Vegas Wedding on Fremont Street for a Amazing Experience

Thousands of people travel to Las Vegas to be married.  Naturally because Vegas is the adult Disneyland.  Basing your wedding on Fremont Street is the best deal.  Fremont Street has excellent hotels including the Golden Nugget, the recently remodel Plaza, and the Four Queens.  It also has a number of modestly priced hotels including the El Cortez, the Fitzgerald and others.  There are very reasonable packages available for any of these hotels.

The court house where you get your license to wed is two blocks from Fremont Street.  There are literally dozens of weddings Chapels in the Fremont Street area.  The Fremont Street Experience is a site to behold.  Bachelor parties are easily done in that there are gentleman's clubs right on Fremont Street.  This means that there would be little if any driving around during party time. 

There are free concerts in the Fremont Street Experience and the area hotels have a variety of shows.  There are also a number of excellent restaurants on Fremont Street to round out your celebration needs.  If you feel the need to go to the strip, there is an express bus that services the strip from Fremont Street.  It is a double decker and the view from the top is worth the $7 you pay for a 24 hour pass.  Weddings in Vegas can be a lot of fun you for you and your guest.  Don't over look Fremont Street when your planning your special day.

Howard Jones Performs Free Concert Fremont Street Las Vegas

As part of the Absolutely 80's summer theme on Fremont Street, Howard Jones will perform live for free on Fremont Street, September 3, 2011.  The concert will start a 9:00 p.m. an is located on the 3rd Street Stage. 

 The 3rd Street Stage is located between the Four Queens Casino and Fitzgerald's Casino. 

Cheap Hotel Room Rates on Fremont Street Las Vegas

     Anyone who thinks the days of getting a real bargain are over probably hasn’t yet taken advantage of discount travel sites. Getting great deals on resorts, hotels, show tickets, attractions and more is as simple as clicking your mouse.
     Today’s discount vacation packages are items of real value. If you have any doubt just go directly to one of the Las Vegas Strip Hotels and ask about their room rates. Or ask about the show ticket prices. These discount sites can help you rack up huge savings.
     Yes people pay those prices. People that don't know any better. And yes I have a financial motive for telling you all of this. If you click on the link in this site and you end up buying a show ticket or a hotel room, I get a very small commission.  So what, it will still save you a bunch of money. For my part I tried to find the best place to get these deals so that you would indeed go there and I could in fact pick up a small tip for sending you there.  Even if you don't click through my site to get to these deal, you can find them on the web and the savings are just a click away.

Best of Vegas is the discount site that I think is the best.  Here's the link

Harley-Davidson Store Fremont Street Las Vegas

The Store is located at the corner of Fremont Street and 3rd Street.  The store has Harley-Davidson apparel.  The motorcycle seen in the video is available for pictures.  I think there may be a fee to have your picture taken on the bike.  The staff is very friendly and helpful.  The store has a history on Fremont Street and has been a part of the Fremont Street Experience for many years.  I love to ride.  I also like to look good and wear the right kind of clothes.  This store solves both of those problems.

The Duke of Fremont Street Cordially Invites You To

Vegas Vic & Vicki and Miller Beer TV Commerical Fremont Street Las Vegas

     I remember this comerical when it ran on TV.  I also remember walking down Fremont Street and Hearing "Howdy Partner" and wondering where it came from.  Vegas Vic doesn't say that anymore.  He has been silent ever since the Fremont Street Experience was built.  There is a story that I have yet to confirm that sometime in the past, both Vegas Vic and Vicki were taken down at the same time and a marriage ceremony was performed on Fremont Street.  Then they were returned to their respective post over looking Fremont Street. 

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Cowboy Vic aka Vegas Vic Las Vegas Icon

The Golden Nugget Through the Years

Video Created by dpo1013

Great Video of Old Fremont Street Before the Experience

Video created by VivaLasVegas1907

    I am passing through Las Vegas on a journey around the country.  I enjoy the attractions and the sites available here.  The longer that I am in Vegas, the more I come to appreciate how many amazing things there are to see and do here.  Along with the current attraction there is a lot of history.  And it is very colorful.  Everyone has heard tales about Vegas and the Mob.  While I have been here I have also looked into the history of Vegas.  Really, the place is relatively new.  Las Vegas was founded in 1905.  This Video shows pictures from old Vegas.  In here you will see The Mint and the Apache Hotel.  Both of these places are important  in the story of Benny Binion.  The Golden Nugget is part of Steve Wynn's Store.  And it goes on and on. 

Gold Nugget Poker Room Fremont Street Las Vegas

 The Golden Nugget is located at the west end of the Fremont Street Experience.  The poker room is probably the most active room on Fremont Street.  The games include limit, no limit and tournaments.  You can find a game here 24/7. 

