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 by
Jacqueline Monahan
jaxn8r@msn.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
Las
Vegas Day Trippin’ – Laughlin, Nevada
If Nevada were a pen, Laughlin would be the ball point. Located at the
farthest southern tip, the mini Vegas along the river is a mere 90 miles
away. Across the river is Bullhead City, Arizona, which for half the
year has a one hour time difference than its Nevada neighbor (imagine
the New Year’s Eve possibilities!)
Laughlin is also the meeting point for Nevada, California and Arizona
and visitors from those states predominate but are by no means the only
ones. You’ll see parades of mobile homes and rental cars. A tour bus
full of Japanese tourists unloaded at the Colorado Belle, and I wondered
how they would navigate the unusual room numbers (every room has a
four-digit number that seemingly has nothing to do with the floor it’s
on – you’ll figure it out by the time you check out).
After Las Vegas and Reno, Laughlin is the third most visited casino and
resort destination in the state. RV enthusiasts have made it one of
their top five American destinations.
Forget crowds and traffic jams. Here you’ll find a more old fashioned
casino experience, complete with boat rides and a charming River Walk
for several blocks. There are giant carp and ducks to feed, along with
sparrows, pigeons and mourning doves, all vying for tourist generosity.
The history of this man made city is as colorful as the man it’s named
after. Minnesota native Don Laughlin gave the city his surname after
attempts at Casino, Riverside and Jackpot were rejected by the U.S. Post
Office. An entrepreneur since high school (where he earned more than the
principal) Don bought the Laughlin property in 1964, establishing the
Riverside Resort, with its 98 cent chicken dinners (all you can eat)
slot machines and gaming tables. Other casinos followed, slowly in the
60’s and then flourishing in the 80’s.
In 1987, Don Laughlin personally financed and built the Laughlin Bridge
at a cost of 4.5 million dollars. He donated the bridge to the states of
Nevada and Arizona, and it carries about 2000 vehicles daily.
Accessibility before this bridge was solely by boat. Don is still a
larger than life character about town, given to episodes of charity and
impromptu helicopter rides when the mood strikes.
Stay at or visit the nine establishments lining the riverside. The
Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino, The Aquarius Casino Resort, Harrah’s
Del Rio Casino Hotel, The Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino, The Tropicana
Express Hotel Casino, The Edgewater Hotel Casino, The Avi Resort and
Casino, The Golden Nugget Laughlin, and The River Palms Resort and
Casino provide an entertainment corridor that teems with activity at
night. Lines for player’s club cards can be surprisingly long. Slot
tournaments bring in capacity crowds. There are buffets, an outlet mall
with a cinema complex, haunted tours, charming eateries across the river
in Bullhead City, AZ (Black Bear Diner is one).
The River Walk will take you from the Riverside Casino to the
paddle-boat shaped Colorado Belle, sometimes on two different levels.
There you can rent personal watercraft and take a variety of boat rides
on the Colorado River (its quantity meticulously monitored by the water
authority – you’ll find out on any tour). Board a water taxi, speed
boat, large tour boat, or rent a jet ski for a personal adventure.
Experience the Laughlin River Run (April) a motorcyclist event since
1983.
Attractions in the area include Lake Mohave, Davis Dam, Bullhead City,
Big Bend State Park, Grapevine Canyon, and the original London Bridge in
Lake Havasu City.
You can still rent rooms here for $15.00 a night. The crowd changes from
younger, water-sports enthusiasts in the summer to the snow-bird seniors
that return each winter season.
Laughlin combines old-school and new wave in casino ambiance and
entertainment. Charming and tacky co-exist alongside posh and elegant as
peaceful, funny neighbors. Enjoy the hospitality of this big yet small
community of fun and recreation, just one gas tank and one day away from
Las Vegas.
For more information:
Laugh Chamber of Commerce, 1585 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029
Laughlin Nevada Chamber of Commerce, 1585 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV
89029
Toll Free 800-227-5245 Phone 702-298-2214 Fax 702-298-5708
info@laughlinchamber.com
Toll Free 800-227-5245 Phone 702-298-2214 Fax 702-298-5708
info@laughlinchamber.com
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