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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1118
 
Location: The South | Have fun for me! We went last year for the first time. I was kind of overwhelmed because I didn't know my way around. But we went to all of the shopping expos; since you only have two days to shop you'll have to narrow it down. I don't think I would go to the one at the Mandalay Bay or The Sands again. I hate to say that about The Sands, but the only good thing they had (to me) was Running Roan Tack. I absolutely loved meeting Heather and seeing all of her stuff in person. I stayed in her booth for forever.  |
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 Strong Willed Woman
Posts: 6577
  
Location: Prosser, WA | Have lots of fun. Wear comfy shoes, because you will do a lot of walking unless you have a personal driver. LOL.
We drive down there and drive all over there but since it is your first time and you are only going to have two days to do things I think it would be easier not to rent a car. If you do rent a car most of the casinos have free parking, if you go to the convention center you can park at the LVH hotel right next to it for free. Mandalay Bay has free parking. I don't know about MGM's parking but there are a couple hotels next to it that have free parking. Another shopping place is out at Sam's Town.
Last year we went to Flint's shows for the first time and they were pretty funny. We usually go to the go around buckle presentation at the Southpoint afterward. We don't go in the crowded room, but we watch it in Southpoint's sportsbook area.
I'm not a big shopper so saying that, all the shopping seems about the same and most stuff you can buy online cheaper. I might get struck done for saying that. LOL.
If you do rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and pay more normal prices for food. Most places on the strip are pretty spendy.
Just be prepared to walk, walk, walk, stand, stand, stand, stand and walk some more. LOL. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 545
Location: Texas | Try to go watch the buckle ceremony at South Point. We always rent a car. So much cheaper than cabs. We did the monorail the first year and it was good & inexpensive but it's a long walk to the back if the casinos where the stations are and it doesn't stop at all casinos. There is a free hotel shuttle from most hotels to the Thomas & Mack. My favorite Cowboy Christmas is probably the Sands and then Mandalay. Like someone said the fountains at Bellagio is a must and while you're there go into the botanical garden. It's free and is a beautiful Christmas display made of flowers. The Venetian has an outside show to watch too and is where the gondola ride is.
Edited by TXBarrelRacer84 2013-11-19 3:19 PM
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 Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | kboltwkreations - 2013-11-20 11:10 AM ACEINTHEHOLE - 2013-11-19 1:07 PM skeeter 777 - 2013-11-19 12:50 PM Be sure and catch the 'after the rodeo' show at the Gold Coast with Joe Beaver and Donny Gay. Thats a hoot. And Flint Rasmussen's Outside the Barrel show is fabulous, he has different people from the rodeo and whatever stars might be in town. That is at the Convention Center. We always rent a car, tried waiting on the monorail and it didnt work out so great, too many people and not enough trains. We got a car for 5 days for just $55 total. If you want to rent a car, go to Fox Rentals. They are a little off the beaten path (shuttle takes you there) so less than half what the others charge! What are the cost comparisons to cabs vs renting a car and paying to park?
I got my rental for $55 for 5 days! That is with tax and everything and we split it so its worth it even if it sits for most of the week. We like to go out to Sams town to hit the Sheplers tent and just drive to the shopping other areas. Even in our hotel that has access to the monorail, it is a huge hike from our room to the monorail and if you are lugging packages from buying stuff it can be a pain. With tip and fare taking a cab out to watch the Joe Beaver/Donny Gay after rodeo show cost us at least $10 so the car pays for itself quickly. Even though the parking is free, we tip and use the valet parking. Its just nice to be able to go where and when you want. You definitely want to go out to the South Point too and that is quite a jaunt from the strip. We hit up a local grocery store, buy a cheap styrofoam cooler that we leave in our room when we go home and buy some water and snacks to keep in our room. That stuff gets pretty spendy on the strip. |
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Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | kakbarrelracer - 2013-11-20 1:05 PM Have lots of fun. Wear comfy shoes, because you will do a lot of walking unless you have a personal driver. LOL.
We drive down there and drive all over there but since it is your first time and you are only going to have two days to do things I think it would be easier not to rent a car. If you do rent a car most of the casinos have free parking, if you go to the convention center you can park at the LVH hotel right next to it for free. Mandalay Bay has free parking. I don't know about MGM's parking but there are a couple hotels next to it that have free parking. Another shopping place is out at Sam's Town.
Last year we went to Flint's shows for the first time and they were pretty funny. We usually go to the go around buckle presentation at the Southpoint afterward. We don't go in the crowded room, but we watch it in Southpoint's sportsbook area.
I'm not a big shopper so saying that, all the shopping seems about the same and most stuff you can buy online cheaper. I might get struck done for saying that. LOL.
