Christmas in Laughlin — Day One

Every year for the holidays, we alternate which family we see for which holiday. For example last year we did Thanksgiving with Tim's family and Christmas with mine. This year, we spent Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with Tim's ... but with an added twist. Our friends Jon and Amy, and our roommate Joe, were looking for something to do over Christmas weekend. So we made two worlds collide and spent the weekend in Laughlin, Nevada.


On our way to Laughlin, we stopped for a bite to eat at Bob's Big Boy in Barstow, CA (12/23/05)

For those who aren't familiar with Laughlin, it's the third most visited casino and resort destination in Nevada (with Las Vegas and Reno being #1 and #2 respectively). Laughlin is located on the Colorado River, approximately 94 miles south of Las Vegas. It has about nine major casino/resort properties in a 1.5-mile strip.

Laughlin was also the site of the 2002 River Run Riot, where a major fight occurred involving two rival California motorcycle gangs — Hells Angels and the Mongols. Between 75 and 100 gang members were involved in the violence, which resulted in three deaths and multiple gunshot and knife injuries.

Needless to say, it sounded like a great place to spend Christmas! :)


We chose to stay at the Golden Nugget, largely because there is a Starbucks inside. (12/24/05)

Laughlin is geographically perfect for our plans, since it was within driving distance to Tim's family in that top secret location in the Southwest. Plus, while Tim and I were doing the whole family thing on New Year's Eve, Joe, Amy and Jon would have plenty of entertainment to keep them busy.

We left Friday morning, and after a three-hour outlet shopping stop in Barstow, we arrived at the Laughlin strip at its most exciting time — at dusk, right after the casino lights had turned on. After checking in at the Golden Nugget, we had dinner at the Colorado Belle, a casino/hotel that looks like a giant riverboat. I can't speak for anyone else, but that night gambling I was down $60. Not exactly a great start.


We had dinner at the Colorado Belle, which is shaped like a giant riverboat. (12/23/05)