Downtown Vegas Has it All!

I didn’t even realize that downtown existed on my first trips to Vegas; my attention was completely focused on the Strip.

But over the years there has been a shift in my attitude. While the Strip cannot be matched for spectacular shows and posh hotels, downtown has a unique charm that appeals to me more and more. These are the reasons why:

Everything is cheaper. I mean everything. Since retirement, I have had to watch my pennies. I am not willing to give up my Vegas trips, but I have to do them in the most economical way possible, and that means spending the majority of my time downtown. You will earn a comped room faster here than on the Strip with a lot less play. There are tons of value priced dining options downtown. You can attend lots of free live music shows on Fremont. Even souvenir prices are lower here, often for the same item that you saw on the Strip!

The gambling is better. There have been studies done that prove that the table minimums are lower, and the slot machines are looser downtown than on the Strip. It should be noted however, that I developed this opinion merely from personal experience. My daily gambling allotment lasts longer downtown; my purse seems to empty at a much slower rate.



You will meet new people. That can happen anywhere in Vegas, but for me, it always seems to happen at a video poker bar downtown. The experience of meeting someone at 7 pm and becoming fast friends by 8 pm is priceless.

It has a nostalgic, old school feeling that I love. In recent years, there have been many changes and improvements to downtown, but you can still get the feeling of what it must have been like to walk these streets 30 or 40 years ago.

The evenings are one big celebration. The Fremont Street Experience has given downtown an incredible atmosphere: the bands, the light show, the zip line, the crowds and yes, even those crazy street performers all contribute to a festive, party vibe. It is like a state fair on steroids.

I love the neon. The Strip is a beautiful sight at night too, but giant LED screens don’t compare to neon, in my opinion. I may be slightly deranged, but I can stand in the middle of Fremont and gaze around me at all the fabulous lights and be absolutely thrilled and mesmerized by the sight.

You can encounter a new adventure with every step downtown.  Visit Downtown Container Park where you will find restaurants, shopping, bars and the Dome, a visual entertainment experience. Want to sail over the entire Fremont Street Experience? Try the zipline at Slotzilla. Be sure to check out the Neon Museum and their amazing Brilliant show. It is just a few blocks from downtown.

All of these reasons and more are why I choose to make downtown my primary party place in Vegas. Are you getting fed up with the Strip and being over charged for literally everything? Why not give Downtown a try? Fremont Street invites you to eat, drink and be merry (for a lot less money)!

[Images: Scott Roeben, Blonde4ever, wikimedia]

10 Reasons to Love Main Street Station

There is a lot to love about Main Street Station. I visit this hotel/casino on every trip and here are a few of the reasons why.

1. The decor is gorgeous and unlike any other hotel in Vegas. As you approach the front door, you begin to get an impression of the old world charm that lies within. Stepping inside is like going back in time to the Victorian era complete with stained glass, chandeliers and incredible woodwork. Main Street Station produces a pamphlet that describes all the antiques featured throughout the hotel and casino. Be sure to take the time to wander around and check them all out. On the other side of the Pullman room is a rail car once owned by Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. A piece of the Berlin wall is featured in the men’s washroom.

The main table game area when you walk in, note the stained glass and chandeliers.

2. The rooms are reasonably priced. They do have a resort fee but you can sometimes get those comped if you are a player.

3. The accomodations are cozy and the mattresses comfortable. While you may encounter some noise from the trains or the highway, I have never found it particularly disturbing. A good pair of earplugs works wonders.

4. There is a fridge in every room; all hotels should have this, particularly hotels in the middle of deserts. Coming back to your room to some cold beverages after a day of sight-seeing in the heat is a real treat, and it is more convenient to have an appliance to chill them for you and not to have to do the cooler/ice cubes routine.

5. The staff is amazingly friendly. It says something about an establishment when you return year after year and see the same faces. It must be a good place to work, and the contentment of the employees gets passed along to the customers. Thumbs up for happy staff!

Winston Churchill’s Snooker Table

6. I love their buffet and the room it is in. I have been 
coming here for years and always have a great meal. 
If you can’t find something good to eat at this buffet,
then you are just way too fussy; plus this is the only
 buffet I know of that has pecan pie!

The buffet room

7. Triple 777 Microbrewery and Restaurant is an awesome
 place to visit when you are thirsty, hungry, or both. 
Their prices are very reasonable, and their food is scrumptious,
 especially the quesadillas! 
I am not a big beer fan, but I have many friends who are
 and who love their six varieties of hand-crafted beers.

8. Boar’s Head bar is a great place to try their brewery’s
 different ales while you play video poker.

9. Main Street Station has my favorite kind of video poker
 machines, Loose Deuces. This game is getting harder to
 locate, so I always make sure to find the time to play 
it here.

10. As with any downtown property, a few hours of 
concentrated play will earn you some valuable comps
 and future offers. These offers are what make my 
Vegas trips possible!

Main Street Station should be on everyone’s 
“Must Visit” list when they come downtown!

Pics by Michael M and Vegas.com