As an active traveler to various casinos around the East Coast, I have found that some of the ones that “stand alone” make for a better weekend getaway in comparison to multi-casino areas. I have been to the larger, more broad attractions, such as Atlantic City. However, it seems that from being anxious to see as many casinos as possible during a weekend visit, it became more busy than enjoyable.
Mountaineer Gaming Resort and Race Track is the perfect solution for a weekend getaway for folks on the East Coast. Located in a smaller West Virginia town is a huge casino, resort and hotel, entertainment theater and a seperate facility for the horse racing. Currently, within the main casino, there are quite a few dining areas to accomodate everyone. You have the “fancy” steak house, which costs about $40 (at the least) for a plate, but is a great choice to spoil that special someone. You have the marketplace with is a basic sandwich and pretzel joint located in the heart of the casino. There is the famous buffets which you see in almost every casiono, and lastly the “Great Gatsby” which is a typical restaurants with a romantic atmospher, but less costly prices.
With over 300 hotel rooms and food accomodations to suit everyone’s needs, there are also spa stores and spa activities that make for some nice family activities. With a long weekend planned, it is the perfect time to get yourself that facial and massage before you hit the slot machines. If this is a family oriented vacation, there are plenty of activities over the weekends, in the “Harv”, such as professional boxing matches, concerts, comedy acts (just recently Howie Mandell was the performer), and the $10,000 big time bingo. Did I mention the large Luxurious Pool peeking out from the casino windows? Room service is also a must.
In most cases, if you are visiting a gaming resort, you are there to test out the gambling facilities. Not only are there live horse races and a seperate casino on the “track side”, but you will find that the Mountaineer casion is rather large, as if it were part of the Atlantic City Strip. Currently, Slot machines and horse betting are the only means of gambling at the resort, but within the next month, table games will be added to both facilities. These will include all of your Vegas favorites, to complete the total casino effect. With 1000’s of slot machines, million dollar progressives, horse betting, live entertainment and money giveaways, and the newest addition of table games, Mountaineer has raised the bar for it’s East Coast competitors. Although Celine Dion may not be performing in the master ballroom, this Casino is not too shabby for being located in a State, less known for being casino friendly. This is one I definately recommend to anyone who enjoys to gamble, and besides, you just never know when you will see “Elvis” jump on stage and rock the house (Celine Dion becomes easily forgotten).
