The Pinball Hall of Fame

Growing up, I thought it’d be awesome to have an arcade game in my house.

Even though I wasn’t nearly as into video games as my brother, I enjoyed an occasional game of Ms. Pac-Man or Tetris or pinball. When we were waiting for our pizza at my family’s favorite spot, we’d both be bugging our parents for quarters.

I’m not sure where the idea came from that I needed one in my house, but, apparently, I’m not the only one who thought about that.

The majority of people who responded to my Twitter poll also thought that would be cool. I think it was a 70s/80s kid thing. A few people responded they just wanted console games, so I assume they’re a bit younger, growing up when that was a viable alternative.

Growing up, did you wish you could have a pinball machine or upright arcade game in your house? 📍👾 (Which game/s?) #gaming #polls

— Travelcraft Journal (@TravelcraftJrnl) October 27, 2017

The Dream of the ’80s is Alive in Vegas

And then there’s Tim Arnold. He took that dream to a whole new level, collecting and repairing pinball machines and vintage arcade games until there were too many to fit into his house.

As his collection grew, his dream became to find a place to fit his hundreds of machines under one roof.

He created the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas – now located about half a mile from The Strip and across from UNLV. Not only can you visit and see the games, you can play them!

Fat Stacks (of Quarters)

Phillip and I checked it out when we were in Las Vegas last year. We weren’t sure if they had change machines there (they do), so we showed up ready to go with like $20 in quarters. I’m sure Kid Me would have been jealous of Grown-up Me walking around with all that change in my pocket. There have to be some perks to being adult.

All the Games

There were games we remembered from childhood, newer ones with elaborate digital displays, and older analog ones.

In fact, there were all kinds of quirky old mechanical games that weren’t like anything I’d seen before. Some of them had handwritten signs taped on that told their story or had warnings of how not to break the game.

One looked like a miniature bowling lane, complete with little wooden pins. There was a two-person hockey game. Phillip played “Space Pilot,” which had a little metal spaceship you move up and down with a joystick, as well as one where you make a clown dance. And it appeared to be called “Hey kids, play with Peppy!” Yeah, that’s not creepy at all.

Of course, we played pinball. Lord of the Rings pinball and Indiana Jones pinball and Gilligan’s Island and Atlantis and probably others I’m forgetting. There was this Corvette one that I think my brother used to play at the pizza place.

OUT OF OЯDER

One game I didn’t get to play was Tetris.

When I told a volunteer it wasn’t working, she opened it up and tinkered with it a bit. When it became clear it wouldn’t be a quick fix, she refunded the quarters I had put in the machine and hung an “out of order” sign on it. Oh well.

While the majority of games are in working condition, vintage machines do break down, and it’s getting harder to find replacement parts. Tim Arnold and his team of volunteers get creative, buying busted machines for replacement parts and figuring out ways to make their own when they can’t order them.

– More info –

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run arcade of working (mostly) vintage pinball machines and games like Pac-man, Tetris, and Star Wars.

Where: 1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas (North side of Tropicana between Maryland Parkway and Eastern Avenue, about 1.5 mi from The Strip.)

Parking: Free lot on-site.

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 11am to 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am to 12am

Cost: Free entrance. Games are 25 cents to $1.

May 18, 2017May 7, 2017

Navigating Fabulous Las Vegas

Apparently, it was a big controversy when some Las Vegas casinos started charging for parking.

As long as The Strip had been there, there had been acres and acres on which to park your ride free of charge.

Then MGM decided to charge at all of their properties. Some casinos followed suit, others didn’t, but free parking in Vegas is no longer a given – even for hotel guests.

Free Parking

You can currently still park for free at Tropicana.
Parking at Flamingo and Caesar’s Palace is free for the first hour.
There is a small lot where you can park at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign for a short amount of time to get a photo of the sign. Enter from southbound Las Vegas Blvd.
Many nearby hotels have shuttles that will take you to The Strip, and you can skip parking altogether.

Transportation on The Strip

Once you’re there, there are several transportation options. Everything is so oversized that it’s farther to walk from one place to another than it may appear.

