The Mob was tied to famous Las Vegas casinos for decades.

At one time or another, they were involved in the Flamingo, the Tropicana, the Aladdin, Circus Circus, and old “Rat Pack” haunts such as the Desert Inn, the Riviera, and the Sands.

Now, a new museum is opening to show the impact and history of the mob’s activity in Las Vegas.

Image courtesy of Moyan_Brenn

Mob Museum Opens

The Las Vegas Mob Museum opened last week, spanning over 41,000 square feet at a cost of $40 million.

You’ll get the low-down from all the famous names, including Al Capone, Sam Giancana, Bugsy Siegel, John Gotti, and Boston’s own James ‘Whitey’ Bulger.

The Mob Museum aims to showcase the relationship between organized crime and law enforcement. They use high-tech theater presentations, interactive exhibits, and exclusive artifacts.

However the Museum’s authenticity is what shines. It’s set in actual courtrooms used during the trials, they have the original wall from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago, and has Nicholas Pileggi, author of “Casino” and “Wiseguys” (which became the movie “Goodfellas”) is a consultant and host.

The Mob Museum is located in 17,000 square feet at the former U.S. Post Office and courthouse at 300 Stewart Avenue. It’s open everyday, and tickets tart at $18 plus tax for adults ages 18 and over, and $12 plus tax for children ages 5 to 17.

But this isn’t the first time a Las Vegas has tried to cash-in on the mob.

The Tropicana tried opening the Las Vegas Mob Experience, with mafia-themed high-tech displays, artifacts, memorabilia, and real home movies.

However after lackluster reviews, the Tropicana announced they were closing down a significant portion for “renovations”.

Do you think you would ever visit the Mob Museum?

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

When you think of Nevada, you typically think of going to play casino games in Las Vegas or Reno.  Of course, there is much more to the state than just gambling.  Here are a few must see attractions in Nevada.

Image courtesy of Moyan_Brenn

Virginia City

Just 30 minutes outside of Reno, NV is Virginia City.  This historic town was prominently featured on the classic TV western Bonanza.  The former mining town is an official national monument and is rich in history.  Here you can take a ride on the Silver Line Express, visit area museums, take a walking tour of the town, check out some of the old silver mines, or take a stage coach ride like in the old west.  There is a lot of history in this town that attracts over 2 Million tourists a year.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a 22 mile long lake that is shared by both Nevada and California.  It is the 2^nd deepest lake in the United States and the largest Alpine lake in the United States.    Depending on your preference and time of year, there are numerous activities available at Lake Tahoe.  Everything from swimming, sailing, water sports, skiing, and more is available here.

Hoover Dam

Constructed during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam is right on the border of Arizona and Nevada and attracts over 1 Million tourists a year to visit the site.  The dam is a testament of American hard work, ingenuity, and sacrifice.  The purpose of the dam was three-fold.  It was built to control floods, provide irrigation water, and serve as a power plant.  The latter is the main use today for the dam as it provides power to parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Fremont Street Experience

Of course, no visit to Nevada should skip fabulous Las Vegas.  However, many people that visit Vegas concentrate primarily on the strip.  Casinotop10.net rated the Fremont Street Experience as a must see attraction when visiting Vegas.  Every evening starting at dusk, the canopy over Fremont Street is host to an amazing light and music show that kicks offer every half hour until midnight.  In addition, there are numerous street vendors, live bands, and other specialty acts that perform on Fremont Street, especially on the weekends.  In addition, you can check out many of the downtown casinos and establishments downtown.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

One of the most popular New Years Eve destinations is Las Vegas.

And despite cold temperatures, thousands will flock to Sin City this year to celebrate.

Image courtesy of James Marvin Phelps

On New Year’s Eve, the Strip is shut down to cars. So people flood the streets and watch the fireworks display from the surrounding hotels.

MGM Grand, Tropicana, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and the Stratosphere will all launch fireworks this year.

One of the most anticipated performances will be Stevie Wonder at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He is headlining the night at The Chelsea venue, and you will also be able to see the show live outside from the hotel’s video marquee on the Strip.

The Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris Hotel and Casino will be hosting two parties this weekend. On Friday, the Jersey Shore’s “The Situation” will be hosting, and on New Years, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick will host.

will.i.am of the Black Eye Peas will be performing in the Surrender Nightclub at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

Kim Kardashian will be hosting a countdown inside the Venetian at Tao. While former Lindsay Lohan fling, Samantha Ronson will be performing in The Palazzo at Lavo.

The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will be featuring legendary punk band NOFX. Opening for them will be LagWagon.