If you do rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and pay more normal prices for food. Most places on the strip are pretty spendy.
Just be prepared to walk, walk, walk, stand, stand, stand, stand and walk some more. LOL.
What/where is the sportbook area, Ive seen that with both the South Point and the Mirage?? Thanks!  |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| skeeter 777 - 2013-11-19 3:35 PM kakbarrelracer - 2013-11-20 1:05 PM Have lots of fun. Wear comfy shoes, because you will do a lot of walking unless you have a personal driver. LOL.
We drive down there and drive all over there but since it is your first time and you are only going to have two days to do things I think it would be easier not to rent a car. If you do rent a car most of the casinos have free parking, if you go to the convention center you can park at the LVH hotel right next to it for free. Mandalay Bay has free parking. I don't know about MGM's parking but there are a couple hotels next to it that have free parking. Another shopping place is out at Sam's Town.
Last year we went to Flint's shows for the first time and they were pretty funny. We usually go to the go around buckle presentation at the Southpoint afterward. We don't go in the crowded room, but we watch it in Southpoint's sportsbook area.
I'm not a big shopper so saying that, all the shopping seems about the same and most stuff you can buy online cheaper. I might get struck done for saying that. LOL.
If you do rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and pay more normal prices for food. Most places on the strip are pretty spendy.
Just be prepared to walk, walk, walk, stand, stand, stand, stand and walk some more. LOL. What/where is the sportbook area, Ive seen that with both the South Point and the Mirage?? Thanks!
The Mirage Sportsbook is over by the California Pizza Kitchen. Pretty close to the entrance that you walk into off the strip.
I dont know where the sportsbook is at Southpoint, I have only been to the arena and the ballroom where they have the buckle ceremony
Edited by kboltwkreations 2013-11-19 3:39 PM
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Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | kboltwkreations - 2013-11-20 1:37 PM skeeter 777 - 2013-11-19 3:35 PM kakbarrelracer - 2013-11-20 1:05 PM Have lots of fun. Wear comfy shoes, because you will do a lot of walking unless you have a personal driver. LOL.
We drive down there and drive all over there but since it is your first time and you are only going to have two days to do things I think it would be easier not to rent a car. If you do rent a car most of the casinos have free parking, if you go to the convention center you can park at the LVH hotel right next to it for free. Mandalay Bay has free parking. I don't know about MGM's parking but there are a couple hotels next to it that have free parking. Another shopping place is out at Sam's Town.
Last year we went to Flint's shows for the first time and they were pretty funny. We usually go to the go around buckle presentation at the Southpoint afterward. We don't go in the crowded room, but we watch it in Southpoint's sportsbook area.
I'm not a big shopper so saying that, all the shopping seems about the same and most stuff you can buy online cheaper. I might get struck done for saying that. LOL.
If you do rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and pay more normal prices for food. Most places on the strip are pretty spendy.
Just be prepared to walk, walk, walk, stand, stand, stand, stand and walk some more. LOL. What/where is the sportbook area, Ive seen that with both the South Point and the Mirage?? Thanks!
The Mirage Sportsbook is over by the California Pizza Kitchen. Pretty close to the entrance that you walk into off the strip.
I dont know where the sportsbook is at Southpoint, I have only been to the arena and the ballroom where they have the buckle ceremony
Thank you!  |
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Strong Willed Woman
Posts: 6577
Location: Prosser, WA | skeeter 777 - 2013-11-19 1:35 PM
kakbarrelracer - 2013-11-20 1:05 PM Have lots of fun. Wear comfy shoes, because you will do a lot of walking unless you have a personal driver. LOL.
We drive down there and drive all over there but since it is your first time and you are only going to have two days to do things I think it would be easier not to rent a car. If you do rent a car most of the casinos have free parking, if you go to the convention center you can park at the LVH hotel right next to it for free. Mandalay Bay has free parking. I don't know about MGM's parking but there are a couple hotels next to it that have free parking. Another shopping place is out at Sam's Town.
Last year we went to Flint's shows for the first time and they were pretty funny. We usually go to the go around buckle presentation at the Southpoint afterward. We don't go in the crowded room, but we watch it in Southpoint's sportsbook area.
I'm not a big shopper so saying that, all the shopping seems about the same and most stuff you can buy online cheaper. I might get struck done for saying that. LOL.
If you do rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and pay more normal prices for food. Most places on the strip are pretty spendy.
Just be prepared to walk, walk, walk, stand, stand, stand, stand and walk some more. LOL.
What/where is the sportbook area, Ive seen that with both the South Point and the Mirage?? Thanks!
