NV - Las Vegas

[blissful]

Over Christmas week, I'm going to vegas! I've never been there, I have no idea what I want to see. All I know is that it's on my list for 'places to go before I die' and 'places to go before I'm 50'.
What should I do when I'm there? What should I not miss, because I don't know if I'll ever go back there again. Any suggestions? ~Bliss

 

[DramaQueen]

I don't know how long you'll be there or where you are staying but rent a car and see as much as you can. I know a lot of people think that the hotels and casino are "next door" to each other and they are, but next door means a 1/4 mile away. Those properties are enormous and you'll spend a lot of time walking.
There are some terrific shows and restuarants on the Strip. DON'T venture off the Strip if you're walking around. The Strip is a 3 1/2 mile stretch of road named Las Vegas Blvd. If you gamble, and you should at least give it a shot, you never know, then you'll have plenty of chances to do just that. If you want to take a little side trip, go see Hoover Dam. It's awesome!

For some good shows see: The MacKing Comedy show at Harrah's[/U]. He's a comedian and magician and hilariously funny as well as very talented in the magic department. Afternoon show.

Phantom of the Opera, this is a must see. I've seen it 3 times and can't get enough. Night show.

Any of the Cirque du Soliel shows - KA, O, or MYSTERE
Very interesting and highly entertaining.

Blue Man Group - loud, high energy and very unusual show. Usually sold out.

The Jersey Boys - undoubtedly one of the best shows on the Strip. Well worth the price. At the Palazzo next to the Venetian.

Menopause the Musical - Inexpensive, hilarious and a lot of fun. At the Hilton.

Be sure to see the Bellagio Hotel. While you're there, ask someone to direct you to the chocolate fountain, 27 feet high and incredilble. Also see the Conservatory in the Bellagio. At Christmas they do a fabulous display. The outdoor fountain at the Bellagio is set to put on a show that will surprise you. The show runs often at night.

You won't want to miss the Volcano at the Mirage. Go inside and see the lobby.

Those are just a few, suggestions, there are many more, but go to Google and type in Las Vegas entertainment for other shows, prices and venues.

BTW, the weather is cold so bring a jacket.

 

[Scotch]

Over Christmas week, I'm going to vegas! I've never been there, I have no idea what I want to see. All I know is that it's on my list for 'places to go before I die' and 'places to go before I'm 50'.
What should I do when I'm there? What should I not miss, because I don't know if I'll ever go back there again. Any suggestions? ~Bliss

Aside from some great restaurants and an occasional show worth seeing, there ain't no "there" there, unless you're into gambling big time. A lot of high-end shops if you have the money and the interest (e.g., $10,000 suits), some of the hotels are worth a quick look. I go there frequently on business, and I get in and out ASAP. I suggest you go to Hawaii instead, or maybe San Francisco or San Diego.

 

[DramaQueen]

Aside from some great restaurants and an occasional show worth seeing, there ain't no "there" there, unless you're into gambling big time. A lot of high-end shops if you have the money and the interest (e.g., $10,000 suits), some of the hotels are worth a quick look. I go there frequently on business, and I get in and out ASAP. I suggest you go to Hawaii instead, or maybe San Francisco or San Diego.

Aside froom the fact that Las Vegas has long been considered the most exciting city in the world, there are more 4 star restaurants and 4 star chefs than any city in the world, the shows are first class and there are probably just short of 100 show venues, the hotels spend billions outdoing each other, and the electricity in Vegas is something you'll never forget, I guess you're right. There is nothing there.

 

[jabbur]

Don't miss Fremont Street. There is a huge screen arched over the street and they do some awesome light shows on it. I don't know how to describe it but we had a really good time there. I concur about Mac King. Awesome show! I think Bally's still has the sterotypical show girl shows. We didn't make any of them since we ran out of time. There is a chocolate factory where you can tour and it also had a wonderful garden out side you can walk through that shows off native plants. At Christmas, the cacti are all strung with lights. There will be alot of Christmas decorations to ooh and ahh at as well. The Mirage has Siegfrid and Roys animals in a zoo like park. Treasure Island has a pirate show that we enjoyed. We stayed at the MGM and they have a CBS studio there. I got to screen a new sitcom. I thought it was pretty lame. Imagine my suprise when they actually aired it! It didn't last but maybe 2 or 3 episodes. Guess they wanted to get some money out of it anyway. Daytime won't be too bad but it will get chilly at night. Be prepared to walk! There are transportation opportunities but we didnn't waste our money. I would like to go back and see some of the things we missed. Maybe some day.

