Original Sins in Vegas
77The Flamingo Hotel
Sin City
Las Vegas, Nevada, once nothing more than a dried up desert with a few natural springs eventually became the "Entertainment Capital of the World." It was dubbed Sin City due to it's notoriety for being run by the mafia. Contrary to popular belief, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel did not invent Las Vegas but he saw the potential it had to become the spectacular city that evolved.
Siegel, nick named "Bugsy" for his impetuous personality, used money from his mob connections to build The Flamingo Hotel that opened on December 26, 1946. Siegel's fervid on again, off again romance with Virginia Hill a/k/a The Flamingo was the most flagrant affair in the history of the mafia.
Siegel was caught skimming cash from the mob and when his associates in New York discovered he was 5 million dollars over budget on The Flamingo a hit was ordered on the hit man. Siegel was murdered on June 20, 1947 while he read the LA Times at the home of Virginia Hill. Hill was found dead in a snow drift of an apparent drug overdose in Austria on March 24, 1966. Siegel's murder remains unsolved and Hill's death, suspicious.
It is rumoured that the spirit of Siegel still haunts the gardens at The Flamingo as it is the place that he loved best.
I had dinner at the buffet and it was mediocre at best. The Flamingo once was the most glamorous hotel on the strip but it is now lost in the shadows of the newer more fabulous hotels. In 1993 major renovations were done on The Flamingo and Siegal's poolside suite was demolished as the hotel wanted to distance itself from the former gangster's activities. The Flamingo may not be inhabited by Siegel but his memory will forever be an intangible essence of the hotel. After all - it was Seigel's imagination that created all that original sin in Vegas!
Las Vegas - 1950's
Home of The Death Ray!
Death Ray Melts Tourists - Fryline
The Vdara
I researched the popular hotels of Las Vegas and when I found out about a particular phenomena at the Vdara called "The Death Ray" I had to stay there. The Vdara is built in a semi-circle and apparently the earths rotation causes the sun to bounce off the shiny hotel and reflects into the pool. The subsequent heat has caused plastic bags and cups to melt. It also burns the hell out of the people that happen to be in the area. Hair has reportedly been singed as well as the occasional guest who feels as if their skin is on fire.
The pool employees call it The Death Ray though hotel management prefers the term "solar convergence" or "hot spot." Plastic bags melt at a temperature of 120*F and plastic cups melt at approximately 160*F so I would say that does qualify at a hot spot. Don't forget to bring your fire extinguisher in case your date bursts into flames.
Despite this architechtural problem, my stay at the Vdara was spectacular. From the minute you drive up to the hotel the star treatment begins with complimentary valet parking. However, if you tip the valets well, your car will be waiting in front of the hotel first thing in the morning.
Each room is a mini suite with a kitchenette, luxurious bathtub and glass shower and a comfortable bed. The curtains are electrified and with the push of a button - the city of lights is illuminated when darkness falls. If you desire glassware or utensils, a quick call to the front desk and they will send up whatever you wish.
This hotel is located just a bit off the strip and within walking distance of Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan and The Fashion Show Mall. It is completely smoke free and there is no casino in the hotel. I viewed both of these factors a plus. No parking on the dance floor and no sleeping where you party!
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert that reaches into California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. We drove through the scenic 13 mile loop and explored the canyon on a perfect day with the temperature in the low 70's (F). There are 19 hiking trails of various lengths and some are more difficult than others. Horseback riding is offered as well as rock climbing.
A variety of mammals (approximately 200) live in this part of the desert such as burros, rabbits, red tailed hawks, mountain lions, bobcats, golden eagles, deer, bighorn sheep, hummingbirds, and a few wild horses. We spotted a few rabbits and deer while we drove through the park.
The park is open to the public all year. The visitor center is amazing and there are learning activities for children. They can learn about the animals that inhabit the desert as well as the different types of plant life such as cactus, wildflowers, desert marigolds and coyote tobacco.
Elvis Lives!
Cruising the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is pulsing with lights and excitement no matter what the time of day. People dressed up in various forms of costume can be found pan handling up and down the strip. Trucks that advertise women for delivery like a pizza pie are ubiquitous. I found Elvis, Tonto, a very drunk Sylvester the Cat was rolling around in Bud Light outside The Flamingo.
