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About Vegas Info

Since 1999, providing a panoramic perspective of Las Vegas, including: history, food reviews, hiking, day trips, local information and photos of this great city.

Stardust International Raceway in Spring Valley, Nevada

June 24, 2017
Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway

In the 60s, racing circuits popped up all over the United States to fill the high demand for racing entertainment. Before long, more tracks could be built than sustained by the industry many closed the gates and fell into neglect, later being developed into shopping centers and housing developments.

Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway

The Stardust International Raceway was opened in 1965 in the Spring Valley of Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility included a 3-mile, 13-turn road course and a quarter-mile drag strip. Owned by the Stardust Hotel and Casino, the track was built to attract high rollers to the hotel. When the hotel was sold in 1969, the track was abandoned with drag racing events finally ceasing in 1970. Later, the land was bought by Pardee Homes and the Spring Valley community was built in the track’s place. The area is now know as Spring Valley and with the old track boarding Tropicana Avenue, Rainbow Blvd and Flamingo Road.

Topo map of Spring Valley

1970’s Topo map of Spring Valley showing parts of the Racetrack

Stardust hosted Can-Am races from 1966 through 1968 with John Surtees winning the first two and Denny Hulme taking the last. A Trans-Am race was held in 1967, won by Mark Donohue.

Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway

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Where to Meet People in Las Vegas That Aren’t Obvious

June 22, 2017
The Peppermill on Las Vegas Blvd.

The Peppermill on Las Vegas Blvd.

Most people think of Las Vegas and all of the debauchery that goes down in what they refer to as “Sin City.”  Sure, there is no shortage of bars, strip clubs, and casinos of all sorts that allow people to find other inebriated souls who are looking for a good time.

But what about the people who are into relationships and meeting people that aren’t just casual encounters?  Where can you meet real people and strike up meaningful conversation that may lead to more?  Does that actually happen in Las Vegas?

According to this article, it does.   Reading that article prompted an Internet search to see just what the locals and experts do to accomplish the goal of having a social life that isn’t just about partying.  Today we’ll break down the places that aren’t obvious to the general public in order to shed a positive light on the Las Vegas dating and social scene.

Here are Five Places You Probably Didn’t Think Of

#5:  Bond Bar
Located in the Cosmopolitan, this may seem quite commercial and like a tourist trap.  However, you’ll meet all types of people in this sheik lounge featuring go-go dancers (obviously locals), good looking bartenders and cocktail waitresses,  and vibrant music.  Located by the entrance off Las Vegas BLVD, you can easily access this bar.

#4:  Chandelier Bar
As long as you are here in the Cosmo, check out this local favorite that also attracts a lot of tourism.  Gorgeous women line this establishment for it’s décor and classy atmosphere.  Drinks are eclectic, just like the atmosphere.

#3:  The Pepper Mill
Think Denny’s with a vibrant crowd after hours.  There are men, women, old people, and young bucks alike, all gathering their thoughts or re-grouping after a long night on the strip, or some of them perhaps just starting out their day.  Sit by the fire on the left hand side,  and allow the people watching to carry your experience.  You’ll meet many locals here, especially service industry people who just got off of work who are looking to wind down.  Strippers love it, so why wouldn’t you?

#2:  Minus 5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay
Ice bars don’t usually lend themselves to being singles scenes, but let’s think about how adventurous people are who frequent them.  Not to mention, the ease of opening up a conversation with something basic like “are you cold?”

#1:  B Bar at Wynn Casino
This bar has eclectic cocktails and a serious crowd due to the size of the casino and location right at the entrance to the gaming floor.  Many people come through for a quick drink, which can lead to many interesting situations.  The best time is after midnight.

Photo by: LasVegas360.com

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On This Date: July 21, 1948 B-29 Superfortress Bomber Crashed into Lake Mead

June 21, 2017
A Modified B-29 (F-13) crashed in to Lake Mead on July 21, 1948

On July 21, 1948 a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (F-13)  crashed in to Lake Mead. The Bomber was modified from a B-29 into a F-13. The "F" meant that it was modified for photo reconnaissance. It was on a special mission to conduct atmospheric research using an instrument called the "Sun Tracker".  Painted on the nose of the plane was the words "Cosmic Ray Research".  The plane operated as high as 30,000 feet down to just about as low as you can fly.

While on mission, the plane was making a very low pass over the Lake Mead surface with what is described, "glass like" when it hit the water.  The plane was traveling at about 250 mph as it crashed and skipping across the surface for over a quarter of a mile.  Five men on-board escaped via life rafts before the plane sank in water over 170 feet deep.  The crew was rescued from the lake six hours later and was instructed not to disclose any details of the flight, its mission or its loss. As the mission was classified, these details were not released until fifty years later.

In 2001, a private dive team searching for the B-29 using side-scan sonar found the wreckage in the northern arm of Lake Mead. Because the bomber lay inside a National Recreation Area, responsibility for the site fell to the National Park Service. Due to the cold deep water, the plane  has been well preserved. Currently the site is off limits to divers.

