HyperLocal News for Las Vegas, Nevada

Forum Shops at Caesars: More FirstsNew shops and attractions debut at the Forum Shops at Caesars this summer, including a warehouse of chocolate by Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man and Las Vegas's first Christian Audigier location.

THE HEART OF A WOMAN: Harlequin Cover Art 1949-2009 celebrates the art of loveWho said that you can’t judge a book by its cover? If you’ve been a reader of Harlequin romances, you are aware that it is the artwork on the front of the book that gives the first tantalizing hint of what lies between the sheets of paper that comprise the chapters. Now the public will have a chance to reflect on the big picture of love’s never-ending story when THE HEART OF A WOMAN: Harlequin Cover Art 1949-2009 debuts at the Paris Gallerie at Paris Las Vegas from Oct. 25, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2

The King's Ransom Museum is a royal treat for Elvis fansElvis is back in the building. More to the point, “the King” is now residing in the Palace. That would be the Imperial Palace, thank you very much, where Elvis’ personal treasures are being showcased in the Royal Ballroom in The King’s Ransom Museum.

John Varvatos Bowery NYC brings his passions to the Hard RockTo designer John Varvatos, music and fashion have always been in tune with one another. Now with his second John Varvatos Bowery NYC concept boutique recently opened at the Hard Rock, he is bringing a new groove to the hotel, one that is setting the stage for a new and special version of his concept that is dressed to thrill.

Pole Position Raceway keeps you on trackLife in the fast lane takes on a whole new meaning at the Pole Position Raceway in Las Vegas. There both novice and experienced racers can zoom around in indoor race karts that are the fastest of their kind in the United States.

"Divas Las Vegas" brings back the boys who are one of the girlsHe’s back…and out in front once again. After a seven-month hiatus, Las Vegas’ favorite female impersonator headliner, Frank Marino, once again has a lot on his chest, including some new Bob Mackie gowns and loads of jewelry. He’s unloading the fun in his own inimitable Joan Rivers style in his new show at the Imperial Palace and is bringing the “Divas Las Vegas” with him, including his own Femme Fatale character and 14 cast members. Marino’s intent is to “produce” the goods in a big way.

Pahrump Valley Winery raises the barThe Loken’s became management consultants to the winery in 2003, then took ownership in 2005 and since have made major renovations. They’ve expanded the vineyard from 350 vines to its current 1,550 vines of Zinfandel and Syrah grapes planted on nearly three acres. The beautifully expanded tasting room displays an exhibit of the Winery’s 188 national wine awards received since 2004.

With your eyes wide open you'll be dreaming at FANTASYWhat happens when you combine a legendary choreographer with every red-blooded man’s sweetest dream? No, you don’t get visions of sugarplums dancing in your head but rather a “FANTASY come to life right in front of your eyes in the form of an array of sensuous dancers, live music, and steamy vignettes nightly in the intimate Atrium Showroom at Luxor.

It's all in the games at GameworksIf you’re one of those people who enjoys playing games, Gameworks at Showcase Mall on the Las Vegas Strip offers the whole nine yards in amusement and then some. This joint venture between Sega Enterprises and Universal Studios is one for your entire family and potentially all your friends, too – featuring some 200-plus interactive games, it measures about 55,000 square feet and can hold up to 3,000 people.

Fly high on Cloud NineWant to be on Cloud Nine? If so, you can fly up, up and away in that company’s beautiful balloon, which is the largest helium-filled, land-tethered balloon in the world and the newest attraction on the Las Vegas Strip.

RHUMBAR is cool Caribbean funPicture yourself in Las Vegas with a minty mojito in your hand, sitting on a white beach, surrounded by cool Caribbean mint leaves. No, you’re not having a mirage -- you’re simply in The Mirage. Of course, that would be The Mirage casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip where the rum lounge and outdoor patio called RHUMBAR was recently unveiled by Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert of Drive This! Entertainment. Thanks to the design by New York-based Alvarez-Brook Design, when at RHUMBAR, guest s feel

Sugarcane: a taste of the sweet life at the PalazzoFrom the restaurant group that brought you SushiSamba .... now comes the icing on the cake, its late-night nightclub, SugarCane. Like its sister venue, SugarCane blends the spirit and aesthetic of Brazil, Japan and Peru.