I also notice that many of the homeless people who have signs requesting money, are accompanied by pets, on leashes. One panhandler had a gigantic foo foo drink in a plastic container that was a foot tall and he was chain smoking. In St. Louis that would never fly. This is a right to work state - our homeless people work for food they don't own pets. St. Louisians are savvy enough to hide their cigarettes and booze before begging for cash.
There are signs down the strip that warn of strictly enforced curfew laws though I am pretty sure some of those costumed characters were children. I caught Minnie Mouse smoking a cigarette with his costume head off - what would little children think of that? It could scar them for life and make them extremely fearful of Disney characters. I definitely would not take my children for a walk down this street until they are 21.
Teller of The Penn & Teller Show
Penn Jillette
The Penn & Teller Show
Penn & Teller have been performing at The Rio for the last 10 years. Their act is a combination of magic and comedy. They often do a magic trick and then explain how it was done. Penn does all the talking while Teller distracts and entertains the audience.
Penn & Teller are my kind of guys - they absolutely keep things real. They demonstrate how our perceptions can be easily manipulated by slight of hand or the simple diversion of our attention. The pair explain and debunk fallacies that have been created by the likes of Criss Angel, John Edwards or others who attempt to profit from illusions they create in your mind.
My husband and I were lucky enough to get floor seats in the 5th row so I was able to see everything very clearly. The show was phenomenal and ended way too soon. I had done my research and I knew that the two are famous for appearing in the lobby following the show for autographs and pictures. They did not disappoint and both were extremely personable and joked and answered questions for the crowds. It was my husbands favorite event of the the trip - if you get to Vegas do not miss the show, it is worth more than the ticket price.
Penn & Teller also have a series of shows available for your viewing pleasure and education on the Discovery channel which can be viewed online free of charge. In each show they tell a truthful story and then several stories that are made up - you guess which one is the true story and they unravel the mystery in the end.
Wolfgang Puck
Food & Dining
Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill
I went to Wolfgang Puck's and it was divine. I ordered the Bruschetta for an appetizer and it was the perfect beginning of a perfect meal. The Salmon with Cauliflower Puree and Caper Butter was a sin! I couldn't finish the entire meal but I did feast on it later in the hotel. My husband had the Eggplant Parmesan and it was the very best eggplant I have ever eaten. The texture was crunchy with layers of cheese - he had no trouble devouring every bite. The service was great and the prices were very reasonable. The menu offered anything from wood oven pizza to steamed black muscles with everything in between.
The Bellagio
The Bellagio is a magnificent hotel. The ceilings are decorated with huge flowers that look like glass in the lobby area. The fountains outside are timed to entertain the crowds with a musical water show when the darkness cloaks the strip. Hundreds of water spouts appear to dance and explode a hundred feet in the air as the crowds gather around to watch. It's free, it's magical and fun for all ages.
The Bellagio is also famous for it's lavish buffet. My husband and I went there and the line was extreme but well worth the wait. The buffet was about $45.00 per person and I heard from my family that it was not an outrageous price for the food that was prepared. They had everything on their buffet - crab legs that were cleanly sawed in half for easy eating, sushi, various meats and sides that were all marvelous. The desert bar was unbelievable and not to be ignored. If you want a buffet that is sure to please Bellagio is a great choice.
Pink's Hot Dogs
I did not know that there was a Pink's in Las Vegas. I had already eaten when I found it outside the Miracle Mile shops. If I had known - I would have made a point of going. Pink's has the most world renowned hot dogs and everyone who has had one raves about them - hot dog liker or not! Los Angeles also has a Pink's and when I was there the line was wrapped around the building and there was shopping to be done so I missed out then also. Having a Pink's hot dog is on my "to do before I die" list so I have to go back to LV or LA just for a hot dog - missing out twice is just another sin.
There are endless restaurants and eating can be a simple quick drive through at a fancy McDonald's or you can visit the local Denny's, IHOP, Carl Jr's (which is Hardee's in Missouri) or you can choose from a multitude of buffets as many of the hotels offer them. I have heard that Rio has a fantastic seafood buffet but I didn't get a chance to get there myself.
Miracle Mile Shops
Shopping
Las Vegas is one of the shopping capitals in the world. The strip is dotted with shops and malls. The Fashion Show Mall is a popular upscale spot with stores such as Dillard's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Nordstrom.
