10 Ways You Can Still Experience Classic Las Vegas!

Who loves the history, the glamour, the uniqueness of those bygone days of Classic Las Vegas? We do! Earlier in June, we attended the Casino Collectibles Show at the South Point, the world's largest convention of casino and gaming memorabilia. It's put on by the wonderful Casino Collectibes Association, dedicated to preserving gaming history.
So, we got to thinking: Where else around town can you still experience some of that authentic Las Vegas history, from those glory days of the mid to late 20th century? We found a bunch - and we're sharing ten ideas with you today! Watch and learn...
A special thank you to Rene Contreras, creator of ‪@TheSideBetPodcast‬ for inviting us to the Casino Collectibles Show...and in turn, for inspiring this vlog!
To find out more about the Casino Collectibles Association, visit their website:
www.ccgtcc.com/index.aspx
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Chapters:
00:00 Opening
00:43 1-Become a Collector
05:50 2- Classic Vegas Shows
07:40 3-Historic Vegas Bars
09:31 4-Vegas Weddings
10:59 5-Downtown History
13:33 6-Go Antiquing
14:01 7-Strip History
16:18 8-Historic Restaurants
21:16 9-NV State Museum
22:34 10-The Welcome Sign
23:10 Outro
#lasvegasinsideandout
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Join us on social media...
Instagram: / dalemckenzie01
Facebook: / dale-mckenzie-las-vega...
Help support our content creation:
Patreon: / dalemckenzie
PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/lvins...
Our Merchandise Shop: lasvegasinsideandout.myspread...
Get in touch via email: [e-mail]
Send us snail mail:
Dale McKenzie
9620 S Las Vegas Blvd
Suite E4 #1206
Las Vegas, NV 89123
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PHOTO CREDITS:
The following photos are courtesy of Wikipedia.com:
Binions signed poker table
By Bobak Ha'Eri - Own work, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Advertisement for International grand opening 1969
By International Hotel - St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 29, 1969, Sunday Pictures section, p. 19. Via Newspapers.com, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Little Church of the West - closer up
By Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Little Church of the West - further back
By Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
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The photo of the Union Plaza pool deck was from the Vintage Las Vegas Facebook page.
The postcards of the hotels in the past are from our own collection.
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Opening segment:
The red and blue neon outline is by Thanakorn Jaroensup, courtesy of Pixabay.com:
neon-85828.mp4
The photo of the rainbow and red rocks is by esudroff, courtesy of Pixabay.com:
rainbow-1401785_1280.jpg
All other video clips are our own.
The music is "Love or Lust", from the KZbin Audio Library.
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Songs from the KZbin Audio Library featured in this video:
- Run One Down - Dan Lebowitz
- Tiptoe_Out_the_Back - Dan Lebowitz
- Touching Moment
Songs and clips from the Epidemic Sound Audio Library:
ES_Endless Pt. 1 - Peter Sandberg
ES_A Trace of Light - Oakwood Station
ES_A Figure of Speech
ES_Util Paisagem (Instrumental Version) - Clara Mendes
ES_Voce Nao (Instrumental Version) - Clara Mendes
ES_Tomorrow I'll Be Gone
ES_Ciao Bella
ES_Got That Feeling
ES_The Professor's Secret
ES_Ain't That So
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Cinematography: Dale McKenzie, Paula McKenzie
Editing, Voiceover, Post-Production: Dale McKenzie, Final Cut Pro X
Script, Research: Paula McKenzie
Cameras & Gear: iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, DJI Osmo Pocket 3, & Lumix G9 in 4K video; sound by Rode Wireless PRO

[@TheSideBetPodcast]

Thank you so much for coming out to the show!! Save the date June 12-14th 2025!!

[@LadiCady]

Thanks for memorable trip back in time. My late husband and I were married many years ago on the strip at one of the best wedding chapels around, The Little Chapel of the Flowers. We then celebrated our wedding at The Bootlegger Restaurant! We would return to Las Vegas every year for our anniversary and celebrated all over again. We never had a picture in front of the Las Vegas sign either!!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you for sharing these lovely memories with us! ❤

[@brit9735]

That is wonderful. My husband and I got married at the Little Chapel of the Flowers on july 28th 2021, and we have been back every year since to celebrate our anniversary!❤❤

[@TheJleliot]

My late husband and I were married in the chapel at circus circus. Many years later our son was married there

[@paulamckenzie]

@@TheJleliot Wow you have some precious memories! ❤️

[@000Blonde4ever]

There is still a million dollar display in Binion’s that you can take a picture with.

