NFC @ NFR (and Tahoe!)... thirteen days, six hotels, five hats

Hello fellow VMB-ers! After a similar level of planning to my "mega" TR of the summer, we've got another one that's about to kick off on Sunday. I know I said my most recent TR would likely be my last one. But aside from enjoying the company along the way as I do a live TR, I also like being able to look back and read about my Vegas chronicles. I know my last trip was barely five months ago, but it feels like forever So I keep going back to look at it, haha

As contrary to the millennial stereotype as this may be, I've been using social media a lot less lately, in the interest of living in the moment. On that same way of thinking, the two key changes to this TR are that it's not going to be as text-heavy, and the updates aren't going to be as frequent. I feel like it will still be a report of substance though, with some pretty interesting activities beyond your standard drinking and gambling.

So, here's a high-level timeline of what this trip will consist of, categorized by hotel...

Longhorn - staying here for the first time. It's a one-night crashpad for me, though I've always wanted to stay here because I love the casino, and I've always liked the idea of degenning on the super low-stakes gaming, getting inebriated to a respectable level, and stumbling to my room without having to worry about Lyfting to wherever I'm actually staying. And then, y'know, being too out of it to realize I'm getting into the wrong car, and somehow ending up in Honduras a few days later.

The next day, I'm getting up very, very early and leaving my bags at the front desk. I'm doing a mad dash down the Boulder Highway which will include visiting that group of gambling-related street names (e.g. Black Jack Way, Straight Flush Drive, etc.) at Tropicana and Boulder, playing grocery store video poker at either Albertson's or Von's, checking out the El Dorado/Rainbow Club/Emerald Island cluster, having beer at Lovelady Brewing, and visiting both the Skyline and Railroad Pass casinos. That's not in exact order, and it's not comprehensive. You'll see lots of pictures though. Also, there happens to be a celebrity meetup somewhere in here. Yes, seriously. On the Boulder strip. You'll see who

Oh, also, since I'm somewhat known for my outrageous outfits... I've got a unique one for this day. You know how some people make a fuss over double denim? This outfit has triple denim. Jeans, denim shirt, and something else denim. It isn't a jacket.

Hooters - staying here for three nights. The first two, I'm going to the NFR at which I have plaza-level seats. The third, I'm seeing the barrel race competition over at the Orleans, and then watching the main NFR event in one of their lounges. Otherwise, on those days I have plans that include getting a hot stone massage at the Luxor, checking out the Cowboy Christmas show at the Convention Center, and finally having a drink at the Double Down. After one of the NFR events I'm going to the Silverton for the after-party, and on my way back up to Hooters I'm stopping in at the TA Alamo Casino (the gas station with table games). You know how I love my dive casinos, and I've always wanted to visit this place.

Hyatt Lake Tahoe - also here for three nights, flying up to Reno on Allegiant. As of right now, aside from outdoor swimming in the heated pool, roasting s'mores, and the other wonderful activities the hotel offers, my plans include heading down to South Tahoe for a day where I'll be taking the gondola at Heavenly... also a sunset snowshoe tour, possibly some dog-sledding, and definitely a nice dinner at Lone Eagle Grille. I'll also be hanging out in Reno for an afternoon, where I'll be going to Pigeon Head brewery for the Turkish coffee flavoured beer I've been drooling over pictures of... and then I'm having an early dinner at Ichiban before hitting the airport to head back to Vegas. Might also attempt to get back the money I left behind at Cal Neva's craps table.

The California - laundry stop... just staying one night so I'll have access to the laundry facilities at the MSS RV park. Booked this on a comp, but now that BConnected has demonstrated how pathetic of a program it is, I'm budgeting exactly $10 to run through a nickel video poker machine, and I'm giving them no play otherwise. I'll likely be way too tired to play anyway, but any play I actually do that night will be at Four Queens.

The Rio - this is the indulgence of my trip. I booked their 1,600 square foot Masquerade Suite, with a strip view. I'm very excited to wake up to that view twice. This will be a very relaxed stretch of my trip, other than my arrival night in which I'm going to the Sapphire to watch football and then to Jewel to see Hardnox (an amazing Vegas DJ duo - who, ironically, DJs at the Sapphire). Only firm plans of this stretch are to hang out in Rio's spa, and go to McMullan's behind the Orleans for Irish food.

El Cortez - staying in the King Suite again. I don't know what it is that I love about that room, but it's available, and it's $23 per night - so I'm taking it! This stretch will include doing some exploration of downtown that I've never had the chance to do (MSS artifacts, Neon Museum, etc.), a re-visit to Silver Nugget and Chicas Bonitas, and I'm probably going to try playing bingo for the first time at Plaza. Also, a friend of mine, who's an avid cyclist, was kind enough to offer to take me on a personal tour of Red Rock Canyon by bicycle, when she found out I was looking at booking a tour. So we'll be doing that one morning. Hopefully I can keep up after nearly two weeks of Vegas

Now, you're probably wondering about what the five hats are...

1. Cowboy hat (Yes, I bought a proper American-made one just to try and blend in at the rodeo... I am in love with the way it looks)
2. Wool beanie (Being winter and all, especially for up in Tahoe)
3. Regular ballcap (just to have a "normal" non-cowboy look available to me... probably my black Under Armour cap)
4. Sapphire ballcap (I don't actually have this yet, but they're giving it to me at Sapphire for writing a review about them)
5. Captain's hat (Yes, seriously. There's a very specific reason I brought this, which will take too long to explain. If it materializes as planned, I'll explain why )

Also, for those wondering how I am after my accident in my August trip... I'm much better now. Zero pain, never had to take any of the heavy duty painkillers, insurance paid everything without issue. Back in the game!

It feels almost surreal to actually be going ON this trip, after having such a good time preparing for it. Looking forward to making it a great TR!

 

We’ll be following!

 

When we stayed at the Longhorn we couldn't leave our bags, they said they had nowhere to store them, might want to check.

 

Following!

 

Glad you had no residuals from August---travel safe

Jeff

 

Looking forward to following along with you!

 

Sounds like a fun 2 weeks planned! Lots of exploring.

 

Wow great trip with a detailed itinerary. Look forward to portions like Boulder HWY. I do hope you take lots of pics. You should also wear your cowboy hat with your Canadian Tuxedo.

 

Many thanks for mentioning this. I did phone them before booking to ask, they said it wouldn’t be a problem to store it behind the front desk (since they don’t have a bell desk). A Monday morning in December isn’t going to be terribly busy anyhow. Will be calling them again to be sure though, so that I can be prepared if this is the case.

 

Looking forward to another great report. Gambling at a truck stop and a grocery store
..cant wait

 

Enjoy your trip!

 

Giddee up and go get 'em! Following along.

GG

 

Have fun. Avoid those boats!

 

LOL, yes this. You should stop in and give those at the Vegas hospital a holiday gift [emoji6]

 

Did you end up getting the Captain's hat at Party City? Is the celebrity Toni Tenille?

 

Following. Have a great trip!

 

Captain’s hat - got it at a local independent costume store. I tend to go out of my way to shop small.

Celebrity - I may be showing my age, but I have no idea who that is the clue that I will give, is that this person is known for wearing a certain type of wide-brimmed hat at all times.

 

Please leave them behind the TV in the living room at Rio.

 

Captain and Tenille

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_%26_Tennille

 

Ah, that makes a lot of sense

You’ll see. It’s happening at 2:30 pm on Monday, and I’ve been given the understanding that I’ll be authorized to take a selfie with this person.