The Miracle Mile is my favorite. The shops are a mixture of well known stores such as Guess, Lucky Brand, Aldo and some newer trendier shops like Chinese Laundry and Arm Candy. The mall is made to look as if you are outside with the ceilings painted blue with clouds and illuminated with soft lighting that does give it a real look. We stopped for a quick lunch at Ocean One Bar and Grille - I had the fried calamari for an entree and it was delicious and perfectly cooked. Dave ordered a boring old chicken sandwich - that is also a sin because I didn't even want to try it but he said it was awesome.
What Happens in Vegas
Vegas Now
While Las Vegas has always been a city of sin and secrets it is trying to conform to a mafia free stigma. In 1974 according to the L.A. Times the mob generation run by Tony "The Ant" Spilotro there were more deaths attributed to gang activity than there had been in the previous 25 years combined.
In the '90's the strip bounced back and once again became less notorious for it's mob connections. Most recently a pool was closed down at the Rio due to rumour and an investigation into questionable activity and the pool was shut down immediately following the conclusion. 11 people were arrested in connection with prostitution and drug activity according to an article in the Las Vegas Sun on November 29, 2011.
While the city that never sleeps tries to curtail the image associated with crime and illegal activity it is still a mecca for corruption. It is perfectly safe and fun to travel to Las Vegas but it's a BYOB kind of party. Bring your own Bible because this is one town that doesn't have a Bible in the city. It is full of sun, fun, alcohol and sin! It's okay in Vegas though - it is the home of original sin and everyone knows what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas.
"Sin is geographical." ~ Bertrand Russel
Las Vegas Hotels
- Vdara Las Vegas
Visit the Vdara Las Vegas resort hotel and spa. - Flamingo Las Vegas Casino & Hotel - Where the Las Vegas Strip Began
To experience the best of the Las Vegas Strip, stay at the Flamingo Las Vegas, where the Strip began. Check room rates and make an online reservation at the Flamingo right now!
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Trekking in Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trekking, Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Langtang Trekking, Nepal Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking,Nepal Trekking Tour Operator, Upper Mustang Trek, Dhaulagiri Round trekking, Mana - Red Rock Canyon Contact Information
Red Rock Canyon...This site is informational about Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Interpretive Association
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Hi writer 20 - yep - I stayed away from talking about anything too risque:) lol I went to see Penn & Teller at the Rio and the auditorium seating is quite comfortable but I didn't venture anywhere else there.
I bet the Bellagio Cafe is great! Everything there was over the top!
Thanks so much!
Hey RealHousewife, I've never been to Las Vegas, however, my mother has been there. She enjoyed her visit and has always wanted to go back for another visit. Great hub on the place though. I appreciate the detail you went into on describing the place. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and made it home safely. :)
Hi Cagsil! You really should visit sometime - I mean there is something for everyone. I would like to take the girls because I didn't get to go to Hoover Dam or Death Valley. I also wanted to tour a few ghost towns but my kids would love that so next time - I plan to stay out of the actual strip area and do those touristy things:)
Thanks so much for the great compliment too! I did quite a bit of research and fact checking - but it was fun and really interesting.
Hey RealHousewife, I've would like to visit, but never been able to afford the trip. But, if I am sometime in the future, then I will. There's no doubt about it. Unfortunately, by the time I am able to do so, I'm likely not be able to bring my mother back. Don't ask. You're quite welcome.
Wow you saw a lot in Las Vegas! I love it there.
Cagsil - When you can - you should check out the great prices you can get with some of the packages. There are certain times of year where the travel there lags and you can get obscenely cheap rates!
I so hope you get to visit - it is not to be missed! I know you are an avid people watcher so you would be as flabbergasted as me:) lol
I'm sure there's tons of people to be watched. LOL! As for the rates and the costs of everything, trust me, what seems like affordable to you, is definitely way out of my league. But, I will check into it. Thank you again. :)
Pakpub - I did! Oh my goodness - my feet and legs were killing me. I swear no matter how good a girl thinks she walks in heels - they are a strict "no no" in Vegas. I wore flats or boots the whole time but the amount of walking that is necessary is incredible. I plan to not sleep much when I travel and I really research the area and to do's before leaving so I don't miss anything important. I didn't get everything on my list but most of it!
