California Wine Tasting and Vegas (pics!)

I went to the Golden State for some wine tasting and exploration of the Simi Valley.

And I cant fly over Vegas without popping in  - so I did that too.    

Part 1:   California Central Coast and Simi Valley

Most people think wine country in California is Napa / Sonoma which is outside the San Francisco Bay area.

But the truth is wine country extends down California's central coast and goes all the way down to Santa Barbara.

Simi Valley !  Ever see the movie Sideways?  If you havent you should.  And it will absolutely make you want to visit this enchanting land of grassy mountains, fine wine, and incredbible farm to table food. They even renamed the motel where the movie was shot to the "Sideways Inn".   Its in a little town called Buellton about 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. 

Actually Buellton is one of a collection of 5 small towns all within a few minutes drive of each other.

They are packed with tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisan bakeries.

Only had room for three bottles in my suitcase.  I wanted to take about 10 more.

My journey continued north to a small surf town on the coast called Pismo Beach....California beachs arent like the ones on the East coast.   Dramatic landscapes of cliffs meeting raging waves from the ocean is a big difference from the low land sandbars that gently merge with the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

It makes for some gorgeous views...but you better be aware of the dangers these waters can pose for casual swimmers.  There is a pier in Pismo beach which allows for some fantastic viewing of Humpback whales...unfortunately it is currently closed for repairs.

Pismo Beach

20 minutes inland of the beach sits the majestic city of San Luis Opisbo.    Its a college town, surfer destination, and wine drinkers paradise all rolled into one.   And if you need to  burn calories after gulping down a bottle of Syrah you can take a hike in beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

View of University of California Poytech as seen from San Lusi Opisbo hiking trail

The central coast's contribution to world cuisine is Sirloin tritip which is roasted over Red Oak wood.   Instead of traditional BBQ sauce its served more Mexcian style.  Southwestern style beans and Salsa are the accompaniments.    I made of point of trying it at several places and concluded the one that did it best was "Old SLO BBQ" in San Luis Opisbo.   But them be some fightin words.

All in all it was a great trip.  Already planning to go again next year.   Pretty sure I would have to hit the lottery in order to live comfortably in San Luis Opisbo but I think thats where I'm moving if I do.

Part 2:  Two days in Vegas 

I stayed at my favorite value place in the city - Tuscany !    $60/night.   That does not include the resort fee

but anyone in the players club does not pay the resort fee.   Their standard mailing offer to everyone in the club is waived resort fees.

And check out the pool !  See all those people crowding around and fighting for chairs?  Me neither.    Best kept secret in Vegas.  I was here two weekdays.  The number of people at the beautiful lagoon style pool never got into double digits at any time.    This is where I spent most of my time.

Empty Tuscany Pool during the day

Empty Tuscany Pool at night

Artisan Cocktails by the  fire pit at Tuscany Patio / pool

I spent most of my bankroll gambling at Ellis Island.   They still have $5 craps tables but it can be hard to get a spot - even with two tables going.   They also have  a promotion for us 50+ folks who get three free drinks from the bar every week.   Just print the voucher at the kiosk.    Ellis Island is an oasis of player friendly casinos in a desert  of tightened up garbage.

I scored a handful of  4OAK's playing Double Double Bonus which kept me even for the first day.    Second day went downhill.  

Random observations from my short stay:

- Link had $10 craps tables during the afternoon

- Wynn buffet is $70 but well worth it.   Seafood, fancy side dishes, and gourmet crepes for dessert.   

- First time in a long time I went without a rental car.  It was killing me.   I cant be stuck on the strip or downtown.  I need to get out  to the local bars, restaurants, China Town, and a myriad of places on my stomping grounds.  I think I realized those are the things I really enjoy most in Vegas.

I've realized both the Strip and Downtown bore.  They feel like the 50th time you ride the roller coaster at the theme park.   The adrenaline and energy just arent stimulated any more by it.

-Uber drivers are making a killing in VEgas right now.   $20 each way from the airport to Tuscany.  If I didnt have my suitcase to lug around I could walk from Tuscany to the airport - 

its that close.   A driver doing three of those and hour is on pace to make six digits for the year.

And here's my final observation.  Slot machines !

Lets be clear - slot machines were never a responsible way to manage your gambling bankroll in a casino.

BUT...you could have an irresponsibly good time playing slots historically.   And people did.   $100 would yield about 20 minutes of play 

and you'd get a bonus round or two before cashing out your 75 cent voucher.   And every third or fourth time you did that you would win and cash out $200.

Now nobody wins.  Nobody hits bonus rounds.   The machines just suck money.  

Walk around the slots area in any casino now.  Very few bonus rounds going off and you never stumble accross that person sitting at their machine waiting for a handpay.

Didnt see one anywhere.   So, yeah, slots are officially dead.  They were never a good idea anyway...but now they arent even a fun bad idea.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.  One question on the weekly 3 free drinks for seniors @ Ellis - is there a gambling requirement? 

Thanks for sharing.  I have always wanted to try a stay at Tuscany.  I wonder if I could make a reservation, head to the casino first and sign up for a card, then run back over to the front desk to check in.  Sounds like a plan for next time.

I think it's only certain day(s) of the week.     I don't know if play is required or not.   I swiped my card on day 2 of my trip and there were buttons for three free drinks for people over 50.   

You can sign up on their website.   I think that should do the trick.

Good report!

I agree...good report!

When I see the "I think", it tells me that maybe you are quoting from memory and possibly not totally accurate.

For MANY MANY years, Ellis Island has had, on Tuesday's and Thrusday's, a Senior Day, where those 50 and over with a slot card, after earning 50 base points that day, can print a voucher at a kiosk for ONE free drink.    Considering their website has these exact same terms today,  I doubt they increased it to 3 free drinks!

I imagine, if you really had 3 vouchers for free drinks, it's possible you qualified 2 times in the past, didn't print them, and those vouchers were still valid.   But, I doubt they would allow that.

From their website:

50+ CLUB TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Earn 50 Base Points and instantly receive $5 Free Play, plus a complimentary snack and your choice of free coffee, a glass of wine, or Ellis Island 20 oz. beer.

Available to all guests 50 years old or over.

I'd go with what the website says...but I did get three vouchers.