Additional Post on this blog you may find interesting:

Binions vs Golden Nugget Poker Tournaments - The Battle of the Blinds
Fitzgerald's Poker Room Fremont Street Las Vegas
Binion's Casino  Pokers Hallowed Ground

Fitzgerald's Poker Room Fremont Street Las Vegas

The Fitzgerald is located in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience at 301 Fremont Street.  The Fitzgerald has one of four poker rooms on Fremont Street.  This one is probably the least active.  They have daily tournaments and a live cash game in the evenings.  The poker room is locate on the second floor.

 Additional Post on this blog you may find interesting:

Golden Nugget Poker Room Fremont Street Las Vegas
Binions vs Golden Nugget Poker Tournaments - The Battle of the Blinds
Binion's Casino  Pokers Hallowed Ground
Golden Nugget Poker Room Video

Plaza Hotel Marches Towards Reopening With New Restaurant in the Dome

The Plaza Hotel is closing in on its reopening date.   September 1, is when it is currently set.  On the front of the building is a Dome structure that houses a restaurant.  In the past the restaurant was called Firefly.  They had announced that they were not going to continue at the site.  Last week the news was released that Oscar Goodman, the recently retired mayor of Las Vegas is opening a Steak House in the Dome. 

The view from the dome is straight down the heart of Fremont street.  The Dome is made out of glass that provides an open feeling that is not found anywhere else in Vegas.

Kay's Fremont Street Experience Guest Blogger

My Fremont Experience!

I'm a people person and I also like to watch people. I can sit and watch people for hours and hours. When I first arrived in Las Vegas everything was new to me. I came from a small town. People have always fascinated me for some reason. I learned new things everyday here.

I would sit in a office at the place I stayed at and just watched people walk by or for that matter drive by. There was never a dull moment on any given day. It was amazing to me how some of the people were dressed. I seen Elvis, A jester pushing a gorilla in a wheelchair, spongebob square pants, and last but not least a streaker. That was a eye opener for me or should I say it opened my eyes really big!

I have seen people walking uptown in the pajamas, slippers, short short skirts, see through shirts and high high heels. I wondered why some of the girls were dressed like that. It did not take long to find out. There was always someone beeping the horn at them and pulling over to talk to them. OH BOY you guessed it. I don't have to tell you what it was for can we say BOOTIE CALL. LOL

I  was kind of worried being on this side of town, but I also meet some pretty incredible people sense I have been here. People from all over the world like, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Netherlands, Holland, Austria and of course the United States.  Most of the people that come to the RV Park come through the months of like Oct through April. These months out here I'm told are called the
snowbird season.

After awhile everyone started to get together for like a little cook out or just sit and talk in the office. Diana one of the ladies who works in the office there is pretty good and knowledgeable about things going on around there. If you need to know where something is she can tell you were it is and how to get to it. There has been times when I have sat there and just watch people and heard someone call and ask her how to get to the RV Park. Diana would tell them what exit to take and what street to come down to give them access to the park.

In the back yard to this RV Park is a really nice bar that sells food. Let me tell you I thought Belmont a bar back home  had a good burger and steak sandwitch this bar runs  close to being right up there. The bar is call the Bunkhouse. If you get to Vegas and you like burgers check it out. They have other food to believe me there hasn't been much on the menu I did not like.

You want good pizza the best I have tasted so far is a place called Boston Pizza. This place is on the strip. I would have never known about it but one day one of the guest came in with two of them It was a Tuesday. Tuesday was 2 Pizzas with everything on it for 20.00. These pizzas had cheese, sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions and what ever else you wanted. They were hugh. Two of these bad boys feed six of us.

This RV Park is about three to four blocks from the Fremont Experience. If you get to Vegas you have to check this out. My first time there was at night. That is the time to go. They have like a big TV screen that goes for about four blocks or so. They show songs and stuff on the screens while music is playing. I was just amazed the first time I seen it. I have never seen anything like that before. There are all kinds of things going on under there. There are people who paint pictures with paint cans. That was awesome to watch them do this. Who would have thought that just using a paint can and twirling a table with board or whatever they use for a base could turn out so pretty.
There is music under there either people singing or people playing instruments. Just walking around was really nice. People were drinking and having a good time. I like to watch when the music was playing and people were dancing and just being silly. It was nice. There are showgirls that walk around that give beads out and tickets for all kinds of things. You have to check out the souvenir shops. The prices for shirts are cheap. Sometimes you can get a deal 2 or 3 shirts for 10.00. You just have to look around. Binions have really nice shirts sometimes for 5.00.

Hopefully there will be many more experiences that I can enjoy and share with you later on in my next chapter.

