Tag Archives: Las Vegas

Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas and KISS Monster Mini-Golf

13 Wednesday Jun 2012

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“Love All Serve All”

Who can forget that famous quote that appeared on the walls of all Hard Rock Cafe’s back in the 80’s? To be quite honest, I kind of did. I forgot about the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas that was once upon a time the most rocking-est place to go. Oddly enough, it was my son who reminded me about the place, in a round about sort of way.

He has been bugging me to go mini-golfing ever since he found out he has to miss a classmates birthday party at a local mini-golf spot because we will be in Disney World at the same time (poor kid), so for an end of the school year celebration, my sister, brother-in-law and I took the kids to play a round of mini-golf. The theme? None other than KISS…yes, the popular rock band of the 70’s & 80’s, popular for their flamboyant outfits, hair and make-up, but most famous for their music. Once we figured out the location was directly across the street from the Hard Rock Cafe, we decided to make it a Rock ‘n Roll kind of day and take the kids to lunch, too.

The great thing about the Hard Rock Cafe is that it keeps the kids busy. They have plenty to look at, people are expecting them to walk around and look at things, and you can’t hear them over the already loud music. There is also a kids’ menu with lots of great options and activities to work on. For the adults, the food is edible. Definitely not a 5-star restaurant, but pretty decent eats for a cafe that’s been around for awhile. I, personally, have to pay homage to the Hard Rock Cafe because no matter where I was in the world, when I saw the Cafe, I knew it would take me home for a little bit. When traveling, I prefer to live like the locals do, but after a few weeks and months, I would miss American specialties like Iced Tea, Ranch Dressing and Buffalo Wings. The Hard Rock Cafe always provided me with those small comforts of home.

It was pretty fun to reminisce and check out an old stomping ground. What was once a small retail store is now 2 high-backed booths with a bit of a VIP feeling. Elvis is still in the house, Viva-ing Las Vegas above the restaurant goers, and the full KISS regalia greets you upon entering. Speaking of KISS…

Afterwards, we headed over to KISS Mini-Golf. I have to say, I was quite impressed. Though my experience with mini-golf is Scandia, again, dating myself here, for an indoor course in the middle of the desert to entertain the family, how could you go wrong?! The entire place is visually stimulating with glow-in-the-dark course, clubs, balls, scorecards and pencils. The music blasted, of course, is KISS favorites, and the entire course is lined and decorated with massive bobble heads of each band member, giant platform shoes, and guitars. A robo-animatronic version of the band plays while you make your way through the course to the final hole, and try to put your ball into Gene Simon’s mouth via his iconic snake-like tongue.

As if that’s not enough entertainment, you might also catch a wedding there at the Hotter Than Hell Wedding Chapel, which boasts of 22 weddings since opening in March 2012. There is also a VIP room and a birthday party room, along with a gift shop, arcade, and snack bar. I mean, seriously, where else would you find something this crazy-cool but in the capital of crazy-cool itself, Las Vegas. Golf rounds are $12.99 for adults (5 and up), but $9.99 for locals or military, teachers and students with ID.

RSMLV Tips

Hard Rock Cafe…the staff was super friendly and quite helpful. I have to give a huge shout-out to our waiter who spotted my bro-in-law’s sunglasses left on the table. He literally walked across the street to the KISS Mini-Golf to deliver them to us. They also gave us a sweet local’s discount on our tab, which he said they only give to awesome people. Otherwise, they do offer a military discount with ID, and a Happy Hour.

KISS Mini-Golf…kids ages 4 and under are free, but I would caution taking a little one. It’s pretty dark in there (a la the “Glow in the Dark” status), and it’s quite loud, which may frighten or upset them. My youngest nephew is almost 5 and he did great, but he also dressed up like Gene Simons for Halloween and sings rock music at the top of his lungs, so he may be the exception. Also, there are laser lights that might bother a child if he is sensitive to those things. With that being said, the staff is great and totally entertained the kids with tickets and prizes and cheered them on throughout the course.

The ability to rock it like no other for lunch and a fun day with your kids is another reason why I {heart} Vegas!

See more of my Rockin’ Day in Las Vegas on my Google+ album.

Save Vegas PBS | Foundation

11 Monday Jun 2012

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How could you deny that sweet little monkey, Curious George? What about not hearing that all too famous, “Sunny Days, Sweeping the Clouds Away…,” chanted by your little ones, then giggling with belly laughs at Elmo monster? It’s that time of year to show you care, and want Vegas PBS to be around for your kids, just like it was for us! This time, get the whole family involved by coming out to the Flightlinez Zipline Attraction at the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas on Monday, June 11th, from noon to midnight.

Here are some facts about Vegas PBS:

·         Vegas PBS features 151 hours of PBS KIDS programs including Arthur, Curious George, Sesame Street and SuperWHY!, among others, at a cost of $138,000 annually

·         Sesame Street first aired more than 40 years ago and continues to educate children around the world

·         This summer, Vegas PBS will focus on literacy with 10 weeks of programming featuring reading-related episodes from PBS KIDS series

·         KLVX (Vegas PBS) began broadcasting on March 25, 1968 as Nevada’s first educational and public television station

·         The mission of Vegas PBS is to improve people’s lives by creating and distributing media content that improves health and education, strengthens community institutions, provides universal access to the arts, and fosters civic engagement.

