Feeling Lucky at Mohegan Sun:                                            Connecticut's Casino Comes To Life
by Teresa Thompson

People laugh when I tell them I take my family to Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino for a vacation. But, to be completely honest, we all love it there. And by “we”, I mean the four generations of my family. When we travel to Mohegan Sun, I know that everyone from my 87 year old grandmother to my seven year old son will have a great time.

Unveiled in 1996, Mohegan Sun has evolved into much more than just a gaming facility. True, its primary incarnation is a casino, but there’s so much more going on here that it’s easy to forget this resort’s true mission. Located in the foothills of southeastern Connecticut and owned by the Indian tribe of the same name, Mohegan Sun offers a little something for everyone, and conveniently, all under one roof.

I like to see my family happy. Who doesn’t? And when my own “tribe” descends upon Mohegan Sun, I know that everyone will have their own mission. Our own tribal elders, namely my grandmother, mother and assorted aunts and uncles, head straight for the casino, where they will be met by a tantalizing array of slot machines, blackjack tables, roulette, craps, baccarat, and any other casino game you can probably think of. My children and their cousins go in the direction of Kid’s Quest, an unbelievable entertainment/childcare complex of mammoth proportions geared for those ages six weeks to 12 years old. Staffed by licensed professionals who are trained in first aid and CPR, Kids Quest offers computer games, a basketball court, indoor gym equipment, a playhouse, child-sized cafeteria complete with miniature stage for karoke or dress-up performing, and so much more. Its counterpart, Cyber Quest, is a non-violent video arcade with games for people of all ages.

With my children safely ensconced at Kid’s Quest (costs $8 per hour per child), I am free to be me, for a while at least. I might do some shopping at The Shops at Mohegan Sun. Here, you’ll find the retailers of Coach, Brookstone, Discovery Channel Store, Godiva Chocolatier, Yankee Candle and much more. Win some money at the tables? Check out the fine jewelry of Lux Bond & Green or the beautiful crystal at Swarovski. If I don’t feel like shopping, I can feel like a real winner at Mohegan Sun’s Elemis Spa. This award-winning spa features a vast array of treatments, and offers a quiet respite from the buzz of activity at the resort.

There are some tables at Mohegan Sun that everyone wins at—the dining tables. With over 32 different dining venues, you’re sure to find a fantastic meal. My favorites? The amazing Michael Jordan’s Steak House and my friend and culinary institute graduate, Todd English’s Tuscany. Want better dining than this? Better head to New York City. Some of the more casual, family friendly eateries include the fun Big Bubba’s BBQ and Johnny Rockets, a 1950’s themed diner/malt shop, complete with red padded booths, vintage tabletop jukeboxes and “soda jerks”. You’ll also find outposts of Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (yum!) and Imus Ranch Coffee. Wake up hungry (and maybe a little hung-over?), head on over to Seasons Buffet for breakfast. Their large and incredible brunch buffet includes a made-to-order omelette/pancake/french toast station, carved meats, fresh fruits, blintzes, bagels & lox, frittatas, fresh baked pizzas, an ice cream sundae bar, and so much more.  All this for only $10.50—that’s a real winning bet!

Mohegan Sun’s biggest attractions are its three entertainment venues. The 10,000 seat Mohegan Sun Arena, the 350-seat Cabaret Theatre and the 300-seat Wolf Den. Obviously, the Arena hosts large national acts such as Shania Twain, Aerosmith, Cher and the like. The cozy Cabaret Theatre showcases comedy performances and more intimate acts like Tony Bennett and Lou Rawls. The Wolf Den, in my opinion, is the best of the three by far. It offers free nightly entertainment (for guests 21 and over) from almost every musical genre. There’s never a cover charge or drink minimum at the Wolf Den, and you can hear top acts like Blondie, Glenn Campbell, The Go-Go’s (remember them?), and Jon Secada. The Wolf Den sits directly in the center of the casino, so if you’re playing the tables or slots, and there is a great band on stage, it’s even more of a bonus. Last time I was there, I got to play roulette to the tunes of Little Feat.

Speaking of free…here’s my take on the gaming situation at Mohegan Sun, or Vegas, or Monte Carlo, or anywhere for that matter. It’s a form of entertainment, nothing more, nothing less. Please don’t bring your mortgage payment or child’s college fund with you, with hopes of doubling your money. It’s likely not going to happen. I bring a set amount of money with me, and when it’s gone, so am I. Most likely, while I’m losing my money, I’ll have had a few free drinks (they are free while you’re gambling), had a few laughs with other patrons, possibly hear some good, free music, and have had an enjoyable evening. If it costs me a little money, so be it. I’ve had fun, and sometimes, just sometimes, you might get a little lucky, and your number comes up, and you feel just that little bit of an adrenaline rush, and that’s definitely worth spending a few bucks. But only a few!

If you do decide to gamble, in any way, shape or form, you must sign up for a Player’s Club Card before you even go near the casino. This card enables you to get rated as a player, and also allows you to accrue dollars while you are gambling. Whether you win or lose, you still accrue dollars. Even if you spend only a little bit of money gambling, you still accrue dollars. These dollars on your card are redeemable at any of the dining venues, shops or hotel within the Mohegan Sun complex. If we go with a group, we put all of our card “dollars” together the next morning, and it usually pays for a few free breakfasts.

If you wish to stay overnight at Mohegan Sun, the 34-story, 1200 room Mohegan Sun Hotel is just beautiful. They have a large indoor pool complex, complete with whirlpool and juice/snack bar, an extensive fitness center, and a seasoned concierge staff. Six months ago, the Mohegan Sun Resort-Casino became affiliated with the prestigious “Preferred Hotels and Resorts” group. This group of luxury hotels provides the ultimate in service and pampering, with prices to match. However, staying at Mohegan Sun can be surprisingly affordable. Weekends are notoriously busy here, but if you can manage a mid-week getaway (even a Sunday night), room rates can be had for $99 or less. Mention that you have a Player’s Club card and you may even get a lower rate, or a free breakfast. When you see the rooms at Mohegan Sun, filled with marble and lots of amenities, they are truly worth a lot more than $99 per night. The hotel, and the entire complex itself, is an architectural spectacular, with Dale Chihuly sculptures, glass mosaics, and even an indoor waterfall!

If you ever get bored at Mohegan Sun, or find yourself on somewhat of a losing streak, you’ll find ample things to do in the surrounding area. Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport are a mere ten minute drive away, there’s a Children’s Museum in nearby Niantic, the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, and the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride in Essex.

So, laugh if you may, at my family’s adventures at Mohegan Sun. We’re all having a great time! Am I worried that my kids will turn into degenerate gamblers because of my thrice-yearly jaunts to a casino? No, not really. I don’t think they even know they’re going to a casino. I doubt they’ve ever even seen the casino, it’s so far removed from where they are stationed (the pool, Kid’s Quest, the arcade, restaurants).  Besides, I don’t always take them. Sometimes I go with friends, or just for a romantic overnight with my husband (nobody says we have to gamble while we’re there!). Seriously, if you loathe the thought of gambling, or even being around it, then I wouldn’t go to Mohegan Sun, but if you want to have a fantastic dinner, beautiful accommodations, an elegant spa, shopping, and maybe throw a few quarters into a slot machine, I say…what are you waiting for? And by all means, bring the kids.

Mohegan Sun Resort-Casino is located in Uncasville, Connecticut, approximately 2.5 hours from New Paltz. For more information and a list of upcoming events, visit www.mohegansun.com.

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