Saturday’s Satchel: Bright Lights and Wine

* Las Vegas:  Ever wonder what happens to those neon lights that have helped make this place famous when they dim or die? 

Some 150 of them have been donated or rescued and are resting comfortably in the Neon Boneyard (821 Las Vegas Blvd. N., 702-387-6366), run by the Neon Museum, a non-profit organization there.

The Boneyard is a two-acre home to retired signs from casinos, restaurants and hotels that lit up the Las Vegas Valley between the  1930’s to the 90’s.

If You Go:  Boneyard Tours, from noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday and must be arranged in advance.  Tickets: $15.

Note: Some of the old signs have been brought back to life and they are on display on Fremont Street (home to the Freemont Experience lightshow); check the web link above for the history of those signs..

* Tri-Cities, Washington State: If your fall travels might take you to Central Washington State this fall, consider timing it to coincide with the Catch the Crush Wine Festival - Sat. Sept. 24 and Sun, Sept. 25. Wineries from Red Mountain, Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley will be celebrating the fall harvest and the 25th annual seasonal grape crush. Each of the participating wineries will offer celebratory events including winery tours, free-run juice, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres . Of course there'll be wine for sale. Crush pads will be set up and winemakers will host live grape stomps at 4 p.m. on Saturday; get a team together and sign up! There'll also be live music and entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.visittri-cities.com/  or call 509-965-5201.

Wine Roads Lead to Chelan

The hillsides surrounding Joel's hometown, Chelan, in Central Washington were once covered with orchards. In the last decade vineyards have replaced fruit trees and the town at the foot of the 55-mile glacier-created lake is quickly becoming one of Washington State's favorite wine destinations. We had one of the best meals we've eaten in a long time while sitting in the shaded patio at Karma Vineyards on the lake's south shore. Karma Kafe offers a seasonally-changing selection of small, medium and big bites. Their salmon big-bite ($19) was done to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Save room for the saute'ed strawberry sundae ($7). Summer hours noon - 8 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday; http://goodkarmawines.com

Check out the new tasting room at Benson Vineyards Estate Winery on the lake's northshore. Located high on the hillside between Chelan and Manson, the balcony off the tasting rooms offers sweeping views. It was a great place for a late afternoon glass of wine and photography. www.bensonvenyards.com

And we are watching for the new hotel opening at B.C. MacDonald's. Luxury suites with wrought-iron balconies are being completed above the ale house of the same name, just across the street from Campbell's Resort in downtown Chelan