Travel Tales: Las Vegas Revisited

By Pam Walker

Every year since 2000, I have attended a meeting of 5,000 travel providers from around the world, held at Bellagio in Las Vegas. For the last two years, the meeting has been held virtually because of Covid.

Enter 2022 and here I am arriving at Bellagio Hotel & Casino for the live version of Virtuoso Travel Week! My flight was full of people, excited to have a great time again. The Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran International Las Vegas) was fairly empty on arrival compared with pre-pandemic crowds.

Even traffic is not what it used to be in this desert town. Where are all those people looking forward to getting into the gambling scene again and playing the tables and seeing the shows? The hotels have had two years to spruce things up and get back into the meeting mode that used to prevail and when tourists flocked to the casinos, too.

But times have changed. As I check in, I hear from staff that they, like so many industries, are low on staff. Gone are the room amenities and turn down service. You must ask for those now. When you do, they apologize saying that due to low staff levels it could be an hour or more to have that bathrobe and slippers delivered. You also must ask for shampoo and conditioner as well. Where baths used to be loaded with designer specialties and soaps, now there are “no name” brands.

Shows are back, headliners are back – but restaurants and things seem to be OK. Afterhours fun spots are not full and live music is hard to find. The blackjack tables and “one-armed bandits” are not full either. Vegas is still hurting.

The world is returning to normal, and Las Vegas is trying to get back, too. I am going to be so happy to see all those friends and contacts from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa! What a great time for us all. But if you ever wanted to enjoy Las Vegas without the crowds, now is the time to visit!

Live it up. Love Vegas! Love Travel!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com

Peach State Cornhole Continued from page 15 Slingers, and the beginner Dingers – the league is intentionally designed to help you have fun whether you win the game or not. Players can sign up on a team or as a free agent.

“We’re here more for the personal connection rather than just cornhole,” said Nick. “We want people to come out and play because they have formed great relationships with other players.”

Of course, just because the league is all about fun doesn’t mean it doesn’t take its cornhole playing seriously. Each season, four times per year, Peach State Cornhole hosts a state tournament that consists of the top three teams from each skill division – and gives out over $3,000 worth of prizes. Last year’s championship was held at Slow Pour Brewery in Lawrenceville.

If you’re interested in playing, it’s never to late to start. Be warned, though. Once you start playing, you may never want to stop.

Peach State Cornhole also enjoys participating in community events throughout the year. They partner with many non-profit organizations and charities around Georgia to help them bring awareness to their cause and needs. Whether an organization is hoping to raise money or bring in new volunteers, Nick and his team work to tailor their part of the experience to turn those goals into a reality. They even help organizations gain heightened awareness through the extensive network of 10,000 people that have signed up for Peach State Cornhole since its beginnings. Anyone who wants to talk with Nick or the Peach State Cornhole crew about making cornhole part of their next event or fundraiser should email info@peachstatecornhole.com.

For Nick and everyone on the Peach State Cornhole team, the bottom line is connection. They want to use these leagues to bring friends and strangers together in a way that fosters new connections and memorable experiences.

“We’ve got something for everyone,” said Nick. “All skill levels and ages are welcome!”

More information at www.peachstatecornhole.com, or call (678) 8358090

Proudly serving our community for more than 20 years.

Dr. Kristine Mycroft, DMD Dr. Jimmy Balkcom, DMD 2175 North Rd SW, Snellville NorthRoadFamilyDental.com (770) 284-9171