Fremont Street Mystery Las Vegas Club Baseball Player

At the west end of Fremont Street is The Las Vegas Club.  This building has been on Fremont Street since at least the 1930's.  On the front of of the building there is a statute of a baseball player swinging a bat.  I was curious as to who this player was.  I went into the Club and began asking around about the ball player.  No one knew who the play is.  I went on the Web and search without success.  So if you know who the player is, drop me an email. 

Indian Arts & Craft Store Fremont Street Experience El Portal Las Vegas

Located at 310 Fremont Street under the Fremont Street Experience canopy is an Indian Arts and Carfts Store.  The building located at this site was originally built in the 1920 as a movie theater.  Later it was converted to a store.  There are all manner of decorative item with Native American themes to be purchased.  In addition there is a large selection of native American jewelry for sale.

Binions vs Golden Nugget Poker Tournaments - The Battle of the Blinds

I decided I wanted to play in a poker tournament on Friday so I went down to Fremont Street to check out the action.  I have been playing cash games at the Golden Nugget and decided to look into their tournament offerings.  I was in the area at about 6 p.m. and the Nugget had a tournament starting at 7 pm.  For $105  you get 8500 chips.  The levels are 20 minutes.  I then went across the way to Binion's and looked into their offerings.  Also starting at 7 pm, Binion's has a tournament for $75 wherein you get 7500 chips and the levels are 20 minutes.  So it came down to a battle of the blinds.  Binion's wins hands down.  The first three levels are identical.  After that the Nuggets blinds start to sky rocket. Here's a break down

                                  Binion's                                                            Golden Nugget

Level 4                    $150/300                                                                   $200/400
Level 5                    $200/400                                                                   $300/600
Level 6                    $300/600                                                                   $500/1000

Level 7                    $500/1000                                                                 $1000/2000
Level 8                    $800/1600                                                                 $2000/4000
Level 9                    $1000/2000                                                               $3000/6000
Level 10                  $1500/3000                                                               $5000/10000

As you can see there is quite a difference between the blind structures in the two tournaments.  The dollar for chips ratio is better at Binion's.  Binion's is clearly the better deal

Country SuperStars Tribute Show Golden Nugget Fremont Street

I have always wanted to see Garth Brooks in concert. Now that he has retired, that's not likely to happen. So I decided to go to The Country Superstars Tribute Show at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street. I put my disbelief on hold and just let the show take me away. In no time at all was singing along with Garth and a host of other country stars. The best part of it all was that with the dinner buffet it only set me back about $35. Great deal

The Nancy Rayguns; The 1980's Alive and Well on Fremont Street

If the 80's was your decade and that is the music that makes up the sound track of your youth, then make your way down to Fremont Street.   The Nancy Rayguns will help you with that flashback grasshopper and transport you to where you really long to be.  The show starts at 9:00 p.m. on the 3rd steet stage. 

Planned Commuities

Thanks for the article from Isaiah Gaines
For the past five years, my husband and I have lived in a planned community. We wound up here because we both thought we wanted a new construction home near a larger city. This has not proven to be what we wanted at all. We thought we would adjust to having neighbors within shouting distance but we didn’t. In a nutshell, we found out that privacy was way more important to us than a brand new house. So we are moving back to the country. We know we are giving up some of the conveniences of city living—grocery stores on every corner, lots of restaurants nearby and shopping for anything you want and/or need close by. However, we are convinced the beauty of living in the middle of 4 acres without neighbors right out our back door will be worth it. The biggest drawback would be limited access to technology—internet access, good cell phone service and cable TV. We used http://www.wildbluedeals.com/ to get great internet service and satellite TV solved another problem. Since good cell phone service was out of our control, you’ll just have to email me if you need to chat!

Plaza Hotel Set to Reopen in September.

At the west end of Fremont Street anchoring the Fremont Street Experience is the Plaza Hotel.  It has been undergoing a 35 million dollar renovation.  In June the held a job fair to fill over 700 positions.  No one can remember when the hotel was updated last.  So it was due.  The room furnishing came at a bargain in that they were slated for the stalled Fontainebleau project.  More lounges have been added and the entire casino has been gutted and replaced.  I've heard that you can get a room for about $44 a night.  Great deal for a brand new Vegas Hotel   

New Night Spot Insert Coin Opens on Fremont Street

There is a new night spot on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas.  It is located in the block just east of Las Vegas Blvd.  It is called Insert Coin.  It's name is a reference to inserting a coin in a video game.  This is a grown up Las Vegas version of a Video arcade.  The setting is lounge like.  With comfortable niches where video game monitors swivel to face cove like seating for the players.  Drinking is an added attraction to the arcade experience and the dance floor and DJ weave in a club like feeling.  Certainly an interesting blend of experiences. 

