Monday morning when most people were headed to work, we were making a beeline to the renowned Las Vegas Gold & Silver Pawn Store, the same that is featured in the show, Pawn Stars. Big Daddy is a faithful viewer of the show, even recording it to not miss an episode. I have to admit to catching a few episodes myself, enough to know that some of the featured "stars" are Chumley and the Old Man. So we head out for an older area of vegas and upon arrival find there is no line - woohoo. Since the shows popularity amongst other Big Daddy types, there is often long lines to get in. You know how they say the camera makes everything look larger, well it's definitely true with this store. Very small. Evens so, they had sketches from Salvadore Dali, a Picasso or two and signed electric guitars from various stars. Not at all your regular pawn shop. Of course the stars were not there, and we've heard rarely are except for the filming the show.
People Watching
I have to pause a moment to say if you like to watch people, this is the place do to it. It is definitely anything goes as far as clothes are concerned. Packing tips for women.
- Bring the tallest shoes you can find, even if walking in them means hanging onto your spouse, date or friend.
- Bring several short clingy dresses at least 2 sizes too small that barely cover your butt, are mostly see through, and are cut to your navel.
- Shorts should be just that, short, the shorter the better even if wearing them makes you walk funny due to thigh rub.
- Although regular long pants are allowed, wearing printed leggings is much better, especially animal prints that are the most attractive when stretched a little too thin.
Next stop after the pawn shop was Count's Kustoms, a one of a kind hot rod and chopper shop. The owner is a recurring guest on Pawn stars but is famous in his own right. We got there to find signs saying to be quiet as they were filming on premises. We also had to sign a waiver going into the showroom in case we ended up being on the show (wouldn't that be funny). The showroom was packed with some punked out vehicles. Below are just a few pics.
This next picture is the back side of a custom motorcycle helmet.
National Atomic Testing Museum
If you've ever casually said "just nuke them" you would probably think twice after visiting this museum. Through various exhibits, news clips and video interviews it tells the story of atomic testing. The testing center started on some pacific islands and eventually moved to the desert, where it still exists today, ready if needed. One of the movies was shown in a small concrete room, meant to depict being underground. The seats literally shook when the film showed the bombs exploding. Scary stuff.
We returned to the hotel to grab some lunch and take another walk around the Canal Shoppes. We tried to get into Carlos Bakery the previous night but there was a big line and only a few people were allowed in at a time. Although the goods looked great, we didn't get why there was such a line until a smart 9 year old told us it was the Cake Boss bakery. Oooohhhhh! Now we get it, so we too waited in line. we got a cream puff, a boston cream pie and 2 walnut brownie cookies. So delicious.
Dinner on a Rock
Because we had a show at 7:00 we didn't have time for a full dinner, so we grabbed appetizers at a cozy lounge in the Mirage called Stacked. We had the most delectable shrimp and thinly sliced steak that we cooked on a large hot rock at our table.
LOVE
We ended the night at the LOVE Cirque du Soleil. If you ever get an opportunity to see any of the Cirque shows, DO IT!! This was the second we've seen and we were not disappointed. Knowing all of the songs made it even more fun. As with all shows of this style, the acrobatics, costumes and theatrics were outrageous.
You are officially planning all of my travels now! Way to get the most out of everywhere you go. Love you! Sounds fun, all of it! Terri
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