Last but certainly not least, Guns n Roses are performing at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Most people only see the 4 miles of Sin City.

But there are actually some hidden gems away from the Strip.

For example: the picturesque Lake Las Vegas.

This private, 320-acre lake located in Henderson, Nevada.

And it’s only about 25 minutes from the Strip.

Image courtesy of tpurk

Relax in Style

Loews Lake Las Vegas Hotel is a resort complete with dining, spa, and golf course. Their Moulay Spa has a good selection of services and packages to help you relax. And it’s also pet friendly!

The Aston MonteLago Resort sits next to the MonteLago village. They have suites and condos complete with kitchenettes. These give you all the comforts of home, but on a relaxing, beautiful lake-front!

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hoover Dam is only a 20 minute drive from Lake Las Vegas. This concrete dam was originally constructed between 1931 and 1935 during the Great Depression.

If you’re looking for a romantic, outdoor activity, then take that special someone on a Gondola ride. The Gondolas cruise along the Lake, and may come with a meal, and champagne.

Outdoor lovers can learn how to fly-fish. The three hour course will teach you the basics and let you practice catching carp and bass.

The MonteLago Village is a small community that resembles old European villages. It’s complete with cobblestone streets, restaurants and shops along the water.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The holiday time is normally really slow in Las Vegas. That means you can get great rates.

But the Veneitan and Palazzo are hoping to create a new experience and tradition for families.

Image courtesy of shoebappa

They’re putting on a winter festival that includes an outdoor skating rink right on the Strip. A synthetic rink has been placed where the Gondola ride is located, directly in front the hotel and casino.

While the rink feels like skating on ice, it doesn’t need refrigeration or electricity.

For an authentic Venice feel, there will be performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, carolers, gondoliers and magicians. Decorations include the usual lights and snowflakes, but there will also be a 65 foot LED tree!

There’s also holiday and light show called the “Nightly Holiday Spectacular”. It takes place each night at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30.

You can also find exclusive deals and packages during this time. What sounds the most interesting?

How about an elf that brings you milk and cookies, and tucks you in to bed? Yes, seriously. Starting at $249 per night, that sounds weird enough to check out!

So what’s the point of all this holiday cheer on the Strip? The Venetian and Palazzo are trying to provide a family-friendly Vegas.

Would you take the family to Vegas for this event?

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Michael Jackson’s Immortal World Tour kicks off at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this Saturday night.

The 2 hour show combines Michael’s brilliant music and dancing with Cirque du Soleil’s stunning visual performance. It covers 32 different hits, with something for both new and old Jackson fans.

According to Robin Leach and the Las Vegas Sun,

Michael’s love affair with Cirque began in the late 1980s when he went to its tent show in Santa Monica, Calif., with lawyer John Branca, who serves as the Estate’s co-executor today. “I’ll never forget it. We drove to Santa Monica together — no bodyguards — and sat there in the front row,” John told me. “Michael was dazzled, and backstage after the show he wanted to meet all the performers. It was a very passionate evening. He became a huge Cirque fan.”

Michael, who saw every Cirque show here more than once, visited Cirque headquarters in Montreal in 2004 and had many talks about working with the French-Canadian performing troupe on a show in which he would star. Cirque President and CEO Daniel Lamarre said, “Just as Michael was ahead of his time, we had to be ahead of our time with this show. Not only have we used all the technology there is, but we have developed new technologies to create a breakthrough as Michael did when he was touring.”

Cirque Du Soleil has several other popular shows in Las Vegas including Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at the MGM Grand, and O at Bellagio. And while the Beatles Love has been a huge hit, their recent show Viva Elvis was recently told to shut down by the end of 2012.

Shows begin this Saturday, December 3, and run until the 27th. Then they’ll continue their tour before coming back to Las Vegas for a permanent residency. Prices are from $82.50.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

When the National Finals Rodeo ends on December 10th, Las Vegas will enter a brief period of the cheapest rates of the year.

These rock-bottom prices will continue well into January. But don’t forget to avoid New Year’s Eve, where Vegas room rates can hit all-time highs.

Image courtesy of Moyan_Brenn

Simple supply and demand! People are busy during the holidays, and the weather isn’t as nice. So less tourists flock to the City of Sin during this time.

If you look around, you can find some awesome deals. The best discounts can be found if you travel Sunday to Thursday. But even the weekend rates will be much less than normal.

Here are some of the top deals we’ve seen so far.

Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel is the home of partying and nightlife. They are currently running specials with up to 40% off room rates. They also have packages with hotel and club, dining or shows.

