Las Vegas...

Joined Mar 2006
696 Posts | 0+
Central Jersey
What a place. I just got back from a week long trip with my girlfriend. The whole strip area is one big resort. Everyone is on vacation and no one cares what you do. I was surprised about how little everyone else cared what you were doing. I smoked cigars in casinos, clubs, on the street, in my room, restaurants and bars. Never once did I have anyone give me the "look" you get when smoking in a place full of non-cigar smokers. People would sit down next to me and go about their own business or start a conversation about cigars even if they don't smoke.

The entire section of town is 100% focused on their tourist industry. The down side is the premium charged for EVERYTHING, but it's nice to be able to find anything and everything you could possibly want within walking distance able to be brought to your room at the touch of a button. The overall feeling of the place is a big party. Everyone you meet is just looking to kick back and unwind on vacation too. It's a very low stress environment for mind. Body on the other hand is another story. I think I'll be in bad shape for the next week before the hospital digs me up a liver.

One week never felt like such a short amount of time. The strip alone has entertainment for months. The MGM Grand is connected to NY NY, The Tropicana, and Excalibur by skyways and the Luxor and Mandalay Bay through the Excalibur. I was able to fully explore those hotels, see some of their shows, try some of their restaurants, and lose a few bucks to each of their casinos. Walking the down the strip I got to spend some time at Aladdin and Creaser’s as well. The only time I had to go further was few assorted hours at the Stardust and Rivera, located at the other end of the strip, to see shows. I wish I had time to hang at Paris, Bellagio, Wynn, and Treasure Island.

I have nothing but good things to say about the MGM. We found it to be a step above the Excalibur, Trop, and NY NY on the other three corners of the block. The four hotels are under common ownership and share walkways, but the MGM is made out to be the nicer of the hotels. For example: In Vegas everyone and their sister is trying to give you free show coupons and sign you up for discount vacation services. It becomes quickly bothersome when you cannot walk thirty paces without some hotel employee asking you if you are married and want free tickets or shoving coupons in your face. The MGM was the only hotel of the four that did not pester its guests. I also became very attached to the location. The other side of the strip IMHO is older and not as nice, it reminded me of Trenton with brighter lights and more hookers.

All in all I had a blast. Just what I needed to shed some of the work stress that's built up this year. The woman had some issues with her new camera, told her not to buy on ebay, so I don't know about the pictures yet but will post some if they came out. I'm glad to be back home.....at least until next year :twisted:
 
Welcome back. I think a trip to Vegas this winter is in the cards for me!
 
I'll be heading there late september! LEt me know if you go capt, I'm just a drive away from it now!
 
I'm glad you had a great time, Motion123. *pictures, please*

I hope to go to Vegas for Halloween. Trying to save up some $$$.
 
Sure would! Just let me know the dates a little ahead of time, and we'll make it work!

I'm always up for Vegas!
 
I am real close to registering for the Big Smoke the first weekend of November. Want to see if my son can come up from Scottsdale.

Any one else going or any advice from past attendees.
 
Where ya been John!?!?! Yes the Big Smoke was a great event this year in Chicago. I attended with Jim (other home-brewer you met), Alex and Thor. It was a great time, but don't worry about rushing in to get your cigars. Take you time and hang back, and enjoy the sights (especially the CAO Flavorettes).
 
Glad ya had a good time motion, im heading there Columbus Day weekend for my bach party with about 10 of my buddies, should get interesting :wink:
 
HighPSI said:
Glad ya had a good time motion, im heading there Columbus Day weekend for my bach party with about 10 of my buddies, should get interesting :wink:

Three words.....VERY BAD THINGS....

don't let this happen to you.
 
webesmoked said:
HighPSI said:
Glad ya had a good time motion, im heading there Columbus Day weekend for my bach party with about 10 of my buddies, should get interesting :wink:

Three words.....VERY BAD THINGS....

don't let this happen to you.

Or just bring the chainsaw and shovels with you so you don't have to go out later!!!
 
"Or just bring the chainsaw and shovels with you so you don't have to go out later!!!"


I've never seen anybody juggle chainsaws and shovels before.....can we get a video??
 
I will be at the Vegas Big smoke, both days! If anyone is going, get in touch with me...We'll have to meet up for a couple drinks and smokes!
 
Bikeman said:
"Or just bring the chainsaw and shovels with you so you don't have to go out later!!!"


I've never seen anybody juggle chainsaws and shovels before.....can we get a video??

Go out and rent the movie "Very Bad Things" and you'll get the joke.