[@canoone1975]

Yeah, they did a new 1MM display last year after it being offline since Covid.

[@oldgoat50]

I have a pic from 85 and then again in 2019. Heard they changed the bills from the old display as the bills were worth more than a Million.🤑

[@paulamckenzie]

Thanks for that - we hadn't seen it last time we were in. I did hear though that the bill denomination is different now.

[@whiv]

Love exploring the classic side of Vegas!

[@LuisSanchez-iw7bi]

All of those places are a must see, I'm so glad "old Vegas" is alive and Well, I can still feel the Vibe, South Point is a prime example of a modern place with that ols vegas Vibe. Thanks a lot Dale, Thanks a lot Paula, you are simply the best!

[@paulamckenzie]

We spend a lot of time at South Point, and you are right - it's kind of old school.

[@davidgrybb8547]

Whooooooooooooaaa love the Peppermill!!❤

[@armenpogosyan9140]

Thank you for Mentioning Kirk Kerkorian’s name in your video he is true hero for us Armenians.

[@paulamckenzie]

We are still looking to do a more detailed story on him - tied to some resort tour. 🥰

[@Uncutslots]

Nice cruise down memory lane...thank you. It's nice to see Vegas through more mature/experienced eyes. Been going to Vegas since the 60s & miss Old Vegas tremendously. My Italian background evokes wonderful memories of eating....at Foxy's deli on the strip, & if the slots were friendly, my dad would take the family out for a special dinner at Dome Of The Sea (at the old Dunes)....talk about classy old school dining.

[@paulamckenzie]

Wow, you have some amazing memories, dating back before either Dale or I were here - priceless stuff!

[@Go4Corvette]

That's me RETRO😊. Thanks for the tour.

[@texadonkey34]

Fantastic stroll down memory lane 👍🤠🎉. I miss the food bargains in Vegas. Lol. I can’t afford the strip anymore, so I enjoy Fremont. Wonderful video & your shirts look great. 😻🎉🎉🍀

[@howardn]

Still more ideas for my next visit to LV. Thanks!!

[@lindamemo5224]

I was 12 my first visit in 1972. I remember the old strip. Circus circus was the only place we were allowed into. That gorilla woman scared us to death. Cups full of quarters. We couldn’t be on the floor at all. My brother was stationed out at Indian Springs AFB before he left for Taiwan.

[@NeilMacedo]

Thanks Dale and Paula 😊

[@tonybrigner3866]

thank you dale and paula for the tour it was awesome

[@erinYYC]

This was so cool! So many things and places we didn’t even know existed!!!!! So fun to see some “classic Vegas”

[@brandonkock]

I collect antique ashtrays. I have over 200. I have a few from Vegas. I have Caesars Palace and Riviera ashtray.

[@oldgoat50]

My kinda man who drinks Bud Light.👌

[@Variety1985]

MAY 2024 ... enjoyed a huge plate of SUPER ❤ NACHOS at the Peppermill 🤗

[@talitharitter3176]

Look forward to watching! My fave kind of Vegas content. ❤

[@madaboutvegas2622]

We haven’t taken a photo in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign yet either! Like you Paula, I don’t want to stand in a line to do it LOL 😂

[@allen9069]

Very good review, D&P. I've been a regular visitor to Las Vegas since 1981 and it's nice to see some things still remain! Vegas is ever changing so it's fun to remember things of the past!

[@Gregg29407]

This episode covers a lot of really great topics! I wouldn't mind seeing more about the collectibles show - it looks like it was fun.

[@paulamckenzie]

We had more footage and photos, but we had so much to cover in this video, we had to keep it kind of short. Lots of fun!

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

I wouldn't mind staying at the Sahara or the International hotel... How cool that you two were married at the little chapel.. i got married in 1981 too.. great video.

[@paulamckenzie]

Good year for weddings, huh? 💘

[@unclerudy9797]

Thanks Folks ! Hope all is Well ! Best Rudy & Kat !

[@paulamckenzie]

We are good! Nice to see your names pop up...Hi to you both!

