Didn’t have to travel far for this, Burger Express in Federal Way

Today’s lunch at The Oyster Bar inside Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. I had the seafood Pan Roast – excellent!

Just east of the Fremont Street Experience is a small business district called, not surprisingly, Fremont East. For years, it’s been the seedy side of Fremont Street, but it seems to be steadily improving. The highlight of the area is the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, once owned by the gangsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum, and Moe Sedway (Bugsy also owned the original Flamingo Hilton and was made famous in the movie “Bugsy”).

Started in 2001 in NYC, the Shake Shack has become known as one of the great burger joints. The now have a place in Las Vegas, at the New York New York Hotel & Casino so I gave it a try. Yeah, a good burger but the crinkle cut fries were a bit of a disappointment.

At the Flamingo Hilton, of course!

Normally, when I stay in Downtown Las Vegas, I’ll take the bus to the strip. However, this morning I decided to walk. For future reference, the walk down Las Vegas Boulevard from Fremont Street to “Center Strip” (around Harrah’s) is about four miles.

Some photos from along the way…

At the Triple Seven brew pub at Main Street Station Casino. 

My room at The Golden Nugget

On my way to Las Vegas!

I’ve been retired for over two years now, and one thing I told myself I’d do is visit Vegas at least twice as year, which I’ve so far accomplished. Sometimes I drive but for this trip, I chose to fly.

Staying at the Golden Nugget, right on the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. Some people like staying on the strip but prefer downtown. If the strip is a classy cocktail lounge, downtown is a gritty dive tavern – my kinda place.

Mostly I’ll spend time wandering around the big casinos, they always seem to change. And, of course, lots of eating!