Laughlin: Nevada's Riverside Gem

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yur wel-kuhm]
• Thank youThanks
  [thangks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pahr-dun mee/my bad]
• How are you?How's it goin'?
  [hows it go-in]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [eye dohnt get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out the men-yoo]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [eye dohnt doh meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up
  [eye-em red-ee too set-ul up]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Beat it!
  [beet it]
• Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [get the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [eye-em turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' off
  [eye-em feel-in off]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna pick up...
  [eye wah-nuh pick up]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wuts the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [thats uh bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya knock it down?
  [kan yuh nok it down]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [wuts the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-dey]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-or-uh]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-un]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?Where's it at?
  [wheres it at]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kan yuh point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next one (bus)?
  [whens the next one bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh ticket to]

Long before Laughlin became a bustling resort town, the area was inhabited by the Mojave people. They thrived along the Colorado River, utilizing its resources for farming, fishing, and transportation. The Mojave were known for their intricate trade networks spanning across the Southwest, long before European explorers set foot in the region.

In the 18th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the area, followed by Mexican settlers after Mexico gained independence in 1821. Although the Spanish and Mexican presence in the Laughlin area was not as prominent as in other parts of Nevada, their influence marked the beginning of European interest in the Colorado River Valley.

Following the Mexican-American War in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded the area to the United States. The U.S. Army established Fort Mohave in 1859, just south of present-day Laughlin, to protect settlers and travelers from Native American attacks. The fort played a significant role in the military campaigns against the Mojave people and in maintaining control over the region.

The discovery of gold and other minerals in the mid-19th century brought an influx of prospectors to the Colorado River Valley. Steamboats became a vital means of transporting goods and people along the river. The steamboat era peaked from the 1860s to the 1880s, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the area that would become Laughlin.

Laughlin as we know it today began to take shape in the 1960s when Don Laughlin, a casino owner from Minnesota, saw the potential of the area. In 1966, he purchased a small eight-room motel and expanded it into what is now the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino. The success of his venture spurred the growth of other casinos and hotels, transforming Laughlin into a popular tourist destination.

The 1980s marked a period of rapid growth for Laughlin. New casinos and resorts sprang up along the Colorado River, attracting tourists with their vibrant entertainment options and scenic river views. The construction of the Laughlin Bridge in 1987 connected Laughlin, Nevada, to Bullhead City, Arizona, further boosting the town's accessibility and appeal.

Today, Laughlin is known for its lively casinos, annual events, and outdoor recreational activities. The town hosts popular events like the Laughlin River Run, a motorcycle rally that draws thousands of visitors each year. With its rich history and unique location along the Colorado River, Laughlin continues to be a beloved destination for travelers seeking entertainment and adventure.

Laughlin is located in the southern tip of Nevada, near the borders of California and Arizona. The closest major airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, approximately 95 miles north. From there, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use a bus service to Laughlin. Another option is to fly into Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, which offers limited flights from certain U.S. cities.

Laughlin is a relatively small town, making it easy to navigate. Most of the casinos and attractions are located along the Laughlin Strip and are within walking distance of each other. For longer trips, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available. There is also a local bus service, the River City Shuttle, which operates between key locations in Laughlin and Bullhead City. Renting a car can offer more flexibility if you plan to explore surrounding areas.

The official currency in Laughlin is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, casinos, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in casino areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or tips. Traveler's checks are not commonly used but can be cashed at major hotels and banks.

Laughlin is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, especially in casino areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Laughlin is serviced by local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergencies, the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City is the nearest hospital, just a short drive across the river. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, especially in the hot desert climate. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting religious sites, although Laughlin is primarily known for its entertainment and casino culture. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local shuttle services. Don't leave your personal belongings unattended. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Handshakes are common, especially in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local and casino buffets. Don't be shy to ask for recommendations from locals. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the desert climate.

To experience Laughlin like a local, consider visiting local diners and cafes away from the main casino strip. Take a leisurely walk along the Colorado River on the Laughlin Riverwalk. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insider tips. Don't miss a riverboat tour on the Colorado River for stunning views. If you visit in April, check out the Laughlin River Run, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the western United States.