There is so much more to Vegas than gambling and “the Strip”. It’s becoming more of a family oriented (multigenerational) destination. Room rates vary dramatically, depending on the entertainer or sporting events during any particular time of the year.
Sin City is but one of many quick getaways if you live in Western Canada. The gambling capital of North America got its start around 1931, drawing the attention of crime figures such as Bugsy Siegel, and still maintains a colorful and speckled reputation.
Caesars Palace was built in 1966 and the Mirage opened in 1989, defining a new level of the Las Vegas experience.
The “Strip”, “Las Vegas Boulevard”, “The Boulevard” is a well-known neon stretch of 4 miles (6 km) that is open 24 hours. Shows, Restaurants, Bars, Pools and Casino’s.
Many movies have been made, and many celebrities have enjoyed and played Vegas; from Frank, Dean and Sammy “The Rat Pack”, Elvis, Celine, Garth, Shania, Rod, Elton, and Viva Las Vegas to name only but a few. Ocean’s 11 was made a movie twice, in 1960 with the “Rat Pack” and next in 2001, starring George and Brad, amongst others.
Early morning is the time to lace up and go for a run or walk, many, many people do. Cycling is incredible in the surrounding desert, with a special mention to explore Red Rock Canyon by bike.
There are lots of driving trips within a couple hours’ drive of Vegas. Rent a car and drive to Zion National Park, Hoover Damn, Lake Las Vegas, or Lake Mead. The scenery at all of them is incredible. There are also daily helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon.
If you like the artist or the music, you are sure to love the show – over the top – Vegas style. Our favorite long standing production is “Mystere” (Cirque de Soleil) followed by “O”.
After seeing all of the shows we have wanted to thus far; now our entertainment some evenings is dining. There are countless options (from cheap to really expensive), and some of our favorites include:
Bellagio – “Picasso”, “Prime”, “Lago”, “Spago”, “Harvest”, “Jasmine” and a drink at the Piano Bar “Petrossian”
Wynn/Encore – “Lakeside”, “La Cave”, “Sinatra” and a drink at “Parasol Up Lounge”
Mandalay Bay – “Fleur”, “Aureole” and a drink at the “Red Square Bar”; a bar made out of ice
Aria – “Carbone”, “Scarpetta”, and “Javier’s”
Great lunches include “Mon Ami Gabi”, “Bobby Flays Mesa Grill”, “Carnegie’s Deli”, “LVB Burger”, “Grand Lux”, “Harrah’s Oyster Bar”, and “Buddy V’s”.
Vegas can be entertaining for children, especially during the summer months when the pools are a cool inviting experience. Rent a cabana or designate someone in the group to get great seats with some shade. We love the pools at the Bellagio and a nod goes to Mandalay Bay (sandy beach, wave pool, and lazy river) and MGM Grand (lazy river). Keep an eye out for the currently being developed “Crystal Lagoon” hotel and water themed park with white sand beaches and water sports; located where the Wynn Golf Course once was. Be prepared for the promised nightly fireworks.
There is always fashion shopping (bring $$$), M&M’s, Coca Cola, and the Bellagio Fountains, Mirage Volcano, and Treasure Island Sirens Cove shows that delight and entertain.
It’s hard to call the Caesar Forum Shops a mall, with the colorful ceiling and human statues or for fun take a gondola ride through the Venetian Canal Shops. The 4-year old High Roller Observation “Ferris” Wheel is the tallest in the world and offers incredible views once all the lights come on.
It’s worth taking a cab to Fremont Street to walk around under the canopy and see the LED light show – nightly show once an hour on the hour. Cruise by old casinos like the Golden Nugget and then take a cab back.
Vegas is so much more than gambling, but a little of that is fun too!