Photo By: Wikipedia.com – Public Domain

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Summer Vacation in Las Vegas

June 20, 2017
Las Vegas Sign

Source: Public Domain Pictures

The warm weather is here, and so are holidays, so if Las Vegas is on your mind for the summer then you might want to check out the places we have brought together so that your visit to this thrilling city is as varied and as exciting as it should be.

Take, for instance, the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino. The first thing that might come to your mind is the World Series of Poker, which is celebrated here and will be taking place until July 17 if you happen to drop by Las Vegas around that time. However, the reason why we include it as part of an idyllic summer getaway full of surprises is because behind the doors of this hotel hides one of the best-kept secrets of the city: The Rio Wine Cellar and Tasting Room. Here, you will find a unique collection of wines to taste in a relaxing and secluded atmosphere as you take a break from the exciting energy of America’s Playground. The collection of wines at this cellar is so exclusive that altogether they add up to 10 million dollars. Not many know about this charming spot, where you can even find – not drink- a bottle of Portuguese wine from Jefferson’s private reserve.

Next on our list is the Neon Museum. At this singular spot you will be able to contemplate some of the most emblematic neon signs that turned this city into that of the lights. All of these neon relics come with a story that will guide you through the history of Las Vegas and times past. This museum, which works as a non-profit organization, has taken on the very important task of preserving this artistic heritage and the best option is to book a tour when visiting it.

During your trip, you should also make sure that one night you go to see the Bellagio Fountains, which have close to 1,214 spritzers that turn this watery enclave into a true spectacle. Although you can choose to avoid casinos by playing with the best online poker bonuses without the need to even set a foot in Las Vegas, let’s not forget that if you’re there, you must visit at least one room to understand the magic of these venues. And the reason why we say this is because the Bellagio is just the perfect choice, so following the cascading show you might want to step into this legendary casino, where you are also likely to run into more than one famous card player.

Once you’re done at the tables, don’t forget to try some of the best-grilled meat in the country. Las Vegas is famous for its steakhouses, and you can choose from a long list that includes Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, located right on The Strip, to Delmonico Steakhouse, Cut, Craftsteak or Prime. But if you want to try other things, remember that Vegas is also great for foodies as its gourmet offer has grown over the years to suit every palate.

Finally, on a warm day during your visit, you might find it refreshing to escape from the urban context and the best place to go to is the emblematic Hoover Dam, where you can enjoy the fantastic views from the bridge or a boat. Either way, make sure that you read about this monumental architectural and engineering landmark that is part of the US history.

So if this summer your plans take you the most famous city of Nevada, make sure to follow our tips to make the best of your trip to this memorable spot that is not all about casinos and resorts, but also wine, art and architecture.

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Daily Neon: Fremont East District – Daytime

June 18, 2017
East Freemont Street

Fremont East District in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada- click for Hi-Res

Photo by: LasVegas360.com
Photo taken: 12/30/2011

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Three Ways to Win Money in a Casino

June 16, 2017
Casino neon sign

Three ways to win money in a casino

The slot machines in the online mode allow you not only to have a fun time without leaving your house, but also to improve your financial well-being if you play for money. Every player dreams of winning money, who decided to take a chance and try his luck. The main question remains how to play for money at the freespins365.co.uk casino and get a gold profit?

The first way
The first way to become rich when playing casino is to develop the right strategy. The bottom line is that: The game of machine guns should bring pleasure. Luck is unlikely to smile at someone who is dissatisfied with any factors: the interface of the game slot, its rules. You should keep your statistics and watch it. For example, the statistics of winnings are kept on the site of the casino. The higher the score, the greater the chance of a favorable outcome. If during the game process for three scrolls of the reel the winning position is not displayed, you should switch to another gaming machine. In the same way it is recommended to enter if luck on the slot machine smiled three times in a row.

The second way
The second way is training. Most players who can boast of large jackpots started playing casinos for fun. Recommended: The first time to learn gambling machines without financial investments, playing in the demo version. Do not put a large amount of money on just one machine. It is better to divide the money for 2-3 machine guns, so the chance to win increases at least 2 times. You should not train every day. Gambling machines are not a job that brings a steady and stable income. Casino, first of all, bring pleasure and additional earnings. It is important to be careful and not to drive horses. Sometimes it is better to spend more time training and get the coveted amount than to lower your “blood”.

The third way
The third way to win money is to learn how to cope with your emotions. The human factor can both have a beneficial effect on the game, and lead to a loss. For example: It is not recommended to start the game in a state of depression, aggression and alcoholic intoxication. Negative emotions do not accompany luck. Anger and an uncontrolled mind due to the effects of alcohol are frustrating. It should be understood that constant luck or a large jackpot is better to take than doubling with them the stakes at the next game. It is important to be able to stop at times, it is better to play “tomorrow” than to lose “today”. Moreover, to lose not only the jackpot, but also it’s originally invested money. It is necessary to choose your casinos to save your finances. You can find an article how to do it here: casinoomega.com You can read reviews, communicate with real players, trust professionals, but only rely on yourself. Only you yourself can, how to win your own money, and lose. No one will return them if you are not careful.

Photo by: LasVegas360.com

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