Zowie Bowie brings new energy to the Monte CarloFor nearly eight years now, Marley Taylor and Chris Phillips have been making beautiful music together. Not only are they a couple, but they are also the lead components of a band named Zowie Bowie, performing every weekend at the Monte Carlo on the Las Vega Strip.

Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub rocks the StripIt’s a dive, it’s a party. It’s a super new concept on the Las Vegas Strip. Combining the local dive bar with the glamor of Sin City’s party scene, the Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub, which opened in March 2009, is the first and only ”ultra dive bar” on the Strip. Part nightclub and part walk-up bar, it is a playground for party-goers, complete with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and Las Vegas DJ’s spinning a blend of upbeat rock, hip-hop and dance spun by Las Vegas DJ’s.

Miracle Flights gives wings to miracles for kidsWhen it comes to her vision for saving children’s lives, Las Vegas resident Ann McGee has always had her head in the clouds. Twenty-four years ago, the Las Vegas resident founded Miracle Flights for Kids, a program that provides America’s children with free flights to hospitals and treatment centers they otherwise could not visit because of financial hardship. For many, it has proven to be the ticket to proper diagnosis and care.

Four Seasons Dental Spa offers dentistry with a differenceFor most of us, going to the dentist immediately evokes that four-letter “f” word – fear. Now a dental office with all “the Wright stuff” is looking to wash away that sentiment by putting their money where your mouth is. The Four Seasons Dental Spa, owned by Dr. James Wright and his wife, Debbie, is a totally new concept whereby patients can receive the finest quality care in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

The Hard Rock brings Paradise to Las VegasThe Hard Rock is heralding the completion of a tall order – the opening of its new tower almost two months ahead of schedule. The Paradise Tower is the newest addition to the Las Vegas horizon, upping the ante on Hard Rock’s hotel side where luxury and attitude are concerned. Sexy sophistication meets signature Hard Rock party hardy attitude in a 490- room venue. But while those familiar with the hotel’s brand will notice a significantly increased lavish atmosphere in the tower, they will st

Madame et Monsieur trims the fatFor many of us, exercising is something that we have to fight with ourselves to do, even though we know that it helps us maintain a healthy and fit body. But one innovative Las Vegas salon, Madame et Monsieur, has proven that you can lose fat and inches and maintain health simply by taking the exercise issue lying down.

Hotel 32 gives the celebrity treatment to allIf you have Nintendo Wii wishes and 12-pillow dreams, the exclusive new boutique Hotel32 on the top floor of the Monte Carlo allows you to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous -- beginning at $250 a night.

Rock on Water at Red Rock Resort July 24-Sept. 25For rock concerts that cut to the very heart of “cool” Red Rock Resort might just be the epicenter of hot. Party on the Rocks is its summer rock and pool fest, which means big names and great sounds from the poolside stage that can be enjoyed both in the water and out.

Rock 'n Roll Down Fremont StreetSummer in Las Vegas just got a little sweeter with the “Summer of the ‘70s” concert series line-up at Fremont Street Experience. Through Labor Day weekend, the action in the downtown pedestrian promenade kicks up to the sounds of Styx, Little River Band, Blue Oyster Cult, even Jefferson Starship in tributes and retro rock concerts that bring it all back home.

Movies on the Lake at Lake Las VegasLake Las Vegas is a sweet summer segue from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Resort hotels, some of the best golf in Nevada and a sweet and colorful European village collide to create a complete and contained getaway in the desert, more in the style of Scottsdale perhaps, then the hyped out action of the neon city nearby.

