Destination: Las Vegas on the Cheap
November 10, 2009
Filed under Destinations
For decades, Las Vegas has had a reputation for being an inexpensive getaway. Food, entertainment and even hotels were always affordable since the casinos made their money on their guests’ gambling. However, something between then and now changed and the location isn’t as “cheap” as it used to be — unless you know where to look. On your next Las Vegas timeshare vacation, try some of the following attractions. You might be surprised.
Located right on the Strip, in the midst of the lights and glitz, is one of the most famous free Las Vegas attractions, the Bellagio Fountains. Every half-hour during the day and every 15 minutes after 8pm, the eight-ace fountains put on a spectacularly choreographed water show complete with music (opera, classical and Broadway tunes) and lights.
Every Monday evening at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues Music Hall is Blues Monday, featuring live blues music. Doors open at 9pm, all ages are welcomed and it’s free!
About 10 miles from the Strip is the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens where visitors are admitted free of charge to enjoy a self-guided tour and watch the action of live chocolate production (hours vary) and, of course, chocolate sampling. Afterward, guest may explore the gardens which are filled with beautiful native plants and fauna.
The Broadacres Swap Meet with its 50-cent admission is open Sunday through Friday and hosts over 1,150 merchants. Unlike usual swap meets, vendor collections frequently consist of vintage items and classic Las Vegas paraphernalia, such as classic “old Vegas” signs and shot glasses.
Speaking of antiques, only three miles from the strip is The Pinball Hall of Fame, home to the world’s largest pinball collection. Games date back to the 50’s. The best part, the pinball games are available for hands-on fun and cost only 25/50-cent a play.
The long-time 99-cent shrimp cocktail may be a thing of the past, but Golden Gate Casino downtown on Fremont Street does still serve its legendary Shrimp Cocktail, only now it costs $1.99, and the “Big” Shrimp Cocktail cost $3.99.
Free drinks are still possible throughout casinos, too, if you’re a gambling patron. The key is to keep the cocktail servers returning to refill you glass is to tip generously ($1-3) a drink.
Good luck!
