The Stardust opened in 1958, and had a rather checkered existence.  There were numerous rumors that it was a front for mob activities, and several managers and associates has criminal histories that gave credence to the rumors.  But the Stardust was also known for launching careers.

Magicians Siegfried & Roy got their big Las Vegas start at the Stardust, as did plenty of other entertainers whose names became, legendary around town.

It’s amazing how many of the old standards of the strip have gone by the wayside, making way for bigger, better, and splashier hotels and casinos.  I love some of the new places, but also appreciate the history of the old.

Do you have a matchbook collection, or maybe just a couple of them knocking about in a drawer?  I’d love to feature your matchbook in an upcoming Matchbook Monday.  Just take a quick photo and email it to me

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Paris is located on the Las Vegas Strip, and, as it’s name suggests is patterned after the famous French city after which it takes its name.  It include a 540 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, making it easily identifiable in the Vegas skyline.  The property also includes a two-thirds sized Arc de Triomphe, a replica of La Fontaine des Mers, and a neon sign shaped like the Montgolfier balloon.  The front of the hotel is designed to look like the Paris Opera House and the Louvre.

Paris is connected to its next door sister property, Bally’s Las Vegas, by a covered promenade, making both properties easily accessible to guests.  You can wander back and forth between the two properties, or head to the monorail station that serves both properties.

It will never take the place of the real Paris, but if you’re looking for a strip hotel, this is a good choice.

Do you have a matchbook collection sitting around in a jar or stuck in a desk drawer?  Matchbook Monday was started specifically because of people like you.  Even though we’ve moved into a non-smoking era, most of us have picked up matchbooks from our various travels around the world.  I’d love to share your matchbook on a future Matchbook Monday, so please take a photo and email it to Flyaway Cafe.  Feel free to include any remembrances of how you came to get the matchbook.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Mandalay Bay was built on the site of the former Hacienda (hands up if you remember that hotel and casino), opening in 1999.  The hotel has 39 floors, the top five of which are used by the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, making it a hotel within a hotel.  In 2003, a convention center was added, and the following year a new suite tower was opened that was named THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.  Rumor has it that a condo hotel is planned across the street with a work name of THEplace.

Mandalay Bay has always been popular for its pool and beach area and wave pool, making it a favorite for families as well as business travelers.  In May, a new permanent show takes over at the theater, Disney’s The Lion King.  The hotel is also home to Shark Reef Aquarium and the House of Blues.

Mandalay Bay uses a tram system to connect it to its sister properties, Luxor and Excalibur.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This casino operates the expected games, some new twists on old favorites, and has a separate smoke free facility.  It is located at 2402 Auburn Way South, in Auburn, Washington.

Several restaurants are on property, and one of my favorite menu items is the pho offered at the Pho Noodle Bar.  It may be because the high Asian patrons have been demanding good noodle soup, but there are several delicious options on the menu.  In fact, this is some of the best pho that I’ve ever had!

Do you have a matchbook that you’d like to share with readers? 

I know that with all smoking bans that it’s getting harder to find matchbooks, but still, I know there are lots of people who have a drawer full that have they have been collecting for years!

Please share yours for a future Matchbook Monday by emailing me a photo!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

A few current features of the Venetian include the art exhibit Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, gondola ride, the Grand Canal Shoppes, and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. 

There are 17 restaurants, from high end to a food court, and even an upscale grocery store.  Things have come a long way since that soft opening.

Entertainment and relaxation options include a production of The Phantom of the Opera, Blue Man Group, a variety of bars, Tao Nightclub, three pools, great pool amenities, and Tao Beach.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is located on the strip at 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Do you have a matchbook that you’d like to contribute to Matchbook Monday?  Email me a photo, and a few words about the location, and I’ll feature it on an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Wet Republic is an adult-only 53,000 square foot water playground featuring lots of room and opportunity to swim, lounge and play.  It’s a way of taking that hip Las Vegas night time vibe, and moving it to the sun.  DJ’s spinning music, pampering staff, decadent food like frozen grapes served poolside, private cabanas for rent (with, among other upscale amenities, plasma screen televisions, wi-fi access, custom stocked mini-refrigerators), comfortable lounge chairs, and lots of other Las Vegas VIP amenities.

All that, and eight pools, including two that feature salt water.

Wet Republic is open daily, 10 am – 6 pm.  Cover charge, bungalow and cabana rental cost vary.  21 and over only.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The Emerald Queen is operated by the Puyallup Indian Tribe, and is one of the largest in the state.  When the Emerald Queen originally opened in 1997 it was on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat (called the Emerald Queen) berthed in the Port of Tacoma.  The Emerald Queen developed its reputation of a total entertainment venue, offering a restaurant, buffet, nightclub, and location for headline entertainment and boxing matches. 

Although the casino and its related operations were relocated as part of the Port of Tacoma expansion, the riverboat remains.  It is not open to the public.

The Emerald Queen’s current location spans the cities of Tacoma and Fife, and now includes a 140 room hotel.  It is located at 2102 Alexander Avenue in Tacoma.

Do you have a matchbook in your collection that you’d like to share?  Or maybe you came across one while cleaning out a door, and reflected back on a memory that went along with visiting that location?  That’s the reasoning behind Matchbook Monday.  Sharing a little snippet of an experience with you.  Please send a photo of your matchbook cover to me, along with a brief story behind it, and I’ll post it on a future Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe