Hi Everybody,
Next week I am going to Vegas for a few days with my Sweetheart.
It will be our first time off alone together, and I was hoping to get some ideas of places to see and things to do.
So, what did you like, last time you were in Vegas?
Brian
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I lived there from 94 to 99, so I've got a good list of sights to see. First off- rent a car! Anyone who tells you that you can walk the Strip is a masochist. Now the list:
Hotels not to miss: The Venetian, Bellagio, The Aladdin (hurry- they're closing...), and Paris
Shows/Attractions: The Secret Garden at the Mirage, O, and Danny Gans
Outside the hotels: Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston
Housing: The new Alliante master plan in North Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas
And if the wife is "open minded", head to the Chicken Ranch in Pahrump....lol.
Thanks Bob,
I've been to Vegas a couple of times, but has been years.
This trip is more of a "getting to know each other" trip.
Just the two of us, with only the distractions we decide on.
I appreciate your firsthand input. It sure beats trying to shuffle through the ads and come-heres on the internet.View Image
And if the wife is "open minded", head to the Chicken Ranch in Pahrump....lol.
Bob, you took that 42 mile drive out there. I thought I saw your picture hanging up as their best customer next to RonT........................;-)
Joe Carola
Edited 12/23/2003 8:46:08 PM ET by Framer
Hey someone replaced me?????
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
Ron,
You must not have read my post to Bob right, go back and read it again you big STUD!!!!!!! ;-)
Joe Carola
Whew. I thought I wasnt going to recieve the 10% best customer discount anymore.. Kind of scared me.:>)l
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
Bob, you took that 42 mile drive out there. I thought I saw your picture hanging up as their best customer next to RonT........................;-)
Joe-
Funny story- I actually built the pool that the girls use at the Chicken Ranch. I was the construction manager for Sylvan Pools' operation in Vegas, and we'd do one or two pools a year in Pahrump. Well, I had five supers, and when we sat down for our weekly construction meeting, I asked which one of them wanted to go to Pahrump to watch a pool (not telling them it was at the Chicken Ranch). They all hemmed and hawed- "I'm too busy", "my area's on the other side of town", etc., etc. So, I told them "OK, you're all too busy- I'll take care of this one personally. Ohh- by the way- it's at the Chicken Ranch."
Suddenly they all found time in their schedules for the hour-long ride out there. Too late, though- I took care of it personally- even did the one-year warranty checkup....lol.
Bob
Circus Circus
Cirque du Soleil
Hoover Dam tour
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Thanks Phill,
We will for sure be going to Curcus Circus. We are staying across the street at the Stratospere.
Most of my experience in Vegas is Downtown at the Horseshoe, Fremont, and Fitzgerald's blackjack tables.
This will be a different Vegas experience.
BrianView Image
Well, if you're staying at the Stratosphere, be sure to ride the Big Shot at the top (unless you're a sissy....lol), and spend some time on the observation deck- the view is unreal. Ohhh....and try to see if you can figure out which leg was running off crooked when they built the tower- they fired the contractor and had to re-contour the leg with foam to try and blend in the "crook" in the knee.
Oh yeah, Bob,
The Big Shot, High Roller, and X Scream are high on our list of things to do. A thrill ride that is 900 feet of the deck has to be worth white knuckles.
And look for a crooked leg on the tower? Fixed with foam?
Jeez, not sure I wanted to know about that.
I'd promise you all a picture from the top, but my sweetie is a little shy.
brian
View Image
If you like magic, Vegas is the place to go. When my honey and I went the first time, they had a show called Comedy Magic playing at Maxim. It was Mac King and he was hilarious as well as a fine up close magician (smaller tricks, small venue, you can stand right next to him and not know how he did it). The show was in the afternoon and cost about $5.00 (the cost of a cocktail). Great bang for the buck.