Go in the front doors and take a left. Keep going until you see all the TV screens. |
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 There Could Be Aliens Out There
Posts: 1393
Location: North Central Kansas | I will be there the 10th-15th. We have tickets for the 10th round. I went 4 or 5 years ago when I was still in high school and had a blast! It will be much more fun now that I'm 21. Set aside a whole day or two just to go to the cowboy Christmas convention centers. Wear your most comfortable pair of shoes and be prepared to do tons of walking. Getting a car will probably be a good idea since the Hard Rock is not on the strip so you don't have easy access to the transit train thing that goes by the strip. I'm getting married in Vegas on the 13th so a bunch of my family is driving out there. Since we will have vechiles I'm hoping to be able to go out and see the Hoover Dam.
ETA: We are staying at the MGM Grand in the honeymoon sweet.
Edited by ks_cowgirl 2013-11-19 4:14 PM
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | justcruzin - 2013-11-19 8:18 AM
Lots of fun!!! So much to do and see. Love the South Point but dang its far out there. I usually stay in town. You're gonna have a blast!
I stayed there during the NASCAR race which was all the way on the north end from where the SP was, but it really didn't seem that far at all. |
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 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | MissouriJen - 2013-11-19 9:31 AM This is my first year going, my mom and her friend will be meeting me out there. I've never been to the NFR or to Vegas, so I have no idea what to expect! We will be there the 6th-10th (Fri-Mon). We have tickets for Sunday night.
What can we expect for shopping - and where are the best places to go? We will basically have just Sat and Sun for shopping.
We are staying at the Hard Rock - would you recommend getting a car?
Any fun places to go or things to see that we shouldn't miss?
Will anyone else be out there at the same time? I'd love to meet some people!
My BF and I are also staying at the Hard Rock!! 7th-10th. We will have to meet up and say Hi!
We should do a BHW meetup for everyone going, didn't some do that a couple years ago?
I love reading all the advice and suggestions as this is our first year going also. We have tix for Monday night and are hoping to get some for Sunday too. I am getting more and more excited each day!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| dashnlotti - 2013-11-19 11:26 PM MissouriJen - 2013-11-19 9:31 AM This is my first year going, my mom and her friend will be meeting me out there. I've never been to the NFR or to Vegas, so I have no idea what to expect! We will be there the 6th-10th (Fri-Mon). We have tickets for Sunday night.
What can we expect for shopping - and where are the best places to go? We will basically have just Sat and Sun for shopping.
We are staying at the Hard Rock - would you recommend getting a car?
Any fun places to go or things to see that we shouldn't miss?
Will anyone else be out there at the same time? I'd love to meet some people! My BF and I are also staying at the Hard Rock!! 7th-10th. We will have to meet up and say Hi!
We should do a BHW meetup for everyone going, didn't some do that a couple years ago?
I love reading all the advice and suggestions as this is our first year going also. We have tix for Monday night and are hoping to get some for Sunday too. I am getting more and more excited each day!!
That would be fun! I can't believe we're leaving in 2 weeks - and I can't believe Thanksgiving is next weekend, I realized yesterday I was off by a week, whoops!
I am so excited to be going this year, I've been telling myself for the last 10 years that I would go - this year I just made it happen! |
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 Butter my Biscuits
Posts: 2948
Location: MI | Will and I are going out for our first time from the 12th thru the 16th. We're doing the Mad Dash tickets for 2 of the performances. Has anyone done that, or are we making a mistake? Would love to meet any BHW BB's that are there then! |
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Strong Willed Woman
Posts: 6577
Location: Prosser, WA | BandWranch - 2013-11-20 8:29 AM Will and I are going out for our first time from the 12th thru the 16th. We're doing the Mad Dash tickets for 2 of the performances. Has anyone done that, or are we making a mistake? Would love to meet any BHW BB's that are there then!
I've done it before but never that late in the week. It seems like it gets more and more packed as the week goes. I would say no problem earlier in the week but that late I'm not sure. You might still try to buy tickets at Cowboy Christmas. They sell them at face value. |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | I try and say this on every NFR thread but my personal most favorite thing to do and it is FREE- is attend the Flint Show at the Convention Center ((I get the Country and Cowboy Christmas ones confused))
I personally wouldnt drive as the drivers there are crazy- and the free parking is usually a big walk especially if it is cold and you walk plenty anyhow. If you valet- then you should tip so you are spending money there as well. Lastly, if you enjoy an adult beverage- you are wasting money on a car for sure unless you have a DD driver. |
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 Tough Patooty
Posts: 2615
Location: Sperry, OK | BandWranch - 2013-11-20 10:29 AM Will and I are going out for our first time from the 12th thru the 16th. We're doing the Mad Dash tickets for 2 of the performances. Has anyone done that, or are we making a mistake? Would love to meet any BHW BB's that are there then!
What is the Mad Dash tickets? |
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