Unplugged Chit Chat Thread

Glad you took my comment as in jest, but that was such an easy only-in-fun poke; I'm sure I just opened up that door to be used on me (which is fine). 🙃

A.C. huh? It's been many years since I've been there. I do remember when there was no gambling and my family would stay at a Howard Johnson's hotel on the beach. Then a few years later NJ opened up the gambling and the landscape changed so rapidly that we no longer went for overnight visits. Well, there was one time about 20 years ago when my Dad and I went to see professional boxing at the A.C. Convention Center and stayed overnight at one of the Trump hotels (I forget which one).

My friends and I would stay at Harrah's and visit Borgata since the boardwalk wasn't as appealing as years past. Where is your group/ride going? Do they still offer vouchers/credits for in-house play? I'm not much of a gambler even though I've been to Vegas 5 times over the past 10 years (I enjoyed the free shows on The Strip). I have no idea what A.C. is like now (especially since PA has legalized gambling), but am interested to hear your feedback.

Speaking of feedback, I am eager to hear about your red meat in the air fryer experience (yes....I'm avoiding a steak/streak reference...LOL!). I have done pork rounds in it, on rotisserie mode, and they come out excellent.

I am also a "less is more" approach on my home decor. I don't like clutter (or the appearance of it) and take a minimalist approach. It makes for bare walls, but that somehow tricks my mind to think trinkets are non-essentials.
Of COURSE I took your "poking me" in jest. That's one of the things I've always enjoyed the most about our conversations! I used to tell the guys at work 2 things - First - I KNOW if you don't LIKE me, you won't BUST me, you'll just IGNORE me. Sometimes they liked me a little TOO much, me thinks. ;) Secondly - My ego is NOT that big, and my feelings are NOT that small. So - it's all good, and I always figure -- laugh WITH me, laugh AT me, I don't care, long as you're LAUGHING. :)

I'll definitely let you know about the steak, which I'm hopefully going to pick up Friday, so will make sometime Fri - Sun. Perfect timing - my heat resistant mat, which I want to have before I use the air fryer - wasn't originally expected for another week to 10 days - just got notification this morning, it's out for delivery. I ADORE my Amazon Prime, ESPECIALLY in my new more-isolated location!!! Not so sure UPS or USPS appreciate me, since Amazon doesn't delivery any of their own stuff here, but oh well. :)

Years back, when a friend and I used to go to AC for a few-night compd stay every few months, we'd go to Trump Marina almost exclusively - which is the same area as the Borgata, and Harrah's, if you remember. Even though Trump was not that big, they treated their guests VERY well when it came to comps, and was generally nicely kept up, great (though small buffet), and friendly/helpful staff, and great atmosphere/views, so that brought us back, time and again, which also increased my comps, so it was a definite win/win. That's where this trip is going this time too, which is pretty cool, since I have not been there since it became the Golden Nugget years ago, and I have always been curious. I've been to Resorts (not a fan, except for the food court being right by the bus lobby, since I've almost always gone to AC by bus), and Caesar's (too daggone big, but great buffet, and kept getting better) in the last few years. I also always preferred "the Marina District" to "The Boardwalk" because - as you said - totally different vibe. And a lot of times I'd be a woman alone, so needed to feel safe while I walked around. On the Boardwalk - sometimes even during daytime hours - not so much, and definitely not at night. This time I won't be doing much walking around, since it's just a day trip, but I'm thinking./hoping to make some return trips in the future Very much looking forward to the trip - both for the opportunity to just get out, and hoping to start making some new friends, or at least networking to get into.
 
