AccessVegas.com Las Vegas News

In the coming months, Tropical Smoothie Café, the popular restaurant chain serving healthy, real-fruit smoothies and tasty sandwiches, wraps and salads, will open three new locations in the Las Vegas Valley – their first three stores on the Las Vegas Strip.

The first new store will open on May 25, 2012 and is located at 3717 Las Vegas Blvd. South & Harmon corner, adjacent to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Stores inside Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower and the Excalibur Hotel Casino are set to open in late summer.

“I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to bring Tropical Smoothie Café to the Las Vegas Strip,” said Dina Mitchell, Tropical Smoothie Café Area Developer and Marketing Director for Nevada. “11 years ago, it was a tough sell to get a landlord to give us a chance. I would hear ‘We just don’t think smoothies will sell in Vegas…’ Well, with the addition of this first Strip location we have 19 stores open, two additional Strip-based stores under construction and are in negotiations for even three more Strip locations. I’d say smoothies are selling in Vegas!”

Mitchell brought Tropical Smoothie Café to Southern Nevada in 2001, opening the first store in Henderson in 2001, which was also the company’s 24th location in the nation. Six of the 19 Vegas area stores are among the top 10 in sales throughout company and the top-selling store within the entire company is located at Flamingo and I-215.

“It feels great to have the Strip-based hotels taking notice of the brand that I have always believed in,” Mitchell continued.

Under Mitchell’s leadership, area stores have been active in philanthropy with local and national nonprofit organizations for the past 11 years. The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, Camp Sunshine, Salvation Army, Public Education Foundation and Las Vegas Philharmonic, are among the organizations that have benefitted from Tropical Smoothie Café’s community outreach efforts.

This summer, on Friday, June 15, Tropical Smoothie Café will once again host its annual National Flip Flop Day celebration at all locations. Customers need only visit a Tropical Smoothie Café that day between 2-7 p.m. – wearing flip flop sandals – and they will receive a free 24-oz Jetty Punch smoothie. National Flip Flop Day also doubles as a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine – a summer camp designed specifically for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Donations will be accepted at all Tropical Smoothie Café locations beginning May 28.

For further information about Tropical Smoothie Café, locations and the complete menu, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

Book Now and Save: Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower

Book Now and Save: Excalibur Hotel Casino

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Learn all about the new Mob Museum downtown and what to expect when you visit.

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For one day only, taxpayers are invited to take a bite out of tax day by dropping off their federal tax returns at Mandalay Bay Tuesday, April 17.

From noon to 8 p.m., guests can drive up and drop off their returns at the special Shark Reef Station located in the parking area outside of Shark Reef Aquarium. Taxpayers who mail their federal returns from Shark Reef Aquarium will receive a voucher for one complimentary admission valid through May 24.

The United States Postal Service also will set up a special mobile postal station with postage available for purchase, including the Save Vanishing Species stamp. Proceeds from the sale of this stamp support conservation efforts directed at targeted endangered species including marine turtles, tigers, elephants, rhinoceros and great apes.

Easy access to the Shark Reef Postal Station is available through the Mandalay Bay Convention Center parking lot located off Russell Road, near I-15.

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 17
Noon – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Shark Reef Aquarium – outside entrance
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Related Links:

Shark Reef Aquarium

Book Now And Save: Mandalay Bay Hotel

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Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the rest of Kiss were on hand in Las Vegas for the opening of the Kiss Monster Mini-Golf Amusement center containing a real-life chapel.

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Madame Tussauds Las Vegas located at The Venetian welcomed the Abbey Road Traveling Experience to its attraction.  The exhibit, on display through May 28, features a recreation of The Beatles’ iconic ‘Abbey Road’ album cover.

The experience is complete with wax figures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.  The replication of the “Abbey Road” album cover is impeccable, except for a few purposeful variations.  Beatles fans are invited to test their knowledge of the original Abbey Road photo and discover the differences in the Abbey Road Traveling Experience.  Some of the variations are easily noticeable, but others may take a die-hard fan to uncover.

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Get Tickets Now: Madame Tussauds

Book Now and Save: The Venetian Hotel

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Spring has sprung at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, now open to the public through May 13. This year’s show debuts the enchanting musical sounds of the harp and violin, a rotating windmill and a floral exhibition showcasing tulips, azaleas, hibiscus and lilies. A carousel, waterfall and ceiling-hung hand-painted parasols invite the spirit of spring with open arms.

For the first time during the Conservatory’s spring display, guests can enjoy live musical performances 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily, from the Victorian Gazebo in the South Garden. The sounds of the harp and violin transport guests to a serene village through compositions and arrangements inspired by European musical masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Chopin.

Steps away and making its debut at Bellagio, a 26-foot-tall windmill, weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, lures visitors into a captivating garden surrounded by magnolia, weeping willow, bottle and plum trees. A stunning mother swan and her cygnets, made of 5,000 feathers and simulated fur, frolic in the cool water beneath a 24-foot-long stone bridge.