Something else that can be fun if you like to be rowdy is the Tournament at Excalibur. It's dinner and a show - they joust on horseback and you make a lot of noise. Most comedians also play Vegas, and they are so much funnier in person than the snippets they show on TV. It depends on who you go to see as to what it costs. As I recall, Cirque du Soleil (and Mystere, and all the other frenchified acrobrat shows) is very expensive. But it is also supposed to be wonderful.
Then there's always the craps table. That's fun AND romantic.
Did the hover dam tour, paid extra for the 'hard hat' tour. Glad I did because they stoped it after 9/11
Comfortable walking shoes are the most important thing. Everything in Vegas is oversized. The hotel/casinos are in the size range of large shopping malls or small to medium airports. From the parking space to your room can be over half a mile, maybe even a mile. This time of year be ready for cold dry weather, highs in the mid 50's.
-- J.S.
Thanks John,
Sensible shoes and sweaters are already packed.
The only time I have ever been to Vegas was in the ead of summer, when the heat can take your breath away.
I'm looking forward to walking those casinos with my baby on my arm.
Don't want foot fatigue to end that early. <grin>View Image
Research project: Go to the building department and try to find the zoning regulation that every new hotel has to be tackier than the last. I'm joking.
I like the mountains (and caves) to the NW. A nice contrast such a short distant away. Hoover Dam and the tour inside is interesting. Small ski area, I think?
You're within driving distance of Death Valley and the weather there now is a bit cool but great for hiking.
Maybe I'm not the one to ask. Vegas seems like Fresno, CA - close to lots of nice places.
Thanks David,
I'm not sure we will even get out of the city limits this trip.
But if we decide to, I will appreciate your recommendations.
Best regards,
Brian
they are forecasting our first termination dust for tonight here in SW MO.View Image
Bee,
Beware of the "people movers" Lot's of hotels have them. Like the roach motel, they lead you in, but don't take you out.
Jon
Get out of Vegas, go north and tour the Valley of Fire then over to Lake Mead and Hoover "Darn". Hit the buffets!
Experienced, but still dangerous!
Thanks Jon,
I appreciate the heads up. Not sure what a people mover looks like, but if the floor feels sticky, I'll get out fast!
BrianView Image
"Not sure what a people mover looks like"
Bee,
They are these really long horizontal "escalators" that many a hotel that is set back ~1/8 mile from the curb on the Strip have. Similar to the ones in airports, but Waaaaay longer. Basically, they take you from the curb, into the casino with no effort on your part.
THE PROBLEM IS, they ALL only lead into the casino. If you want to leave and go elsewhere, you have a REALLY LONG walk ahead of you.
Jon
Jon,
Thanks for clarrifing that for me.
Like I said in another post, I have always spent my time downtown, where it is only a short walk from one casino to the next.
I would most surely have learned about the "helpful" walkways the hard way.
BrianView Image
Check out the red rocks. its a very popular rock climbing area. Also check out "old las vegas" its sort of a old version of knotts berry farm. Kinda like a ghost town with some wild west entertainment its fun and free. Head north on I 15 about 2 hours and check out the virgin river gorge. once you get to St George Utah your close to the Grand Canyon all with in a long days driving distance
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
I don't know if it's still running but do NOT go to lords of the dance, that show sucked. but then I'm not much for that type of thing anyway
Cirque du Soleil if you want her to be breathless and hanging on to you.
=; DIf you can't play a sport, be one.
Cirque du Soleil if you want her to be breathless and hanging on to you. =; D
ehBeth.
Yes, that is just exactly what I am looking for.
Thank you for your info and thought.
BrianView Image
Hey Neil,
I like the info. I don't want any downer events for this trip.
Congrats on you upcoming events.
Graduation.
And the offering of the ring. I haven't been keeping up, but I am assuming that that is still a GO!.
Is everything going okay over in Kansas? They are talking snow here tonight and tomorrow. You going to get some, too?
Best regards,
BrianView Image
yep it's still a go.
little nervous but I think thats good right???
we're getting a little snow here, we had some sleet earlier that iced over the roads pretty good so the snow has somethng really nice to land on!!! made driving fun, and make matters even more interesting I'm stuck in my g/f's dinky rice burner cause some chick decided she had the right away yesterday and took out the back end of my cherokee so it's in the shop, but you don't want me to go into that...