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Of COURSE I took your "poking me" in jest. That's one of the things I've always enjoyed the most about our conversations! I used to tell the guys at work 2 things - First - I KNOW if you don't LIKE me, you won't BUST me, you'll just IGNORE me. Sometimes they liked me a little TOO much, me thinks. ;) Secondly - My ego is NOT that big, and my feelings are NOT that small. So - it's all good, and I always figure -- laugh WITH me, laugh AT me, I don't care, long as you're LAUGHING. :)

I'll definitely let you know about the steak, which I'm hopefully going to pick up Friday, so will make sometime Fri - Sun. Perfect timing - my heat resistant mat, which I want to have before I use the air fryer - wasn't originally expected for another week to 10 days - just got notification this morning, it's out for delivery. I ADORE my Amazon Prime, ESPECIALLY in my new more-isolated location!!! Not so sure UPS or USPS appreciate me, since Amazon doesn't delivery any of their own stuff here, but oh well. :)

Years back, when a friend and I used to go to AC for a few-night compd stay every few months, we'd go to Trump Marina almost exclusively - which is the same area as the Borgata, and Harrah's, if you remember. Even though Trump was not that big, they treated their guests VERY well when it came to comps, and was generally nicely kept up, great (though small buffet), and friendly/helpful staff, and great atmosphere/views, so that brought us back, time and again, which also increased my comps, so it was a definite win/win. That's where this trip is going this time too, which is pretty cool, since I have not been there since it became the Golden Nugget years ago, and I have always been curious. I've been to Resorts (not a fan, except for the food court being right by the bus lobby, since I've almost always gone to AC by bus), and Caesar's (too daggone big, but great buffet, and kept getting better) in the last few years. I also always preferred "the Marina District" to "The Boardwalk" because - as you said - totally different vibe. And a lot of times I'd be a woman alone, so needed to feel safe while I walked around. On the Boardwalk - sometimes even during daytime hours - not so much, and definitely not at night. This time I won't be doing much walking around, since it's just a day trip, but I'm thinking./hoping to make some return trips in the future Very much looking forward to the trip - both for the opportunity to just get out, and hoping to start making some new friends, or at least networking to get into.

I know exactly where the Trump Marina was as that was my favorite. It was the simple concrete architecture and, as you say, the views are much better than the boardwalk. I vaguely remember that there was not much in terms of activities for children there, but that is what appealed to me (a sense of a more relaxed gambling environment). I didn't know it is now a GN. Truth be known, GN in downtown LV used to be my favorite (in the Rush Tower). The rooms and pool are nice, but the environment surrounding it has drastically changed there (referring to Freemont Street). I felt uncomfortable during the night and was eagle-eyeing everyone in a protection mode.

I have to tell this story: When I was married, my wife and I would go the $1 blackjack tables in LV into the lesser known casinos on the strip (like I said, not much of a gambler). We'd play some slots and then head back to our hotel after our $20/day splurge <insert a little facetious here>. One time, were on our way home at the airport and I'd play about $5-10 on a Wheel of Fortune machine. My wife said to me, "do you think they have the same odds as the resorts?". Me being completely ignorant told her that they have to be. I jump off the Wheel of Fortune machine I was on and sit in the terminal next to a woman who was frantic. Yep....the machine I was so eager to jump off of just hit the progressive. The woman we were sitting next to was calling her family to say her husband hit the big one and wouldn't be on the flight.

How much? This number is forever lodged in my head. $1.892M.

Hoping you have luck!
 
I know exactly where the Trump Marina was as that was my favorite. It was the simple concrete architecture and, as you say, the views are much better than the boardwalk. I vaguely remember that there was not much in terms of activities for children there, but that is what appealed to me (a sense of a more relaxed gambling environment). I didn't know it is now a GN. Truth be known, GN in downtown LV used to be my favorite (in the Rush Tower). The rooms and pool are nice, but the environment surrounding it has drastically changed there (referring to Freemont Street). I felt uncomfortable during the night and was eagle-eyeing everyone in a protection mode.

