The only thing that has changed about Las Vegas’ famous S*per B*wl parties are their names due to NFL copyright restrictions. The “Big Game” parties are alive and well and the Las Vegas Advisor’s site has a whole run down on them. Click here for the list (it’s updated right up to Sunday.)  Click here for one more at the LV Hotel & Casino (formerly the LV Hilton).

The National Park Service offers a variety of free guided hikes and programs throughout the year at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  Click here for Feb 2012 schedule.

For more information and reservations, call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at (702) 293-8990 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Reservations are required on all hikes.  Please leave your pets at home.

The Lake Mead Visitor Center, also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center, is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Rd.

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.

Make plans now to visit the national parks on these 2012 fee-free dates:

• January 14-16 – Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
  
• April 21-29 – National Park Week
• June 9 – Get Outdoors Day
• September 29 – National Public Lands Day
  
• November 10-12 – Veterans Day weekend

National Parks that are within 150 miles from Las Vegas include: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument and Zion National Park. Note: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is also participating in these fee free days.

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

Here’s a tip – many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

Click here to find a National Park.

The National Park Service offers a variety of free guided hikes and programs throughout the year at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  Click here for Jan/Feb 2012 schedule.

For more information and reservations, call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at (702) 293-8990 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Reservations are required on all hikes.  Please leave your pets at home.

The Lake Mead Visitor Center, also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center, is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Rd.

Grammy award-winning artist Michelle Branch will perform a one-night only concert in The Venetian Showroom as part of the Winter in Venice celebrations on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. In partnership with Sunny 106.5 and benefiting HELP of Southern Nevada, the acoustic concert will feature her hits such as “Everywhere” and “Breathe” as well as holiday favorites.

General admission tickets are available two ways:

• Bring $20 minimum donated items to a designated Sunny 106.5 drop off location. Visit ksne.com, keyword “Michelle Branch” for a list of Sunny 106.5 drop off locations around town. Additionally, the Sunny 106.5 office will be accepting donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at 2880 Meade Avenue, Suite 250, Las Vegas. HELP of Southern Nevada is in need of winter items for boys and girls, infant to 18 years old, specifically scarves, gloves, hats, socks and slippers.

• $20 monetary donation at any Venetian | Palazzo Box Office, online at venetian.com or by phone at 702.414.9000

• All tickets are general admission and doors will open at 7 p.m.

All donations and proceeds will go to HELP of Southern Nevada, dedicated to assisting low-income families and individuals become more self-sufficient through programs including social services, weatherization, Nevada 2-1-1 call center and homeless and youth services.

“As we continue to celebrate Winter in Venice, we’re excited to welcome singer and songwriter Michelle Branch to perform this special holiday concert in the intimate Venetian Showroom,” said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. “An evening of live music followed by skating on the outdoor rink and watching the Nightly Holiday Spectacular is a great way to spend the holidays. The Venetian and The Palazzo are committed to giving back to our local community and we’re proud to support HELP of Southern Nevada.”

Branch broke onto the charts in 2001 with her multi-platinum debut album, The Spirit Room, producing chart-topping hits including “All You Wanted” and “Goodbye to You” before releasing three more solo albums as well as a country album as one half of the duo The Wreckers.  In 2002, Branch teamed up with Santana to record “The Game of Love” which won a Grammy award for “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.” She has been recording her latest album “West Coast Time” and released the first single “Loud Music” to positive reviews.

“The holidays are always a special time for my family and me. I’m excited to perform at The Venetian and celebrate Winter in Venice – I can’t wait to see all of the lights and decorations!” said Branch.

From now until Jan. 8, 2012, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are bringing the first true celebration of the winter season to the Las Vegas Strip with Winter in Venice, featuring 49 days of holiday festivities throughout both resorts. Featuring strolling carolers, candy cane stilt walkers, jugglers, the Nightly Holiday Spectacular show and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree, Winter in Venice is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday experience. For more information on Winter in Venice, please visit venetian.com/winter-in-venice or palazzo.com/winter-in-venice.

The National Park Service offers a variety of free guided hikes and programs throughout the year at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  Click here for schedule.

For more information and reservations, call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at (702) 293-8990 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Reservations are required on all hikes.  Please leave your pets at home.

The Lake Mead Visitor Center, also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center, is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Rd.

The Venetian® and The Palazzo® Las Vegas are thrilled to announce Grammy-nominated and platinum recording artist, Jordin Sparks, will perform live during the kick-off ceremony for Winter in Venice™, the first true celebration of the holiday season on the Las Vegas Strip. The complimentary festive event will take place on Monday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the front exterior of The Venetian and open to the public.

This performance will officially put Winter in Venice into motion, launching the 49-day holiday celebration. The first of many special events scheduled throughout November and December, it will take place near the resort’s outdoor ice skating rink, situated above The Venetian’s picturesque Grand Canal. Surrounded by snowflakes, strung overhead holiday lights and an awe-inspiring 65-foot LED holiday tree, guests will be entertained by strolling candy cane stilt walkers, puppets, jugglers and magicians.

The evening also will feature the inaugural showing of the Winter in Venice “Nightly Holiday Spectacular,” a stunning holiday and light show unlike anything ever seen on the Las Vegas Strip that includes a majestic angel, tenor statues, dancing violinists and the lighting of a 65-foot LED holiday tree.

