Tag Archive for casino

Sometimes “All That Glitters” is Actually Neon

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Las Vegas is famous for many things: The casinos, obviously, plus Elvis, the Rat Pack, and all-you-can-eat buffets.

But the city is also famous for its neon. Whether it’s the nostalgic, campy signage of days gone by or the multimedia light shows of modern day, Vegas has always been big on the bright and bold.

The famous Golden Nugget is a perfect example. Located adjacent to the Fremont Street experience, itself a dazzling display of light and sound, the hotel welcomes guests with glittering lights galore.

We thought it would be fun to dig up some classic neon (and otherwise) signage from across the country. Here are a few highlights worth checking out!

All photos courtesy of Shutterstock

Clockwise from top left:

  • Pepsi-Cola sign, Queens, NY
  • Radio City Music Hall, New York City, NY
  • The Chicago Theater, Chicago, IL
  • Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
  • Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
  • Citgo sign, Boston, MA
  • South Beach, Miami Beach, FL

Visit Vegas (Vicariously, That Is)

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When we’re writing about Vegas hotels here at SniqueAway, it’s tough to shake that urge to hop a plane to the desert. But, let’s face it; if you went to Las Vegas every time you wanted to, you’d be there all the time. So, in honor of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, we thought we’d point out a few of our favorite movies filmed in and around the resort grounds. That way, you can bring a little bit of Sin City to your hometown.

Photos courtesy of IMDB

Photos courtesy of IMDB

{From left}

Ocean’s Eleven: This twice-made classic depicts hip heist-masters at work in many of Vegas’ most famous casinos. The 2001 version features shots of the Bellagio area as well as key scenes in the MGM Casino area. While we can’t in good faith encourage you to follow in their footsteps, you can at least live vicariously through George Clooney.

Vegas Vacation: This Sin City installment of the hit National Lampoon franchise employs several parts of the MGM Grand’s casino area. So whether you normally employee the bank-account emptying antics of Clark Griswold, or fare well at slot machine’s city-wide like his son Rusty, this movie will put anyone in the Vegas mindset.

Casino: If you’re a fan of the classic gangster vibe, look no further than Casino. While this movie didn’t use the MGM’s Casino area, it utilizes many nearby resort areas, not to mention some famous Vegas Strip scenes. Plus, can you really go wrong with De Niro and Pesci?

Add a Dose of Delight to Your H2O

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What’s more refreshing than a glass of chilled water after a spa treatment or a workout? Nothing, you say? Well, you’re mistaken (kind of). Infusing a plain jug of water with fruit and spices means more antioxidants, added vitamins and a refreshing treat for your taste buds! At Turning Stone Resort, in Verona, NY, the award-winning Ska:na Spa mixes up different flavors of its signature infused water each season. And, if you can’t make it to Turning Stone’s swoon-worthy spa, there are plenty of infused-water combinations you can try at home! All you need is an inexpensive infusion pitcher and one of the recipes below (we love the ginger-pear version on a wintry day like today). Enjoy!

Turning Stone Resort Verona, NY

Photos courtesy of Turning Stone Resort Casino

{From left}

Tangerine-Fennel-Thyme Water

1 gallon water

12 tangerines (zest peel before slicing)

8 sprigs thyme

2 bulbs fennel, shaved

Combine all ingredients in pitcher. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with tangerine-fennel-thyme water. Garnish center cylinder with slices of tangerine, fennel and thyme sprigs.

Apple-Pomegranate-Rosemary Water

1 gallon water

10 apples, sliced

15 pomegranates (seeds only), muddled

1/2 cup rosemary, chopped

2 lemons, juiced

Combine apple slices, muddled pomegranate seeds, rosemary and water. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with apple-pom-rosemary water. Garnish center cylinder with lemon juice, pomegranate seeds, apple slices and rosemary sprigs.

Ginger-Pear Water

1 gallon water

10 pears, sliced 1/8 inch

1/2 cup ginger, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch

Combine all ingredients in pitcher. Allow to cold steep for 6 hours. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Fill pitcher with ginger-pear water. Garnish center cylinder with slices of ginger and pear.