Bus: $8 for 24 hours (unlimited rides).

The Deuce bus route goes the entire length of the Strip up to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. It runs 24 hours a day and stops at most hotels.
The Strip and Downtown Express (SDX) makes fewer stops and goes farther into Downtown Las Vegas. It runs 9am to midnight.

Monorail: $12 for 24 hours. Runs from MGM Grand to SLS Las Vegas. 7am to at least midnight.

Aria Tram: Free. Runs from the Monte Carlo to Bellagio. 8am to 4am.

– More Vegas Parking and Transit Info –

March 18, 2017May 23, 2023

6 Airbnb Getaways in the Western US

There is something so restoring about getting into nature, whether you’re taking a hike or just taking in the view.

If you’re feeling like you need a weekend away, here are some peaceful spots we’ve booked through Airbnb that are perfectly positioned for enjoying the great outdoors in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nevada. All of them are close to hiking and most have kitchenettes.

I’ve included drive time to nearby cities and towns for reference.

Airbnb 101

For those who have never used Airbnb, it’s a site that allows people to rent out spare rooms or guest apartments, so you end up with a really unique stay with a more personal touch. As you’ll see, we’ve used it to find and book places like a cottage in remote Southeastern Arizona, a trailer near Monterey, and a cabin room near the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.

You can get $40 off your first stay when you sign up at airbnb.com/c/sliebold2. (Full disclosure: using that link also sends some credit my way…so win-win!)

California

1. Pasadena Glen Separate Cottage

The Setting: Lush, quiet neighborhood at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains that’s maybe technically part of Pasadena but feels like its own world.

Old Town Pasadena (or The Huntington) – 15 minutes
Downtown L.A. – 45 minutes
Phoenix – 5.5 hours

The Room: The cottage is like a standalone studio apartment next to a larger house.

Very comfortable bed.
Included mini fridge, dishes, fruit, breakfast bars, electric kettle with Starbucks Via and a selection of teas.
Lovely garden/mini-yard area outside with a table.
Private 3/4 bathroom inside the apartment.
Separate entrance with keypad.

Tips:

There’s a hiking trail at the end of the street.
You may get apples from one of their trees!
Sign a waiver if you plan to use the pool.
Two or three dogs also roam around the yard and will probably come to say hello. One of them is very large but very sweet.

How we ended up here: We stayed for a week while Phillip took a class at Fuller Seminary’s main campus in Pasadena.

2. Trailer or Tipi Camping

The Setting: Travel trailers (and a tipi/teepee) surrounded by sprawling gardens and DIY-projects-in-progress, wandering chickens and a few cats, a goat pasture, and forest.

Monterey (and Monterey Bay Aquarium) – 40 minutes
San Francisco – 1.5 hours
L.A. – 5 hours

The Room: Boho vintage travel trailer with cozy sleeping area, dinette, and posssibly-working kitchen.

Microclimate tends to be cooler and cloudier than surrounding area.
Primative toilet in the woods (with privacy screen) and solar-heated shower.
Self-serve breakfast available from a pantry with oatmeal, granola, fruit, etc. and fresh eggs in the chicken coop.
Fire ring available for cooking or evening bonfires.

Tips:

Think camping without the set up! Of course, if you’re not into camping, this is not for you.
You may be able to use the host’s Monterey Bay Aquarium pass at a discount.
The chickens greet you in the morning – and provide breakfast!
There’s also a tipi option, subject to availability. (It was already occupied when we stayed there.)

How we ended up here: We were going to be in the area the same weekend as the Monterey Jazz Festival, so lodging options were limited and pricey. We were on a tight budget and decided to take a chance. And we’re glad we did! It was the quirkiest place we’ve stayed via Airbnb, but it was a lot of fun!

Colorado

3. True Grit Mountain Retreat

The Setting: Cabin-like home with big picture windows looking out over gorgeous Colorado scenery and the San Juan Mountains.

Ridgway – 7 minutes
Ouray – 20 minutes
Denver – 5 hours
Albuquerque – 5.5 hours

The Room: On the split-level second floor, there are 2 guest rooms available with bathroom and laundry in between. (There is a second guest bathroom downstairs.)