I have to tell this story: When I was married, my wife and I would go the $1 blackjack tables in LV into the lesser known casinos on the strip (like I said, not much of a gambler). We'd play some slots and then head back to our hotel after our $20/day splurge <insert a little facetious here>. One time, were on our way home at the airport and I'd play about $5-10 on a Wheel of Fortune machine. My wife said to me, "do you think they have the same odds as the resorts?". Me being completely ignorant told her that they have to be. I jump off the Wheel of Fortune machine I was on and sit in the terminal next to a woman who was frantic. Yep....the machine I was so eager to jump off of just hit the progressive. The woman we were sitting next to was calling her family to say her husband hit the big one and wouldn't be on the flight.

How much? This number is forever lodged in my head. $1.892M.

Hoping you have luck!
Wow - that's some story! And it's funny - I only did well on a Wheel of Fortune slot one tine (1 pull, $1,400, dollar machine, as are most of the ones I've seen for many years) but almost every single big jackpot I'e ever heard of (I used to subscribe to Strictly Slots magazine when it was hard copy, I'd enjoy reading/using it as a distraction on the bus to AC) was on a WOF machine. So I will play at least something every time I see one, and it;s available.

When I stayed at the Marina, I actually enjoyed (and asked for) rooms overlooking the Bay rather than the City. I loved falling asleep watching the colors change on the outside of Harrah's at night, and also loved looking at the LOOOOOOONG bridge during the day. So pretty.

I actually ended up with a full Marina Suite one time - long story, but was "I'm sorry" for a TOTAL customer service screw up, and was only from late afternoon, until mid day the next day., That was cool - right over the marina, full wet bar, dining room, living room with TWO sectional couches, bedroom, even a private butler!!! And you know what bites? That time I was ALONE, so couldn't even share my good luck with anybody! But it's a "forever memory" for me, as is drinking a VERY expensive pot of room service coffee the next morning on the sectional couch, in my steak streak uniform (yes - you read that right - I'm a daredevil!!!!!!) ;) :o overlooking the Marina, feeling like the Queen of the World. :) :)

I will also say that I never hit big at any other casino in AC (nothing over a grand), or in the times I went to the Live casino when I lived in MD. Only at the Marina. Maybe my luck there will hit again - I'll let you know. :) These days you jut gotta hope for some decent playtime for your money (machines have gotten REALLY tight and money grab since the explosion of penny slots!!!!), and to have fun. I even remember where my favorite game was - in the main room (don't know if the layout's changed since I was there), it was a quarter Top Banana slot - I would hit on that thing for at least a couple hundred dollars EVERY SINGLE TIME I played!:) I want to see what's there now. My current "must play" (besides the WOF's I mentioned) is anything with a Red, White, Blue and/or Stars theme - especially the Triple Stars Red, White Blue. Have always done well on that series too., :)
 
Wow - that's some story! And it's funny - I only did well on a Wheel of Fortune slot one tine (1 pull, $1,400, dollar machine, as are most of the ones I've seen for many years) but almost every single big jackpot I'e ever heard of (I used to subscribe to Strictly Slots magazine when it was hard copy, I'd enjoy reading/using it as a distraction on the bus to AC) was on a WOF machine. So I will play at least something every time I see one, and it;s available.

When I stayed at the Marina, I actually enjoyed (and asked for) rooms overlooking the Bay rather than the City. I loved falling asleep watching the colors change on the outside of Harrah's at night, and also loved looking at the LOOOOOOONG bridge during the day. So pretty.

I actually ended up with a full Marina Suite one time - long story, but was "I'm sorry" for a TOTAL customer service screw up, and was only from late afternoon, until mid day the next day., That was cool - right over the marina, full wet bar, dining room, living room with TWO sectional couches, bedroom, even a private butler!!! And you know what bites? That time I was ALONE, so couldn't even share my good luck with anybody! But it's a "forever memory" for me, as is drinking a VERY expensive pot of room service coffee the next morning on the sectional couch, in my steak streak uniform (yes - you read that right - I'm a daredevil!!!!!!) ;) :o overlooking the Marina, feeling like the Queen of the World. :) :)

