Your Next Drive To California Will Be (A Little) Easier

There are some people that don't believe in hell. Then there are others who have driven to California on a Sunday afternoon.

Driving to California at the end of a weekend, when half of the Golden State is planning on returning at the same time, can be excruciating. Thankfully there's a subtle improvement that just took place that could make your drive a little less frustrating.

CalTrans (the California version of NDOT) has just completed a one mile stretch of what they are calling a "transition lane". During peak traffic (the end of weekends being highest on the list), this new "shoulder lane" will be opened to create a third lane of traffic going southbound. They had to re-pave and stripe the area to make it suitable for traffic.

As is customary in Nevada, we think it's California's fault. Both northbound and southbound on Interstate 15 at state line in Primm, the Nevada side sports three lanes of traffic. However, as soon as you hit the "Welcome To California" sign, you lose a lane, and the bottleneck begins. It starts off small, and then eventually the traffic is several miles long. It happens every weekend like clockwork and has the potential to turn away visitors who don't want to deal with the nightmare of returning from their weekend of play.

Fixing the issue was never a real priority for California as it didn't particularly affect their economy. But Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak teamed up with California Governor Gavin Newsom and announced a plan to tackle it last December. When the project is over, the "transition lane" will stretch five miles and get traffic from the Nevada state line all the way to the California Agricultural Inspection Station past Primm. That, they are hoping, is enough to keep the traffic flowing well, or at least better than it does right now.

The faster people can leave, the more likely they'll be to return, and that's good for all of us.

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December is approaching fast and to embrace the celebratory spirit, you have to check out these Las Vegas holiday events!

If one thing is always true, it's that Vegas never does anything in halves. The holidays are no exception! From mazes to botanical gardens to 100-foot-tall Christmas trees, Christmas in Las Vegas is an experience unlike any other. Come on down and be wowed by the variety of adventures the city has to offer. Vegas hardly ever gets snow, but unpack those Christmas sweaters because 2022 is going to look like a Hallmark movie come to life.

This is Vegas like you've never seen it before. Be amazed by the duality of the town they've dubbed the the neon capital of the world.

Maybe you're in the mood for a bit of the adult-exclusive fun that Vegas is known for? We've got you covered with a selection of pop-up bars that will quench your thirst and put a little bit of holiday pep in your step. Get ready for a Yuletide spectacle that you could only find in an entertainment mecca; capture memories that will make you the envy of everyone back home.

Perhaps you're looking for something a bit more family-friendly? In that case, we have an abundance of events, exhibits, and holiday shows that are perfect for the entire crew. Eat, shop, and even meet Santa -- make the holiday season a vacation-long event that will have you counting down the days until next year. You'll never want to leave!

And who knows, maybe you'll even start a new tradition.

Regardless of what you're looking for, there is something for everyone's palate. Even if you're not the biggest fan of Old Saint Nick, we're sure you won't be disappointed with all of the options available.

Las Vegas Holiday Events HERE:

Address: 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115

Experience Christmas in all its glory. Lights, lights, and more lights! The Las Vegas Motor Speedway transforms into a magical, mystical winter wonderland at The Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The best part? A portion of the proceeds go to local children's charities. Take in the breathtaking lights AND help the local community. It's the best of both worlds!

Tickets: You can find more information HERE.

Address: 3355 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Perhaps you're in the mood for some sweet treats? Miracle on Spring Mountain has you covered! This one-of-a-kind Christmas escapade runs from November 22 to December 31 on a first come, first serve basis, so if you're planning on going, get there quick! Come on down and experience Christmas in Vegas at its finest.

Tickets: For more information about this event HERE.

Address: Resorts World Las Vegas 3000 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109

Boasting the world's largest Christmas light maze and village, Enchant on the Strip is the kind of event that we all have to experience at least once. With delicious holiday treats provided by Resorts World restaurants, a marketplace, and a 100 (!) foot tall Christmas tree, it's fun that everyone can enjoy. If you're in town during the holidays, grab your coat and enjoy.

Tickets: More information about tickets HERE.

