As Seen on TV

Ahhh, yes. Nothing like a pink margarita at Jimmy Buffet's place to start the day! Can I fulfill my quota of three cocktails by 11 a.m.? I'm going to give it my best shot!

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. The stance. The photo op that we couldn't pass up.

It was a trip with a theme, as it turned out. We didn't intend on it, but sometimes it happens.

When I went to New York City I ended up meeting two celebrities. The last time that my husband and I made a getaway trip to Las Vegas we dined in restaurants of famous chefs. This time, in the end of March, as we escaped just the two of us for a quick three days, we managed to go to places seen on TV.

I'm really there at the most famous (& probably overpriced) pawn shop in LV. Check out the crowd waiting to get in. At least I left with $$!

This trip was not one of those that was a fabulous deal. We wanted sun, and we wanted the freedom that Las Vegas provides; the adult sandbox of the world. Available is every vice, should you choose to partake, every cuisine, and every amenity that a soul could desire. What did we find? A vacation that was not more expensive because of the "spring break" label, but a fabulous escape. And it was studded with places made famous by TV.

Our first day there we'd taken the "middle of the night" flight, the one that my daughter calls the 6 a.m. departure out of SeaTac. We were in Vegas earlier than scheduled, and settled into our room at the LV Hilton by 10 a.m.! We were starving, having been up since 2 a.m., and hit the buffet with our free brunch tickets (super package at the LV Hilton -- check their website). My husband began to smile as we neared the front of the line, smelling & savoring the sausage and cooked-to-order-omelet aroma. I spied the "complimentary beer & champagne" sign and we knew we'd hit the jackpot. I'd promised my friends at work the day before that by "this time tomorrow (11 a.m.) I'll be on my third cocktail." And now my fate was sealed. Promise kept. After all, I'm a person of my word. The buffet was surprisingly tasty, though not the most creative or beautifully presented buffet we've eaten (Bellagio has the market on both of those categories), but was very respectable, and the price was right.

That same day we jumped in a taxi ride, about $10 from our hotel, to a seedy part of town not far from the world-famous, as-seen-on-TV "Bonanza Gift Shop" hailed as the "world's largest gift shop." We waved as we drove by, and pressed on to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop made famous by the History Channel hit show "Pawn Stars." We were curious to see what the place is really like and to check out the inventory. The line outside moved pretty quickly, as the "security guard" at the door who was packing heat and chowing on a cheeseburger controlled the crowd going into the tiny and very dusty store. They must clean this place up for TV, because it's far from glamorous. The reality is that it IS a pawn shop in LV, holding true to all of the stereotypes that conjures up. The funniest part about the experience was the excitement of the crowd waiting in line to be let in. A middle-aged man with two teenage boys in tow came out of the store, looked at the crowd, and said "pretty awesome. Chum Lee's in there." At that point the crowd let out a collective cheer and my husband and I laughed that we were there, too. After about 10 minutes we had our turn, thanking the "security guard" and began to peruse the small store which seemed to have a large selection of jewelery and a noticeably absent collection of Americana. Most of the stuff seen on the show was nowhere to be seen. But I did step up to the "pawn window" and sell off a piece of jewelery! I took my cash and had more money for the rest of the trip.

We continued on with the theme, spending time walking the strip that we've seen a zillion times before, riding the monorail, visiting the M&M Factory to purchase gifts for the child with the grandparents, and ate at Emeril's Fishhouse for a late lunch. I at there years ago with my mom and shared a fabulous lunch in every regard. This visit was not memorable in any way. Stay clear of the Fishhouse at the MGM; Emeril, you've got work to do!

By far our best meal was the evening that I planned. My night included dinner at Rosemary's Restaurant off of the strip. It's in a part of town I'd never been to, and is in a strip mall. Don't let the location fool you. This placed is owned by a husband/wife team and they're both accomplished chefs. How do I know this? I saw the place on TV - many times over. And Rachael Ray went there. I've been known to be a Rachael Ray places visited stalker, but that's the subject of another blog. As for Rosemary's, the food was incredible, and the service rivaled the restaurants that rank highest in my book for service (Commander's Palace, Canlis, La Palapa of Puerto Vallarta. If you're going to Vegas and dare to venture off the strip ($20 taxi ride for us one way), do make a reservation and go. In fact, the night that we were there they were even featuring 50% off bottles of wine. My husband wasn't game, so I ordered a glass for myself, but the people at the next take who we enjoyed visiting with sent over a sample of the Cakebread Chardonnay that they'd ordered. First, I was completly impressed that these strangers would be so generous as to share their wine. Secondly, I learned that they have great taste! I'm a very picky Chard drinker, and am often critical of CA Chards as being underoaked and served chilled, but this was perfect. An incredible blend of everything good. Enough said. You just have to try the wine and this restaurant. We finished off this night with drinks at Napoleon's dueling piano bar at the Paris which was fun, but the musicians were not nearly as accomplished and proficient as the Bar at Times Square, but Napoleon's was quieter, more subdued, cheaper, and we could visit with our friends who we met up with also there on vacation. It was a perfect night.