Country Western Bar on Fremont Street Las Vegas

Locate on the second floor above Hennessey's Tavern and Mickie Finnz on Fremont Street is a country western bar.    It is called the Las Vegas Country Saloon.  Inside there is a dance floor, stage and a mechanical bull.   All you need for a country western bar.  They have live music and a DJ.  Depending on what night you are there.  They open at 8:00 pm.  The location is just west of Las Vegas Blvd. and just east the Fremont Street Experience.

Tourist Map of Las Vegas

Tourism Stripmap Feb2010

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign WebCamera

The following is a link to an earthcam view of the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

http://www.earthcam.com/usa/nevada/lasvegas/index.php

Who are These Women and Why are They Tying That Guy to a Pole - Fremont Street

So I think that maybe there was a bachelor's party.  Sorry, my batteries died so I didn't get the whole show.

Fremont Street Impersonators From Elvis to Spock
Not Everything is Bigger on the Las Vegas Strip  Fremont Street Vixons
Elvis Sighted Playing Poker on Fremont Street Las Vegas
NASCAR Jacket Backs Fremont Street Las Vegas

Ronnie Dunn in Concert Fremont Street Las Vegas Free to the Public

On April 2st at 6:30 pm on Fremont Street, in Las Vegas Ronnie Dunn will perform in concert. The Concert is free and open to the public. Ronnie Dunnis the headliner. Just come on down and dance to the music. The concert is part of a celebration of Country Music in association with the Academy of Country Music Awards. I saw Ronnie Dunn perform as Brooks and Dunn in California and it was a great show.  The music begins at 6:30 with Thompson Square, The JaneDear Girls, Steel Magnolia, Randy Houser and Easton Corbin.

Sara Evans Performs at Free Concert Fremont Street Las Vegas

On April 1st at 10:45 pm on Fremont Street, in Las Vegas Sara Evans will Perform in Concert. The Concert is free and open to the public. Just come on down and dance to the music. The concert is part of a celebration of Country Music in association with the Academy of Country Music Awards.  The music begins at about 6:30.  Sarah Darling, Casey James, Brett Eldredge, and  Lee Brice also perform.

Fremont Street - Half Price Tickets Las Vegas Shows

On Fremont Street just inside the Four Queens Hotel is Tix 4 Tonight.  This is where you can buy half price show tickets.  They also offer coupons to get great deal on meal in Vegas.  The ticket office is open during the day and closes early at or around 6 or 7 pm.  There are a number of other locations around Vegas.  The link to their web site is http://www.tix4tonight.com/index.html.  The web site has a listing of all the various show around Vegas. 

Fremont Street Experience Flightline Zipline Ride

The Fremont Street Experience Flightline Zipline Ride down the middle of Fremont Street. 

Fremont Street Experience Sting

I spend a fair amount of time on Fremont Street.  The other day I was people watching and notice a young man randomly stopping passersby.  After approaching a few people an older gentleman went into a store and returned with two cans of beer for the young man.  Right after he handed the beer over he was arrested by the police.

I remained in the area and watched this happen three more time in an hour.  Just letting you know.

Thirsty Third Thursday Pub Crawl - Fremont Street Las Vegas

Are you Thirsty?  Is it the Third Thrusday of the month?  Are you in Vegas on or near Fremont Street?
Then head on over to Hennessey's Tavern.  At about 7 pm the fun begins.  For a couple of sawbuck ($20.00) you get six drinks, vouchers for 1/2 off food, live music and the company of other Crawlers. 

All the fun starts at Hennessey's tavern, then then your guide take you visiting Mickie Finnz, Brass Saloon, Hogs & Heifers, Beauty Bar, Brass the Lounge, and the Side Bar.   All of the above within short walking distance, no driving needed.

Hennessey's is located at 425 Fremont Street, Las Vegas.  You can even make reservations by calling 702-382-4421.

Jaywalking in Las Vegas - Don't do it

Las Vegas had a well deserved reputation as a place where pedestrians were hit by cars.  The combination of drunk pedestrians and out of town traffic looking at all the attractions translated into many vehicle verses person collisions.  Las Vegas had to enforce its Jaywalking laws to help keep the injuries down.  The justification has lessened because of all of the pedestrian barriers along the strip and the intersection over crosses.  The police however have maintained their affection for writing jaywalking tickets.

 The Nevada statute on Jaywalking defines it as crossing the street:

           "Between adjacent intersections at which official traffic-control devices are in
            operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk."
            (NRS 484B.287)

I honestly am not sure exactly what this means.  Do you need traffic controls of every direction of the intersection.  Is a stop sign a traffic control device.   But really it does not matter.  The police will ticket you.  The fine can be up to $695.00.  You don't need that hassle.

