I’ve always said that the more fun you have on a vacation, the longer it takes to recover. Well, my visit to Las Vegas ended more than three weeks ago and I’m just now rested up enough to tackle a trip report.
I could blame it on 28-year-old granddaughter Kaitlynn, my traveling buddy who energetically led us on long hours of vigorous adventures despite her having hiked the 2,200 miles of the Appalachian trail for the previous 6½ months. But I must take part of the blame; I was the one who planned and marched us up and down Fremont Street on a five-hour coupon run that had us hitting almost every downtown casino. Either way, every night as we hit the bed around midnight Vegas time, despite our Eastern body time of 3 a.m., when we got up eight hours later, we were both raring to set out for more excitement despite our 55-year age difference!
I will be giving you more details about our Vegas adventures in later posts, but first I want to talk about the most precious part of this visit for me – reuniting with long-time friends and meeting new Frugalites who had been acquaintances only on the Internet. I’ve purposely not mentioned any names here or identified any players in the photos. Some are trying to keep a low profile at the casinos where they still play. But I was so happy to see every one of them.
Some of us had played together for years, all chasing the same video poker promotions all over Vegas. In fact, a couple became our neighbors for many years after moving into the Opulence condo complex where we lived. Some still live in Vegas and others drove in from their homes in Laughlin and Pahrump. Many flew in from out of state for a short-term Vegas gambling vacation as I was doing. I was pleasantly surprised to see one couple whom we had known for years who were in town for their annual escape from the summer heat in their home in Australia.
We’d made many wonderful memories down through the years by sharing in casinos all over town our many comped meals. Now some were returning the favor, including a marvelous dinner at Hugo’s Cellar down the stairs at the Four Queens and an outstanding meal and show at the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio.
It was also good to be welcomed back into the Huntington Press offices once again. It’s been a wonderful 35-plus-year relationship partnering with publisher Anthony Curtis, who made possible my surprisingly long frugal writing journey.
A good many were able to attend the meet-up there hosted by Anthony. I was glad to once again see Tanya, who is responsible for so much of the production of the Las Vegas Advisor and who has helped me so much for many years with my blogs and books. And everyone was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Andrew who was in to town to join Anthony on the LVA YouTube Update video they were filming that afternoon.
There were people coming and going for the two hours scheduled for the get-together but here is a picture that was snapped when many could be corralled. That is Anthony and Andrew on either side of me and granddaughter Kaitlynn on the far left. All are long-time frugal fans. You’ll notice one still has the red cover 1st edition of The Frugal Gambler, published way back in 1998.
Over some beer from the mini Heineken keg brought in by one LVA fan (who knows Anthony’s favorite), there was non-stop reminiscing about the good ole days and sharing information about present gambling opportunities. Seems many are staying downtown these days and finding more bargain/comped room benefits and also more good gambling plays. Many had their LVA coupon books with them and were also using them heavily downtown. As usual, I was happy to autograph new and old copies of my books.
Actually, Anthony and Andrew were making one of their weekly YouTube videos while our meet was still going on and they talked about the meet and also put up our group photo. You can watch it here.
Stay tuned for Part 2 when I’ll describe some of the adventures Kaitlynn and I tackled.
I have read all of your books and hope to meet you someday.
Your advice, along with more from writers like Dan Paymar has helped me big time in enjoying my Vegas outings. Of course we now have casinos in Detroit; but no VP worth playing—they have had it at times but it quickly gets removed.
From what I’ve seen, downtown Vegas seems to be the place to be. Full pay machines, and great comps too.
You look terrific Jean… and if we hadn’t moved just before your visit, we surely would have attended! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Hugo’s Cellar is my favorite restaurant in the world… My favorite waiter team both passed away during the pandemic, Rest In Peace Victor and Vince, you two made our Las Vegas trips better, much better… It truly warms your heart to be greeted like family at a place I get to once a year at the most, Hugo’s is special… Shout out to those that replaced the two legends, we ate there last Saturday night and it was fabulous as usual. Victor and Vince will be missed, but the show must go on…
Jean, I remember reading your reports/blogs for many, many years. Always informative and entertaining. I agree that downtown is the best place to stay and play these days.
It was such a pleasure meeting you again and sharing a few moments of your time. I have been reading your blog for many years and have bought your books to give as gifts to people who enquirer about my love of video poker.
Oh so envious, wish I could have attended!
My wife and I were disappointed that we had to be out of town during your trip here. We were lucky enough to get a picture with you and Brad at the Palms food court shortly before your move to Georgia and were looking forward to have you autograph it. Your books and articles have had a big impact on our gambling lives. (Plus when we were married in 2002 at the Candlelight Chapel, we had a 20% off coupon! – a frugal wedding!) Hopefully you can be able to make the trip again in the future.
I’ve been waiting for your report! Viva Las Vegas