American Music
Besides being a music shop, American Music also does rental and repair. They had the random footswitch i needed and let me rent it cheap. The store itself is good, but nothing special. The staff is more useful than Guitar Center, but it still doesn't have a small shop feel, really. It's worth dropping in anyway.
Trading Musician
The accustic section is an absolute must see. They have all kinds of crazy instruments. Tons of mandolins and these little finger picking things. Upstairs is keyboards, noisemakers, percussions, xylophones, strange electronic music devices. They have lots of used amplifiers and some electric guitars hanging around. They also have tons of accessories. Really a candy store for musicians.
Stevens Pass Ski Area
I think Steven's is a bit expensive for what it is, but nevertheless, it's a fun place to go, especially for snowboarders. They set up a lot of hits when things are going well. There's some backcountry for the more adventurous. It's about a 3 hr drive from the Seattle area, which isn't too bad. You should at least try it out once if you're not too far off.
Circus Circus Hotel
You really need to hit up Circus Circus some time. It's a chinsy hotel and casino, but the carnival atmosphere is pretty cool. There are few reasonably priced ways to have fun in Vegas, but this is one of them. Just walk around and watch the random stuff going down. Perhaps kick down five bucks and try out the theme park. Good times. Plus, it's where Roale Duke hung out.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Lots of people love this place. It's way to glam and stuck up for me. People are dressed a little too nice. Women are a little too fake. Everything's more expensive. I just don't get it. I want to hand out with the REAL people in Vegas, who have real fun, instead of sipping on weak ass drinks and playing baccarat.
Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Resort
The rooms are definitely second class and the casino itself has little to offer. The pools are OK, but I'm only saying that because they serve the most ridiculously stiff mia tias you'll ever drink. If you see a guy working the bar with long curly hair, make sure he pours it for you. Anyway, the location is good, but Luxor is about as cheap, just as good location and way cooler.
Luxor Coffee Co
It's not the best hotel in Vegas, but it's certainly up there. Plus it's pretty darn cheap. The rooms are nice and have a cool view. The pool is cool. They get a fun crowd at the poker room and have lots of tournaments (which are a terrible deal, but hey, how often do you get to Vegas?). Ra is a ton of fun, expensive, but a great atmosphere. It's my favorite place that I've been able to stay at.
Gamblers Book Shop
Where else but Vegas can you find a public store this big that sells only gambling supplies. Awesome selection. If you want it and it can be bet on, it's here. Used decks and dice from all the casinos, poker chips, roulette wheels, gambling books, memorabilia. You could definitely kill a few hours here and even if you buy some stuff, it's probably cheaper than hanging out in the casinos.
Stratosphere Casino, Hotel And Tower Las Vegas Hotels
The view at the top of the Stratosphere is cool, but not exactly breath taking. You get to really see how the Strip and the surrounding area is set up. You also get to really take in how isolated the whole city is. The ride adds to that feeling quite a bit. You get shot up in there air and all you see is desert and mountain. It wasn't super expensive, so probably worth a trip if you haven't been yet.
The Space Needle
It's a tourist trap, but it's one you have to see. You get a real nice view of the Puget Sound, the city and Mt. Rainier if it's clear. Getting up there is rather pricey at something like 12 bucks. Your best bet is to have dinner in the revolving restaurant for like 20. The food is pretty damn good, you get to hang out in a revolving restaurant and you get a free trip up to the observation deck after you eat.