 

[pdswife]

Have a wonderful trip!

I agree with Jabbur, go to Fremont. It's just a short bus ride from the strip. FUN and pretty too. There are live bands and lots of people to watch! FUN!!!

 

[smoke king]

Concur with Jabbur and Pdswife-Fremont street is a blast! We've been visiting LV for going on 20 years, and not only do we visit Fremont St we stay there as well!!

Everything is much cheaper downtown, and unlike the Strip, the hotels/casinos are right next door to each other! There are fabulous things to see up on LV blvd, but take a cab and make a day of it, and then return downtown in the evening and let your hair down!

Binions Ranch Steakhouse has excellent food, and the view from the 26th floor is breathtaking! All that at about 1/3rd the price of an equivelant restaraunt on the strip.

If you like bars with...err,,,uhh... "ambience" take the 2 block walk down to Hogs & Heiffers saloon-its like "Coyote Ugly" without adult supervision!

There is no way you can possibly see everything LV has to offer. Generally there are copies of "Whats On" and like minded magazines in the room, listing everything from entertainment to dining and yes even gambling! If you've never been, your gonna love it!!

I spent 10 days there in October, going back for four more days in April (My birthday, my nephew & I-it isn't going to be pretty!) and then the whole family will be going out in August. I love that town!!

 

[blissful]

I'm going with a friend and staying at a condo with a kitchen for 6 days. It's located near the MGM. I've checked out the deuce and plan to go to fremont street at least a few days/nights. What is the best time of day to be on fremont street?
I enjoy walking, so I'll hopefully get 7-10 miles in a day to see the strip hotels.
I would love to see some shows, but the prices are steep. Maybe I'll find a deal and catch one or two once I get there. DramaQueen-thank you for highlighting all the shows that you think are great, that gives me more options than I would have considered otherwise.
There is so much to see, I'm just not sure whether I should start walking at first light or at dusk, that would change everything.
I'm bringing a coat, it was 7 degrees here today, and I see that it's been near freezing at night in vegas.
I like gambling a lot, but, I have too much common sense than to spend all my money that way. I'll be bringing a little for each day to spend in the slot machines, who knows, I might win something?
I'm going to want to find a grocery store too and I haven't been able to google one close to the condo. I'm planning on a couple dinners out, no definate plans yet, I'll keep Binions Ranch Steakhouse in mind, thanks for the suggestion.
Jabbur, pdswife, smoke king, DramaQueen, thanks for all the ideas!
Scotch...what's there to say. I'm planning to enjoy as much of vegas as I can, and it looks like there is more there than can be seen in 6 days.
I'm bringing my camera too, can't wait to go! ~Bliss

 

[jabbur]

Yes some of the shows are expensive but you may find ones you'll enjoy that you can afford. We got to see Bill Engvall (Here's your sign) and the tickets were only $35 apiece. Blue Man group was $100 each and Cirque du Solei was around the same. There are lounges with "free" shows where all you need is to buy a drink. We did several of those. Saw a fairly good Elvis impersonator that way.

 

[DramaQueen]

I can't believe I forgot all about mentioning Fremont Street. It is definitely worth seeing. Don't walk there, it too long and the neighborhood surrounding Fremont is dangerous. Fremont Street itself is very safe. Take a cab or rent a car, but be sure to see it either way. The best time to see Fremont is at night. All of the action happens then. There is an overhead laser show that is fascinating and the lights at night are awesome. During the day it's just Fremont Street.
The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is normally slow so you may be able to get very good prices on shows on the Strip. Check it out before you leave home. If you call the hotels you have to ASK about discount prices. They don't volunteer the information.