You can find out more about their specials here.

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is home to the new Gilley’s bar and restaurant, and the classic Cirque show Mystere.

They have specials running with up to 35% off prevailing rates, and if you stay 3+ nights, you will receive a $50 gift card.

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is one of the best-valued Strip resorts.

It has spacious, luxurious rooms, awesome amenities, and is better priced than the newer 5 star casinos.

They currently have a special for a $100 Resort Credit with rates starting from $60 per night!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Two popular Las Vegas brands will be going away in 2012.

Sayonara, Viva Elvis

First up, Viva Elvis has been told to shut down by the end of 2012.

The Cirque show has played at the Aria Casino and Resort for almost two years. According to the Las Vegas Sun:

“As attendance levels have not been meeting expectations, we have asked our partners at Cirque du Soleil to replace the show,” a company statement said. “We will work closely with Cirque as we explore future entertainment options.”

Las Vegas Hilton to Undergo Rebranding

The Las Vegas Hilton has been a mainstay in Vegas since 1971. But it will soon be forced to change it’s name.

The property was set to lose the franchise rights to the Hilton name on January 1st. So if they can’t come to an agreement soon with Hilton Worldwide (the owner of the Hilton name and brand), they will have to rebrand the entire hotel.

Apparently, they’re considering the placeholder name: LVH-Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Hopefully, they’ll come up with a better name soon.

Are you sad to see either of these go away? Or is it long overdue? Let us know in the comments below!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Las Vegas has a gun store.

You can shoot all types of guns that you’d normally never be able to even touch.

And they have numerous bars, lounges and nightclubs. Posh places with loud music, beautiful people and great ambiance.

But they don’t have a combination of the two. Until now.

Image courtesy of Moyan_Brenn

The Machine Gun Lounge is a combination of nightclub and club. (Albeit alcohol free).

It’s opening on December 15th, right behind the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Guests will get help from “Stunning Gun Girls” who are certified as Range Safety Officers through the National Rifle Association.

There will also be targets based on popular villains such as Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and [Muammar] Gaddafi

The owner, Genghis Cohen, explains the idea behind the Machine Gun Store:

‘Gun Ranges in America have always been tacked on to gun stores up until now.

‘We’re the first luxury, dedicated gun lounge in the world. Machine Guns Vegas has changed everything.
‘The right to bear arms was in the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. The building blocks of this great nation.’

What do you think? Would you go check out the new Machine Gun Lounge?

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Vegas is a pretty exciting place. And by pretty exciting, I mean one of the most exciting places on earth. With so many things to do, you should probably know what the best ones are so you don’t waste any valuable time. Check out this list of the most exciting activities so when you visit Vegas, you know exactly what to do and where.

Image courtesy of Lukas Vermeer

1. Gamble

Even if you don’t know how, the chance of winning a lot of money is enough to get anyone excited. Whether you’re an avid gambler with years of experience under your belt or a beginner looking to make it big, gambling is always a fun and interesting experience.If you’re a beginner, start with games you’re more familiar with before moving on to the more intimidating games. By starting at the simple games with fewer stakes, you’ll eventually become comfortable enough with the gambling environment to expand your horizons.

2. Visit the Hotels

The hotels on the Vegas strip are simply unbelievable. You could probably plan an entire trip around visiting the various hotels in the area. With many of the hotels having a wild and truly unique theme, you’ll love visiting each one to see what they have to offer.The most famous casinos in Vegas include the Luxor Hotel and Casino, Mirage Resort and Casino, Caesars Palace and the Bellagio, among others.

3. Walk the Strip

Walking around at random sounds pretty boring, but the Vegas strip is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Full of random people, attractions, sites and plenty of other things you couldn’t possibly think of, you’ll have no trouble keeping yourself entertained.

4. Check Out the Attractions

There are plenty of attractions that you would find interesting, many of which are located at the hotels on the strip. Some of the more interesting attractions include Bodies: The Exhibition; Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (both located at the Luxor); and the CSI: The Experience (MGM).These exhibits are lots of fun and they’re not even expensive. Check them out!

Las Vegas has so many things to do that it’ll take you quite some time to do them all. What makes it a special place is the sheer variety available to everyone. So get out there and try to get to all of these!

About Joe

Joe Petchonka has been a writer for over five years and has written for newspapers, websites and automotive dealerships. In addition to having an extensive writing background and bachelor’s degree in English, he has helped companies develop professional material to help them achieve their goals. He currently writes for Nexteppe, a company helping dealerships like Huntington area Audi sell online classifieds and more through the use of social media and web design.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.