Hmmnow that doesnt sound right. I thought it was Viva Las Vegas? Well, I have a feeling Elvis would be changing his tune if he could see Cross Lanes interpretation of Las Vegas: The Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center (www.tristateracetrack.com)or as the locals would saythe track.
A ten minute drive from downtown Charleston, WV youll find the track in Cross Lanes, WVor as I like to call itthe Las Vegas of West Virginia. For you Charlestonians looking for a staycation weekend getaway, but dont have the money to travelthe track offers the perfect opportunity to stay home, yet feel like youre on vacation. A Vegas vacation! OK, well, maybe not exactly like a Vegas vacationbut the poor mans Vegas vacation. There are many people who travel from out of state to come to the track as welland, why not? Its a great place for a weekend getaway.
The minute you walk through the newly expanded track you see why Im calling Cross Lanes the Las Vegas of West Virginia. Now, I dont mean the entire city of Cross Lanesyou cant carry youre alcoholic beverages down the street in Cross Lanes. The key to budget travel is to plan in front. When it happens to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the actuality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our thoughts. Arranging and expending our travel budget carefully is a concern for most families. Reducing consuming and charges, while still taking pleasure in your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured achievement and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding protecting money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal finances is incredibly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, regardless of whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel expenses!. Let me rephrase that. You cant LEGALLY carry your alcoholic beverages down the street in Cross Lanes. But Im actually referring to the track itself when I say the Las Vegas of West Virginia. From the sights, sounds and even smellsyes, the smellsthose that have been to a Vegas casino know what Im talking aboutits a distinctive casino smell.
Anytime Ive been to the track, Ive always associated it with the casinos of Vegas. With the huge assortment of slot machines and table games, its hard not to think of Vegasthe lights, the bells, the money hitting the traythe false confidence in believing you are going to hit it big tonight.
Mama needs a new pair of shoes!
Now I know what youre thinking, why would an article about gambling be in the budget section? Well, as Ive always believed and as you will find from reading my other articles, just because youre on a budget doesnt mean you have to refrain from lifes little pleasures, you just have to be smart and creative about it.
With the recent addition of table games, you truly do get the Vegas experience. You can play just about any table gameblackjack, craps, roulette, poker and more. My budget conscious suggestion when it comes to playing table gameswell, the table games that require skill, would be to go and play on a Friday or Saturday evening. Most of the time, during the day or during the week, you have your more, well say professional players, who know what they are doing so you will likely not have very much luck and therefore will lose very much money. This isnt only from personal experience, but from friends experiences as well.
The slot machines are always a favorite. A wide selection of nickel machines at the track cater to the financially challenged who feel that a whole quarter each time you pull the handle is, well, just extravagant. I know you always hear that the slots on the end of the aisles are programmed to pay out as a way of attracting people to those machines, but that is honestly just a bunch of crap. My personal method of finding the best slot machine to playjust walk up and down the aisles until one calls to you. My instincts havent let me down yet, nor have they made me a millionairebut, I havent lost my shirt and I have had fun, so that is what is important. And every once in a while, the nickel machines can pay out a good sum of cash!
Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink
OooI think I just found some water! One important tip I have to pass on. Always be on the lookout as youre walking around the casino for dropped cash. Ive found several $10 and $20 bills this way! Now, dont be greedyif you see it actually fall out of someones pocket, pick it up and give it back. Youd expect the same from anyone else. But, if no rightful owner is in sightcongratulationsyoure the new rightful owner.
Down on your luck?
If youre not having very much luck at the tables or the slots, take a minute and visit one of the many bars in the track. Just dont double down. Im not suggesting you drink your troubles away, but I am suggesting you take a minute and rethink your strategywhether it is to keep on trying or walk away.
Dont forget to eat!
The track has several restaurants to pick from in the facility. The French Quarter Restaurant offers up a little romance for those wanting to dine in a more formal candlelight atmosphere. The French Quarter even has a seafood buffet on Friday nightshow Vegas is that? Caf Orleans or Crescent City offers a nice spot for a quick snack. First Turn restaurant offers a unique view for those wanting to watch the greyhound dogs race as they have dinner. Now personally, Ive never eaten at First Turn, simply because Im not a fan of keeping these dogs in captivity solely for the purpose of racing. I think its cruel. So, you wont find me betting on the dogs either, which you can do at the track as wellthats sort of why its called the track. But, anyway, since I dont bet on the dogsI certainly cant give you suggestions on this aspect of the trackalthough, I dont know that anyone couldI think its just about luck.
The tracks restaurants are not super expensive, but if youre looking for more money in your pocket to use slot machines, then you could choose from any of the other restaurants in the Cross Lanes areaselections range from your typical fast food choices (pick Fazolis if youre going this routeHELLO unlimited breadsticks!) to your more casual dining restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, or TGI Fridays.
A place to rest your poker face
If youre looking for a hotel to stay at for your staycation or vacation, there are many inexpensive options in the Cross Lanes area to choose from. The track is in the process of building a resort hotel, but unfortunately, its not quite done yethang in there a little longer until construction is completed and you wont have to leave the property to rest your head after a long day of gambling. This will come in handy if youve been partaking in any of the alcoholic beverages at one of the many bars inside the track too. My thoughts are that the hotel at the track will likely not be very budget friendly, but I could be wrong, so the other inexpensive options in the Cross Lanes area may be a better option for you budget conscious individuals. My two picks for hotels in the Cross Lanes area are Sleep Inn and Comfort Inn.
And who says Vegas has to be expensive?
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