I somehow have written this blog for over a year and a half and never shared anything about my trip to Las Vegas. I think I mentioned that it wasn't exactly somewhere that I connected with, but I can say that I am very happy that I went. The happy part stemmed from the fact that I got to meet many of my blogging friends that I've made through Weddingbee.com (for those of you who don't know, I started blogging by blogging about my wedding. Check the tab above). It was wonderful to meet so many of these ladies from across the country in person. Links to their blogs are in my Blog Love section.
For my first time in Sin City (as it's called), I just wanted to see the casinos. I'm not a gambler, and I wasn't interested in spending a ton of money that weekend. "Over the top" is really all you can say about the Las Vegas Strip of major hotels and casinos. To me, the casinos are attractions themselves. Here's a run down of what I saw in photo essay form:
The fountain show at the Bellagio. Lovely! I got the Ocean's Eleven feeling. Unfortunately, neither Matt Damon nor George Clooney were with me.
A flower show inside the Bellagio
Outside of Treasure Island (Do you see me?)
The Luxor. This casino hotel blew me away.
A replica Brooklyn Bridge outside of New York, New York. They did a pretty good job. The real one is definitely better. :)
The replica Statue of Liberty at New York, New York
I took no food pictures!! I wasn't blogging about food then anyway. I went mostly to buffets and hats off to the buffet at the Wynn, which was beyond ridiculous. Imagine unlimited king crab legs and more dessert than you could stomach.
I think the next time I go to Las Vegas, I'd like a totally super luxurious 36 hours of spas, great food and a show or two. Now I just need someone to pay for it.
Have you been to Las Vegas? Do you have a favorite casino hotel? What's your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas that doesn't involve gambling?
6 comments:
My husband and I have a love/hate relationship with Vegas. We hate cigarette smoke, crowds, and gambling. But we love amazing hotels, amazing food, and those Bellagio fountains! We've stayed the night in Vegas several times, and always in Bellagio with a lakeview. It's the way to go, IMO. The breakfast buffet there is amazing. I also love Todd English's Olives! I love trying new restaurants there, too. You've brought back some good memories for me!
I've never been to Vegas but my husband and I really want to go. We'd skip the gambling too and spend time eating, seeing shows, and hanging out by the pool. :)
I've only been to Vegas a few times, but my fav hotel was definitely The Signature at MGM Grand. It's a bit separated from the MGM Grand but still connected by a walkway, and has affordable yet luxurious accommodations that is quiet due to its being away from the strip. I'm not a gambler and I'm not into spas either, but I gotta admit that Vegas has some great food and shows!
I've been to Vegas a few times (for business). I admit I find it overrated as a vacation destination, largely for the reasons Erika already shared. Still, there were some highlights:
The Bellagio fountain is definitely my favorite - watching it in the evenings is amazing.
I took a gondola ride at the...Venetian, I think. It's been several years. That was fun, and the gondolier had a fantastic singing voice.
I can't remember where our group ate for the buffet, but it was indeed ridiculous. So much food.
My company sponsored a dinner cruise on Lake Mead during one of the trips. I LOVE just about anything that puts me in contact with water, so it was nice. We got pretty close to the dam, but it was also rather dark, so it wasn't as awe-inspiring as it could have been. If there was a ever a reason for me to go back to Vegas, this would be it. I bet a helicopter tour would be awesome.
I won $200 at a slot machine in the airport while waiting to board my flight home. I was kind of broke during that period, so that was a nice parting gift.
Favorite hotel? We were at the Mirage, but checked out quite a few of the other hotels. Toss up between the Bellagio and the Venetian.
Thanks for your comments, everyone!
It seems that the Bellagio is the place to be, so I'll have to try that hotel next time. I did really like the feel of that hotel.
I was totally surprised by the smoking. Since many places in the Northeast are smoke-free in public places, so I forget that there are other parts of the country where this is not the case.
@Daphne - Next time I am going to have to try that gondola ride. That sounds fun!
@Erika - I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. :)
Vegas is sensory overload for me. That being said the shows and food their are amazing. I always see a Cirque de soliel. My eyes pop out of my head at the graceful movements the performers make. Plus, the outlet mall off the strip is a must.
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