The days of Las Vegas “only being for gamblers” is long gone. Sure, the bettors and more importantly, losers, fuel the Vegas economy. The ringing of the slot machines, clicking of the chips, bells, and lights are all an important part of the Vegas experience but it is completely possible to spend a significant amount of time in Vegas without betting a dime. It is done all the time. The key to a great Vegas experience is spending time BEFORE traveling and exploring all of your options. Below are just some of the can’t miss Vegas experiences.
The Bellagio Fountains
Any good Vegas Top 10 List will have the Bellagio Fountains at the top. Every half-hour between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and every 15 minutes from then until midnight, an 8.5-acre lake in the middle of the desert in front of the amazing Bellagio, explodes with 1,214 fountains shooting water up to 460 feet in the air. Perfectly choreographed to the music of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, Pavarotti and many more, the water dances through the air as tourists line the street to stare in awe, snap photos, and capture video. Take it in during the day and at night for two totally different experiences.
The Bellagio FountainsLounge by the Pool
Spend a few hours lounging poolside. From late Spring through early Fall most pools are outdoor pools are open and are great ways to relax through a hangover, catch some extremely potent rays, catch up on a book, peruse some eye candy, or sip on a beverage. Select your resort carefully because not all pools are created equally. Mandalay Bay offers a manmade beach in the middle of a large complex with multiple pools, MGM Grand offers the same (without the beach) and a lazy river, while some other locations have much smaller pools with less amenities.
Mandalay Bay Pool
Catch a Show
New York has Broadway. Vegas has Cirque Du Soleil and also brings some Broadway to the dessert. Cirque Du Solei features Olympic type gymnasts performing amazing feats in elaborate costumes based in different themes that often tell a story. The shows are surreal circus acts set to music, dance, and motion that will capture your attention and engage your senses. Shows like Love at MGM Mirage is set to a Beatles Soundtrack that takes the audience through a journey set in a war torn community striving for peace and, of course, love. If Cirque isn’t your thing, catch a comedian like ventriloquist Terry Fator, magicians like Penn and Teller, or popular performers in residency like Elton John, Celine Dion or Jennifer Lopez. Be prepared to open your wallet (shows average $100 a ticket) and your time (90 minutes to 2 hours) but if you select correctly, it will be well worth it.
Beatles Love
Dine Like Royalty
Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, Todd English, and Wolfgang Puck are just a few of the world renowned chefs that have multiple restaurants in Las Vegas. The strip is lined with more gourmet dining experiences on one street than anywhere in the world. The choices are endless. Vegas became famous for the $5 buffet and $2 steak but now it has become a mecca of fine dining. Of course, every resort on and off the strip still has bountiful buffets but they range from low cost fare stocked with pizza and meatloaf but, to high class buffets like at the Bellagio Buffet, with items such as kobe beef and complicated seafood dishes. Whether you are looking for a four star restaurant or first class buffet, treat yourself to several great meals. Some of our favorites include Carbone in Aria, Jaleo at Cosmopolitan and Giada at The Cromwell.
Sample Itinerary
Check out this sample itinerary. Packed with activities enough to fill a 4 night stay, it isn’t ideal and almost impossible to complete but if you want to challenge yourselves, go for it!
If you would like a customized itinerary email me at salvegas24@yahoo.com .
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