Cagsil - it is like a heaven for sinners! haha!
Very good descriptions of places here! I just moved here five months ago, so I'm still learning about Las Vegas, but I love it here so far... we live 20 minutes AWAY from the strip and just go there for entertainment and people watching!! :) I've written a few hubs on Vegas, too! Glad you had a good time here! ;)
Great photos! I liked the story about Bugsy. I really liked the photo of the Rock look a-like :-)
Yep, we all have to plan a trip there together - a hub camp!
Hi Kathy H! You are so lucky! How cool is that? I actually drove around checking out the neighborhoods because I'd love to retire there! I was checking out the area around W. Charleston:) so perfect! (Canyon Point)?
I will definitely will check your articles out! Thanks so much! I'm green with envy - just thinking about how accessible all those shopping malls and restaurants are:) awesome!
Hey Austin:) I got lucky with the pix again! I have so many!
Hub camp in Vegas! Where do I sign up YO? I am all in!
Seigel and Hill were fascinating! I was able to view some of the trial testimony during the Kefauver hearings on YouTube! She was very colorful and graphic:) she educated many of the onlookers! Lol. I could have gone on and on about those two...no other mafia affair was so talked about and they both loved publicity. Hill was the only female to be invited to sit down with the mafia heads who were all men and she herself ran cash through the race tracks to launder it. Really interesting people to say the least.
Oh sheesh - is that supposed to be The Rock??? I thought it was Tonto! Lmao!
Thank you RH for a very interesting and informative hub. You make it sound fabulous and from the looks of things you had a great time. This will definitely be one of the places Mary and I will visit when we eventually get to America for a visit. Voted up!
Hi SW!! You and Mary would love Vegas! It was a great time and the first time Dave and I took a vacation sans kids:) lol I highly recommend it. But take lots of spending money because the shopping is amazing! Everything there is amazing....I wish we had a couple more days but I would have had to rent a hover round or something:) Just to get from your hotel to the car was a long walk....so tell Mary to bring good shoes! Haha!
I have always wanted to go to Vegas. Even though I don't gamble, I have always been fascinated about all those machines.
Ok - so I knew you guys did a lot while you were in Vegas for such a short time, but after reading this, I am not sure how you actually imagined to squeeze everything in!
What an incredible hub! I learned so much. I thought it was called Sin City because everybody that goes there sins in one way or another. And I really want to go to Red Rock Canyon now. It reminds me a little of the Garden of the Gods in Colorodo and the big rock park when you first enter Utah from Colorado (it is going to bug me because I can't think of the name!)
The Vdara - I am glad I didn't experience the hot spots - but it is such a beautiful hotel. I think I will take the hot spots any day over the hauntings in The Flamingo. You made this hub absoltuely perfect. Not only did you tell us about your vacation - but what a great guide if you ever want to visit Las Vegas! You guys truly made this an awesome trip. I wish I could have been there a little longer.
P.S. There is a Pinks by us (well, Buena Park by Knotts Berry Farm) and while it is busy, it isn't nearly as bad as some of the other ones I have seen! I am not much of a Hot Dog eater so I have never had one... I might have to try it after all! :)
That's so funny. The last time I was in Vegas, I did rent a Scooter! My back was killing me and the gout was attacking my feet, so no way could I walk around much. I noticed the hotel had scooters for rent, so I said WooHoo! I won't have to destroy my joints just to get around. The rental fee was very decent. I thought it was the best money I spent the whole time I was there. Every hotel in Vegas should have these! (I was staying at the Mirage).
Heck, they ought to rent these on the street too. Lot's of old people would visit more and more places if they had theses.
Best tip for going to Las Vegas - Don't go there in the summer! Way too hot. Even worse than Texas, LOL!
Cardisa - it is fascinating! A festival for the eyes. I don't gamble much either and didn't hardly at all in Vegas....such a waste of good money:) lol. I did win a few bucks and I turned it into a pair of cute jeans and a Guess purse:) haha. There is so much to do and see - I hope you get to check it out soon!
Stacy - see what I mean? Dave asked if we had sat down and looked at our pictures together and I was like "nope" we never got time so I knew you'd be surprised as well:) my feet - are still killing me! I did wear sensible shoes the whole time too.