G/F's (when do I need to start calling her something else???) anyway her sister is in columbia and she said they were taking quite the bit of snow, you're near there aren't you?
Yeah Neil,
I think a little nervous is just right.
I'm thinking that after, you hand over the ring, you may have to start using the term fiancee', but GF will still fly well too.
Glad to hear you didn't get hurt badly.
I'm about 100 mile SW of Columbia.
Still raining here at 12:30. But they say snow is on the way.
BrianView Image
I wasn't hurt at all, neither was she, still don't want to get into it, I'm still pretty pissed.
Hope you don't get to much snow, we're not supposed to get much, just wish they believed in salt around here, that ice under the snow is a killer.
Another thought -- If you're going to drive in Vegas, download a map before you go. There's been a lot of road construction and changes recently. The strip is always jammed, so it's often better to parallel it on Paradise Road if you have far to go. Avoid getting on the far side of the freeway, cause it's a real rat maze to get back to the strip from there. Google the convention center to see if you'll be up against big traffic on Paradise. Some of the killers are Comdex, CES, and NAB.
-- J.S.
actually, you should check to see if the white tigers are still on display at the mirage anyway- they're pretty spectacular even without the whole show.
it's been years since i spent any time there- used to have to go a couple times a year on business. not really my thing but something everybody ought to see at least once. have fun! (i suppose you're not interested in attractions like the cherry patch ranch?)
m
Brian,
A couple of people have recommended Cirque de Soleil. That would be tops on my list, too. Actually, it's one of the only "vegas" things we've done even though we live here.
They have a new "adult" show that has gotten some attention. I think it's more racy than x-rated. Can't remember the name offhand, but it might be worth checking out. We went to Mystere, and it was really good, but I've heard O is even better.
Have fun.
-Kit
Pirate show at "mirage"? not sure it's still on, literally a blast.
believe hoover dam "down inside" tour was discontinued following 9-11
Not too far to Bryce Canyon in Utah, blow LV all to heck for senic natural color.
Fremont street colorama light show.
Thanks Junkhound,
The Pirate show is on the list already.
And the last time I was in Vegas they didn't even have the canopy over Fremont Street, so I am looking forward to that, too.
i do appreciate all the idea form everyone.
Please keep them coming.
BrianView Image
Hello, this is Greg's wife. Where can you take your Sweetheart in Vegas? Start with a gondola ride at the Venetian...maybe after dinner,the gondoliers are all musically trained and have beautiful voices!I think it was about $10 per person. Take a stroll through the garden inside the Bellagio... and at night watch the water show synchronized to music. They also have a little ice cream parlor if you want to have an ice cream.
Best Italian place in town was at the Golden Nugget in the downtown section. If you don't have a rental car then just take a taxi. Sorry don't remember the name of the restaurant,I think it was on the second floor The place was beautiful and they have the best tiramisu.
During the day, take a ride through Red Rock Canyon. You can stop at the various lookout points at some amazing desert views. You can also do some walking/hiking if that's your thing.
Make sure you get to the top of the Stratosphere at night. The view is amazing.
Have fun!
Thank you so much, Greg's wife, (that sounds kinda funny)
I love the idea of a gondola ride after dinner.
Would that maybe Stephano's at the Nugget?
And we are staying at the Stratosphere, so that view will all ours.
Sure do love all the great ideas and recommendations.View Image
Hi Bee:this is Greg,the wife says your welcome anytime(Hmmm that sounds even funnier) she thinks that was the place.I do remember that it was Italian and very gooood! I was kinda in a fog cause we got remarried in Vegas.Yes remarried.Married to each other once ,divorced then remarried to each other again.Piffin where were you when I needed you LOL!!
"Piffin where were you when I needed you LOL!!"
