An opportunity recently came to our attention; an award winning home in East Hampton is available for the Thanksgiving and Christmas/ New Year’s holidays. While the area is known as a summer getaway for New Yorkers, insiders know the holiday season is truly magical on the East-End of Long Island.

The summer car traffic in East Hampton is replaced by window shoppers on foot. The shops and restaurants are decorated in the finest holiday fashion yet there is a serene calmness as locals and weekenders enjoy the crisp ocean breezes and the flat winter light which brought so many artists to the East End. Days are spent strolling along the quaint streets.

During the evening hours, dinner in town or maybe a supper at home and relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace. Be your own Barefoot Contessa and try some of Ina Garten’s recipes where they were created and conceived.  Need some “big-city excitement, hop on an LIRR Train or Hampton Jitney and spend the day in Manhattan (see NYC blog)

May we suggest Whale Rock House as your holiday getaway in the Hamptons. With three bedrooms on one level, all generations of the family are welcome. The expansive living room with fireplace will be the gathering place for family and friends.

For the chef, the gourmet kitchen will entice even the most jaded cook to consider roasting a turkey or glazing the ham for the holidays. Cooks, head into East Hampton for some local produce while the rest of the family plays touch-football in the yard. Before dinner, maybe a sunset walk on the beach.

In last week’s edition of this newsletter we profiled our Las Vegas Mini Castle one of the most palatial, unique and in-demand vacation home rentals in the Las Vegas area. The unique gated compound offering guests up to 31,000 SF of living space with 36 guest bedrooms (sleeps 60) and 44 bathrooms is sure to impress. We anticipate increased demand during the Fall, Winter and Spring Convention Season from those searching for an upgrade from the “hotel scene” including private pool, hot tub, expansive outdoor entertaining options and true luxury interiors rivaling the finest hotel offerings.

Yet, we know Las Vegas is not all business and gaming. While many have heard of the art galleries at The Bellagio, the shopping arcade at The Wynn and so forth, we have uncovered a unique opportunity to experience the heyday of Las Vegas.

Located approximately one mile north of Fremont Street is The Neon Museum and their “collection” known as the Boneyard. The Boneyard is a treasure trove of vintage Las Vegas (from the 1940’s to the present) documented via the many signs salvaged from the wrecking ball.

The collection of signs is literally a history lesson concerning Las Vegas marketing and glitz which continues to this day. The tour guides from The Neon Museum take small groups though the Boneyard highlighting the many famous signs and adding historical facts.  The admission is $15.00 per person and is well-worth the cost. The Neon Museum is working on the development of a permanent reception building and restoration of some of the signs. One sign which has been restored (Hacienda Horse and Rider) can be seen at the intersection of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. Plans call for restored signs to line Las Vegas Boulevard from downtown to The Neon Museum. Restored signs will also be at the site of the museum.

Reservations are a must for the tours and should be reserved in advance. The Neon Museum can be reached at 702.387 NEON (6366). The office is open Tuesday – Friday, 11AM to 5PM.