Strip Tips: Hat Day, dancing and tweets in lights

From head to toe and even your wallet, this week, we've got you covered.

Tip your hat

If you've been looking for a reason to wear your favorite fedora, you've got it. Sunday is National Hat Day. And to mark the "holiday," PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood Resort will be giving discounts on the bar's signature cocktail, "Hat Bender." From 3 to 6 p.m., the vodka-based drink will be $10 instead of the usual $12. We expect it will knock your hat off or maybe bend it. During the happy hour, the bar also serves $5 shots of Jack Daniel's, two-for-one well drinks and $3 domestic draft beers. Call 750-1685 or visit pbrrockbar.com.

Dance fever

If you like salsa -- and we're not talking about the dip you eat with chips -- check out the Salsa Extravaganza at The Bar Lounge in Alexis Park Resort, 375 E. Harmon Ave. Every Friday starting at 11 p.m., the room fills up with locals who love Latin music and dancing. You can salsa, merengue, mambo and more. Ladies get in free; guys pay a $5 cover.

Tweet time

Want to see your name in LED lights on the Strip? Or, if not your name, at least your Twitter handle? If so, follow these simple steps. Go to the MGM Grand lobby. Tweet something about "@MGMVideoWall." Then watch the MGM's new video wall behind the front desk as it streams your tweet, live. You're welcome.

Free for military

Comedian George Wallace wants to reward active duty service members with a free show. Just present your valid military identification at the Flamingo box office when you pick up your tickets and you will receive one free ticket to his "I Be Thinkin' " show at the Flamingo. This promotion is being offered throughout 2012. For tickets, call 733-3333.

Question

"You must go to a lot of casinos for your job. Do you valet or park in the garages? I find it easier to valet and it's certainly more convenient. Who has the best valet and who has the best garage?" Cindy, Las Vegas

Yes, my job takes me to a lot of casinos, particularly those on the Strip. There was a time when I valet parked regularly, but now, I rarely do. I find it's much easier, if not faster, for me to use the resort's parking garage. I also have this thing about handing over my car key. I just don't like to do it. It may have something to do with the time when I left the Showboat, a hotel that was once on Boulder Highway, and saw the valet attendant and his buddy tooling around the lot in my little Renault Alliance. Ever since then, I have wondered what sort of adventures my car has been through at the valet. As for who has the best valet, I couldn't say. Resort management knows the valet is a guest's first experience with their property so they tend to ensure it leaves a good impression.

But there are a few things to keep in mind if you valet. Protect your belongings. Don't leave valuables in the car. Also, give the attendant only your car key, not the keys to your house or office or anywhere else. And don't forget to tip the attendant; $2 to $3 is the average.

As for the best parking garage, they all have good and bad points. I like Mandalay Bay's garage because it is well-lit. It's also easy to get in and easy to leave.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.