The Queen Room has a queen-size bed and Mexico-inspired decor.
The Spruce Room has twin beds and a private balcony.
Lovely breakfast in the dining room.
Hot tub outside.

Tips:

It’s available during the summer only.
Get there before dark, if possible. Being out in the country means less light pollution – great for stargazing, challenging for finding house numbers.
Use of the kitchen downstairs is limited and may require an additional fee.
Nearby Ridgway is a one-stoplight-town that’s worth a stop. It’s home to the maker of the Grammy Awards and was the location for the 1969 western True Grit starring John Wayne. And a nice little roadside market!

How we ended up here: We needed a place to stay on the way home from a Denver road trip.

Arizona

4. Studio Cottage in Gated Community

The Setting: Quiet neighborhood street that winds through the Sonoran desert.

Downtown Tucson – 20 minutes
Phoenix – 2 hours

The Room: Roomy southwestern casita with dining table and kitchenette, colorful ceramic tile, and a pink clawfoot tub.

Food and coffee aren’t included, but the kitchenette is stocked with the dishes and appliances (coffeemaker, microwave, toaster oven, fridge) to let you do it yourself – everything including a kitchen sink.
Pool/hot tub.
Parking and separate entrance through the garage.

Tips:

Hike or drive through the scenic Gates Pass and stop to take in the view.
Nearby Mercado San Agustin has shops and restaurants surrounding a courtyard and is a nice place to hang out. There’s a Farmers’ Market out front on Thursdays.

How we ended up here: Basically, we’re always looking for excuses to go to Tucson and neat little places to stay there.

5. SE AZ Hiking, Birding, and Quietude

The Setting: Remote casita near the Dragoon Mountains.

Willcox – 30 minutes
Tucson – 1.25 hours
Phoenix – 3 hours

The Room: Separate little adobe house.

Well-stocked kitchen with sink, coffee, grinder, and milk in the minifridge.
Composting toilet and shower in a separate building.

Tips:

Breakfast may be available for an additional fee. (I think we paid $10/person. We had so much delicious food that even Phillip was stuffed.)
Property backs up to state land with hiking trails. You’ll want to get written directions (or a map) before you head out. We got mixed up and went the wrong way.
They provided a flashlight (for night visits to the outhouse, etc.), but you may want to bring a headlamp or other hands-free light if you have one.

How we ended up here: This is where we stayed for our 10 year anniversary after picking apples in Willcox.

Nevada

6. Las Vegas

The Setting: Neighborhood in the Las Vegas suburbs near the edge of where city streets give way to Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area – 10 minutes
Las Vegas Strip – 30 minutes
L.A. – 4 hours
Phoenix – 5 hours

The Room: Apartment with a full bath and a few midcentury modern touches.

Keurig, coffee and tea pods, and snacks included, as well as minifridge, microwave, and dishes.
Separate entrance but very near the main house.

Tips:

We didn’t meet the hosts, but everything (including check-in) was taken care of with lots of thoughtful touches.
There’s a really cool guestbook/journal you can leave a note and/or memento in.
Check out our Las Vegas Off the Strip list for a list of non-casino things to see, including Red Rock Canyon picnic spots and easy hikes.

How we ended up here: Avoiding the craziness of The Strip while in Las Vegas for a wedding!

Have you used Airbnb? Where’s your favorite getaway?

December 30, 2016May 23, 2019

7 Vegas Things to Do Off the Strip

When we took our road trip to Las Vegas, our brief Bellagio Fountains visit was the most time we spent on the (in)famous Strip, where the supersized casino-resort properties (and, yep, lots of places for weddings) are clustered.

Instead, we played retro arcade games, found some art, explored the desert, and ate some really good food.

So, if ginormous casinos aren’t your thing, read on for awesome places to go in Downtown, near UNLV, and outside of the city altogether.