Hand of Faith Golden Nugget Fremont Street Las Vegas Largest Gold Nugget on Display

On Fremont Street within the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is displayed a gold nugget that is approximate 62 pounds.  It is the largest gold nugget on display anywhere.  According to the display it was found by a guy with a metal detector.  Apparently this guy got the urge to go metal detecting and when out behind his trailer.  There six inches below the surface he found the nugget.  This nugget is about eighteen inches tall.  At the current price of gold, about 1400.00 dollars an ounce, that equals over a million dollars.

Where's my metal detector?

Fremont Street Flightline - Flying Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

Fremont Street Impersonators From Elvis to Spock

Some impersonators are better that others.  They all are present for your photo opportunity.  They pose for the donations. 

This is just a sample.  There was also Superman, Batman, a Playboy Bunny, and several others.  Those photos did not come out well.  For my money the most realistic was Spock.  Then again I am a Star Trek Fan.  The Dark Angel in the arms of Elvis is also an interesting visual image. 

Elvis, the Dark Angel and the Ample Lady certainly were the most requested while I was there.

Binion's Casino - Poker's Hallowed Ground

If you are a Jazz musician, it Bourbon Street.  If you love Baseball its Cooperstown. If you are a Stock Trader its Wall Street.  If you are a poker player then its Binion's.  Binion's is where the World Series of Poker began.  Benny Binion also started the Poker Hall of Fame.  The current popularity of poker is attributed to the World Series of Poker and Chris Moneymaker's victory at Binion's.

Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, Tom McEvoy, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Huck Seed, Scotty Nguyen, are just of few of the player who made names for themselves winning the WSOP at Binion’s.  The WSOP as we know it began in 1970.  It remained at Binion's until 2005. 

The Casino has seen its fair share of troubles.  Benny Binion was indeed a full on mobster.  He lost his license to run a Casino and his kids took it over.  They made a movie about.  The Casino was eventually closed by the Gaming Commission and then purchased by Harrah's Gambling, who took over the World Series of Poker, the trade mark Horseshoe, and the Poker Hall of Fame.  The Casino is currently up and running and has a series of poker tournament everyday.  In addition the poker room has live games available 24/7.

It just seems to me that if you are a poker player and you are in Las Vegas, then you must make a pilgrimage to Binion's to play and walk the halls where so many poker player got there claim to fame.

Not Everything is Bigger on the Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street Vixen

A picture is worth a thousand words.


Other posting on this blog you may like

Fremont Street Impersonators From Elvis to Spock
Elvis Sighted Playing Poker on Fremont Street Las Vegas
NASCAR Jacket Backs Fremont Street Las Vegas

Best Off Strip Fine Dinning in Las Vegas, Hugo's Cellar Fremont Street

Fine dinning opportunities are abundant in Las Vegas.  Along the strip the list is endless.  There are also many fine dinning restaurants off the strip.  Hugo's Cellar has been at the top of the list for the past 20 years.  This year local surveys say that not only is Hugo's Cellar the best Down Town fine food restaurant, but it is the best off strip restaurant in Las Vegas.  It is locate on Fremont Street at the Four Queens Casino Hotel.   That is in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience. 

The Restaurant opens around 5:00 to 5:30 and closes 10:30 or 11:00.  If you get there before 6:30 you can be seated without a reservation.  After that, reservations are not required but strongly recommended.

Maharaja Hoohak Cafe Open on Fremont Street Las Vegas

Located at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Blvd. is the Maharaja Hoohak Cafe.  I watched as the facade was constructed on this building and it is impressive.  The ornate wood working is seldom seen anywhere, let alone the exterior of flashy Las Vegas.  They do not serve alcohol so 18 and older are permitted.  I understand that certain nights of the week feature DJ's and Belly Dancers. 

Hardcourt Hotties Performing on Fremont Street Las Vegas

The HardCourt Hottie are preforming on Fremont Street for most of the month of March.  Here is a snapshot of their act that I took the other day.  The Fremont Street Experience provides free entertainment during the week and over the weekends.  There can be a total of three separate stages operating at any one time.  On big weekends they talent is much better with names that most would recognize. 

NASCAR Jacket Backs Fremont Street Las Vegas

Its NASCAR week in Vegas and I went for a stroll on Fremont Street.  One thing that pops out at you is the variety of colorful jackets that are only here during NASCAR events.

The KC Twins Rock the Fremont Street Experience

The KC Twins are currently appearing Fremont Street Experience.    The KC in KC Twins stands for Kristen and Cory, the first names of these identical twins.  The Twins part of their name could have two meanings in the they are indeed twins and they hale for the Twin Cities. 

These very lovely ladies rock Fremont Street with a wide range of musical genres.  Everything from Rock to R&B.  The music  has a wide appeal and definitely get you moving to the music.  The performances are free.

Sam O'Connor's interview of The Duke of Fremont Street

The Duke of Fremont Street

Have you seen “The Duke”? He plays in no limit games in Las Vegas and he is known as The Duke of Fremont Street or, sometimes, The Downtown Duke.

