Royally Flushed

Casino carpeting features intricate designs, wild colors.

It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated with the over-the-top colorful designs on casino carpets.  I have to confess that while walking through a casino or down a hotel hallway, I have been known to run into people - as well as inanimate objects – because I am so focused on what’s under my feet.  The exhuberant colors and the intricate patterns never cease to entertain me.

Well, David G. Schwartz, who writes extensively about Las Vegas, gambling, and history has several photo pages on his website, The Die is Cast, devoted to current and defunct carpets at casinos throughout the U.S.  Who knew?  His gallery organizes the carpet photos mostly by location but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you’ll find his “Hall of Fame” page which features extinct carpets as well as extinct casinos…think Stardust and the Aladdin among others.

Schwartz is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV and has a Ph.D. in United States history from UCLA.  Check out his website for lots of fascinating information.  After spending some time on his website, I definitely plan on purchasing his book, Roll the Bones, A History of Gambling.

Oh, and the carpet pictured above?  You can find it in all it’s dashing purple glory – at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona!

A father-and-son fishing trip only at The Bellagio.

Where else can you see a father and son bear duo – each fashioned from moss, bark and colorful button mums – outfitted for a summer fishing trip?  Or how about a miniature train running through a covered bridge constructed of twigs?  And then there is my personal favorite from this summer’s display – a reproduction of The Bellagio and its lakeside “village” all done in flowers and other natural materials.  The attention to detail was stunning!   

When you’re done touring this indoor oasis, be sure to check out theGiardini Garden Store at the back of the display.  There you’ll find lots of high-style home and garden items such as exotically-scented candles, colorful glassware and more.  Bring your casino winnings because the gorgeous items here aren’t cheap.

Location - The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is located off the main reception/registration area.  If you arrive at the Bellagio from the pedestrian bridges coming from either Caesars or Bally’s, walk through the shopping galleria and veer left then continue through the casino and into the main entry hall.  You’ll see the garden at the back.  Also, don’t miss the floral displays behind the registration desks – they, too, change with the seasons. 

Player’s tip – Bellagio has some fun multi-denomination Spin Poker machines in the middle of the casino near the blackjack tables and also near the entrance to the shopping gallery.  We’ve played – and won - on them more than a few times.

Treat tip – Stop at Jean Philippe Patisserie - down the hall from the garden, toward the back of the hotel - for a cappuccino and a pastry that is almost too pretty to eat.  Almost.