Need to Know: A fresh new look for Tropicana

A fresh new look for Tropicana

The Tropicana Las Vegas is getting a $165-million makeover that will transform the landmark hotel and casino, which opened in 1957, from a Vegas antique into a Latin vixen. By April 2011, the Tropicana will have a new facade, new rooms and suites and reimagined restaurants and bars designed to evoke the glamour, rhythm and style of South Beach, Fla., with just a dash of Havana. Beyond a new décor (look for white marble on the casino floor and other main walkways), the casino will boast a new poker room and a new race and sports book. The rooms and suites will have warm sunset colors, bamboo furnishings and windows framed by white plantation shutters. The pool area, now closed, is scheduled to reopen next month as a tropical beach resort complete with gaming, bars and restaurants. Info: (888) 826-8767, https://www.troplv.com.

— Terry Gardner

Atlanta’s new ‘oasis’

Everything’s coming up roses in Atlanta as the city celebrates the grand opening of the newly expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden. The 30-acre garden, which was set to open this weekend, has an elevated canopy walk that allows visitors to get a bird’s-eye view of a forest of oaks, hickories and poplars from 40 feet in the air. The $55-million two-phase project, four years in the making, doubles the size of the facility. It’s a fitting project for a city known for its beautiful private gardens. “We call it an urban oasis,� says Sabina Carr, who represents the garden. “We’re in the center of the city; the skyline is visible from throughout the garden.� Other features of the expanded facility include a 13-acre woodland; the Cascades Garden, a sunny retreat with three waterfalls; and the Edible Garden, a formal garden built on the site of a former parking lot that includes orchards, an herb wall and an outdoor kitchen. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children. Info: (404) 876-5859, https://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

— Rosemary McClure

For all kids

The world’s first theme park especially for children with special needs has opened in San Antonio. Morgan’s Wonderland, created by developer Gordon Hartman in honor of his autistic teenage daughter, offers outdoor activities for cognitively and physically challenged kids. The park includes an 8-acre lake, a 1930s-style miniature train, off-road vehicles, a carousel, a sand circle play area, swings and playscapes. All have been designed to be wheelchair-accessible. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone. Adults and children (3 or older) $5; special needs guests and children younger than 3 are admitted free. Info: (877) 495-5888, https://www.morganswonderland.com.

— Lori Grossman

Yoga on the road

For the yoga practitioner who travels with his or her mat, assume the position with the new Earth-friendly ECOmat from Crescent Moon Yoga. Made of ultra-lightweight biodegradable closed-cell foam, the 69- by 24-inch mat is PVC- and latex-free, and contains no rubber. It folds accordion-style, instead of rolling like most yoga mats, which makes it less prone to curling when open. The mat can be partially folded at either end when extra cushioning is wanted. Available in blue or green bamboo pattern. Earth-friendly ECOmat yoga mat is $49.99 at https://www.crescentmoonyoga.com.

— Judi Dash