[@jimbucci3474]

Great video Dale and Paula. Thanks for taking us along. 😃

[@DanBriggs3000]

Thanks, folks for another home run! I’m sure you’ve both seen the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever” which shot a majority of the film in Vegas. Especially at the Riviera, Dunes, and on Fremont st. They also shot a scene across from the Convention Center, next to the long gone Alpine Village Inn.

[@paulamckenzie]

Yep, that's why we love watching older movies - they are a snapshot, a moment in time. Even Vegas Vacation will become a classic, now that the Mirage is ending.

[@Robert-Gulfstream]

Wow what a fabulous vlog guys taking us on a walk down memory lane. This was really special to me. ❤ you guys. Have a great week ‼️

[@paulamckenzie]

We love hearing that! 🥰

[@jamesoreily1472]

love the fro in your wedding pic dale!

[@paulamckenzie]

LOL well it wasn't exactly a fro, but it did have some height back in those days...

[@busterbud]

A great summary of things to do, places to visit, and restaurants to dine at. I have gone to the "Fantasy" show at Luxor, and it is one of the more reasonably priced shows in Vegas.

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Have an amazing July 4th week! Cheers.

[@maxsipmeier5366]

What a awesome Video thenk you so much hello from Elisabeth and Max

[@whimsicalhamster88]

21:41 Loved visiting that museum last year. One of the best things to do off strip.

[@paulamckenzie]

We agree! Really excellent museum!

[@mark41245]

What a great creative video along with fantastic editing & narration. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@jerrysanders9101]

They do a fabulous job- very professional- good enough for cable TV imo 😊🎉😂❤

[@paulamckenzie]

@@jerrysanders9101 Wow, Jerry, what a great compliment - thank you!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you Mark!

[@kayyeaman7071]

So fun and very well produced.

[@ryancompton6233]

Now that's a gem of a video! Love vintage Las Vegas! Well done!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you so much - we are so glad you liked it!

[@carolsessions9772]

Great video! I've been going to Vegas for almost 40 years and have never been to the Las Vegas sign.

[@paulamckenzie]

LOL we are hearing that from a few people -so now we don't feel so bad!

[@kermitlacock5930]

I'm really wanting to stay at the El Cortez. My dad was a history teacher and I developed an interest in vintage/historical places. I'd also see the Mob Museum.

[@paulamckenzie]

Come on down, those are great spots for history buffs!

[@marie-thereseguimond7841]

Great video Dale and Paula, as always . Love you guys!🧓🇨🇦❤❤😊👋👋

[@paulamckenzie]

Love you back Marie-Therese! 🥰

[@jillv4006]

Speaking of classic, I love those early pics of Dale and Paula. Dale, I’m wondering when you changed your style to go more cowboy? Love it!

[@paulamckenzie]

In his personal life, he's always gone western. For work (performing), he wore a tuxedo most of the time. Once he retired, he's pretty much only worn Wranglers and western shirts LOL!

[@andrewpettola6097]

Thank you for such a wonderful video. Nice Aviators hat, Dale!

[@garypetermeier3865]

Thanks for the nostalgic trip down memory lane!

[@kathiestonaker3717]

You are so good at this, Dale. You make it interesting, and very easy to listen to. And Paula, you’re a love. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@paulamckenzie]

Aww Kathie, that's so sweet - thank you 🥰

[@user-th1xh7cn1o]

OMG!!! This is one of the BEST videos you both have made!!!! Absolutely loved it and it brought back soo many memories ❤️. Thank you for sharing this with us all 😘

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you - we love hearing this!!

[@silverliningestatesaleslas3662]

Fabulous!

[@bobm7499]

First of all, I would have never known about South Point without the vid you did on it. Now my go to place in LV. Staying there in October with my daughter who's coming in from Budapest! Second, you know how I feel about vintage LV. I've never been to the Neon Museum so that's on the to-do list with my daughter. I'm also going to try and get a reservation at Binion's to have dinner there. Keep it up. All the best!

[@paulamckenzie]

We love it that we made you - who visit Las Vegas all the time! - aware of something you didn't know about!

[@pauulmerucci9081]

Just another great vid

[@GoGo-qi1yr]

YOU Two are💫 CLASSIC 💫 🖤La$VeGa$✨️😎🍸✨️

[@paulamckenzie]

Well thank you! We take that as a compliment.