He is always in sartorial splendor. His impeccable suits are custom made in Italy and are designed by the Duke himself in the spirit of the nineteen thirties. A fedora, a pocketchief and boutonnière add to the image of the Duke.

And then there are the spats. (Did you say “spats”?) Yes, the Duke’s wardrobe boasts a pair of spats for each of his many suits. “Spats don’t complete the image,” says the Duke, “They ARE the image.” And so is the violin case he carries.

Is the Duke eccentric? Yes, and more. You could say he’s egocentric. That state of mind joins the impeccable attire and it is one more of the many facets he wears so well.


Big Money for a Small Game

When the Duke is seated at the $1 - $2 no limit table, the main focus switches from his thirties’ attire to the splendid display of $100,000 to $200,000 in cash neatly arranged in front of him. “Sometimes people ask me where I get the money,” says the Duke. “I simply tell them it comes from my violin case. But a more serious answer is that I’ve been saving it since I was young.”

He is called The Duke of Fremont Street because of the downtown Las Vegas poker rooms that he frequents. They’re the ones that have no cap on the buy-in and the Duke can display his gold clasped $5,000 bundles and $1,000 bills as much as he likes. And he likes it a lot.

The Duke is at the small blinds table not only to play poker, but to make an appearance. He loves the attention. As long as he’s getting attention, he’s a winner for the evening.

There is more to the Duke than meets the eye.
The Duke’s history is filled with poker and daring-do.

The genteel persona he so carefully displays is built on confidence and the memories of his extensive poker experience. His early gambling years were spent riverboat gambling and after hours poker while playing in a St. Louis blues band. Later, he ran poker among the cutthroat gamblers south of St. Louis. He has hustled poker in Biloxi with the shrimp boat captains and in New Orleans with the local folks in the French Quarter.

It started on the Mississippi river boats. The Duke was a poker playing passenger on the Delta Queen, The President and The Emerald Queen back when it was all illegal.

“I was the best dressed river rat on the paddle boats,” says the Duke.

The Duke remembers Beale Street in Memphis being the good, the bad, and the funny. “But,” he will tell you, “almost all the incidents hold a light touch with the passing of time.”

When the Duke was river boating, Beale Street wasn’t much different than it was in its heyday during the nineteen twenties. The nightclubs were still there. The restaurants and pawnshops thrived alongside the gambling and prostitution. Beale Street boasted of one of the biggest and best red light districts north of New Orleans.

The Duke often waxes nostalgic. “I remember once when the paddle boat stopped at Memphis and we naturally went to Beale Street to play some poker. We knew the games weren’t on the square but playing on Beale Street was just something we had to do. While a few of us were playing some five card draw, one of the players suddenly slumped over dead. His wife, playing at the next table, came over and took the dead man’s wallet from his pocket. She went back to her table complaining that her gambling was now going to be interrupted, just when she was on a winning streak. The tables never missed a hand. The boat stayed docked at Memphis for a couple of days and, when we sailed, the wife still had made no arrangements for the corpse and so he went with us. He was cremated at the next river stop.”

The Duke was part of the music scene in later years when he played drums with a blues band. Not the blasting music of today’s so called “Blues”, but the soulful river blues born of the challenges of the Old South and the “Mighty Mississip”. In St. Louis in those days, people could still hear the incomparable music of B. B. King, Muddy Waters and the classic favorites of W. C. Handy and the St. Louie Blues.

Packing heat.

As a boy, the Duke idolized television’s icons, Brett and Bart Maverick and the inscrutable Paladin. Even today, “Have Gun, Will Travel” is on some of the Duke’s calling cards.

The Duke was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and his growing years were spent in St. Louis. “I grew up with a deck of cards in my hand,” states the Duke. “The favorite game of the time was seven card stud. In some parts of the South, where the game was born, it was called ‘Seven Toed Pete’. The rise to seven cards created more possibilities and brought a lot of gambling to the table.”

After his riverboat days, he settled in St. Genevieve, a small Missouri settlement on the Mississippi. There he filled an illegal gambling void in a respected part of town. The Duke felt it was his civic duty to provide poker to those who wanted to gamble. But the players who arrived on the river shore and made their way to the Duke’s house were the whiskey peddlers, the long shore men, the thieves and the loan sharks of the day. One individual had a patch over one eye. And almost all of them packed heat.

The Duke describes it this way: “To keep the playing field even, we offered guns to those who didn’t have any.” - Really Duke? - “No, just kidding. But I did make sure that I had one.”

A Fine Clientele.