Downtown Las Vegas

Just north of The Strip is Downtown Las Vegas, which was built first, with casinos along its historic Fremont Street in the wild west days before Nevada was even a state. Today Downtown includes the area between Washington Avenue and Sahara Avenue, Valley View Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. There is an effort underway to make it more welcoming and walkable, as well as focused on arts and small businesses. You can still find casinos downtown too. Several of them are linked by the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian walkway, such as Binion’s (home to a free-pull slot machine) and Golden Nugget (home to a waterslide that goes through a shark tank).

Downtown Parking

There are several paid parking lots in the Downtown area.

The best deal we found was at Llama Lot ($1/hour).
Fremont Street Experience parking garage offers 3 hours free with validation at Binion’s, The D, Four Queens, Fremont Hotel, Golden Nugget or Golden Gate casinos. ($2/hour without validation.)
Golden Nugget also has its own parking (in case you’re headed there anyway for food at Grotto or drinks at the shark tank/poolside H2O Bar), where you can get 3 hours free with validation. ($2/hour without validation.)
Interactive parking map.

If you’re parking or staying on The Strip, you can take the Deuce bus from there to Downtown. ($8 fare for unlimited rides during a 24-hour period.)

1. Stroll through Downtown Container Park.

What it is: Three storeys of shipping containers repurposed into locally-owned stores and restaurants surrounding a central plaza and Treehouse playground. Where: 707 Fremont Street, Las Vegas Parking: Llama Lot and Fremont Street Experience parking garage (mentioned above) are each about .25 mile away, and you’ll save a few bucks over the Container Park’s own lot ($3/hour). Less money parking means more for things like cheese boards and bath bombs. Hours: Shopping Center – Monday – Thursday: 11am to 9pm Friday – Saturday: 10am to 10pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm Restaurants + Bars – Monday – Thursday: 11am to 11pm Friday – Saturday: 10am to 1am Sunday: 10am to 11pm

We liked…

Art Box for jewelry and artwork from 35 local artists.
Natural Earth Cosmetics has handmade natural bath products and cosmetics, knit wash mitts, and other unique gift items – most of it handmade by the owner Michaela.
Bin 702 for delicious and adorable montaditos (mini-sandwiches).

Tips:

Phillip wanted me to remind you not to miss the second and third floors. There is more food, more jewelry, clothing, and a cool pet store with reptiles, fish, and seahorses.
On the second floor next to The Perch, there’s what looks like a gallery container with a few places to sit, some local artwork, and a view overlooking the courtyard and stage. It may actually be the smoking section and not a gallery. However, when we were there, people were hanging out, eating, and watching the costume contest happening on stage, but I don’t remember seeing anyone actually smoking.
The Fire Mantis sculpture in front of the entrance periodically lights up, plays music, and shoots flames from its antennae.
Kappa Toys has their own custom pogs and slammers.

A video posted by stephanieliebold (@stephanieliebold) on Nov 19, 2016 at 6:17pm PST

2. Find restored historic signs in Downtown’s outdoor Urban Gallery.

What it is: As far as I can tell, this is not a single spot but several outdoor installations. Nine of the Neon Museum’s vintage signs have been restored to working order and installed around Downtown, including at the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian walkway. Since they’re outside on public streets, you can visit them anytime. Just download a map of their locations and go on a self-guided tour. Along the way, you’ll probably spot other public art like Bordalo II’s Meerkat mural on the side of an old bus or the world’s largest working fire hydrant in front of a doggy daycare center.

Where: Downtown Las Vegas, especially around Las Vegas Boulevard (See PDF map.) Parking: Fremont Street Experience parking garage or any of the Downtown Parking options above. Hours: Always open. Cost: Free.

Around UNLV

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is east of The Strip and directly north of McCarran International Airport. One of the items below is actually on campus, while the other two are nearby.

3. Visit the Marjorie Barrick Museum at UNLV.

What it is: Small art museum with rotating exhibits inside a former gymnasium. Where: 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas Parking (PDF map):

Lot I (metered, $1/hour, right outside Musuem)
Visitor Lot V (metered, $1/hour)
Lot S (free, about 0.7 mile from Museum)

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm (Thursdays until 8pm) Saturday: 12 to 5pm Closed Sundays Cost: Free. Suggested contribution: $5.

