What to expect: John Ascuaga's Nugget is a family-owned resort. The son of Basque immigrants, Ascuaga built the Nugget from a roadside coffee shop that opened in 1955. His touch is noticeable in details large and small, such as spic-and-span ambience, hand-picked staff, and a reception desk separate from the casino area.

Amenity highlights: During warm weather, sliding-glass roof panels allow fresh air into the sun-drenched fifth floor, which houses the large atrium pool. An outdoor sun decks offers unobstructed mountain views. Eight, one-person spas flank one side and a 16-person spa tub is at the end of the pool. Padded chairs and lounges line the surrounding deck. A tent permits private massage. Wireless Internet access is available in the rooms, lobby and restaurants (surcharge).

Insider tip: Right outside the casino is Victorian Square, the center of downtown Sparks. It offers interactive fountains, gazebos, and live music on some summer evenings. Victorian Square also is home to many nationally-recognized events, including The Big Easy, Hometown Christmas Parade, West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, July 4th Fireworks Festival, and Hot August Nights.