Self-awareness retreat at Qua SpaIn a rare move of sybaritic strategizing Las Vegas is opening up its uberspa infrastructure for …well … self-awareness and personal growth. On the docket at Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace is a Self Awareness and Growth Experience (SAGE) weekend, June 4-6.

Zero G: Walking on Air in VegasZero G takes gravity out of the equation and gives humans the chance to fly, right here on earth or just over it. Taking off from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport May 29, the Boeing 737 thrill rides are worth waiting for – and hopefully worth saving for -- with per person rates starting at $4,950 + 5% tax.

The arrival of 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau wine lets you drink in Paris' finestBIt’s a “coming out” soiree as only Paris could be party to. In fact, in some respects, November in Paris is rolling off people’s lips as easily as April in Paris, thanks to the release, of the annual Beaujolais Nouveau wine. Honoring the famed Parisian tradition, Paris Las Vegas once again welcomes the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau for the property’s 3rd annual wine celebration, Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!, which will take place from Wednesday, November 18 through Sunday, November 22.

76 Trombones + 4 to lead the big parade of talent at UNLVMove over, River City! Las Vegas will be blowing its own horn as trombone players from the city and around the country converge on UNLV’s Artemus Ham Concert Hall to celebrate the 25th Anniversary 76 Trombones + 4 Concert at 2 p.m., Sunday November 8. In all, nearly 100 trombonists will entertain audiences with a variety of classic and jazz favorites and standards, including the renowned song “76 Trombones” from the musical The Music Man.

OktoberFrightFest brings the "spirit" of the season to Fremont Street ExperienceBeer & Brats, Bats and BOOze will be taking it to the street – Fremont Street – in the ultimate combination of Octoberfest and Halloween in a first-time-ever event called OktoberFrightFest. The three-week-long street party, which will take place at the Fremont Street Experience from October 13-31, will bring guests spook-tacular festivities that include a first-ever Downtown Vegas Haunted Casino attraction inside Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel.

The Italian Festival is "ova here" at the M ResortMany of you will be happy to hear that it’s time to hit the sauce – that would be on the pizza and other great Italian dishes that will be part of a very special weekend coming up at the M Resort Spa Casino. The Marnell family, owners of the new hotel casino in Las Vegas, is bringing their Italian Festival tradition – with a few twists – to the property on October 17 and 18.

The Four Preps bring oldies but goodies to the SuncoastBruce Belland is alive and well and living in perfect harmony in California. If you’re a fan of nostalgia groups, the impact of that statement will not be lost on you -- Belland has been the lead singer of The Four Preps, who will be performing at the Suncoast October 10-11, since he co-founded the group in 1954. Moreover, he is the only original lead singer of any group to still be performing after 55 years.

Spa Vdara: Greening your pampering!Ever evolving Las Vegas is bringing guilt-free pampering to spa treatments at Vdara. The city's first Green Spa, everything just short of the toilet paper is recycled and organic.

Poolside Pampering, Vegas StyleThe Spa has moved outside at Caesars and Flamingo and a little pleasure in an already pleasurable day can go along way for preparing for what the evening brings.

Legally Blonde with Kim VoMGM Mirage’s “hair apparent” has earned the moniker of “Makeover King” from the biggest salons in Hollywood. Kim Vo, whose hair caressing products now have an exclusive presence at Barney’s, has a hair lair in Las Vegas at the Mirage Hotel, complete with “mojito hairtinis” for thirsty manes and “bayalage” hair painting treatments by the King himself every Monday. Kim Vo Salon keeps a Carnaby Street meets Studio 16 appeal in wide-open spaces decked in black, whites

Massage mentoring lets you have a hand in your at-home enjoymentAn interactive learning experience that teaches people to be hands-on at home where the spa massage experience, is concerned has been introduced by the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas Spa. The exclusive mentoring initiative in interactive spa-going heralds an emerging trend spearheaded by the lakeside venue.