We liked…

Current exhibitions –

In Transition: Ceramic figurines of women in different stages of life from pre-columbian Mesoamerica, South America, and Central America. September 6 – March 30, 2017.
Edward Burtynsky: Oil: Photo series on the effects of oil extraction and consumption around the world. September 23 – January 14, 2017.

The ArtBar, where you can create your own art in response to the work on display. A xeriscape entry garden wraps around the outside of the building with pathways through desert plants.

4. Play games at the Pinball Hall of Fame.

What it is: Not-for-profit, volunteer-run arcade of working (mostly) vintage pinball machines and games like Pac-man, Tetris, and Star Wars. Where: 1610 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas (North side of Tropicana between Maryland Parkway and Eastern Avenue, about 1.5 mi from The Strip.) Parking: Free lot on-site. Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11am to 11pm Friday – Saturday: 11am to 12am Cost: Free entrance. Games are 25 cents to $1.

We liked…

Playing pinball! We enjoyed the analog machines, as well as the newer movie- and t.v.-themed ones (The Lord of the Rings, Gilligan’s Island, etc.).
Indulging our nostalgia for video games we grew up with.
Phillip found some quirky old mechanical games, including one where you fly this little metal spaceship and one with a dancing clown that creeped me out.

Tips:

Machines are old and finicky and may eat your quarters. Let the attendant behind the counter know which game it is right away, and they’ll attempt to fix it or refund you.
There are change machines near the back.
Contrary to rumors that they’re about to close, the Pinball Hall of Fame is actually in the process of expanding into a bigger facility down the street.

5. Enjoy small plates at FiREFLY* Tapas Kitchen & Bar

Where: 3824 Paradise Road, Las Vegas Parking: Free lot on-site. Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30am to 1am (Happy hour 3pm – 6pm, 11pm – 1am) Friday – Saturday: 11:30am to 2am Sunday: 10am to 1am (Brunch 10am – 2pm)

We liked…

Sangria, croquettes, bacon-wrapped dates, merguez – everything was so good and reminded me of the flavors of Spain!
We ordered a few (5ish) tapas to share. The small plates were great for sampling a variety of things and made a great lunch.

Outside of Town

6. Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Where: 3205 State Route 159, Las Vegas Parking: Free lot on-site. Hours: Visitors center – Daily 8am to 4:30pm Scenic drive – Daily 6am to 5pm Cost: $7/vehicle for entry to Visitors Center and scenic drive. Red Rock Scenic Overlook is outside of the fee area, so I believe it’s free to stop there.

We liked…

45-minute scenic drive loop with plenty of places to stop, check out the view, hike, or picnic (see below).
Visitors Center with a great picture window and extensive exhibits outside.

Tips:

There’s a desert tortoise habitat outside the Visitors Center, when it’s not too cold for them.
We had no cell service out there.
While the scenic drive was beautiful at every turn, if you were suuuper pressed for time, you could at least stop at Red Rock Scenic Overlook. You won’t get to see everything, but it would be better than missing out altogether.

We had hoped to squeeze in a quick hike and/or picnic, so I picked out a few options, and then didn’t have time to do either. Anyway, here’s what I found.

Easy hikes (and trail map numbers):

Overlook Trail (22): Paved, wheelchair-accessible path leading to the top of a small hill with a view of Red Rock Canyon. 0.25 mi.
Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail (8): Goes from the Lost Creek parking area to a seasonal waterfall. 0.7 mi.
Moenkopi Loop (1): Loop from the visitor center with fossils and panoramic views of the Wilson Cliffs. 2 mi.

Picnic areas: There are 4, and all have tables, trash cans, and nearby restrooms.

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Picnic Area: West of the Visitors Center parking area (with access to Moenkopi and Calico Hills trails).
Willow Springs Picnic Area: About halfway around the Scenic Drive (with access to Lost Creek and other trails).
Red Rock Scenic Overlook Picnic Area: On State Route 159 with access to Red Rock Scenic Overlook Trail. Some covered tables.
The Red Spring Picnic Area: On State Route 159 on Calico Basin Road, two miles east of the Visitors Center. Covered tables.

