Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

ANTIQUES 241
describes her store as a place where “gamblers, writers, researchers, statisticians, and
computer specialists can meet and exchange information.” On request, knowledgeable
clerks provide on-the-spot expert advice on handicapping the ponies and
other aspects of sports betting. The store’s motto is “knowledge is protection.”
Open Monday through Saturday from 9am until 5pm; closed Sunday. 630 S. 11th St.
(just off Charleston Blvd.). & 800/522-1777 or 702/382-7555. www.gamblersbook.com.
Gamblers General Store A gambler’s paradise stocked with a massive book
collection, both antique and current slot machines, gaming tables (blackjack,
craps, and so on), roulette wheels, collectible chips, casino dice, classic Vegas photos,
and a ton of gaming-related souvenirs. Open daily from 9am to 5pm. 800 S.
Main St. (Downtown). & 800/322-2447 or 702/382-9903. www.gamblersgeneralstore.com.
COMIC BOOKS
Alternate Reality Comics The best place in Vegas for all your comic-book
needs. They have a nearly comprehensive selection, with a heavy emphasis on
underground comics. But don’t worry—the superheroes are here too. Open
Monday through Saturday from 11am until 7pm, Sunday from noon to 6pm.
4800 S. Maryland Pkwy. & 702/736-3673. http://altrealitycomics.com/NewFiles/home.html.
7 Candy
M&M World Kids What can one do when faced with a wall of M&Ms in
colors never before seen by man or woman (black! white! gray!)? Overpriced? Yeah!
Who cares? There are doodads galore, replete with the M&M logo, and a surprisingly
enjoyable short film and comedy routine, ostensibly about the “history” of
the candy, but really just a cute little adventure with a decent budget behind it.
Open Sunday through Thursday from 9am until midnight, Friday and Saturday
from 9am until 1am. In the Showcase Mall, 3785 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (just north of the MGM
Grand Hotel). & 702/736-7611.
8 Antiques
Antiques in Vegas? You mean really old slot machines, or the people playing the
really old slot machines?
Actually, Vegas has quite a few antiques stores—nearly two dozen—of consistent
quality and price, nearly all located within a few blocks of each other. We have one
friend, someone who takes interior design very seriously, who comes straight to
Vegas for most of her best finds (you should see her antique chandelier collection!).
To get to this antiquing mecca, start in the middle of the 1600 block of East
Charleston Boulevard and keep driving east. The little stores, nearly all in old
houses dating from the ’30s, line each side of the street. Or you can stop in at Silver
Horse Antiques, 1651 E. Charleston Blvd. (& 702/385-2700), and pick up
a map to almost all of the locations, with phone numbers and hours of operation.
Antique Sampler Shoppes Head here for everything under one roof. More
than 200 small antiques shops sell their wares in this mall, which offers a diversity
of antiques ranging from exquisite Indian bird cages to Star Wars memorabilia (let’s
not call those sorts of items “antiques” but rather “nostalgia”). Changing selections
mean they can never guarantee what will be available, but you can probably count
on antique clothing and shoes, lamps, silver, decorative plates and china, old
sewing machines, antique furniture, and ’50s prom dresses. The displays are well
labeled and well laid out, making it easy to take in all the antiques. The oldest
antiques are from the mid-1800s and range in price from $100 to $4,000. Open