Harrah's $24.99 buffet special: the ultimate Las Vegas mealTaking a tip from a successful promotion at Excalibur, Harrah’s now offers the all you can eat challenge: seven buffets, $29.99, 24 hours. With single buffet dinners that cost more than that along the Strip, a penny under $30 for all the eating you can manage any time of day and much of the night might just be the best deal in Vegas these days.

Dangling & dining over the neonIf heights turn your stomach do not read on. But adventurous gastronomes can have their filet and their flight fix, too, with a thrilling twist on Vegas dining with a view: Dinner in the Sky.

SushiSamba: Of gauchos and geishasSushiSamba is one of the city’s favorite “it” spots for conversation piece fare under the swirl of heady design and it keeps the beat of the moment moving until the wee hours with Sugarcane, its scene-making club component.

Aureole's Wine Tower is so high you'll see Wine AngelsWhen it comes to wine, Aureole's award-winning collection (re “Wine Spectator” magazine) and service is definitely one for the book. In this case, it's the innovative electric hand-held touch screen computer eWinebook that this venue designed to give patrons access to Aureole's 4,000 wine selections and 40,000 bottles of wine, 10,000 of which reside in its Wine Tower (the other 30,000 are stored in wine cellars behind the restaurant).

A new concept for ENVYGuests can now be “green” with ENVY as the popular Las Vegas steakhouse at the Renaissance Hotel breaks out a new menu with veggies and other sides on the plate instead of having to purchase them a la carte. The award-winning ENVY The Steakhouse, located within the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, offers fine dining but now with a whole new concept. According to Executive Chef Christopher Mihy, the menu now makes sense for everyone.

Postrio reinvents the "bar and grill" conceptNew happenings at Wolfgang Puck’s award-winning restaurant at the Venetian are celebrating just how hip it is to be Square. Besides changing its name, from Postrio to Postrio Bar & Grill, the eatery recently unveiled its innovative approachable dining concept combined with fun, taking advantage of its location within the festive St. Mark’s Square in the hotel’s Grand Canal Shoppes.

Enjoy the grind at Grind Burger Bar & LoungeA well-known Las Vegas restaurateur and a successful real estate developer have gotten together to launch a new concept in burger eateries – kind of along the lines of “let them build it and they’ll come.”

Khotan offers fine dining with jadeTo say that Treasure Island has added a new jewel to its multi-faceted restaurant lineup with the opening of Khotan is not an overstatement. Translated, Khotan means “City of Jade” and not only does the new establishment offer Pan Asian cuisine and a variety of Chinese dishes, but it is also home to the largest private collection of hand-carved jade and ivory antiquities in the United States.

The Omelet House Diner offers a full plate of breakfast and lunch experiencesTourists will now be able to have a taste of what it’s like to be a true Las Vegas resident, thanks to the opening of the latest location of the city’s iconic Omelet House Diner. Downbtown at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the new venue provides guests with the full flavor of what the 30-year local Las Vegas mainstay serving breakfast and lunch has always been noted for -- large portions, more than 30 omelet selections plus other breakfast as well as lunch items, and being a place for power lun

Firefly alights in a new downtown locationA popular restaurant in Las Vegas has spread its wings and is now lighting up the Downtown Las Vegas scene at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Located under the “Dome” of the hotel, the second location of Firefly offers a room with a view – of the famed Fremont Street Experience.

Las Vegas Hilton: High TimesThe latest entrée into the king-for-a-day vacation in Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Hilton, which just recently opened its Classic Suites Collection to the high-flying tourist.

Chic Fix at M Resort's Spa MioLadies of all ages, shapes, sizes and interests can have a day away with family and friends at M Resort and Spa Mio.

Las Vegas Hilton Climbs the Luxury LadderThe latest entrée into the king-for-a-day vacation in Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Hilton, which just recently opened its Classic Suites Collection to the high-flying tourist.