Travel Tuesday: Casino getaways for the non-gambler
By Tracy Gavant
Casino getaways offer much more than gambling, providing the perfect weekend of fun and relaxation.
Planning weekend getaways can be a challenge; everyone wants to make the most of their reprieve from the stress of daily life. A spa weekend is great to unwind and get pampered but there’s no nightlife and girls also want to have FUN!
To tox or detox, that is the question. You don’t have to make that difficult choice. Casino getaways offer something for everyone.
Las Vegas getaways offer the ultimate playground, with celebrity chef restaurants, luxe brand shopping, and top name entertainment. There’s even fine art collections. And plenty of pampering. Luxury hotels like the Mandarin Oriental offer a full spa, and there’s a Canyon Ranch Spa club in The Venetian.
But the East Coast casinos are impressive getaways as well, with many centrally located between Boston and New York, making them the perfect destination.
Here are some places we think are worth visiting:
Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT pretty much has it all. Their 10,000 seat Mohegan Sun Arena attracts headliners like Jay Z and Bon Jovi, top comedy acts and premier sporting events. In fact, Billboard Magazine ranks them one of the top venues in the world.
They have two spas: Elemis Spa and the new Indonesian Mandara Spa. Shopping? There’s a Sephora and Dylan’s Candy Bar — need we say more? They are even family friendly, with an indoor pool, Kid Quest camp and a Cyber Quest arcade. There are accommodations for different tastes. Furthermore, the main Sky Tower is designed in traditional luxury, while the newly built Earth Tower offers quieter, more contemporary accommodations and an outdoor lounge with fire pits.
Wildflowers at The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino
Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY has a golf academy, tennis and a variety of dining options ranging from the award-winning TS Steakhouse and Wildflowers restaurants to country music and BBQ at The Tin Rooster.
The Lodge is a serene, modern Forbes 4-star property that also houses a spa, featuring healing Native American-inspired spa treatments.
SKaNa Spa at Turning Stone Resort&Casino
Related Story: SpaWeek offers $50 spa services nationwide
Now in its 25th year, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT has 7 casinos, celebrity chef restaurants, 25 luxury boutiques, and hip nightclubs, offering enough temptation to get into some serious trouble. They also have a luxury bowling lounge, top-notch golf course and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum — yes, some culture too!
Bonus tip: Since they all want their guests to stay and gamble, there are usually deals on accommodations. Perhaps use your savings at The Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, or you can always try your hand at any of the casinos while you’re there.
Hey, when in Rome …