Eric and I just got back from a really fun getaway to Las Vegas.
As you know, we go to Vegas a few times a year (because we can, and because my very favorite childhood hearthrob lives very close to there. *sigh*). And we pretty much know the place by heart. We have seen lots of great shows there and stayed at some of the best hotels.
My big, fat, Cuban family celebrates birthdays there and there has even been a renewal of wedding vows with an Elvis impersonator. Seriously.
This last weekend we were excited to visit a place that was kind of legendary but has up to now been so far off the beaten path that we've never been able to get there. And believe me, we have tried.
It's the place where old neon goes to die.
The Neon Boneyard.
Well, technically it's now officially called The Neon Museum and they're finally getting their act together and are organizing tours (by appointment only) and turning it into an official Place To See in Vegas.
(NOTE: I added watermarks to the photos because I signed a sworn and official-looking-document in which I promised a pint of blood and my first male child – sorry, Adam! – that I would not profit in any way from these images.)
We were able to take a guided tour through the piles of rusted metal and broken lights and I was in Absolute Vegas-Nerd Heaven.
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable in Vegas lore which added to the fabulousness of the adventure. Although, I have to admit that because I've been going to Vegas since the 70's I recognized some of the old classic signs myself.
I dug up this old photo of me on The Strip in 1977. Notice the signs in the background.
(I have helpfully included arrows to call attention to the portions of the sign that I found at the Boneyard. And while I'm at it, what was up with all the photo paper in the 70's? It took me a ton of Photoshopping to make this image even visible! But that's not important right now.)
The Stardust happened to be my dad's favorite place to play. (Yes, I had to take it all in for just a moment.)
Isn't that just sooo accidentally cool?
Some of the history behind a few of the signs were new to me. I'm glad we had a guide to point stuff out. Who knew that the House of Lords Steakhouse at the Sahara was a regular hangout of the Rat Pack? (I know. Shut up.)
My favorite thing about the Boneyard was all the stories and history connected to the signage. I am old enough to have watched Las Vegas Blvd. (aka The Strip) change and grow over the years. So I felt a certain amount of nostalgia.
See the old lamp from the Aladdin? The diamond-shaped stars from the Stardust? See the portion of pink "feathers" from the Flamingo Hilton?
See the Uber-Nerdy Couple from California making fools of themselves among the rusted and twisted metal?
No? How about now? =D
Do you have Vegas memories to share? Tell me.
What fun!Never been to Las Vegas, but it’s definitely on our bucket list.
Marta the pics are beautiful!!!I love Las Vegas!!! We’ve been to Vegas four times. Twice for a convention/work and twice for pleasure. Stayed in some of the best hotels and saw the most amazing shows. Fell in love with the whole Cirque du Soleil experience for the first time there. Took the tour to the Hoover Dam and stood in Nevada and Arizona a the same time. Loved the tour of the dungeon and dinner at Caesars Palace (this was many years ago) and walking in and out of the mall next to the Caesars Palace while it turned from day to night and night to day again. There are some other memories as well, but you know what they say….. 🙂
I grew up there and have been away for many years. I recognize most of the signs and didn’t know they had been taken down! Thanks for sharing, especially the one of you in the 70’s. 🙂
Prima: Me han encantado estas ultimas fotos, ese lugar lleno de viejos lumínicos está fabuloso. Un abrazo para toda la familia y a Kikita en especial.
LOVE the pic of you and Eric peeking from behind the “D for Darby” pic. It’s very 70’s TV special sound stagey. You MUST crop that just right and frame it!
Amanda,We are only four hours and a fabulous road trip through the desert from Vegas. We’ll be happy to be your tour guides. 😉
Thanks, Ody! I was quite happy with the photos myself.Let’s add Vegas to your next visit to California then, shall we? =D
xoxo,
Marta
Jackie,It’s amazing how quickly the Strip changes from year to year.
I just found some old photos in front of Caesar’s and it’s an entirely different place!
(I looked cute when I was 22, didn’t I?) 😉
Mi querida prima,Algun dia espero enseñarte lo bello que es Las Vegas – lo nuevo y lo antiguo. Un fuerte abrazo para ti y los tuyo.
Besos,
Marta
Mario, my love -Great minds! I am cropping and framing as we speak…err….type. =D
Ay, que bueno!! I can’t wait to see it. Por favor, post a pic of the finished product. Why did that girl in the background have to go and get in the way? LOL
I love the pictures!! Especially the one that is connected to me! I remember we (or I) use to “collect” ash trays! Wonderful post!
I will definitely post.As far as that girl….I know, right? Photo thief! 😉
I’m glad you enjoyed them! Yes…..ash trays. I remember those things….. =D