7. Drive out to Seven Magic Mountains.

30-foot-tall stacks of neon-painted boulders in the desert, a large-scale art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone on display through ~~May 2018~~ ~~December 2018~~ December 2021. [UPDATE: The installation has been extended to remain on view at least through the end of 2021.]

Where: 10 miles (about 30 minutes) south of Las Vegas off I-15 near Jean Dry Lake.

Take Exit 25 at Sloan Rd.
It’s on the way to Los Angeles.
If you’re headed to Phoenix or just about anywhere else, it’s not on the way, but we thought it was worth the detour!

Parking: Free lot on-site. Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset (recommended). Cost: Free.

We liked…

Seeing the vibrant colors against the muted landscape.
Experiencing art large enough to crush us.

Tips:

You can get some background information from either the signage near the parking lot or by calling (702) 381-5182 (English or Spanish).
There are no restrooms, water, tables, benches, shelters/shade covers, or anything else on the site. Just you, the art, and the elements in the open desert.
The closest public restrooms are 5 miles away in the town of Jean.
It was very windy the day we were there. A woman showed up with a yoga mat but didn’t stay long because it was so dusty. Plan for the weather. Don’t plan on doing yoga.

Bonus

A few more Off-Strip eatery options:

Delices Gourmands French Bakery (3620 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas) – Stopped here for a pastry and coffee.
The Sparklings (8310 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Ste. 100, Las Vegas) – This is where our friend’s wedding was, so we didn’t visit during normal restaurant hours, but it seemed like a neat place.
KJ Kitchen (5960 Spring Mountain Road, Chinatown, Las Vegas) – Our Las Vegas friends’ pick for “real Chinese food.”

There are also lots of places to stay that aren’t on The Strip. We opted for a great little Airbnb casita rental near Red Rock. [UPDATE: You can get $35 off your first Airbnb stay and help us keep traveling by signing up via my referral page.]

What are your Off-Strip tips?

December 27, 2016December 27, 2016

Searching for the Fountains of Bellagio

At 11pm our last night in Vegas, we still hadn’t made it to The Strip, so we decided to at least stop to see the Bellagio Fountains.

I had already looked up the schedule, perused the long list of songs played during shows, and found out there was free parking in the garage next door at Caesars Palace.

Leaving the parking garage puts you directly into the middle of a casino (of course) with no exits in sight (of course) where you end up wandering a labyrinth of glowing slot machines, poker tables, crowds and clubs and concert venues in a disorienting blur.

A pedestrian bridge, creepy garden, and near-collision later, we had finally made our way to the Bellagio – via, perhaps, the most circuitous route possible – only to find ourselves in some kind of never-ending shopping mall.

We doubled back, and eventually found our way out to the fountains, just after a show had ended (of course) and hung out until it was time for the next one.

Without warning, Elvis’s “Viva Las Vegas” started blasting and the fountains sprang to life, jets of water illuminated by gold lights shot into the air and twirled to the music.

As the song ended, water crashed back into the pool, and the gold lights shut off. I waited in the dark for more, but the show was over. We turned around and began the long trek back to our car.

A video posted by stephanieliebold (@stephanieliebold) on Nov 2, 2016 at 8:58am PDT

– More Fountains of Bellagio Info –

If you’re not in a rush, there are several restaurants in the Bellagio that have a fountain view. Reservations are generally recommended.
Getting there: Most resorts have property maps online (Caesars Palace, Bellagio), or you can consult Google Maps ahead of time. (I didn’t get very good signal inside.)
Parking: The Bellagio and other MGM Resorts have started charging for parking. There is free parking at (relatively) nearby Caesars Palace, Flamingo, and The Tropicana. Vegas.com has a whole article on parking garages, which is particularly helpful since resorts don’t always make it easy to find their parking information.
Cost: It’s free to watch the fountains outside.

Show schedule –

Monday – Friday:
3 to 8pm, show every 30 minutes
8pm to 12am, show every 15 minutes

Saturdays + holidays:
12 to 8pm, show every 30 minutes
8pm to 12am, show every 15 minutes

Sundays:
11am to 7pm, show every 30 minutes
7pm to 12am, show every 15 minutes