Why? Would you have prefered to marry Piffin instead?? lol
No no wait a minute Bob don't start that rumor,I was referring to the fact that I seem to go ahead and do some thing first .,then ask the questions on help later,as in plumbing or roofing problems,or marring my ex-wife.Besides my honey wouldn't want me marry someone else,and she should know she said yes to me twice.I think I better hit the delete button on that last thread.LOL
Cocktail waitresses at the Venetian. Fountain show at Bellagio. The lobby and garden ceilings at Bellagio. The scene at the $3 craps tables at Harrah's. Guys passing out ad flyers for hookers in the street. Any of Wolfgang Puck's restaurants. The best lounge acts are at the Bellagio, and it probably has the classiest action at the tables, too. I find most all the shows overblown, but anything by the Circue de Soleil folks is pretty good. And Vegas has some absolutely dynamite Italian restaurants well off the strip. Ask your concierge for some recommendations.
Thank you Mr. Micro,
That was agreat list of things to see.
Of course I am sure that i will not notice something like a Cocktail Waitress.
But I will add the rest of your list to my master list of things to see.
Best regards,
BrianView Image
When DW and I went to Las Vegas, we won more money than we had taken with us in the first place. But I didn't like it at all. I can't imagine why people go there over and over.
Two things stand out im my memory. Minsky's Burlesque show had the best boobs. All the rest were old, flat chested women.
The only other part of the trip I REALLY liked was the flying tour of the grand canyon. I had never seen it before. Flying through it was the highlight of the whole trip.
I wish we'd gone to Hoover dam but we ran out of time.
The true measure of a man is not the number of servants he has, but the number of people he serves. [Arnold Glasgow]
siegfried and r... (what? really, no kidding? hmm, i'll be dammed) uh, never mind.
m
Oh sure Mitch,
Tease me!
hey maybe the tickets are half pricedView Image
Brian, after reading all the other excellent suggestions, I note that one attraction has been left out. Las Vegas is the home of Ethel M Chocolates--right outside of town (east??). Great tour, and if your honey is a chocoholic, you've got it made. The plant is also the home of a very nice cactus botanical gardens. Here's the link:
http://www.ethelm.com/asp/tours.asp?UID=2003121014081142
Especially recommend any of their liquor-filled chocolates (candy is dandy, liquor is quicker, and Ethel M is the best of both?? <grin>) If you can't get out for the tour, they also have a couple of stores on the strip.
Enjoy your visit, it's one of my favorite towns!
Howard
Bellagoi (sp) day or night is fabulous. Venetion would be a close second.
The Fremont Street Expirence night shows are well worth the run downtown.
I'm a sucker for the "rides" that don't actually go anywhere, the wrap around screen with your seats moving or rocking around, you get the sensation of falling, turning or whatever. It just amazes me what they can do to fool your mind and senses.
The Star Trek expirence at the Hilton is good and the Luxor usually has a couple going all the time. If the Luxor is doing the Serch for the Oblisk, definetly go for it.
Terry
Brian,
So how was it? We need an update.
I meant to mention that you should make the Chihuly Installation at Bellagio a priority! <g>
darcy
Hi Darcy,
Well, I had a wonderful time.
Can't really answer for my gal, but I think she did, too.
Actually you and I must have been thinking alike.
We did see the Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio.
Have you seen it in person?
Actually said there was no way it could be Chihuly, since it was so huge.
I was wrong.
The lady in the Chihuly shop said it cost $10,000,000 five years ago.
And would cost $50 to $60,000,000 if done today.
Saw a lot of cool stuff, some in the list from other BTers and some of it we missed.
Thanks to everyone for the ideas.
I'm gonna have to get use to the difference between Vegas and Buffalo.
I was up a lot there, and I know I won't be here. *BG*
BrianView Image
Play blackjack and get all the free drinks you can at the Belliago tables looking at the glass ceiling in the lobby.
Watch the Belliago water show at night.
Check out some free lounge acts.
Sundance Helicopter tour of the dam and Grand Canyon. Unforgettable!