I will also say that I never hit big at any other casino in AC (nothing over a grand), or in the times I went to the Live casino when I lived in MD. Only at the Marina. Maybe my luck there will hit again - I'll let you know. :) These days you jut gotta hope for some decent playtime for your money (machines have gotten REALLY tight and money grab since the explosion of penny slots!!!!), and to have fun. I even remember where my favorite game was - in the main room (don't know if the layout's changed since I was there), it was a quarter Top Banana slot - I would hit on that thing for at least a couple hundred dollars EVERY SINGLE TIME I played!:) I want to see what's there now. My current "must play" (besides the WOF's I mentioned) is anything with a Red, White, Blue and/or Stars theme - especially the Triple Stars Red, White Blue. Have always done well on that series too., :)

Interesting about reading about slot machines and strategies. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos on it, but I really haven't had any luck on any machines. I'm the type of guy who researched the lowest house advantage game(s)/bets and practiced many times on a computer/console to qualify if it is real. To date, the easiest strategy is blackjack IF I can use my strategy card (it's generic and easy to get online). But, I recall some casinos frown or downright refuse to let me play if using it. It's supposed to give the house a <1% advantage. Then there is craps. Now that's a game I thought was far too complicated to learn and only heavy gamblers would play. I finally learned how to play (again, free online/console) and did find there is a bet that offers a 0% house advantage (but requires a few "rounds" to get there). Again, this is why the $1/$5 tables is where I would dip my pinky toe into the water.

The only casino close to me is Hard Rock in Tampa. I used to go about every 6 months, but would only play ~$20. I played the video blackjack and once, and if, I got to $60....I'd cash out. That would be enough for my "free" dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe'. That was my lofty goal. Now, the closest gambling we have is pari mutuel horse racing. Florida has stopped dog racing tracks and have turned some of them into poker halls. It's interesting that Florida has not opened up the competitive doors to slots/table games other than the native American sanctioned/owned establishments (and a few small cruises that have go into International waters). In a state that has a plethora of retirees with a desire to do something inside and arguably safe, the state has not opened that door. :confused3

That's some good luck with your room. I'd imagine that view was spectacular, especially if you got the bay/yacht view. Not to sound like a broken record, but I am anxious to hear about your adventure on Monday and how the resort looks now that is a GN.

Enjoy your trip and avoid playing any slot machine that has either a streaker or red meat reference!
 


I have not been there since it became the Golden Nugget
We've talked about this elsewhere but I attended a conference at Golden Nugget back in April. It was my first time there. The casino is okay but dark and very smoky. What really impressed me about GN, however, was the food. It makes sense since the place is owned by the Landry Restaurant group but I ate 3 meals a day there for 5 days and everything was excellent. Michael Patrick's, which is the casual sit down place in the main lobby, was very good. I ordered something different every time I went there and didn't have a single bad meal or even a bad item within a meal.

I didn't do the buffet on that trip but DW and I went there a few months later and did the buffet. My expectations of buffet food are relatively low. I know that it's tough to cook in huge quantities and have food that will sit out on a heating table for extended periods and still turn out a good product. This place manages to do it and do it well. And at a reasonable price.

I did visit the Charthouse when I was there for my conference but didn't have a sit down meal. We had an alumni reception there so it was more of a cocktail party with apps/hor dourves but everything was very good.
 
We bought one of these years ago but found that it clogged easily and was virtually impossible to clean. Can you share the brand/model of the one you have that you like?
@disneysteve - Here is the info, copied straight off Amazon, which is where I ordered it from.
Olive Oil Sprayer, Binseni Vinegar Sprayer Liquid Dispenser Kitchen Accessories for BBQ, Salad, Cooking Set (Stainless Steel)

I haven't received it yet - supposed to be out for delivery today. I will say that while coming earlier than promised, it still took awhile - I ordered it on 1/9. The reason I picked this lone over others (did some research, but not a lot, but did see others complaining about clogging on others) is that this comes with not only a brush to clean (which people say works well), it also has a funnel for filing, and the BBQ brush, which I intend to use for stuff in the air fryer, which is why I bought this in the first place. I also like the look of it, since it's stainless steel and food grade glass, not just glass. And at $12.99, I thought it seemed like a good price.
 