[@AlBeebe]

you two do such a great job putting these videos together. I have Binions, Oscars, and Golden Steer on my bucket list for steaks. Peppermill has always looked like a cool place so i'm adding that as well.

[@paulamckenzie]

We just heard today that Peppermill's Fireside Lounge is getting a makeover later this year - so it may not look like it does now...

[@the_benjamin_effect]

What a great video!!!…from a great couple. You two are the best.

[@vegaslady3732]

On our first & second trips to LV back in the 80's, my hubs collected a coin bucket from every casino on the strip, downtown, & along the road where Sams Town is. I'm not sure if they are still here or if they perished during a basement flood in 2004!

[@paulamckenzie]

Ohhh we collected coin buckets from everywhere too!! We held onto them for years, but I think we sold them in a garage sale at some point...and we kick ourselves now for doing that.

[@kalindibrandvik6134]

Fun video to watch!

[@robertesensee3494]

I am surprised that Hugo's Cellar was not mentioned. Old school Vegas at it's finest and the best food I have ever had. Nice video!

[@DaleMcKenzie]

The only reason we didn’t mention it is because we have no video - we have not been there on our channel (yet). But you are right - it deserves to be on the Classic Vegas list! 😊

[@Allison-jj1vq]

I lived there 6 years (also 12 years in California) and still visit every April. Not one picture of anyone in front of the sign either. It didn’t seem that safe traffic-wise years ago.

[@paulamckenzie]

Oooh it wasn't! It's a lot better now with the parking lot, but still kind of a hassle if you want that straight-on photo.

[@powder-blue]

I love that retro abstract guitar shirt Dale!

[@RiseDinelv]

Great job my friends. Love the history.

[@RandomRecess]

We love classic Vegas. Thanks for this video y’all. We will have to check some of these out.

[@jerrysanders9101]

Great video as usual- I’m lucky enough (was 18 w fake id lol) to go to Las Vegas in 1997.. we drive all night leaving San Diego at like 11-12am, pulled in and got a room at the La Concha (lol total dump but famously heard jerry Garcia and some dead folks stayed there years prior) we moved to a bigger strip hotel for the next couple nights (forgot which place was drunk the entire time ugh) but looking back they had the coins in all the machines still.. and most of the OG hotels were still there.. glad I was able to get to see it. GREAT video again as usual D&P thank you 🙏 🎉❤😊

[@paulamckenzie]

You have great memories like we do! 😄

[@celiadileone2841]

Excellent video! We visited the neon graveyard and it was fascinating! Haven’t been to the mob museum yet. We remember when the welcome to Las Vegas sign didn’t a parking area! You had to park on the street. Much safer now. Warm regards to you both ❤

[@paulamckenzie]

We agree - much safer with the parking lot!

[@greenQT]

Hi Dale and Paula, great vid, great footage, great history and great food, wow. So fun to watch. Thanks for making it. Karla in Cali.

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank YOU Karla! So glad you enjoyed this one. 🥰

[@jeffreycharles5035]

This might be one of my favorite videos you have done! Definitely added some of these to my list for my next trip!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@jimbo3860]

This was an excellent video, thank-you! Would love to see more about classic Vegas, maybe some of Dale's memories of the old properties. Keep up the good work!

[@paulamckenzie]

We do try to fit those in, when it makes sense. He also did a tour of his office/studio some time back, and talked about all the 8x10s on the wall.

[@Sbonsall68]

Hey guys! Great video. For the sign you don’t need to stand in line. There are many good angles from the side. Bring a friend to take the picture and I’m certain you will get a good one.

