My Web site, Vegas4Visitors.com is celebrating its fifth anniversary in September by releasing the results of the 2003 Readers' Poll. This week, readers choose their favorite restaurants, buffets and nightclubs.

We received thousands of votes from nearly every state in the United States, plus Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, and Spain! Thank you to everyone who took the time to cast a vote.

Best Show

Las Vegas has come a long way since the days of cheesy magic acts and topless variety shows. There are still plenty of those around, but in 2003 some of the most exciting, entertaining and imaginative entertainment is happening right on the Strip. Our readers voted in droves to choose the shows they thought were the best.

1. "Mystere" -- 20 percent. When it debuted a decade ago, "Mystere" changed the face of Las Vegas entertainment forever and influenced virtually every show that has come and gone since then. With its unique blend of avante garde theater and circus spectacle, "Mystere" managed to beat down newer, more extravagant competitors for the title for the second year in a row.

2. Blue Man Group -- 17.5 percent. Yeah, it's weird. But Las Vegas was a town built on weird, so it's no surprise this show has captured the attention it has. Three mute, bald, blue-headed aliens explore the oddities of contemporary life through a series of sketches and create strangely compelling music with household items. Leave your preconceptions about what theater should look like and prepare to be entertained.

3. "O" by Cirque du Soleil -- 13 percent. Take all the stuff that made sister show "Mystere" such a hit and put it in, on, and above a giant water tank and you have "O," one of the grandest spectacles anywhere in the world. The acrobatic aquatics are breathtaking, as are the visual theatrics throughout. I agree -- it's not as good as "Mystere," but it definitely deserves a spot near the top.

4. Danny Gans -- 6 percent. The master vocal impressionist can make himself sound like virtually any singer, comedian or star you can name with an almost eerie precision. Throw in a strong blend of humor and a fast-paced show, and it's easy to see why Gans is an audience favorite.

5. Celine Dion -- 4 percent. You have to give her credit. After only a few months of performing, she managed to beat out Siegfried and Roy, Wayne Newton, topless showgirls, and almost every other Vegas institution out there for a spot in the top 5 of your favorite shows. You probably have to be a fan to really enjoy her show. If you are, it's absolutely the best Celine Dion concert you'll ever see.

Best Attraction 2003

Tigers, volcanoes, roller-coasters, dancing fountains, dazzling light shows, sharks, museums ... how is it possible to choose a favorite among the almost mind-boggling array of things to do in Las Vegas? Our readers found a way and picked the attractions they think are best.

1. Bellagio fountain show -- 53 percent. As you may have noticed in the results listed so far, there hasn't been too much overwhelming agreement from the readers. For anything to get more than 25 percet of any vote is spectacular, so the fact that more than half of the voters declared the Bellagio fountain shows as their favorite attraction is really saying something. I understand why. No matter how many times you see this evocative water, light, and sound show, it still impresses.

2. Fremont Street Experience -- 12 percent. A four-block-long canopy of dazzling lights hovers three stories above Fremont Street, turning Glitter Gulch into a spectacle worthy of the no. 2 spot on our list. It's being redone with even more powerful lights, sounds, and graphics, so I wouldn't be surprised to see its percentage go up next year.

3. Pirate Battle at Treasure Island -- 10 percent. Last year's vote put the Pirate Battle at no. 2 with 25 percent of the vote, but it's hard to tell if the drop off is because of a lack of interest or the fact that the brains at Treasure Island decided to scrap the whole thing and start over this fall. I'm disappointed also, but the talent behind the new show gives me hope that the new spectacle will be even more spectacular than the original.

4. Mirage volcano -- 4 percent. When it first debuted in 1989, the Mirage volcano literally stopped traffic with its fire, water and lighting special effects. Repeat viewing and fierce competition have relegated it to a back seat when it comes to "must-see" attractions, but it's still a lot of fun, and I'm happy to see you think so also.

5. Stratosphere Tower and thrill rides -- 3 percent. Apparently, a lot of you out there enjoy the thrills, and nowhere in town will you find the unique scares you get at the Stratosphere. With its observation deck more than 100 stories above ground and the heart-stopping roller-coaster and Big Shot rides, this is super shot of adrenaline right on the Strip. The new Project X Sky ride opening later this year is sure to delight the thrill-seeker crowd.

Next week: Your choices for best hotels and casinos.

This Week's Trivia

Q: Excalibur is the only major hotel-casino on the Strip whose name starts with the letter E. What letter of the alphabet starts the most, with 4 major hotel-casinos directly on the Strip starting with that letter? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

• 'Mystere' Voted Best Show; Fountains Top Attractions
• MonteLago Village Offers Break In Vegas
• Slot Machine Store Offers Friendly, Expert Service
• Other News: 'Dealertainers' Eerie But Interesting
• Vegas Q&A: What's Being Built At Caesars?
• Vegas Q&A: Can I Take Pictures In Casinos?

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.

Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors

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