Interesting about reading about slot machines and strategies. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos on it, but I really haven't had any luck on any machines. I'm the type of guy who researched the lowest house advantage game(s)/bets and practiced many times on a computer/console to qualify if it is real. To date, the easiest strategy is blackjack IF I can use my strategy card (it's generic and easy to get online). But, I recall some casinos frown or downright refuse to let me play if using it. It's supposed to give the house a <1% advantage. Then there is craps. Now that's a game I thought was far too complicated to learn and only heavy gamblers would play. I finally learned how to play (again, free online/console) and did find there is a bet that offers a 0% house advantage (but requires a few "rounds" to get there). Again, this is why the $1/$5 tables is where I would dip my pinky toe into the water.

The only casino close to me is Hard Rock in Tampa. I used to go about every 6 months, but would only play ~$20. I played the video blackjack and once, and if, I got to $60....I'd cash out. That would be enough for my "free" dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe'. That was my lofty goal. Now, the closest gambling we have is pari mutuel horse racing. Florida has stopped dog racing tracks and have turned some of them into poker halls. It's interesting that Florida has not opened up the competitive doors to slots/table games other than the native American sanctioned/owned establishments (and a few small cruises that have go into International waters). In a state that has a plethora of retirees with a desire to do something inside and arguably safe, the state has not opened that door. :confused3

That's some good luck with your room. I'd imagine that view was spectacular, especially if you got the bay/yacht view. Not to sound like a broken record, but I am anxious to hear about your adventure on Monday and how the resort looks now that is a GN.

Enjoy your trip and avoid playing any slot machine that has either a streaker or red meat reference!
@hertamaniac - Thanx, I'll definitely let you know how Monday goes! :) I used to play video poker, but now usually just play slots. And besides the WOF and "RWB, Stars" themes I mentioned, I play whatever looks "fun". And I think that's the secret - I never play to :win", I play for fun. Even if I'm hitting on something, if I stop having fun, I cash out, and play something else. Conversely - even if I'm not doing well, but I'm still enjoying the play, I'll keep playing. Kind of like a "pay per pull" video game to me. :) And I NEVER play irresponsibly, or money that I should be using for something else. I also love going to the track, and there I bet on horses because of the names - totally "not legit" strategy, according to the experts, but again - I go to have FUN. :) Haven't been in quite awhile though.
 
We've talked about this elsewhere but I attended a conference at Golden Nugget back in April. It was my first time there. The casino is okay but dark and very smoky. What really impressed me about GN, however, was the food. It makes sense since the place is owned by the Landry Restaurant group but I ate 3 meals a day there for 5 days and everything was excellent. Michael Patrick's, which is the casual sit down place in the main lobby, was very good. I ordered something different every time I went there and didn't have a single bad meal or even a bad item within a meal.

I didn't do the buffet on that trip but DW and I went there a few months later and did the buffet. My expectations of buffet food are relatively low. I know that it's tough to cook in huge quantities and have food that will sit out on a heating table for extended periods and still turn out a good product. This place manages to do it and do it well. And at a reasonable price.

I did visit the Charthouse when I was there for my conference but didn't have a sit down meal. We had an alumni reception there so it was more of a cocktail party with apps/hor dourves but everything was very good.
@disneysteve - I am DEFINITELY planning on doing the buffet, so will let you know what I think. When it was TM, the coffee shop was on the upstairs level, near the Player's Club, and was always fairly good. Great breakfast, although I preferred the buffet, since I love a breakfast buffet. Can't wait, salivating just thinking of it! :)
 
@hertamaniac - I am being lazy, and cutting/pasting a post I did on a smaller group I correspond with. Let me know if you have any questions. I did think about you while there, and will say - even the EXTERIOR looks totally different. And there are MANY more eateries, and retail establishments all along the atrium corridors, so it felt quite different from our beloved Marina - faintly familiar, but VERY different. I do still like the "being removed from the madness/crowds of the Boardwalk", skewing older clientele, and much less crowds, even on MLK holiday, enough to want to go back.

