Fireworks and 4th of July Events

Hi Vegas fans,
Here's a list of the major fireworks and 4th happenings in Vegas this year:

• Station Casinos - Check out the fireworks shows at Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch resort, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station or Red Rock Resort. They start after 9 p.m. Free to the public.
• The Bank at Bellagio - The celebration starts at 10:30 p.m. with DJ Karma.
• 4th of July Party with Dada Life at Encore Beach - BBQ menu, bananas and champagne! Free for locals.
• 4th of July Celebrations featuring Kid Conrad at Ghostbar (Palms) - The party 55 floors above the Strip begins at 10 pm. Guys: $23, Gals: $12, Hosted Bar: $99
• Providence’s Knickerbocker Park - Park activities beginning at 6pm with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free to the public.
• INDIE-pen-DANCE party at the Beauty Bar - On Fremont Street downtown. Live bands, no cover and free BBQ and Miller Lite from 9-10 p.m.
• Fremont Street - Fireworks display after the Viva Vision shows at 11 p.m., midnight, and 1 a.m. Free to the public.
• Happy Birthday America at Atria Sunlake - BBQ and entertainment to follow. Free to the public.

Also, per the Las Vegas Advisor, "There will be big patio parties at Rhumbar, PRB Rockbar, Senor Frogs, and Cabo Wabo, with food and drink specials, while Tao Beach is hosting a "BBQ and Bikinis" party, with a $5,000 cash prize to the hottest bikini bod."

Enjoy, be safe, and have a fantastic 4th!!!
Viva,
Mike

Of Reviews and Guide Books

Hi Vegas fans,
Not that book sales and rankings say everything about success, but I'm pleased that Simplifying Las Vegas has risen to #2 in Amazon's Travel Guide Books in the West and #13 in Kindle Books in the same category.

I think one of the reasons the book has done so well is because of the meaning of the word "guide." For some, a guide book should tell you everywhere you "must" go and everything you "must" do, and conversely which things you should stay away from. Well, to me, "guide" means to provide a path so that people can make their own choices.

That's one of the main differences between my book and other guide books. Now I do provide some of my "tip chips" which include some of my favorite hot spots and choices, but I don't give you a play-by-play on every restaurant, every show, every hotel. Instead, I arm you with information about what Vegas has to offer. Then you can make up your own mind. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I do plan to give more recommendations in the 2013 version of Simplifying Las Vegas. And, I will also include a few sample itineraries, including some that I've tried myself. But the premise of the book will remain the same: this is your trip to Las Vegas, and you have the right... no the duty to have as much fun as you can. To do that, you don't need a guide book to tell you "eat at this restaurant because it will change your life." You may hate it, and you may waste a lot of money.

Viva,
Mike