Since many people are foregoing trips for "staycations", today I thought I'd switch from travel agent to unofficial visitors' bureau for my hometown of Pittsburgh and write about my own recent excursion to the Rivers Casino. Well, it is winter in western Pennsylvania and since we're longing for anything that will remind us of sunshine and good times, now we can at least pretend we're in Las Vegas or Atlantic City once we get inside...
Now I'm one of those people that never, ever wanted to bother with Las Vegas. I'm not opposed to gambling but I just don't enjoy it, and I always thought that was all there was to pass the time there. That and going to see stale comedians and washed-up singers. Obviously it had changed a lot by the time I went, somewhat reluctantly led by my gambler friends, because I had quite a good time and have ever since. The extent of my gambling is losing a few dollars in the penny slots, but naturally I find plenty of stores and restaurants to burn the rest of my cash. I came to appreciate the city's unique, over-the-top appeal so my friends didn't have nearly as hard of a time getting me to Atlantic City, which lacked the scale of Vegas but had a beach and the boardwalk to recommend it. I guess it was only logical that I also came to associate the flashing and clanging of the casinos with having fun on vacation.
In any event, I can say with confidence that the Rivers is on a par with practically anything in those cities if you take the differences in the markets and hence size into account. It is just a casino so there's no giant hotel, shopping mall, or theater, but it has everything else. Okay, there's no free alcohol - it is Pennsylvania, after all, but there's all the free pop (that's soda for you outsiders) and coffee you can drink at the many stations throughout the gaming area as well as bars right among the slots. The upscale restaurant and casual eateries are also on the main floor as is the recently opened sports bar, and the buffet is upstairs. I ate at the buffet and was impressed by both the variety and quality of the food. There is no theme in the decor (something that I frankly don't miss) but it is as stylish and contemporary as anything I've seen, even in Las Vegas. Perhaps the best touch for the City of Champions are the video screens built right into the slot machines, so diehard sports fans don't even have to miss out on gambling to watch the game.
Find out all about the Rivers Casino here , and if you're in need of a little vacation, head on over!
No comments:
Post a Comment