Spend a few nights in Laughlin, Nevada
Folks come to Laughlin because it is lower-key and less expensive than Vegas. They are often on their way from L.A. to the Grand Canyon (it is a two-hour drive from here to one rim, three to the other). The town has a population 7,500, but no grocery stores, doctors, or dentists. Getting around is easy. You can easily walk between the river-front casinos, or better yet, take a water taxi.
Laughlin Laugh Fest
My favorite time to be here is for this annual comedy festival in October. For three happy days, headliners appear as well as tryouts. This year I got some good chuckles watching Gabriel Iglesias at the Edgewater and Frank Caliendo at Harrah’s.
Aquarius Casino Resort
Located riverside in the heart of the Laughlin Riverwalk hotel district,1900 S. Casino Dr., (702) 298-5111. 1,907 rooms; 2 18-story towers. Pool; fitness room. This resort casino offers many guest rooms with a view of the Colorado River. |
| Aquarius Casino Resort at night in Laughlin, Nevada |
Rooms are furnished attractively and equipped with cherry wood vanities, Serta mattresses, and designer linens, and bathrooms have granite counters.
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| guest room at Aquarius Casino Resort at night in Laughlin, Nevada |
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| view from guest room at Aquarius Casino Resort at night in Laughlin, Nevada |
While here, I saw one woman excitedly jumping up and down beside her clanging buffalo stampede slot machine in the casino, and I chatted with a quiet group of three in the elevator who told me, “We made our deposit. We’re going home.” Restaurants include a McDonald’s, the Windows on the River Buffet (I loved the donuts included in the big breakfast buffet, but was disappointed that I ate there in the morning because it was too early for me to partake of the always-complimentary margaritas), and the more upscale Vineyard Ristorante. Additionally, The Celebration, a simulated paddlewheel riverboat, schedules dinner cruises March through October.
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| check out that wine pour! on The Celebration paddlewheel riverboat in Laughlin, Nevada |
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| fried dill pickle chip at Bumbleberry Flats at Pioneer Gambling Hall in Laughlin, Nevada |
and the tropical mixed drinks liven thing up (I loved my mai tai-like Cowboy Cooler).
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| Cowboy Cooler at Bumbleberry Flats at Pioneer Gambling Hall in Laughlin, Nevada |
The Wreckless Sunday Brunch bloody Mary is a complete meal in a glass—it comes topped with a piece of fried chicken and a waffle, a fried green tomato-bacon slider, a pickle spear, a jumbo shrimp, a hard-boiled egg, and some olives, not to mention a beer on the side! Next time I plan to order that.
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| Wreckless Sunday Brunch bloody Mary at Bumbleberry Flats at Pioneer Gambling Hall in Laughlin, Nevada |
This time, I really enjoyed my crispy Southern fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes that are pressed on the griddle for a bit and then topped with gravy.
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| Southern fried chicken at Bumbleberry Flats at Pioneer Gambling Hall in Laughlin, Nevada |
The menu is extensive, with plenty more southern items and a large breakfast selection that is served all day. Some booths even have a meter and tap that allows you to serve yourself tap-fresh beer.
More information on Laughlin, Nevada.
Visit the burros in nearby Oatman, Arizona.
More things to do in nearby Las Vegas.
More ideas for exploring the U.S.
images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
We stopped at Laughlin one night on the way from Vegas to Phoenix, a drive we often do. That Laughlin Laugh Fest sounds like a great idea!.Thanks for the water taxi tip, too!
ReplyDeleteWe have always heard about Laughlin but never been there. Love how the hotels / casinos are right on the river. We'l have to check it out next time we are driving through the area.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Laughlin before - I think I would prefer it to Vegas, it sounds a bit quieter.
ReplyDeleteQuite a bit quieter.
DeleteI used to enjoy going to Laughlin for a walking weekend getaway. I love the river and it's fun to walk from casino to casino along the river walk. I'll tweet this too.
ReplyDelete