The Duke’s poker game in St. Genevieve was frequented by such characters as “Rocky”, who boasted a twenty-four inch neck. He had been convicted of a double homicide and was on parole. Then there was “Window Panes” who was so transparent he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and is still serving time. The Duke remembers “Sharkey” who was in the same business the credit card companies are today but it was called “loan sharking” in those days. And there was “Jimmy the Gent” who did time for stealing one dollar from the wrong person at the wrong time. It was a colorful group of the finest kind of clientele.

The Duke sat behind the box in the ring game (everybody deals). “The rake was $1.50 per pot over $20.00 and most pots were in the hundreds,” recalls the Duke. “It’s interesting how the players complained about the fifty cent pieces. I couldn’t increase the rake to two dol ars and I didn’t want to decrease it to one dollar. If I’d seen the fifty cent problem coming, I’d have made it two dollars from start and would have had no complaints at all.”

He was also the cook and the bouncer. The Duke is an excellent cook and a good renegade.

His neighbors once asked the Duke why there were so many Cadillacs and other such cars parked at his house. “When they asked me, I told them I was an Amway dealer and we were having sales meetings,” grins the Duke. “Nobody wanted more information after that.”

The Amway front almost exploded one night, however, when a player named “Tony”, who had gangster connections, went broke and came back from his Mercedes with the biggest pistol the Duke had ever seen.

“His hand shook as he pointed the pistol at each player seated at the table. He threatened everybody, saying they had started the game just to cheat him. Those who carried equalizers never reached for them. After a few minutes, Tony quieted down and stopped shaking. A player named ‘Gino’ rose from his chair and spoke to Tony softly in Italian. Gino placed his arm around Tony and walked him quietly to the door.”

Tony never came back to the game. “But,” reflects the Duke, “it’s funny how word of the incident spread and how the curious came to play in the game after that. I had a long waiting list and the regulars were there every night to play cards with the curious newcomers.”


The rivers and the jungles.

Those who don’t know the Duke might find it hard to believe that this fastidious dresser might risk the dangers of untamed regions. But the Duke has encountered nature in some of the most remote places on earth. In fact, he thrives on it.

Is it the river that attracts the Duke? Why else would anyone go down the upper Amazon where encroachment by civilization is yet to come? Why would he go to places where there are few of life’s conveniences, like food and shelter?

Maybe it’s because he is a river rat by self description. “Or,” says the
Duke, “maybe it’s to tempt fate and win once again in the game of life.” While the Duke is considered a conservative card player, he takes far more chances on the world scene.

Africa.

The Duke has spent time on the marshes of the Okavango in Botswana and has held brief growling conversations with the country’s leopards.

On one occasion, when the Duke was exploring a thicket on the Okavango, he was surprised by a bull elephant. The elephant’s ears came forward and he raised his trunk. The Duke’s first thought was that the elephant wouldn’t have the audacity to charge The Duke of Fremont Street.

“But he really didn’t care who I was and I made a quick retreat to the personnel carrier,” The Duke smiles. “I still dream about that one.”

South of the border.

The Duke has explored the Brazilian jungles and gazed at the diamond sparkling black skies beyond the forest canopies of Colombia. He swam in the teeming waters of the Amazon.

There was the time in the rain forest of Costa Rica when the Duke talked a cousin of English royalty – he has never said which one – into venturing off the beaten path. The two men encountered a fer-de-lance pit viper, the deadliest snake in the Americas.

“I slowly told my friend without moving my lips, ‘Don’t move. Don’t move’. We froze, staring at the viper for a very long time and, eventually, the snake lost interest and slithered away. I could never talk the royal cousin into venturing into the forest even once more after that.”

The Amazon River Rat.

Just this year, the Duke booked an excursion boat trip down the Amazon. It started in an Amazon tributary in Ecuador, then through Columbia to the Amazon River proper and into Brazil. The Duke wanted to experience as much of the largest jungle in the world as he could.

I asked the Duke what it’s like to be in the rainforest. “When I think of the rainforest I think of the pervasive rotting smell of plants decomposing in front of my eyes. In the jungle, a person is totally surrounded by living and dying creatures, by blooming and dying fauna. Yet, I love the mixed indescribable smell of it, the heavy, moist air permeating my lungs and immersing my entire body in a sea of perspiration.”

Anybody for the dryness of the desert?

In the Amazon rain forest, the Duke has heard the howler monkeys, seen the prowling jaguars, heard the endless sounds of the poisonous tree frogs and the occasional lonely call of the jungle bird.

The Duke swam often in the Amazon River, risking the deadly piranhas. He took Zodiacs (small rubber boats) up several tributaries where he parked them along the banks and went by himself into the jungle. At one point, another passenger in a Zodiac flipped a caiman on board which bit the captor while the Duke could do little to help. The Duke, by his own admission, enjoys the danger.

