Jon - so glad you are on your adventure for 2011!!! I think you picked a great venue of things to do.
We stayed at the Hotel in Ely and can't wait till I hear what you think!!! It is sooo old, quaint and really a fun place to visit!!! The casino is small and the tables are downstairs. The little coffee shop is very good and there isn't much other choice in the town.
Looking forward to all your daily reports . . . you should think about writing a book on all your adventures or be a GOOD advisor for American Casino Guide - you'd be an asset to the book!!