We celebrated Veteran’s Day this year here in Las Vegas with a very ‘Las Vegas’ thing to do – we went to a Casino! We’re not really into gambling (especially playing the slot machines which seems quite mindless and a waste of time to us) but we had to go to Silverton Casino today as they were offering a free buffet meal to all veterans (Thanks, Silverton!)

It was great! The food was good with lots of variety to choose from (the Crème brûlée was to die for) and the atmosphere was really nice. The service was quick and friendly and all the buffet staff wore cammie shirts as well to honor the veterans. The dining area had ceiling-to-floor waterfalls complete with fire at periodic intervals. The casino itself was even neater. There are aquariums throughout the casino floor – huge ones with salt water fish and creatures. The bar even had a live jellyfish aquarium which was really unique. In addition to all this, the entrance to the casino is also the entrance to the Bass Pro Shop there, complete with huge waterfalls and animal displays. It was really nice. If it hadn’t been for the free Veteran’s Day buffet, we never would have known about all this and never would have seen it.

If you’re ever in Las Vegas, make sure you check out Silverton Casino. Even if you don’t gamble, you’ll enjoy the sights and the hospitality. If you are into gambling, they offer free Starbucks coffee to all players (including slots) and if you sign up for their player’s card, you get two free nights stay (if you’re from out of state) and other gifts for residents of NV (at least that was the case for us in Nov, ’09). Silverton Casino is located off of Interstate 15 near McCarran International Airport, three miles from the Las Vegas Strip at the Pahrump exit. It’s worth the trip.

The following is reprinted from the Silverton Casino website:

Silverton Aquariums

Named the “Best Free Attraction” in Las Vegas, Silverton Casino Lodge’s saltwater aquarium is large and impressive.  Our signature 117,000-gallon reef aquarium will transport you to a tropical oasis where you can amire more than 4,000 tropical fish, and three species each of stingrays and sharks.  Interactive feeding shows are scheduled daily at 1:30pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Our staff marine biologist is equipped with a full-face communication mask and answers guests’ questions during the feeding show.  Also, don’t miss the live mermaid swim!  Mermaid swims are scheduled Thursday from 2:15pm – 8:45pm, Friday and Saturday from 2:15pm – 9:45pm and Sunday from 11:30am – 6:45pm.  In addition, the Mermaid Lounge features two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums lit with LED lights.

Guests won’t want to miss the fresh water aquariums located on-site at the Las Vegas Bass Pro Shops.  An 18,000 gallon water feature simulating Red Rock Canyon’s beautiful rock formations is filled with spectacular live Koi. Three additional aquariums at Bass Pro Shops feature trout, channel catfish, carp and bass and include a flowing canyon river featuring ducks, turtles, bluegills and sturgeon.