With Las Vegas having had a 100th birthday this year, where better to spend some time celebrating her good fortune this past century?  RV’ers haven’t been the only high rollers who’ve arrived in Las Vegas.  When railroad magnate William Clark rolled into Las Vegas by train, little did he know that one day the strip we all know and love would cater to high rollers of all kinds.  Underworld character Bugsy Siegel overspent someone else’s money, approximately six million it has been said, and he gambled on making money with a new hotel.  Unfortunately his high rolling days came to an abrupt end six months later as he met an untimely and unnatural death!  Beldon Katleman, owner of El Rancho, gambled on the stomachs of humanity and hit it big with a midnight buffet.   High roller, Nick  Dandalos, poker legend also known as “the Geek,” came to Las Vegas looking for the world’s no-limit poker game.  He found it!  Five months and two million dollars later he loses; however, Benny Binion cashes in on an idea which will come to fruition twenty plus years later known as “World Series of Poker.”  Today we enjoy watching celebrity poker, and seeing the “average Joe” play poker and sometimes come away a winner!

Yes, there are others down through the century who would qualify as “high rollers.”  Some of the better known are Elvis Presley, Wayne Newton, Sonny and Cher,  Howard Hughes, Dean Martin and the Rat Pack,  Ike and Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Celine Dion, and now Elton John.  Oh yes, less I forget the fearsome twosome:  Siegfried and Roy who almost lost the high roller gamble during a white tiger show.

So where do you fall in the scheme of the high rollers?  Well, roll right on in to your choice of RV parks now found in the city of Las Vegas.  Besides Circus Circus which maintains an RV site for the purpose of its high roller customers arriving in RV style, these are found at www.lasvegas-nv.com or www.vegas.com.

After you’ve found the perfect RV park, you’ll want to scout around and see the attractions. 

Bonnie Springs – Old Nevada is less than half an hour west of Las Vegas in Blue Diamond.  It  is a pretty close to an authentic re-creation of the old Nevada West.  Admission prices to Old Nevada are $6.50 adult, $5.50 seniors and $4 children 5-11.  702-875-4191. 

CCSN Planetarium - The Community College of Southern Nevada offers "Sky Watch" which is a live feature showing the sky and space with events as they currently happen. 

Colorado River & Grand Canyon Bottom - The Colorado River is famous for producing the massive and gorgeous Grand Canyon.  The Colorado also offers a side for the adventurous, white water, rapids, and swift currents may take the explorer on an exhilarating ride. There are only three ways to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Start at Hoover Dam or Willow Beach and take a river tour, canoeing or kayaking adventure, book an off-road tour or take the mule trail down. The mule trail rides are usually booked several years in advance.

The Desperado - One of the United State's tallest (209 ft) and fastest roller coasters and with the largest drop, of 225 feet, at the time it was built. Top speed has been reported from 80 to 90 miles per hour. With the promise of a unique thrill, people from all over the world are getting on for the ride of their lives.

Dolphin Habitat - Located behind the Mirage Hotel, this beautiful waterscape is home to dolphins. This exhibit is basically for animal appreciation and is next door to Siegfred & Roy's Secret Garden. Open 11A.M.-5:30P.M.  daily. Admission $10 Thurs-Tues which also includes admission to the Secret Garden, Admission $5 Wed (Dolphin Habitat only since the Secret Garden is closed on Wednesdays) Children under 10 FREE. (800) 627-6667.

Grand Slam Canyon Adventuredome - Behind the Big Top of Circus Circus, and under the huge pink dome you can find the only indoor double-loop double corkscrew roller coaster in the world.  It will take you on a thrill ride through the dome. Or take the 60 foot plunge down the water flume ride. Visit robotic dinosaurs or just hang out in the midway or arcade game area. Clown shows and a carousel as well as other rides entertain the smaller children. Tickets are sold as single rides or an all-day ride pass. . (702)-794-3939.

Great Balloon Experience - Located on the famous Las Vegas strip next to the New Frontier Hotel, you'll find the world's largest tethered helium balloon. Climb aboard for a delightful experience with the best photographic opportunities of Las Vegas. The balloon rises 400 feet into the air with up to 20 passengers for a 15-10 minute ride.  Closed during inclement weather. Admission $12 per person in the day or $15 per person at night. 702-791-2552

NASCAR Cafe - Racing fans, this is a MUST-STOP on your Las Vegas vacation plans. Located just inside the Sahara Hotel, the NASCAR Cafe offers museum quality memorabilia from your favorite drivers. Two floors of  NASCAR articles including jumpsuits, helmets and even the cars themselves.

Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy - A 2.5 acre natural habitat located behind the Mirage Hotel offers a rare view of 6 almost extinct animal breeds. This is also home to the White Lions of Timbavati and Siegfried & Roy's famous Royal White Tigers. Besides the beautiful white lions and white tigers, you will see Bengal tigers, panthers, snow leopards and an Asian elephant. Open Thurs-Tues 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Admission $10 includes admission into the Dolphin Habitat too, children under 10 FREE. (800) 627-6667.

Shark Reef  - A huge walk-through aquarium filled with great white sharks, hammer head sharks and dog sharks.  Located inside Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. Hours 10A.M.-11PM daily. Admission $12.95. (702)-632-7777.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition - You'll see over 300 authentic items which were recovered from the 2 1/2 mile deep watery grave of this huge luxury ocean liner.  Adults $16.95 + tax & fee, Children (age 4-11) $9.95 + tax & fee, Seniors (age 62 and up) $15.95 + tax & fee, Nevada Residents $13.95 + tax & fee. 702-739-2411.

Venetian Gondola Rides - Close your eyes and envision Italy, the canals of Venice, a soft ride under the stars on your private gondola. Open 10:30 A.M.-10:30 P.M. daily. Admission $10 for 10-12 minute ride. 702-733-5000.  Visit Las Vegas responsibly and Happy Traveling!

(Photos are courtesy of Las Vegas CVB and the photographers of stock.xchange:

Tijmen Van Dobbenburgh – Las Vegas Strip, Bob Townsend - Welcome to Vegas, Phil Landowski – Vegas6, Joakim Syverson – Circus Circus, and as links indicate.)