The Duke left the main boat when he got to Manaus and civilization. The boat continued down the big river, out of the mouth of the river and then sank at sea. “In getting off the boat at Manaus, I just dodged losing another of my nine lives,” says the Duke.

The House the Duke built.

The Duke lives alone in one of the older homes in old Las Vegas. The five car garage houses his cars, none of which is brand new. Older house, old cars, the Duke lives the old days to the hilt.

His back yard, designed by the Duke, is a trip to the tropics. The waterfalls, the many plants and trees help tell the story of the Duke. The fish and turtles are often fed from a picturesque walking bridge that crosses the pond from the patio to one of the waterfalls.

“When I want to escape Las Vegas in reverie for a few moments, I go to the back yard, settle in, and drift off to the rainforest,” says the Duke. “No one disturbs me there.”

The Duke.

Easy to meet and eager to please, the Duke is always the noble gentleman. His manners remain in the old school. And his fairness and affability are still those of the riverboat gamblers of yesteryear. And the adventure continues . . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam O’Connor is the author of Tales of Old Las Vegas and How to Dominate $1 and $2 No Limit Hold ‘Em, available at Amazon and from the author. Sam can be reached at Tales of Vegas@aol.com

Slot Machine Free Play

I have been hanging around Las Vegas for a while now and mostly playing poker. A friend of mine swears by slots machines. So I thought I would give them a shot. But before I actually went to the Casino I got a computer program to try them out. The software I got came from Masque. It is call Vedio Slots. This is what the production descriptions says.

Masque Video Slots - 100% Bonus Machines! Play the ultimate in video slots with bonus rounds and on screen bonus features! Masque Video Slots features 25 video bonus slot machines. Play popular Bally Gaming slot machines, the actual machines from the casino and a collection of exciting new machines from Masque including Cash Party, Polar Payouts, Money Bees and Llama Loot. Astro Bucks Egg Raid Green Lightning Java Buzz Llama Loot Money Bees Money in the Pocket Money Seeds Oil Baron Patriot Pride Payout Party Polar Payouts Reely Reely Rich Ricochet Reels Riding the Wins Scatter Bats Sea of Green Squeeze the Reels Riches of the East Wealth Potion

I don't know a lot about the various kinds of games but I can play them for free on my computer. I got the game from RarePCGames. I have put a link to their site here: RarePCGames

The Best Comp in Vegas and Who We Have to Thank

What does the World Series of Poker and free drinks in casinos have in common. Benny Binion. He invented them both. If you read his story it is contradictory to say the least. He was convicted of murder more than once and implicated in others. Yet he was beloved by many. Telling his story is more than a blog can do. I knew that he was responsible for the World Series of Poker. But perhaps his greatest contribution is that he was the first casino operator to offer free drinks to the gambling public. So the next time you get a drink at a casino, remember to thank Benny.

For more on the life of Benny Binion go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Binion

The Duke of Fremont Street - The Adventure Continues

Yesterday was Saturday and once again I find myself playing poker at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street. The conversation somehow turns to the Duke. The Golden Nugget is a favorite spot of the Duke and a number of the players had exchanged chips with him in the past. As if on cue, in walks the Duke. As always Duke is dressed to the nines. As fate would have it, he gets a seat at my table. He brings a rack of $500 chips over and anounces that he has $100,000 behind. He opens his violine case and places bundle after bundle of $100 bills on the table. If you ever meet the Duke you will find him very friendly and gracious. After greeting the table, the Duke hold court. Person after person stops by to pay their respects to the Duke. A crowd gathers at the rail to watch him play. The last time I played at the Duke's table he stayed one orbit and did not play a hand. This time he played and he took alot of my chips.

He had recently played a hand for his life when several people attemted to rob and kill him. They were unsuccessful. He spent some time in the hospital as a result of the attack. He assured me that he is 100% back in the game. His attackers will spend much more time in jail. The Duke played for about an hour. He then took my chips and his $100,000 and when in search of another game.

For related Post on my blog see Sam O'Connor's interview of the Duke of Fremont Street

Cowboy Vic aka Vegas Vic Las Vegas Icon

It is easy to walk around Vegas and get overwhelmed by the sites and sounds. Everywhere you look there are signs with flashing lights and spectacular displays. Sometimes there is a lot of history behind the glitz. It the 1940's Vegas needed visitors. The city fathers hired a publicity firm to do the job. A caricature of a cowboy was created for the campaign. The phrase "Howdy Podner" was used in the adverting. It was a hit. Shortly there after a Neon sign version of the character was designed and placed upon the Pioneer Club on Fremont Street. The original sign had a waiving arm, a moving cigarette. and said "Howdy Podner" every few minutes. The arm no longer waives and he has been silenced. Other that that he has been restored and remains in his original perch on Fremont street. The building is now a souvenir store.


Other page on my site

Vegas Vic and Vicki TV Comerical