Near the entrance to the Conservatory, a colorful 11-foot-tall carousel, weighing 5,600 pounds, is accented with shades of emerald, plum, ginger and ruby and surrounded by large daffodils. Bumble bees made of preserved sunflowers and mums buzz about the daffodils while four custom-painted sets of over-sized traditional Dutch clogs complete the springtime ambiance.

In conjunction with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s new exhibit “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light,” the Conservatory has created a floral interpretation of Claude Monet’s Fisherman’s Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville (1879). Located in the Giardini corner, the recreated painting is fitted within a 6-foot tall elaborately carved frame.

Also new to the spring display is the high-definition streaming Earthcam, allowing guests to experience the Conservatory from anywhere in the world. Perched above the Botanical Gardens, the Earthcam provides a live look at each seasonal transformation and transports guests to the beauty of Bellagio, around the clock, all year long.

The spring exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open daily, 24 hours a day.

Spring Display Facts
Display dates: through May 13
Total flowers on display per week: 8,283
Total flowers on display for duration of the exhibit: 82,830

Windmill:
Height: 26 feet
Height w/ blades: 36 feet
Weight: 9,000 pounds

Carousel:
Height: 11 feet
Width:  18 feet
Weight: 5,600 pounds

Picture Frame:
Height: 6 feet
Width:  8 feet

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: Bellagio Hotel

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The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms the traditional sports bar concept by partnering with EA SPORTS, one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, to create Las Vegas’ first-ever EA SPORTS BAR powered by Sharp® opening March 31.

Combining the excitement of a sports bar, the comfort of a living room and EA SPORTS video games that ignite the emotions of sport, the EA SPORTS BAR will offer a unique new environment of gaming and luxury. The one-of-a-kind experience will feature Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles, a selection of EA SPORTS games, high-definition televisions broadcasting the day’s sporting events and a lively bar set among nine living room style vignettes.

“We are thrilled to present a new experience to Las Vegas that combines brands with the prestige of EA SPORTS, Sharp and PlayStation. Guests can expect a mash-up of sports bar, game room and your best friend’s living room. Whether or not you’re a video gamer, it’s a great place to spend a few hours with friends,” said Lisa Marchese, Chief Marketing Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “In the spirit of the pop-up wedding chapel, we will continue to experiment in this space, giving our guests a fresh experience each time they visit the resort.”

“We are happy to provide EA SPORTS fans a new and unique pop-up experience in the heart of Las Vegas,” said Christopher Erb, Vice President of EA SPORTS Brand Marketing. “We’re changing the way fans are connecting and playing with our games.  This opportunity with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas demonstrates the social and immersive experiences our games provide to consumers on multiple platforms anytime, anywhere.”

On the 50-yard line of Las Vegas Boulevard, the glass affronted space provides a street-side view of The Strip. Inside, video game and sports aficionados are greeted by a warm setting of classic sophistication and masculinity surrounded in the best technology has to offer. Each of the nine seating vignettes will have a variety of premium hand-tanned Italian leather sofas and chairs, vintage media trunks – all centered around an immersive sports gaming experience.

In addition to being a great lounge experience, video game concierges will offer fans such games as Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, Madden NFL 12 and FIFA 12, to name a few. The bar area will lend itself to sports-watching on one of the six wall-mounted 70” LED screens and an antique 1930’s foosball table will add an old school charm to the experience.

In addition to the food and beverage offerings including a wide selection of bottled beers and snacks, the retail area will feature EA SPORTS, MLB and NBA branded t-shirts, sweat shirts, hoodies and fitted caps from brands including New Era, Junk Food and Banner 47.  EA SPORTS BAR will carry an assortment of gift items, books and EA SPORTS games including FIFA 12, Grand Slam Tennis 2, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, Fight Night Champion, Madden NFL 12, NBA JAM, and many more.

Keeping in line with its commitment to provide fans unique experiences that further connect them with the brand and the sports they love, EA SPORTS will be offering three fans of the EA SPORTS Facebook page an exclusive package complete with airfare and a VIP experience for two at The Cosmopolitan. The trips will be timed around major sporting events throughout the year, including the NFL Draft, Stanley Cup Finals and Wimbledon.

In addition, any fan that visits the EA SPORTS Bar will have an opportunity to win prizes, guests that check-in on FOURSQUARE and become mayor of the bar will be awarded a special EA SPORTS prize.

EA SPORTS BAR will be a 2,500 square foot venue able to accommodate up to 125 guests.  The venue will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. – midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. –  1 a.m. Minimum age requirement to engage in the space is 21 years or older. For more information about please call 702-698-7640

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: The Cosmopolitan Hotel

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Guns & Ammo Garage, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range located just off the Las Vegas Strip, announces a partnership with 5.11 Tactical, the industry leader in apparel and products for law enforcement agencies nationwide. The 5.11 Store inside of Guns & Ammo Garage features a variety of their signature products, including Stryke Pants, Tac-Lite Pro Pants, ATAC Flashlights, Holster Shirts, and more.

