Читать книгу The Punk Rock Las Vegas Survival Guide: Beer, Bowling and Debauchery Las Vegas Style - Bob Oedy - Страница 4
ОглавлениеChapter 1: Let’s Go to Vegas!
“Keith Moon, God rest his soul, once drove his car through the glass doors of a hotel, driving all the way up to the reception desk, got out and asked for the key to his room.”
– Pete Townshend, The Who
(Tim Grim of The Grim) Photo by Tracy L. Winfield
Getting to Las Vegas, Nevada
You’ve heard that Las Vegas is a tourist trap. That’s because it’s simple to get-in and slightly harder to get out; especially if you want to leave with your money in hand. They didn’t build all those fancy hotels and Casino’s without a few unlucky tourists losing their shirts. Good thing you bought this book!
Whether you fly-in, drive-in or take the bus Las Vegas is an easy town to navigate. Once at your hotel shuttle buses are provided for registered bowlers to get to-and-from the bowling alleys. Club and festival shows are often within walking distance.
Photo by Denise Borders
Traveling to Las Vegas by Plane
Flying to Las Vegas is an excellent choice. McCarran International Airport is only 2 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and 14 miles from downtown. You can rent a car but it’s not necessary because you won’t need it once you arrive at your hotel and public transportation in Las Vegas is simple. Shuttle Van services at the airport are available for a small fee to take you to and from your hotel. Use your freedom of choice. You can opt for a taxi for a little more or a limo for a lot more while making a complete ass out of yourself. Actually, limos are commonplace here. No one will notice, so don’t bother.
Note: On your way home from Las Vegas if you still have money in your pocket you will get one more opportunity to lose it in the slot machines in the airport. Good Luck!
5757 Wayne Newton Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 261-5211
Driving to Las Vegas
Photo by Bob Oedy
Driving to Las Vegas is easy as long as you are not too far away. Your decision to drive instead of flying will likely be one of cost versus time. If you are coming from Los Angeles it might make sense to drive. If you are traveling from Canada you’ve got a hell of a drive ahead of you. Consider flying instead.
Either way, you’ll be traveling through the desert. Bring plenty of music with you and make sure to check your oil and tires to insure your vehicle is running smooth. That last stretch of desert is beautiful but it’s no place to break down especially at night. Follow the glow of the world’s brightest beam at 315,000 watts from the Luxor Hotel and Casino. They left the light on for you!
Tip: Avoid traffic on Memorial Day. Give yourself plenty of time. Leave at the crack of dawn or better yet stick around an extra day. Room prices drop dramatically after the weekend holiday. Think of the Bundy’s from Married with Children sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic fighting with neighboring motorists and having to pee. If you actually remember that episode you are not only old but you’re informed. Too young to remember? See it here http://youtu.be/Vtg3c1DXs9A
Tip: If you are travelling on Highway 15 near Primm, Nevada stop at Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino to see the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car. See the actual bullet riddled car and blood splattered shirt Clyde Barrow died in. It’s free!
Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino
www.primmvalleyresorts.com/whiskeypetes
100 W. Primm Blvd.
Primm, NV 89019-9119
(702) 386-7867
Tip: Eat at the Mad Greek’s Diner in Baker, California off Highway 15 home of the World’s Largest Thermometer. The thermometer marks the turnoff to Death Valley. It was built 134 feet high because the world record of 134 degrees was reached nearby in 1913. Temperatures regularly reach over 110 degrees in Baker.
Photo by Bob Oedy
Mad Greek’s Diner was featured in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for their delicious gyros with homemade tzatziki.
Photo by Bob Oedy
Traveling to Las Vegas by Ride-Share
“Undermine their pompous authority, reject their moral standards, make anarchy and disorder your trademarks. Cause as much chaos and disruption as possible but don’t let them take you alive.”
–Sid Vicious, Sex Pistols
If you don’t have a ride to Las Vegas or are willing to offer some punks a ride in exchange for gas try carpooling. Sure mom always told you not to get in a car with strangers but you never listened anyway. It beats walking! It’s a great way to make friends while saving Earth’s resources. Not very punk at all is it? There are any numbers of ways to go about doing it but one listed on the website is a service called Zimride.
Ride-Share with Zimride
Zimride is a ride sharing network where you post your destination, interests and music tastes. For a small fee drivers can fill empty seats and passengers can book rides. Your credit card is charged once the person accepts but don’t worry they have a guarantee in case someone flakes and doesn’t show.
https://punkrockbowling.com/ride-share-to-vegas
Tip: You don’t have to pay a third party. Try putting the word out with your friends a few weeks in advance and be flexible.
Traveling to Las Vegas by Bus
Photo by Denise Borders
There are a number of bus companies that offer transportation to Las Vegas at affordable rates. The best part is they take riders directly to most of the larger resort casinos. Kick back and leave the driving to the professionals.
StarLine Tours – Offers luxury motor coaches with leather seating and DVD players. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks while you rest up for a weekend of craziness. You’ve probably seen their commercials.
Greyhound – Offers its Lucky Streak Casino Bus Service to Downtown Las Vegas.
American Lion Transportation Service – Offers daily buses between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
www.amlionbus.com or www.govegasbus.com
Trailways – Offers bus service from most major cities to Las Vegas, Nevada
Once in Las Vegas you can rely on the RTC or Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada www.rtcsouthernnevada.com for short trips to most parts of the city. Maps, schedules and detours are available online at www.rtcsnv.com
Getting to the Shows or Bowling Alleys
The Stern’s have thought of everything! Once you are checked into a participating hotel you will be within walking or shuttle distance to all shows and bowling. Leave the driving to the professionals. You’ve got some drinking to do! No reason to risk getting a DUI or crashing Dad’s car into another building.
That said you will need to be at the pick-up location at the time provided. I know, right? What a pain! Also give yourself a little wiggle-room in case they fill-up the first time around. Generally this is a great way to travel and bowlers have experienced very few problems in the past.