Following the kick-off event, guests will be able to enjoy daily activities including the outdoor ice skating rink at The Venetian’s front exterior from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and the stunning holiday light show, “Nightly Holiday Spectacular,” at The Venetian’s Doge’s palace nightly at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.

For more information on Winter in Venice, please visit venetian.com/WinterInVenice.

($3 Discount Ice Skating coupons will be available in the information center at Lake Las Vegas.)

The Village Lake Las Vegas (map)
1605 Lake Las Vegas Parkway
(702) 286-8509

The National Park Service offers a variety of free guided hikes and programs throughout the year at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  Click here for schedule.

For more information and reservations, call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at (702) 293-8990 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Reservations are required on all hikes.  Please leave your pets at home.

The Lake Mead Visitor Center, also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center, is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Rd.

Three Square is teaming up with the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team to host the 3rd annual Fill the Mayflower food drive! Get in the giving spirit and help fill a Mayflower truck with food for the holiday season! For every 5 non-perishable items donated, you’ll receive a voucher redeemable for any Wrangler games during December and January (13 to choose from) and there’s no limit on the number of vouchers that you can receive. The largest food and cash donations will receive a pair of partial season tickets for the remainder of the Wranglers season!

A Mayflower truck will be at the Orleans Arena to receive donations on Saturday, November 12th from 3-7:30pm and on Sunday November 13th from 11am-2:30pm.

The Orleans Arena
4500 W. Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89103

Friday, November 18, 2011 is Women’s Day at Painted Desert Golf Club. For $42, you’ll receive a round of Golf, Lunch, Range Balls, GPS & a sleeve of Callaway Golf Balls.

Painted Desert Golf Club
5555 Painted Mirage Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89129
(702) 645-2570
www.painteddesertgc.com

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.

Mark your calendar for fee-free days this year:

• November 11-13, 2011 (Veterans Day Weekend)

And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessionaires are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.

National Parks that are within 150 miles from Las Vegas include: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument and Zion National Park. Note: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is also participating in these fee free days.

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

Here’s a tip – many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee.   So start Planning Your Visit!

Click here to find a National Park.

Super Monday Night parties are held each week at Suncoast Showroom and Sam’s Town Live.  Your first draft beer & hot dog is FREE!

Sit in the “Best Seats in House” from Walker Furniture, win tons of prizes at each game and participate in the Ted Wiens Armchair Quarter Back.  Doors open at 4:30 p.m.  Whatever side of town you live on you can enjoy all the hard hitting football action!  Come on out  to win great prizes or just to enjoy the game with your friends.

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.

Mark your calendar for fee-free days this year:

• September 24, 2011 (Public Lands Day)
• November 11-13, 2011 (Veterans Day Weekend)

And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessionaires are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.

National Parks that are within 150 miles from Las Vegas include: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument and Zion National Park. Note: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is also participating in these fee free days.

Normally, 146 of 392 national parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3 to $25. The other 246 do not charge for admission. The fee free waiver for National Park Week does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations and use of concessions.

Here’s a tip – many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee.   So start Planning Your Visit!

Click here to find a National Park.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower brings back fan favorite, Pro Football Headquarters inside the Stratosphere Theater every Sunday starting September 11, 2011 at 9 a.m. through the end of playoffs in January 2012. The Stratosphere’s Pro Football HQ has been called the ‘Best Sunday Football Experience in Vegas’ and offers fans big screen action, live blackjack and betting stations, free Wifi, exciting prizes and food and drink specials.  Admission is free.

Boasting nine 9’ x 12’ big screens in a theater setting, this 7,776 sq. ft., smoke free showroom elevates the experience to the next level; putting fans exactly where they want to be – in the middle of all the action.   “It’s like tailgating in a theater surrounded by nine huge screens with unobstructed views,” said Ed Malinowski, Director of Race & Sports/Poker.

Guests can enjoy live Blackjack tables featuring beautiful entertainment dealers and live betting stations dedicated to football bettors. “There’s nothing else like it on the Strip. Just ask the sports fans and bettors who enjoyed the March Basketball Tournament HQ in our showroom or those who have come here from other football showrooms. Once you experience Pro Football HQ at Stratosphere, you won’t want to watch anywhere else,” added Malinowski.

Fantasy Football die-hards; Pro Football HQ has got you covered too – set up your laptops, view updates and keep tabs on the competition – because the Stratosphere Theater offers free Wifi every football Sunday.

Hungry fans will be able to order delicious food from Tower Pizzeria & Creamery. Quench your thirst with $5 pitchers of Bud Light, $10 pitchers of Margaritas or Bloody Marys or your favorite cocktail delivered to your table by Cheerleader Cocktail Servers in the only showroom on the Strip to offer table seating. That beats cramped theater-style seats any day.

Pro Football HQ will also hold drawings each Sunday during the regular season, in which 3 entrants will win weekly prizes.  1st place: complimentary 2-night stay at Stratosphere & entry for 4 into our exclusive Big Game Party on February 5, 2012.   2nd place:  complimentary 2-night stay and Buffet for 2.   3rd place: Complimentary 2 night stay.

There will also be seasonal winners drawn from weekly winners. 1st place: $1,000 cash and entry for 4 into our exclusive Big Game Party. 2nd place: $500 cash and entry for 4 into our Big Game Party.  3rd place: $250 cash and entry into for 4 into our Big Game Party.

Pro Football HQ is in the Stratosphere Theater, located one level above the casino floor. Go up the escalator across from Roxy’s Diner.

Doors open every Sunday at 9 a.m.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 380-7777