5.11 specializes in law enforcement, EMT, military and security uniform gear as well as hunting and camping equipment.

“Our guests love the products offered by 5.11 Tactical,” says Mark Cole, owner of Guns & Ammo Garage. “They have become the industry leader in quality and customer satisfaction and we are thrilled to offer their outstanding products. This partnership may introduce a whole new clientele to Guns & Ammo Garage.”

“5.11 Tactical prides itself on being innovative, forward-thinkers,” says Chris Starr, territory manager for Las Vegas. “Guns & Ammo Garage has the same mindset. They have created an exciting atmosphere for tourists and locals alike and we felt that this was a natural partnership.”

In addition to the 5.11 Tactical products, the gun retail store at Guns & Ammo Garage also offers rifles and handguns for purchase, ammunition, gun safes and a host of other items for gun enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Guns & Ammo Garage offers guests the chance to shoot more than a dozen machine guns, high-powered rifles and handguns. They are open for individuals and groups, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate challenges and team building events. Weapon packages include “Zombie Hunter,” “Call of Duty” and “S.W.A.T.” There is also an introductory package for newcomers.

Guns & Ammo Garage is located at 5155 S. Dean Martin Dr, just south of Tropicana Ave. and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.GunsandAmmoGarage.com <http://www.GunsandAmmoGarage.com> or call 702-440-GUNS (4867).

About Guns & Ammo Garage
Guns & Ammo Garage offers first-time shooters and gun experts alike the chance to fire high-powered weapons on a state-of-the-art range. A variety of weapon packages are available for individuals and groups of all sizes. For group sales, call 702-440-GUNS (4687) to make a reservation or inquire about specific packages. Friend Guns & Ammo Garage on Facebook at Guns&AmmoGarage and follow on Twitter at @Guns_AmmoGarage.

About 5.11 Tactical
5.11, Inc. creates superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals and sells these products under the registered trademarks, 5.11 Tactical®. 5.11 Tactical Series®, and other marks. Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, 5.11, Inc. leads the industry in delivering functionally innovative gear, head to toe. The company was ranked #211 on the 2007 Inc. 500 — Inc. magazine’s annual ranking, by revenue growth, of privately-held, independent, U.S.-based companies. More information is available at www.511Tactical.com <http://www.511Tactical.com> .

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It’s “tee time” at KISS by Monster Mini Golf! The new attraction is selling tickets for $11.95 and allowing you to book your date and tee times for March 16, 2012 forward.  All Las Vegas locals, military, and students will receive golfing rates at $9.95 per person when appropriate identification is presented at the venue. Golfers, whether at the novice or professional level, are invited to come out and enjoy a round of mini-golf by coming into the venue and booking a tee time or online at www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss for up to 10 golfers per half hour.  Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more by contacting KISS by Monster Mini Golf. Hours of operation are 10 – 2 a.m. daily.

KISS By Monster Mini Golf is the first of its kind and will include an indoor glow-in-the-dark custom-designed, rockin’ 18-hole miniature golf course, a state-of-the-art arcade, the largest KISS gift shop in the world, A KISS Gallery, “Hotter Than Hell” Wedding Chapel, a private VIP Room, FANtastic KISS themed event rooms and the “Rock ‘n Roll All Nite” Café.

The grand opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf will take place on March 15, 2012. KISS By Monster Mini Golf is located at 4503 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 in the Shoppes at Harmon Square across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

About Monster Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf is the leader in cutting-edge indoor glow-in-the-dark themed entertainment centers. Founded in 2004, the company boasts 30 (and counting) 18-hole miniature golf courses across the country. Each custom-designed course also features an arcade game area, private event rooms, an in-house DJ, and fantastic entertainment for the whole family. For additional information visit www.monsterminigolf.com.

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As the centennial of the tragic sinking approaches, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition invites guests to learn more about the recovered artifacts of the “Ship of Dreams.”  Soon to be sold at auction with almost 5,000 additional artifacts valued at $189 million, these American steamboat playing cards are from a pack of 52 found among the personal property of passenger Howard A. Irwin and can be found inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Many first-class gentlemen sailing on Titanic thought of card games as a pleasant social distraction. However, the ship had several “card sharks” on board and Captain Smith advised his wealthy passengers to use caution when sitting down to gamble.  He also instructed his stewards to break up games in which a known “shark” was cleaning out his opponent’s wallet.

The Nevada desert may seem an unlikely place to discover artifacts from miles below the North Atlantic, but Las Vegas is home to one of the largest RMS Titanic artifact collections in the world. Premier Exhibitions, Inc. manages the expansive collection at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and repeat guests discover a new treasure each time they peruse through its galleries.

Tickets for Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition are $32 for adults, $24 for children and $30 for seniors.  Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the last tickets being sold at 9 p.m.  Become a Facebook fan by visiting Facebook.com or follow on Twitter.com  @RMS_Titanic_Inc. Please call 702-262-4400

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Book Now and Save: Luxor Hotel and Casino

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