Primm, Nevada is the first thing Californians see when driving to Las Vegas. After a five-hour drive, the glowing cluster of resorts at the state line look like the figurative gates of heaven. It's not easy to live up to that vivid of a first impression, but Buffalo Bill's Casino Resort ably manages to bear out that vision upon close inspection.

The American West is charmingly personified by a rustic, mining-boom motif. Sure, the standard Sin City fixtures are all firmly in place -- 46,000-square-foot casino, huge buffet, race and sports book -- but so are the quirky, unique touches. The swimming pool is shaped like a buffalo. Prima Ristorante features an accompanying oyster bar. A 6,500-seat arena has hosted everything from the Ice Capades to Melissa Etheridge. A log flume ride cuts a swath through the center of the casino floor.

Of course, there's also the Desperado, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in America. Anyone who dares will be treated to a 225-foot drop and speeds in excess of 85 mph. Not your speed? Well, there's always the Turbo Drop, a towering attraction that fires riders straight down at 45 mph. Many locals drive the 35 miles to Primm just to experience these attractions. Buffalo Bill's may not be heaven, but there's nothing like a 225-foot drop to put you back in touch with your deity of choice.

• Number of rooms: 1,242
• Average room rates: From $20 Sun.-Thurs., from $35 Friday Night, from $55 Saturday Night. Room rates in can fluctuate widely and change without notice.
• Casino size: 46,000 sq. ft. Casino games include Blackjack, Bingo, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Keno, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Poker, Roulette, Sportsbook, Slots, Big Six Wheel. Over 4,000 slot machines and Megabucks.
• Restaurants: Five casual restaurants: Rebecca's Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Baja Bar & Grille, Wagonmaster Coffee Shop, Miss Ashley's Boarding House Buffet, Food Court.
• Entertainment: 6,500 seat Star of the Desert Arena with celebrity concerts. Ride attractions include, The Desperado - America's tallest and fastest roller coaster, Adventure Canyon Log Flume Ride, Turbo drop, Ghost Town Motion Simulator Theaters and state-of-the-art arcade.
• Pool: Yes, Buffalo shaped pool with water slide and jacuzzi.
• Health Club: No
• Spa: Yes
• Shops: A general store and a gift shop.
• Wedding Chapel: No
• Convention rooms: Yes
• Business Center: No
• Handicap accessible rooms: Yes
• RV park: Yes
• Child care facilities: No
• Room service: No

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