The chocolate factory is Ethel M's. They have a huge cactus garden and during the Christmas season the garden is filled with lights. It's gorgeous and the plants are really interesting. Again, you'll have to cab, bus or drive it.

 

[The Z]

1. If you're going to be out at night (and walking), please dress warmly. I mean it. Visitors are often quite surprised how cold it is. This week, overnight lows are in the upper 20s - low 30s.

2. As DQ said, Bellagio is great. See the chocolate fountain, conservatory, overhead glass sculpture in lobby, and fountain show outside.

3. The Paris Hotel/Casino has a nice atmosphere. They've tried to create the feeling of being IN Paris with their little shops and eateries along a faux street. There are nice views of the city and mountains from the top of the Eiffel Tower (around $10 I think).

4. The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace is worth a look. Sure, there are some expensive shops there, but it's interesting and unusual just to have a look around.

5. Downtown (Fremont St) is certainly worth a look. Visitors seem to enjoy the overhead 'shows'. And there are several neon photo ops (cameras love neon).

6. Welcome to Las Vegas sign. If you don't get your picture taken there, you haven't really been here.

7. Buffets(?) - Shows(?) I don't really like them as a rule so if you're thinking you might like to do these activities, someone else could probably help you more.

8. Margaritaville. I like it there. It has interesting food, reasonable prices, and nice views of the center strip from the second level, and may not be that busy out there if it's chilly.

9. Off Strip. If you get a chance to get away from the Strip/Downtown area, there are some interesting properties. There are a few newer casinos and one older one (the Klondike on Boulder Hwy) that still has 10 cent roulette. You can have the big-time Vegas experience without blowing a lot of money. I think it's just as much fun dragging in a big pile of chips, even when you realize it's only about $3-4.00 LOL.

10. I'm not really sure what you're into, but there is a nightclub (voted overall 'Best Nightclub' and 'Best Place to Dance' by the readers of the Las Vegas Review Journal) called Stoney's Rockin' Country a couple miles south of the center Strip on Las Vegas Blvd (you can't really walk there from where you're staying). If you don't like country, there are a number of other options closer to the center of the Strip.

 

[Scotch]

Aside froom the fact that Las Vegas has long been considered the most exciting city in the world, there are more 4 star restaurants and 4 star chefs than any city in the world, the shows are first class and there are probably just short of 100 show venues, the hotels spend billions outdoing each other, and the electricity in Vegas is something you'll never forget, I guess you're right. There is nothing there.

Right. Vegas is nice for the luxury hotels and the restaurants, but beyond that, there's N O T H I N G ! Almost all of the shows are vapid nonsense, on a par with stock car racing. The gambling is of no interest to me, and it depresses me to see the old and poor wasting their lives and money on the slots, hoping against hope for a big win that in all likelihood will never come. Then there's the smoke! YUCK! Give me a beach or the mountains or even NYC any day!

 

[blissful]

Right. Vegas is nice for the luxury hotels and the restaurants, but beyond that, there's N O T H I N G ! Almost all of the shows are vapid nonsense, on a par with stock car racing. The gambling is of no interest to me, and it depresses me to see the old and poor wasting their lives and money on the slots, hoping against hope for a big win that in all likelihood will never come. Then there's the smoke! YUCK! Give me a beach or the mountains or even NYC any day!

Scotch my dear, even in WI we have better zoo's and our country side is more beautiful, than in San Diego. I've been there. I've been to an island, Jamaica, nice and can't imagine Hawaii is much better. San Francisco, what exactly do you want me to see besides fruits and nuts? Honestly the only turn off to California is the people there, with their attitudes and NOT ALL OF THEM.
I've traveled, overseas, across the US and Canada, Las Vegas is a whole new venue.
It's almost like you took a first glance at Vegas, decided you were too good for it and made judgements on the rest of us. If you don't want to get to know the culture there, more power to you, but I do. I'm not too good for anyplace. I love learning new parts of the world, and Vegas is one of them.
People believe what they want to believe, I'm walking in with an open mind, you've judged everyone that lives in or goes to Vegas. I understand why you go to Vegas, and get out ASAP, that seems to be good advice for you.
I hope you have no more business in Vegas, it must be miserable for you to plan your excapes.
I hope DramaQueen has some time that week over Christmas, I'd like her to meet us for dinner at the condo, or out. Attitude is everything. Hope you have a great day. ~Bliss