Was VERY nice to have a trip that took approx 1 hour and 15 minutes vs. 2 hours plus, or even up to 3-4 hours before even heading down (when buses made MANY more stops in Northern NJ, trying to fill up before heading down - THAT was PAINFUL!!! My seat mate was nice. I was surprised at how disoriented I felt soon after going into the Golden Nugget, having spent so much time there when it was the Trump Marina, and the casino itself being just 1 big room, but I was. So I didn't see the whole casino, so there is more to explore if I do go back in Feb. I did unknowingly wander into the smoking section - even being a former smoker - this area REEKED. It also surprised me it had to many "older" machines, and reel slots vs. video slots in there - maybe smokers ARE becoming a dying breed, even in AC, and they are no longer trying to cater to them? Anyway - I got out of that section quickly - nothing to make me want to linger - unlike Caesar's - where there are a great selection of newer, fun, games, even in the smoking section, so I will stay and play there. Or - since my normal "travel buddy:" is a smoker, I wouldn't mind playing there to accomodate her.

Didn't lose much, and had fun playing although I will say that nothing except a penny "Wheel of Fortune 4-D" really caught my attention for long. Also played a Lord of the Rings for awhile in honor of my ex, who is a huge fan (of the books - he's not a gambler, not sure if he's seen the movies).. The buffet was good - I stupidly forgot to use my $5 food voucher from the bus (also got $25 free play - which I did use = and since the bus trip was only $25, you theoretically came out $5 ahead by going!). Lots of staff working, clean, although small, and a pretty good selection - great salad area. Standouts I tried (and I didn't even really "pig out" like i thought i might, so kind of proud of myself) were a carved ham, REAL mashed potatoes, potato salad, and fried shrimp. I did try a few desserts, but they were unremarkable, and the ones at Caesar's buffet are MUCH MUCH better. Their prices are also MUCH more. All in all, I enjoyed it, and would go again, but just know it would probably be "meh". And like i said - it was clean, well-staffed, and good drink refill/plate clearance. I went during bingo, so no line - smart me. LOL
 
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@hertamaniac - I am being lazy, and cutting/pasting a post I did on a smaller group I correspond with. Let me know if you have any questions. I did think about you while there, and will say - even the EXTERIOR looks totally different. And there are MANY more eateries, and retail establishments all along the atrium corridors, so it felt quite different from our beloved Marina - faintly familiar, but VERY different. I do still like the "being removed from the madness/crowds of the Boardwalk", skewing older clientele, and much less crowds, even on MLK holiday, enough to want to go back.

Was VERY nice to have a trip that took approx 1 hour and 15 minutes vs. 2 hours plus, or even up to 3-4 hours before even heading down (when buses made MANY more stops in Northern NJ, trying to fill up before heading down - THAT was PAINFUL!!! My seat mate was nice. I was surprised at how disoriented I felt soon after going into the Golden Nugget, having spent so much time there when it was the Trump Marina, and the casino itself being just 1 big room, but I was. So I didn't see the whole casino, so there is more to explore if I do go back in Feb. I did unknowingly wander into the smoking section - even being a former smoker - this area REEKED. It also surprised me it had to many "older" machines, and reel slots vs. video slots in there - maybe smokers ARE becoming a dying breed, even in AC, and they are no longer trying to cater to them? Anyway - I got out of that section quickly - nothing to make me want to linger - unlike Caesar's - where there are a great selection of newer, fun, games, even in the smoking section, so I will stay and play there. Or - since my normal "travel buddy:" is a smoker, I wouldn't mind playing there to accomodate her.

