out of all the vices i have, gambling isn't one of them. i can't get into it at all. that being said, i love the atmosphere of casinos. the light, sounds, disgusting people, etc. i'll gamble way some money and move on. our favorite locally is turning stone. you can get a good meal there, either upscale or casual, but our favorite thing was the live music. they have a metal bar, a country music bar, a dueling piano bar, and i think there's one other. we eat, drink, gamble, then go listen to live music. it's a solid night away, close to home.
a few years ago we would do the central ny scum run. it would be turning stone on friday night, followed up by the nys fair on saturday. last time we went, i destroyed myself on friday night. i needed to get out of the room, so we went to the fair early. the fair now really showcases local beer, wine and booze. since we were there early, the place was still fairly empty, and the vendors couldn't wait to push samples on us. by 11 i was drinking moon shine slushies. by 2 pm my wife hated my existence. she still hates it today.