The other night that we were there was my husband's designated night to plan. We enjoyed - well, pounded - several beers at BB King's bar. From there we went to hear Daniel Tosh's stand-up comedy from the new Comedy Central show Tosh.0. His comedy was great! We had a great laugh and wrapped up another fabulous evening, keeping up with the theme.

We made our usual & most predictable stop for our last meal at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Now this is always a family favorite. Our daughter chose LV for her 3rd birthday, as she wanted to "eat at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant. I'll have a cheeseburger in paradise." What can we say? The child has been to three Margaritavilles. That's almost one per year of her little life. And, yes, she's seen that on TV.

Fun in my own back yard

Sometimes it calls me.

This never does.

Since the hard and unrelenting reality that the summer is over is now fully upon me as I listen to the pounding rain and stare into the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest, I long to escape. Gone are my days of freedom....wasting away in Margaritaville, or even on my own front porch. Leisure time, lack of a firm schedule, and not being driven by ringing bells signaling that the next 30 students not particularly interested in history are heading in the door, all confirm this reality. So, accept I must. Or escape; now that's a real possibility.

I love the noise of these little entertainment devices...

It's these long winter days that, no matter how wonderful my winter break was here at home, leave me smiling at the memory of the warm and leisure days of summer. It is during this time that I fulfill my hobby of virtual vacationing. I just always hope for the real thing as well. Since my last "real" vacation to Key West, I've discovered more of the joys of staying at home. High thread count sheets, cleanliness, an uncluttered environment, good wine, and a kick-ass entertainment system make one's own home not such a bad place. In fact, it can be quite relaxing. But for that urge to go somewhere - anywhere - and "escape" for a time, I choose Tulalip Casino. Considering it's only about 10 miles from my home, I've been there more times than I care to admit. I've not only gambled there for an afternoon or evening, but have had several parties there and stayed overnight. I love the place.

When I have that need to be somewhere other than my own reality, Tulalip Resort is a great option. The T-Spa is first rate. I've spent a day there lounging in the steam room, sauna, sipping tea and consuming large quantities of cucumber-lemon water (which I now serve myself at home for a "taste" of the spa). I figure the $250 I drop there for a day is nothing compared to what a real vacation would cost me. The service and opulence of the T-Spa should not be underestimated. Don't let the fact that it's a casino in Marysville fool you. While it's not on a level with Canyon Ranch Spa (what else is?) it is attainable, local, and amazing.

Vegas? Nope. But the M-Pulse Lounge will do.

As I admitted, I have stayed overnight. Several times. If you've read my previous blog, I've admitted to being fairly persnickety about the amenities. The Tulalip Resort earns a solid 4 stars in my book. My recommendation for a true escape is a night in the Orca Suite. With its comfortable seating, two TVs, bar, and spacious floor plan, you can relax and enjoy. Even better yet, book the room just for the bathroom. Its huge, marble-encased jetted tub, amazing walk-in shower with dual shower heads, double sinks, enormous vanity, and separate toilet will not disappoint. It is the bathroom of my dreams and lets me escape into a night of opulence, indulgence, and sheer enjoyment.

Of course there's more to the Tulalip Resort as well. The sounds and lights of the casino floor always do their duty and draw me in for a spell. I am a sucker for the latest machine, the one that just looks lucky, and the tried-and-true. A couple of cocktails from the friendly bartenders, a machine, and I can really escape time and place if only for a few hours on that thing called the clock.

Sometimes I'm feeling a need for a Vegas fix (why lie? I feel this quite often). A warm afternoon evening on the patio of the M-Pulse Lounge or an evening in the comfy chairs and areas designed for talking in a fashionable Vegas-style lounge can do the trick. And do try their signature cocktails!

And a morning, afternoon, or evening of imbibing can be nicely paired with some great foods. While the resort offers several options, I've eaten at the Cedars Cafe and the Blackfish Grill, both offering very good food at reasonable prices. One day I might try Tulalip Bay, their fine dining option. But that one would have to stand up to Canlis, and that's a tall order!

Overall, Tulalip Resort is a place that I can go to escape the doldrums of life. When that need to waste away overtakes me, I can simply head north. To Vegas...well, not exactly. But Tulalip will do the trick in a pinch.

The hotel end of the resort. It beckons from its view high above I-5.