If you are looking for a quick reconnect with your spouse or just a family weekend then Laughlin, Nevada is a spectacular choice. Just a couple hours out down from Las Vegas sits a gold mine of hotels, food, and fun all along the beautiful Colorado River. There are many attractions, special events, and entertainment for a romantic couple or a budget conscious family.

This was our second trip to Laughlin where we stayed at the famous Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino. We chose to have a room facing the river. One bit of confusion was that we thought we had reserved a room with a window that could open and had a balcony. The room we ended up with was a room that faced the river, but a window that could not be opened. The room was a bit stuffy and if you are a smoker than you will have no choice but to smoke in the room. Besides the window, the room was decent, clean, but could use a bigger coffee maker.

First on our list was walking through the classic car collection featuring more than 80 rare and historic automobiles. We found our way around the casino, but really wanted to get a view of the river. It was later in the evening when we arrived, so the sun was setting and the temperature was chilly. At night the river seems to flow so softly and slowly which is very tranquil and relaxing. We just enjoyed the sound of the river and let the romantic mood set in. To end the night, we ate at the Prime Rib Loft where you have an open salad and potato bar. It was a combination of buffet and then you get served your prime rib.

The next morning we ate at the buffet which was a bargain with many delicious choices. We again walked along the river walk, but this time noticed how fast the river was moving. In the day, the river looks a bit more forceful. In the summer months, the river is full of people on jet skis, boats, and rafts. There are many swimming areas marked for swimmers. We sat and watched the river taxi which makes its way down or across the river taking people from one casino to another. It is a bit mesmerizing watching the taxi continually cross back and forth on the river.

We decided to take a river tour on the U.S.S. Riverside which sails under Laughlin Bridge to Davis Dam. The captain narrated while in route about the history of Laughlin, the specifics of the river, and other personal anecdotes. The views were wonderful and being able to see how much Laughlin has grown since the last visit was interesting. We noticed a Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant and even an Outback which we both love steak so it was easy to decide where dinner was going to be. The river tour was close to an hour and a half, so we soaked up some sun, learned a little, and jut enjoyed the rocking of the boat as we sailed down the river.

We had one of the best steaks ever at the Outback restaurant in the Aquarius Casino Resort. We were able to get a table quickly, but on the way out we noticed that there was a huge line which means that others know how good the food and service is at this restaurant. Our server, Brandy Zimmerman, was friendly and very fast with taking our order, bringing out our drinks and appetizer. We had to have the bloomin’ onion. She also was quick with the salads. Just as we were finishing the onion, our steaks arrived and with just one bite we both melted back into our seats. The seasoning and the steak was cooked to medium perfection. Juan Magdaleno cooked the steak and we both had to let the manager know just how wonderfully he had made our meal. As we talked with Kenny Robinson, FOH manager, we mentioned that we were visiting because of our anniversary he explained that they not only celebrate birthdays, but anniversaries too. We were treated to a ice cream dessert which was just sweet enough to make the whole meal perfect. As we walked back to the Riverside, we both could not stop talking about that mouth-watering steak.

We left that Sunday feeling very refreshed. It was a weekend away that really allowed us to reconnect as a couple while reminding each other that we need to relax and rejuvenate. Laughlin is a nice trip because it is not too far to drive, it is really a nice place, and really works with your budget. If you are looking for a quick get away then Laughlin is the place to visit.