Sunday, December 14, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Laughlin offers plenty of activities for the winter months

Nevada's southernmost town, Laughlin, schedules special activities year-round to lure visitors and keep them coming back. The strategy seems to work, for the resort town annually welcomes 5 million visitors, many of them returnees. Several major events this winter aim at special interest groups such as senior citizens, race fans and rodeo aficionados.

Many Las Vegans join the millions journeying to Laughlin, drawn by its balmy winter temperatures, varied outdoor recreational possibilities, attractive casino resorts and special events. The desert town lies just 90 miles from Las Vegas by way of U.S. 95 south through Searchlight to Highway 163.

Special events planned for upcoming months include the first Winter Break for seniors, Jan. 13-16; the 10th annual Laughlin Desert Challenge off-road race, Jan. 15-18; and the 10th annual Laughlin River Stampede, a professional rodeo event, March 21-April 4. If interested in any of these events, plan ahead. Make reservations early, as event-goers fill up many of Laughlin's 10,000 rooms during some of these happenings.

The Winter Break comes at a time when people in colder climates yearn for warmer days. No doubt many snowbirds will swell the ranks of adventurous seniors flocking to Laughlin in mid-January. Billed as a way to celebrate living life to its fullest, Winter Break features recreational, entertaining and informative activities from early morning until late at night.

To assist seniors in getting to various resorts for classes, seminars, outings, demonstrations, wine-tasting and dancing, free shuttles run between the properties all day. Upon registration at a welcome center on Jan. 13, senior participants receive promotional items and many other freebies. Launched that afternoon by a parade featuring marchers from the Red Hat Society and at least 50 hot rods and classic cars, the schedule of festivities never stops until farewell at midday Jan. 16.

The seniors will still be in town when racing fans start showing up for the Desert Challenge. With more than 200 off-road vehicles expected, Laughlin's streets fill up with racing equipment and pit crews settle in for the four-day race. With the end of winter, Laughlin welcomes at least 700 professional cowboys during the River Stampede. They arrive ready to compete in eight rodeo events for more than $250,000 in prize money over five days of rodeo.

For details on any of the upcoming events, contact the Laughlin Visitors Bureau at 298-3022. Write for printed information to the bureau at 1555 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029.

Laughlin makes an ideal cool-season destination for outings -- special events or not. Many from the Las Vegas area drive there just for a day, while others choose to take advantage of attractive room rates and dining possibilities to stay overnight or longer. Those who prefer their own homes on wheels find hundreds of recreational vehicle sites in private and public campgrounds.

The resorts offer wide variety in forms of entertainment, in addition to gaming. The town boasts many amenities, including a fine outlet mall with more than 50 businesses, a food court and a multiplex theater. While in Laughlin, try out your clubs on either of two beautiful golf courses. Sample beauty along the emerald green Colorado River on one of several boat tours.

Use Laughlin as a base for exploration of surrounding desert, mountains, lake and river. Upstream from Laughlin, Davis Dam backs up the water to create beautiful Lake Mojave. Visit Park Service facilities at Katherine Landing on the lake, just a few miles from town. Downstream, the State of Nevada progresses toward completion of its newest state park, Big Bend of the river by developing boating, camping and hiking facilities.

Within a few minutes drive of Laughlin, explore beautiful Grapevine Canyon and nearby Christmas Tree Pass. Across the river, retrace a portion of historic Route 66 to visit Oatman ghost town and tour a nearby gold mine.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's Trip of the Week column appears Sundays.