Didn't lose much, and had fun playing although I will say that nothing except a penny "Wheel of Fortune 4-D" really caught my attention for long. Also played a Lord of the Rings for awhile in honor of my ex, who is a huge fan (of the books - he's not a gambler, not sure if he's seen the movies).. The buffet was good - I stupidly forgot to use my $5 food voucher from the bus (also got $25 free play - which I did use = and since the bus trip was only $25, you theoretically came out $5 ahead by going!). Lots of staff working, clean, although small, and a pretty good selection - great salad area. Standouts I tried (and I didn't even really "pig out" like i thought i might, so kind of proud of myself) were a carved ham, REAL mashed potatoes, potato salad, and fried shrimp. I did try a few desserts, but they were unremarkable, and the ones at Caesar's buffet are MUCH MUCH better. Their prices are also MUCH more. All in all, I enjoyed it, and would go again, but just know it would probably be "meh". And like i said - it was clean, well-staffed, and good drink refill/plate clearance. I went during bingo, so no line - smart me. LOL

I am glad to hear they still offer the vouchers for the buses. I don't remember ever getting a food voucher, but if truly helps cover the buffet costs then I think that is outstanding. Did the casino have free drinks while gambling? In my travels during my career, I would be in Detroit 2/3X times a year. The casinos there (Motor City and Greektown) each offered unlimited soda/coffee stations throughout the floors. I've seen folks just load-up on caffeine and WEEEEEEE!

Hard Rock in Tampa doesn't offer free drinks like that according to my last visit. I don't drink alcohol when gambling, so I do not know if they are "free". I know in Vegas, the alcoholic drinks used to flow freely while playing. I remember one time going to this little itty bitty casino in front of Circus Circus and they had $1 beers. At that time I could drink, not really enjoy, a beer. Well, my ex plopped down $5 for 5 Heineken's which freed my apprehension of spending $1 per blackjack hand at a human table. It's the age-old casino gambit.....free alcohol/no windows/no clocks/ugly carpet to keep the guests fixated at eye level, have no sense of time and throw their logical thinking out. Did you notice any of that at GN?

Recently, I stayed in Biloxi at The Palace Casino. The main driver is that it is the only 100% smoke free casino in Biloxi. I spent a couple of nights there and immediately noticed my nose was enjoying the atmosphere. Even with mammoth air conditioners and filters, if I catch a whiff of smoke, I'm off to somewhere else. I think I lost $20 on that trip, but enjoyed the location (also on the inlet side like TM). I think I got a couple of pics.....

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My favorite casino is Scarlett Pearl in Biloxi. The architecture and colors are right in my wheelhouse. I've also stayed there (last year) and scored rates that are far below what I expected. The room I had was exceptional and I think I paid $62/night (off season). I think I got some pics there too.....

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So are there buses that go to Borgata or Harrah's? Is that something you would be interested in for another trip?
 
Did the casino have free drinks while gambling? In my travels during my career, I would be in Detroit 2/3X times a year. The casinos there (Motor City and Greektown) each offered unlimited soda/coffee stations throughout the floors.

Recently, I stayed in Biloxi at The Palace Casino. The main driver is that it is the only 100% smoke free casino in Biloxi. I
The Atlantic City casinos do give free drinks. Some of the casinos there and elsewhere now have it set up so you can order a drink from the touch screen on the slot machines which is nice though honestly I think service was quicker when they had more cocktail servers constantly walking the floor.

Harrahs Philadelphia has the free self-serve soda machines. Delaware Park does, too.

The one thing we hate in AC and PA is the smoking. Delaware, NY, and MD are all smoke-free which is great. Unfortunately, we live much closer to the PA casinos so we end up there more often despite the smoke. It just really limits how long we stay. About an hour is our limit.
 
The Atlantic City casinos do give free drinks. Some of the casinos there and elsewhere now have it set up so you can order a drink from the touch screen on the slot machines which is nice though honestly I think service was quicker when they had more cocktail servers constantly walking the floor.