Join FlightLinez, Curious George, BMX pro dirt jumper Ricardo Laguna and DJ BABYCHINO, World’s Youngest DJ, as they work to support the efforts of Vegas PBS.

 

More information about this event:

TIME:

 Noon – Curious George will be on-hand to kick off festivities at noon

 5 p.m. – Move to the beats of 9-year-old DJ BABYCHINO, World’s Youngest DJ – on hand to kick the party up a notch!

 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Ricardo Laguna, BMX pro dirt jumper and television star will be onsite signing autographs.

 

COST:

Noon until 6 p.m. Flightlinez Zipline rides are $15

6 p.m. until midnight Flightlinez Zipline rides are $20

 

WHERE:

Flightlinez

Fremont Street Experience

425 Fremont Street

Downtown Las Vegas, NV

 

 

 

Art in Vegas | I {heart} Vegas

06 Wednesday Jun 2012

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This week I’m loving the fact that the city is filled with art. Really. There is an entire Arts District Downtown, tons of Visual Arts line the streets of Fremont and Las Vegas Boulevard, the lobbies, restaurants and hotels are full of pieces and there are a few galleries that house amazing works by renown artists throughout centuries and decades. Think Las Vegas has no culture? Think again.

One of my favorite art galleries is the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The intimate gallery houses visiting exhibits throughout the year with historical artists like Van Gough, Picasso, Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe. Currently, Claude Monet: Impressions of Light, is running now through January 2013. A serene escape from the loudness of the casinos and place to quiet your mind a bit. The BGFA partners with established museum programs throughout the United States and the world to bring impressive collections to the Las Vegas community. General Admission is $15 for 12+, and standard discounts apply (teacher, student, resident, military).

RSMLV Tips: Strollers are not permitted in the museum, neither are photos or video, and the museum does not have a place to store these items. Next time you are in town, check the calendar listing for the Art & Wine event that happens monthly.

The Cosmopolitan is full of eye-candy l’objects d’art throughout the entire property. From the visually engaging video towers in the lobby to the mid-century inspired Art-o-mat vending machines in the halls to the uber contemporary fixtures like hot pink chandeliers and gigantic high-heeled shoes, your eyes won’t be able to take it all in with just one visit. This on-going showcase of contemporary art was developed in partnership with the New York City’s Art Production Fund.

RSMLV Tips: You really just can’t get enough of this visually stimulating resort. Take the time to leisurely stroll through different parts of the hotel, restaurants, pools and banquet rooms. There is art everywhere! Challenge yourself to find something new with each visit. See for yourself by clicking this video of Evalyn Daniel-Putnam’s quick guided tour of  3D art exhibits at The Cosmopolitan.

Aria Las Vegas and City Center house one of the most extensive art walks in the city. The pieces combined make up the first major permanent collection of art in Las Vegas to be integrated into a public space. What I truly {heart} about the space and resorts that make up City Center is how once on property, I feel transformed into the heart of a major cosmopolitan city. Not only is dining ans shopping a major player in that, but the idea of interacting with the pieces in a non-gallery setting feels almost as though I’m walking through a sculpture garden in Paris. Between paintings, sculptures, and architecture, the City Center Fine Art Collection is made up of 15 acclaimed artists and visionaries pieces made accesible to the public.

RSMLV Tips: Download the free CityCenter Fine Art Collection app on your smart phone for a self-guided tour. While you’re at it, check out these other free Las Vegas apps to plan out your visit.

 

Photo image from www.theartsfactory.com

You can’t talk about Art in Vegas without mentioning the bustling Downtown Arts District that has been demanding attention from art communities around the world. It’s a funky little piece of Las Vegas that gives off a distinctive vibe like no other that you won’t find anywhere else in the Valley. Just off Fremont Street you’ll find The Beat Coffee Shop where you can sip true barista-style espresso drinks and delicious food while listening to vinyl records playing on a record player overlooking the mixed crowd of tourists, lost locals and hipster artists, and is located below the Emergency Arts building. Further up off Main is the  heart of the Arts District, the Arts Factory, where you will find cool cafes, antique shops, galleries, boutique style thrift shops and a groovy little yoga studio, Blue Sky Yoga.

RSMLV Tips: If you are in town on a first Friday of the month, be sure to plan a trip to the First Friday Las Vegas community celebration in the Arts District. A family friendly place where the community comes together to celebrate food, music and art. If you are looking to enjoy some public art in a large open space, stop by Symphony Park at The Smith Center. For some Southwestern eats and cool architectural views, pop into Mundo at the World Market, and snap a shot of the Cleveland Clinic Larry Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

World Market Center in Downtown Las Vegas

While some of the galleries do charge a fee to view the exhibits, most of the art in Las Vegas is in public space, and doesn’t cost a thing. It makes for an interesting stroll and educational experience all at once. And you can totally rock the art scene with or without your little entourage!

See! This is why I {heart} Las Vegas!