 

[Scotch]

Scotch my dear, even in WI we have better zoo's and our country side is more beautiful, than in San Diego. I've been there. I've been to an island, Jamaica, nice and can't imagine Hawaii is much better. San Francisco, what exactly do you want me to see besides fruits and nuts? Honestly the only turn off to California is the people there, with their attitudes and NOT ALL OF THEM.
I've traveled, overseas, across the US and Canada, Las Vegas is a whole new venue.
It's almost like you took a first glance at Vegas, decided you were too good for it and made judgements on the rest of us. If you don't want to get to know the culture there, more power to you, but I do. I'm not too good for anyplace. I love learning new parts of the world, and Vegas is one of them.
People believe what they want to believe, I'm walking in with an open mind, you've judged everyone that lives in or goes to Vegas. I understand why you go to Vegas, and get out ASAP, that seems to be good advice for you.
I hope you have no more business in Vegas, it must be miserable for you to plan your excapes.
I hope DramaQueen has some time that week over Christmas, I'd like her to meet us for dinner at the condo, or out. Attitude is everything. Hope you have a great day. ~Bliss

Oh, please! I've been to Wisconsin. What's your favorite feature -- the bugs or the awful weather?

 

[Katie H]

I think we all have our regional vacation preferences and it's best to understand that not everyone enjoys the same thing.

Let's get back on track here and exchange ideas in the spirit of the season we are in.

Now... back to your regular programming.

 

[blissful]

Oh, please! I've been to Wisconsin. What's your favorite feature -- the bugs or the awful weather?

It's the WEATHER!!! ha ha, 12 inches forecast for thursday night! It is awe inspriring, isn't it? ! Which means I might get to stay home from work, and work from home!
And this time of year I so miss the bugs.
Actually Wisconsin is a beautiful state, the forests, the bluffs, the rolling meadows, the 15,000 lakes for fishing and skiing and boating, 6 of which are less than an hour from my house, the great lakes shoreline, the lighthouses, the state wilderness areas, the sand dunes, the snowmobiling, hunting, and camping, the apple and cherry orchards, the cranberry bogs, and mostly the people are kind and warm.

Z'sir, you've got some great ideas there.
1. my new coat, not puffy, but down.
I'm going to print out all these suggestions for the trip.
9...off strip, I think the small stakes roulette sounds like a blast.
thank you for the suggestions.

And thanks jabbur and DQ!
It seems like there is so much to do that I'll barely get any sleep in. Red Rock canyon sounds like fun, and the off strip exploration, we might have to rent a car for a day for fun. I'll post pics when I get back. Thanks!

 

[Poppinfresh]

As it's a cooking forum, I'll restrict my response to food-related stuffs. Predominately because there is no "must do" thing in Vegas--what you do is up to personal tastes in entertainment, and there's a bit of everything.

Best restaurant in Vegas: Rosemary's. HANDS DOWN. You have a moral obligation to eat at Rosemary's. Pay no attention to the fact it's located in a strip mall. Pay no attention to the signage. Go inside. Eat. You must. Don't ask me what's good. Everything is good. If it seems like your food is taking a long time, it's because they're re-doing it because they have very exacting standards. Stuff another honey butter scone in your mouth and smile. Do it.

.....you're also going to have to rent a car, cause it's WAY off strip on Sahara. It's a locals secret .