[@franklapinski1178]

Great job as always about vintage Vegas will visit some of them and going to the golden steer and billions steak house in sept ❤

[@yvettekelley2155]

Love you guys. Excited to watch this episode❤

[@Buns1172]

Thanks for a great video 👏👏. It has stimulated my interest in classic Las Vegas ❤️❤️

[@kathleenbrenner6296]

If I had a time machine I would absolutely go to Vegas how it was

[@paulamckenzie]

Right? So would we...sigh... 🥰

[@DTejano214]

Another great video Dale & Paula! Keep em coming 😊

[@carrieharris9479]

Wonderful video 😊❤

[@christopherlanza7752]

we really as always love your videos!!... this one was great..love the Vegas history

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you for watching, Chris & Dott! 🥰

[@davidberryman9688]

This was a very interesting video. It's always a treat to see the "Old Vegas" and you certainly didn't miss the mark with this production. You had my undivided attention all the way through this presentation with your detailed narrative and outstanding videography. Thanks for putting this together, I am definitely going to keep this one in my favourites so I can satisfy my nostalgic appetite. Looking very much forward to your next masterpiece. :)

[@bonniedavis7498]

What a great video! Thanks for all your work on this, I learned so much and I want to come to Vegas, and just do those things! ❤ you guys

[@brandonkock]

Those are called pulled tabs. All the bars in Indiana have them. They range from .25 cents to 5.00 for 1. Most you can win is 599.00.

[@paulamckenzie]

So fun! I just loved them - the guy who was giving them out has a box of thousands, dated back from the 1970s.

[@marleneroberts2257]

Thank you, loved this video! 👍🏻

[@meetmarty4472]

One of your best vids!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you so much!

[@user-zu2ge9vs6y]

I want more carpet joints

[@cjs3844]

Another great video you two. Looking forward to the next one! Coming out in a few weeks to the Venetian! Can’t wait.

[@kims1941]

Great job as always!

[@evelincristiana5594]

From brazil.no speak inglês.I lovers your.

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you so much for watching us, from Brazil! ❤

[@emazonreviews6269]

First!! Dale and Paula we will be in Vegas 7/8-7/10 can I offer you two a “mocktail”? Great video as usual

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you so much for the lovely offer! We have a lot going on next week already, so I'm not sure we can make that happen. 🥰

[@soulbasedliving]

Not old yet but worth your time is the restaurant in the Paris resort Eiffel tower. It has it's own elevator. Reservation strongly suggested. The food good but the ambients and the service is even better. Dress up or don't tell them Spanda sent you

[@paulamckenzie]

Can you believe we have never dined at Eiffel Tower Restaurant? We have a gift card from some lovely viewers for it though - we just have to get over there!

[@tompmcneil]

If you have time to kill at the airport, there are well curated displays of aviation history in Las Vegas. Very retro...

[@paulamckenzie]

You are right, and we have visited that little "museum" many times while waiting for flights.

[@trixie9867]

🐾

[@franklapinski1178]

Just a suggestion since a lot of movies featured last Vegas can you do a video of 5or 10 spots where a movie was made and then we can visit on a stay in Vegas. Thanks frank from Connecticut

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Good idea - we will add it to our list of topics 😊

[@franklapinski1178]

Do you have any hats for sale

[@terrirobinson3876]

Have y'all been to Battista's Hole in the Wall? I know that is old school Vegas.

[@paulamckenzie]

We actually had plans to visit there a couple times, but something came up each time and we had to postpone. So...no, we actually haven't. Other folks also recommend Casa di Amore...we will have to do a video about Italian eateries!

[@terrirobinson3876]

@@paulamckenzie I had the save problem. We has reservations and the shut down messed it all up.

[@MikeTheVegasGuy]

You say Oscar's isn't old in years, but only the makeover to Oscar's is new. I remember over 20 years ago when it was "Center Stage" and it was absolutely a legendary old Vegas restaurant! I do miss the old restaurant over the new makeover, but the dining room is still the same!

[@paulamckenzie]

Yep, absolutely, you are right!

[@TheVictorCruz]

Pro Tip You dont have to stand in line at the Welcome To Vegas sign. Theres a line, yes. But youre not forced to do it. Juat walk around them and take as many pics as you want. People get dupped into stabding lin line. Lol.

[@paulamckenzie]

Yes of course, we know this - we thought about mentioning it, but decided it would take away from the punchline. But, for folks who are visiting, and want that stand-directly-in-front-of-it-by-ourselves photo, they kind of have to stand in the line.

[@jc2333]

Mirage is gone soon. The strip ain’t classic now . I saw you two at the mirage in June.

[@lindamemo5224]

I was 12 my first visit in 1972. I remember the old strip. Circus circus was the only place we were allowed into. That gorilla woman scared us to death. Cups full of quarters. We couldn’t be on the floor at all. My brother was stationed out at Indian Springs before he left for Taiwan.