Address: 11011 W Charleston Blvd Red Rock Casino Resort Spa Las Vegas, NV 89135

The holidays are all about family, but when you're in Vegas, you want to have a little bit of adult-friendly fun. We have the answer for you: Merry Crimson! With live music, festive drinks, and a cozy atmosphere, this event is the definition of Instagrammable. Though it is currently going through renovations, we're waiting for more details with bated breath.

Address: Boulevard Tower, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Level 4, Las Vegas, NV 89109

The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan is a small slice of winter living rights here in the Mojave desert. Starting November 15, The Boulevard Pool is transformed in a winter paradise, complete with real ice! Show off your moves on the rink, roast marshmallows with your friends and family, or simply relax and enjoy the view with specially curated seasonal food and drinks.

Tickets: The Ice Rink comes back November 15 and runs through January 2. Click HERE for everything they have to offer.

Address: 1650 South Pavilion Center Drive - Las Vegas, NV 89135

The second location -- because yes, it does need a second location, thank you very much -- for the Enchant event, Enchant at The Las Vegas Ballpark offers an equally huge, awe-inspiring maze and Christmas village that is sure to entertain the whole family. If you're tired of the Strip, head on down to Summerlin and enjoy live entertainment, delicious goodies, and a cheery ambience.

Tickets: This event start November 25 and runs through January 1. To get a full list of everything they have to offer and to buy your tickets now, click HERE!

Address: Tournament of Kings Arena · Located in Excalibur · Las Vegas, Nevada

Eat, drink, and be merry with this holly jolly holiday show! The best in dinner theater, long-running "Tournament of Kings" transforms its everyday show into something truly magical for the festive season. Enjoy a holiday-themed dinner and watch this limited edition performance.

Tickets: It starts November 23 and runs through Christmas day, so make sure to catch it next time you're in town. Get your tickets HERE.

Address: Shark Reef Aquarium · Located in Mandalay Bay · Las Vegas, NV

Christmas isn't complete without Santa Claus and boy, does Mandalay Bay have your covered. Located at the Shark Reef Aquarium, "Santa In The Shipwreck" offers a truly unique way to . Meet Santa and his helper, Santa Jaws. Tell him all your last-minute holiday wishes and make your dreams come true. Children under 12 get a FREE -- zero dollars! -- picture with child admission to the Shark Reef Aquarium!

Tickets: Come see Santa on weekends from December 1 through Christmas Eve. More details will be available closer to Christmastime.

Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014

Have you ever been to a cactus garden? Have you ever been to a cactus garden during Christmastime? Well, come on down to Ethel M's and find out what it's all about. Enjoy the cactus garden, decorated stunningly in hundreds of lights, and enjoy the yummy chocolatey treats that Ethel M is famous for. You won't get more Las Vegas than this, so check it out!

Tickets: No reservations necessary! This event starts November 4 and runs through January 1. More information HERE.

Address: 12300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Henderson, NV 89044

Snowflakes? In Vegas? You better believe it! Step into a winter wonderland with the Snow Festival at M Resort Spa Casino. This unique, one-of-a-kind features 350 tons of real, honest to God snow. We're squealing just thinking about it! Experience the white Christmas of your dreams right here in the Vegas Valley.

Tickets: This event runs from November 23 and runs to January 8. For ticketing information and answers to all your questions, click HERE.

Okay. We get it. I'm completely obsessed with hot dogs. But this was an iconic week for hot dog lovers in Las Vegas!

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile trekked it's way into town this week, and the moment I saw on the tracker that Jumbo Dog Jacob and Bologna Beth would be visiting Sin City with the iconic mobile wiener, I knew I would be paying them a visit. I truly had no choice. My heart belongs to the Wienermobile.

102.7 VGS was very excited about this event, and I had a blast talking about it this week! Hopefully you saw Shawn's post and were able to pay a visit to the Oscar Mayer Hot Doggers as well. They made stops at three local Smith's Food & Drug locations scattered throughout the Vegas valley, and the experience did not disappoint!

I documented my adventure and the moment my Oscar Mayer Wienermobile dreams came true. Check it out below!

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Listen to Sammi Reeves weekday afternoons from 3-7 on 102.7 VGS