Harrahs Philadelphia has the free self-serve soda machines. Delaware Park does, too.

The one thing we hate in AC and PA is the smoking. Delaware, NY, and MD are all smoke-free which is great. Unfortunately, we live much closer to the PA casinos so we end up there more often despite the smoke. It just really limits how long we stay. About an hour is our limit.

Interesting about the touch screens on the slots. I sort of like the interaction with the servers and them knowing our drink preferences for each round. Are the free drinks in AC include alcohol? Is that part of the touch screen (I'm just curious)?

When I would visit my friends/family in PA, we'd typically make a trip to Sands (Bethlehem) or to Mohegan Sun and Mount Airy. I don't recall if they had smoke-free sections.
 
Are the free drinks in AC include alcohol? Is that part of the touch screen (I'm just curious)?
Yes and Yes.

When I would visit my friends/family in PA, we'd typically make a trip to Sands (Bethlehem) or to Mohegan Sun and Mount Airy. I don't recall if they had smoke-free sections.
Having a smoking section and a non-smoking section in the same room is as effective as having a peeing section and a no-peeing section in a swimming pool.
 
As Steve said - yes = the GN did have free drinks. I don't drink alcohol, and got an iced coffee to carry around with me from a place called "Beans and Bread" at GN, which is on the way to self park (think it used to be the pizza place, if I'm not mistaken - but again - so lost there now, having only been the 1 time). And yes - I have seen the "order your drinks touch screen" - at Caesar's - the time s I saw it - some of them let you do the 'full order" like - if you want coffee, you can ask for milk/sugar/whatever, some just have a buttons that says "Beverage Service". The reels definitely just have that, but so did some video slots I saw.

And yes - GN (and all other casinos I've been in in AC for the most part, although the Hilton did have the one cmall section right near the Boardwalk with some floor to ceiling windows, which I loved) no windows, LOL @ ugly carpet. And I remember reading that when they opened Wild Wild West, they actually had to get a special permit, or ordinance passed, or something, to get the big, old fashioned "clock" installed in there, which they wanted for theming. And the time could NOT be right. I thought that was pretty amusing.

Nice pics of Biloxi, thanx for sharing. Had a longtime Disney friend in TX who used to drive to WDW several times a year (sometimes with a 5th wheel, and they'd stay in FW - I visited her on that several times, and it was nice!!!) and they'd always build in stops in Gulfport and Biloxi for the gambling. I'd love to maybe visit there some day.
 
@safetymom - Thought of you this morning, with a smile on my face. The "Disney Character of the Day" on my Alexa (which I have programmed as part of my daily briefing) was Figment. Since I love the Purple Guy as well, it was a great start to my day, despite the torrential rain. :)
 
Nice pics of Biloxi, thanx for sharing. Had a longtime Disney friend in TX who used to drive to WDW several times a year (sometimes with a 5th wheel, and they'd stay in FW - I visited her on that several times, and it was nice!!!) and they'd always build in stops in Gulfport and Biloxi for the gambling. I'd love to maybe visit there some day.

So you enjoyed visiting her in FW in a 5th wheel? We are going in a couple of weeks as this will be my first time staying there NOT in cabin. I have never stayed in an RV/5th wheel and want to experience the resort in that way (we are renting a 5th wheel to be site-dropped). I even made a DisBoards FW sign using the moderator's template; I'll take some snaps when onsite.

I really like Biloxi, but it was merely a stopover for trips to New Orleans and last year for Birmingham (IndyCar race). The Milwaukee Brewers MLB team has a minor league team there (Shuckers) and the stadium is fantastic. It is right on the Gulf (well, across the street). What took me by surprise was the Gulf water there; it is not very attractive unlike Destin (stayed there last month). Destin/Panama City have gorgeous blue/green/clear water, but Biloxi was opaque brown.

Are you planning a return trip to GN?
 

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