Heading to Las Vegas ...

Mrs. CI and I are flying out Wednesday morning as I am covering this weekend of the World Series of Poker, to coincide with a a few stories I'm doing on the game's phenomenon and growing success. I'll also be playing in the WSOP Media/Celebrity event and doing a column from that; maybe I'll bust out Penn Jilette or Shannon Elizabeth. I just don't want some damn blogger knocking me out.

My first Vegas trip. Any must-visit spots? Restarants? Stores?

Any and all help is appreciated.

 

Holy crap, your first trip is to cover the WSOP Main Event!?! You won't have much free time, but if you do here are my favorite old Vegas spots...

Cocktails - Peppermill Fireside Lounge (across the Strip from the Stardust Sports Book)
Steak - The Steakhouse (Circus Circus) or Hugo's Cellar (Four Queens)
Sports Book - Stardust

 

Leave a $50 in your glove box so you can your broke ass out of long term parking at the airport when you get home.

 

I'm not "covering the main event" per se, so I should have free time. I was going to Vegas anyway and asked the paper if they wanted me to write a couple of poker stories to go along with a column from my event .. I do have a few bases to cover while down there, (talking to pros for my stories, etc.), but I'm out of there on Sunday -- more than a week before the main event ends.

 

CI--
The thread on the Vegas outing seems like a good resource for a Vegas trip, lots of good ideas on there.... And I recommend the tip about the glove box. I was out there in January and overdrew on my bank account to get home from the airport.

Oops.

 

I played in the $1,000 buy-in event a couple of weeks ago. Lasted more than four hours at the same table as Annie Duke. Had an absolute blast.

Enjoy yourself.

 

I'll second the steakhouse at Circus Circus.

 

CI, there's a gift kiosk right in front of the check-in desk at the Stardust. They're selling a very nice Stardust pen. If you happen to find yourself in the Stardust and buy me one, I'll gladly repay you for it and shipping. I forgot to grab one when I was there last month.

 

The Rio has a really great buffet. Seriously, it puts all other buffets to shame......

 

Bellagio and Mandalay Bay are very nice. You've got to see the dancing fountains. And going up to the top of the Stratosphear is cool. Since you're going to be downtown, go over to the Golden Gate for the 99 cent shrimp cocktail and the prime rib dinner. You and the Mrs. will be able to have a nice solid meal for under $20 (with tip).

The Rio does have a great buffet too.

 

Does anyone know if any of the Vegas sportsbooks have European soccer available to bet on? I'm heading there next weekend and there is a severe lack of sports betting options at this time of year.. wondering if they'd have German Bundesliga or the French League.

I'm guessing I'll have to settle for MLB, MLS and boxing.

 

if you go to the Irish Pub at New York, New York, they have a patio on the upper floor that offers an amazing view of the strip that almost, but not quite, makes the $10.50 Red Bull-Vodkas worth it.