We are barely two months into the new year, and there is already another club closing that has been announced on the Las Vegas Strip. Sources say ROK Vegas at the New York-New York Resort will be closing as of April 1, 2012.

To be honest, this isn’t really a shock. It’s been open for many years and has gotten to that point in the Vegas nightlife scene where it wasn’t drawing in the huge crowds any more.

That’s not to say it didn’t have its good points, including free champagne for ladies from 11-midnight, and a terrace with a great view of the Strip. But it also had its bad points like expensive drinks. Even the water was $5, regardless of if it was bottled or tap. The co-ed bathroom was also an incredibly stupid idea.

At any rate, the source also tells me that the resort plans a quick turn around of the space and it looks like it may become some sort of live performance venue. Whether that is music or some headliner show theater wasn’t exactly clear. Plans are for this new venue to open sometime late spring/early summer 2012.

In the meantime, you can still have a lot of fun at some of resort’s still open venues like Coyote Ugly, Nine Irishmen and Pour 24.

ROK Vegas was a spin-off of the popular Miami club, RokBar Miami, which has also closed.

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ROK Vegas
New York-New York Resort
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-740-6969
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[Image courtesy of ROK Vegas]

Vegas is know to offer some exotic experiences so if you’re looking for an out of the ordinary trip experience in the notorious desert, then the lounge/bar experience in Las Vegas, give the Lady Silvia a try.

First thing you should know is that it can be hard to find. It’s north of downtown, in the Soho Lofts building, near Heritage Park. There’s no sign outside and even though the address says it’s on S. Las Vegas Blvd, the actual entrance is on Hoover Ave., going towards 4th St. You’ll find off-street parking at 4th and Hoover.

Inside, the decor resembles a library, complete with books on the wall. There are a few areas to sit, but the staff hates it when larger groups try to rearrange the furniture. I would say the whole place comes off as a prohibition-era speakeasy.

Music is provided nightly by a DJ with the sound leaning towards house, and they also sometimes hold special events like art and fashion shows.

This vibe extends to the bar menu. Basically, they do simple drinks like scotch on the rocks, classic martinis, Manhattans and the like. Surprisingly, the brew menu has quite a few microbrews, as well as a few of the usual suspects.

Prices are a bit on the high side, but no more than you’d find anywhere else on The Strip. You can save a bit by visiting during their daily happy hour, from 4pm-6pm, and their mid-week reverse happy hour (Tuesday through Thursday from 11pm-1am), when drinks are half-off.

Lady Silvia opens daily at 3pm and, in a rarity for Vegas, is smoke free.

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The Lady Silvia
900 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89101
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[Image courtesy of The Lady Silvia]

There are plenty of locations throughout Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, to grab a drink (except for the Magic Kingdom, which doesn’t sell any alcohol). Some people even make a game out of “drinking around the World” at Epcot.

But you may not be aware that you can actually buy sample flights, too. These are perfect to share with a friend, or when you want to try a few things without committing to a full glass of something.

The Rose and Crown at Epcot’s United Kingdom pavillion has one of my favorite beer samplers. The “Imperial Sampler” offers up a taste of Bass, Harp, Strongbow Cider, Boddington’s and Guinness.

If you don’t want to pay to get into Epcot, Raglan Road at Downtown Disney has a similar sampler, with tastes of Harp, Guinness, Smithwicks and Kilkenny. Big River Brewery at the Boardwalk resort also has a great sampler of their microbrews, ranging from a pilsner to a dark lager.

Whiskey fans will want to try the Canadian whiskey sampler available at Le Cellier in Epcot’s Canadian pavillion. It features 3/4oz. pours of Pendleton, 40 Creek, and Crown Royal.

On the other side of the entry to Epcot’s world showcase is Mexico, where you can purchase sampler flights of both tequila and margaritas. Both are yummy!

Vino fans can enjoy a sampler of red or white vintages in Epcot’s French pavillion at Les Vins de France, and also at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s restaurants.

Prices vary according to what you order and where.

Do you have a favorite flight or sampler that you order at Walt Disney World? Let us know what and where.

[Image courtesy of Michelle Snow]

Thodos Dance Chicago

The winter season is never quite complete without Thodos Dance Chicago’s annual winter concert. The vibrant contemporary dance troupe consistently delivers exciting and fresh choreography but  this season’s show commemorates the company’s 20th anniversary so expect an extra special performance. Read More »