As for on-strip dining:

-Italian: Rao's in Caesar's
-French: Andre's (1 block off strip)
-Fusion: Roy's. Not technically on strip, but not too far off it. It's on Flamingo
-Asian: Pearl in the MGM
-Steak: craftsteak in the MGM
-Mexican: Diego's in the MGM (seeing a theme here? The MGM as a hotel/resort/casino sucks, but they have the best restaurants)
-General fine dining: Joél Robuchon in the MGM
-Food on a stick! (initially)--Texas De Brazil Churrascaria. If you've never eaten at a Brazillian steakhouse, you simply must go here. And yes, it fulfills the "all you can eat" requirement people seem to have about Vegas.
-Prime rib: Lawry's. Again, not on strip but right near it on Flamingo
-Seafood: Emeril's Fish House in the MGM. I'm also told his Delmonico in the Venetian is a wonderful place to eat, but I've never found the time to go there (which is odd since I'm there 6 times a year, usually)
-Burger: Burger Bar, Mandalay Bay

And....if you must....if you just can't resist and HAVE to do a buffet: Do the one at the Rio. I won't recommend it because I'm anti-buffet, but it's the best of what's there.

 

[DramaQueen]

As it's a cooking forum, I'll restrict my response to food-related stuffs. Predominately because there is no "must do" thing in Vegas--what you do is up to personal tastes in entertainment, and there's a bit of everything.

Best restaurant in Vegas: Rosemary's. HANDS DOWN. You have a moral obligation to eat at Rosemary's. Pay no attention to the fact it's located in a strip mall. Pay no attention to the signage. Go inside. Eat. You must. Don't ask me what's good. Everything is good. If it seems like your food is taking a long time, it's because they're re-doing it because they have very exacting standards. Stuff another honey butter scone in your mouth and smile. Do it.

.....you're also going to have to rent a car, cause it's WAY off strip on Sahara. It's a locals secret .

As for on-strip dining:

-Italian: Rao's in Caesar's
-French: Andre's (1 block off strip)
-Fusion: Roy's. Not technically on strip, but not too far off it. It's on Flamingo
-Asian: Pearl in the MGM
-Steak: craftsteak in the MGM
-Mexican: Diego's in the MGM (seeing a theme here? The MGM as a hotel/resort/casino sucks, but they have the best restaurants)
-General fine dining: Joél Robuchon in the MGM
-Food on a stick! (initially)--Texas De Brazil Churrascaria. If you've never eaten at a Brazillian steakhouse, you simply must go here. And yes, it fulfills the "all you can eat" requirement people seem to have about Vegas.
-Prime rib: Lawry's. Again, not on strip but right near it on Flamingo
-Seafood: Emeril's Fish House in the MGM. I'm also told his Delmonico in the Venetian is a wonderful place to eat, but I've never found the time to go there (which is odd since I'm there 6 times a year, usually)
-Burger: Burger Bar, Mandalay Bay

And....if you must....if you just can't resist and HAVE to do a buffet: Do the one at the Rio. I won't recommend it because I'm anti-buffet, but it's the best of what's there.

I have to agree with everything you recommended, especially Rosemary's and Texas de Brazil, the new rage here in town. However, the Rio doesn NOT have the best buffet. It has the LARGEST buffet but the locals never go there because the quality isn't all that great. The best buffets are Bellagio, Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas. Good quality food and the Mirage has "stations" where the food is cooked to order right in front of you.
Be warned that all of the restaurants on the list above are very expensive, but certainly worth the splurge.

 

[edye]

Vegas

Hey Girl, I live in Vegas, and it's really easy to get around, if you have a car. If you don't get a car I can tell you to get a bus pass for the day is only $5. All day on and off the busses on the strip. Also, there are great deals off the strip. For instance, Sunset Station, not far from the airport about 15 minutes, really nice. They have million dollar bingo, a great buffet and live entertainment. It's pretty cold now, so bring warm clothes. Go to the venetian and see the statues at the fountain. It's really amazing. Have fun!

 

[blissful]

OMG am I tired. LOL, it was so fun. I'll be back to give a report on my first trip to vegas, after my feet have rested. I think city blocks are small compared to LV blocks. We even walked Christmas eve to the Ellis Island Casino for a dinner from the Strip, the taxi driver told us it was 2 blocks, lol, it was more like two miles. Mostly we ate in, at the condo, but, we just had a blast.