Picture this: You walk through the doors of a restaurant and your ears are greeted by the sounds of the classic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The decor resembles “Hell House,” the structure in the backwoods of Northern Florida where the band first developed their sound.

You order from a menu heavy with down home cooking and Texas-style BBQ before heading over to the bar to imbibe a few shots of Jack Daniels.

Well, soon, you won’t have to just imagine it. You can actually do it.

Classic rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd are partnering with Drive This! Entertainment to open the band’s first branded concept restaurant and bar at the Excalibur Resort in Las Vegas.  DTE are the people behind several other Vegas venues like RHUMBAR and Tacos & Tequila.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, as it will be called, is set to open in the former location of the resort’s Sherwood Cafe.

In addition to the restaurant area, there will be a Jack Daniel’s bar that offer an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon, as well as a wide assortment of beers on tap and by the bottle, including Texas favorites Shiner Bock and Lone Star.

There will also be a retail shop with a daiquiri bar for those that can’t handle their liquor in a straight shot.

Towards the evening, the restaurant area will transform into a late night rock club, complete with a cover band cranking out Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes, along with other classic rock tracks. According to sources, the band will make occasional appearances on the stage, as well. Expect lots of loud drunken requests for “Freebird.”

With several other musician-backed venues on the Strip, like Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, this does have a good chance of being a hit. Also helpful is that Dick’s Last Resort, another rowdy restaurant/bar located in the Excalibur, appeals to a similar blue-collar demographic not interested in expensive nightclubs.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer has a roughly scheduled opening date of Fall 2011. I’m hoping it’ll be open in September so I can check it out when I’m there.

What do you think? Is this a place you would visit on your next trip to Vegas?

[Photo courtesy of RoadRunner Records]

Flowers and chocolate are nice for Valentine’s Day, but sometimes you need a little mood enhancing – if you know what I mean. So if you happen to find yourself getting romantic in Las Vegas this February 14th (or any day, for that matter), here are the shows that will add a little sizzle to your evening:

The Chippendales at The Rio

The most well-known of the male reviews, and for good reason – these guys are hot and…well, they’re hot. If gorgeous men dancing and disrobing heats you up, go see The Chippendales. Tickets are $39.95 and $49.95 and g-string tips are extra. You can watch a teaser video of all the shirt ripping action at The Rio website.

[Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment]

Jubilee! at Bally’s

It doesn’t get any more old school Vegas than this. This is the classic topless showgirl revue that helped put the city on the map. The costumes are elaborate and the headpieces can weigh up to 35 pounds, but the ladies go all out in the name of entertainment. And for those who aren’t ready for topless, the 7:30pm show on Saturdays is fully clothed for families. Tickets are $57.50 to $117.50.

[Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment]

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris

The theater is small and intimate and while the ladies parade around topless and in very skimpy bottoms, it’s classy and tasteful. The show uses lighting effects and well-choreographed dance routines to inject an artsy feel to the fun. Get a taste of the show at the MGM Grand website.  Tickets are $50.50 and $60.50.

[Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International]

Thunder From Down Under at Excalibur

This is my favorite of the city’s adult shows for two reasons. First, all the performers are from Australia and New Zealand (hello accents!) and second, there’s no tipping of the dancers. These hot and sexy men work for the door. They also welcome couples of any gender, and as one married man told me, “It’s a win-win! My wife thinks I’m the greatest guy for bringing her to this and then she gets all excited and comes back to the room with me.”  If that’s not a hot night out, I don’t know what is. Tickets are $40.95 and $50.95. They also have a teaser video on their website.

[Photo courtesy of Thunder from Down Under]

Zumanity at New York-New York

I’ll be honest, Zumanity is not for the easily shocked. This Cirque du Soleil show explores the different realms of sexuality through stunning imagery, aerialists, comical vignettes and sultry dancing. There’s no topic off limits and each of the performers are unique in their personalities and appearances, promoting the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Make sure to book a sofa for two if you want to cuddle during the show. Tickets are $75.90 to $141.90.

[Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil]

If you are planning on being in Sin City for Valentine’s Day this year, make sure you take advantage of the specials and promotions at some Vegas hotels.