The hotel was awesome - wasn't it? I couldn't believe what a great deal that was...so so so glad you two came up! It was such a blast but we need kore than a day next time! I got there on Wed around 2 in the afternoon - so we had the advantage fo the whole day driving around. The next day we drove out to Red Rock...it was awesome. I would have done more walking but I didn't know you could get out and black suede boots were not easy to walk on rocks with:).
That trip will be one of the most memorable - you guys really made it super special! Thanks you both again for driving so far - it was unbelievable!
Austin - ah! I wish I'd have thought of that - scooters would have been perfect for Vegas! Gosh - you could zip right down the strip! We found that if you drive just about any road that is perpendicular to the strip you can get farter much quicker. But the fun is in being and seeing what is on the strip!
I looked at some of the climate history of Nevada - the highest temperature ever recorded in the Western hemisphere was in 1913 in Death Valley - temp of 134* on July 10 in Funace Creek. there is a spot in Death Valley that sits at 282 feet below sea level - lowest spot known. I wanted to get there too but ran out of time. Next time!
I read somewhere that at the pool at the Vdara - they said the Death Ray was recorded to be over 200*! And how bout the hotel management liking the term "hot spot" over death ray! LOL I bet because if I'm talking about the pool to a friend and I say "the pools a real hot spot" sounds a lot better than "watch out for the death ray at the pool!" haha!
I really enjoyed this hub! Although Las Vegas was never one of my major places I wanted to visit I love the history behind the city. Also I usually dislike hubs that are super long because I have limited time to spend every day reading the great articles people publish, but I could not stop reading this one! You did such a great job keeping my interest that I didn't want to stop reading until I hit the end. You kept each point short while introducing fun and interesting topics and you gave a thorough review of each spot you visited (through this hub as well as in person!) Although I have a bunch more praise I would like to give this hub I am short on time and on the ability to think clearly. Unfortunately I always seem to read your hubs on the days that I am even busier than usual! Plus, even more unfortunately, I can officially tell I'm back into school mode because my comment has a very "college" tone to it! lol... So to lose a little bit of the professionalism and drop straight to the point... Darn good hub :-) Voted up and everything! Also wonderful pictures!
I would do it again in a heartbeat... but let's plan ahead a little further to make sure we have a little more time. LOL... I can do impromptu but Eli has to check the schedule. Funny - he ended up having Saturday night off after all. Another coworker offered to work for him. HOw cool is that. We could have stayed longer, but it was nice to get back home. BTW - I took a picture of the giant therometer for you. When I get to uploading my pics on facebook I will tag you in it! ;) I am sure you would have loved seeing something like that.
Ok - it is actually kind of lame but hey - I love see the most giant stuff! When we drove to California - we stopped to see the Giant Rocking Chair and the Giant Crater! LOL - What can I say - if you are going to do it... do it BIG!
My ex, my daughter's father is the head of international sales for a company in STL, so he is privy to trips around the world. He took Megan with him to Vegas several years ago, where they stayed at The Belligo. She called me as soon as they got there as she'd never seen anything like it. She was a novice, though, and a Pharmaceutical rep slipped her the "date rape" drug. She was lucky and smart enough to realize something was "off" and called security, who got her back to her room. Luckily, the drug rep was already passed out from whatever he'd taken. Megs spent the plane ride home the next day puking. The adage "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is scary, if you aren't a seasoned traveler.
Great hub, RealHousewife. I am so glad to hear you had a fabulous vacation. Thank you for including the photos. I would think you'd be "carded" everywhere you went!
Superlative article on Vegas. Really enjoyed this Kelly. How about that "Death Ray"- whew! Red Wood Canyon looks awesome...and so do you by the way. If I had to have a mirage in front of the red rock you'd do just fine. Hey, if hub friends can't compliment each other once in a while,...anyways thats cool with Penn & Teller- Penn looks like that guy used to sing for the Turtles & Zappa. Glad you had a fun n fine time Kelly!
Hi Myth! Thank you so much! I am such a history buff too:). I am so interested in different cultures and the ways that different people live. I really enjoyed every bit of the research too - I had such a hard time cutting stuff! I tried to stick with some main points but my mind was going in a zillion directions.
I totally know what you mean about commenting - cracks me up! I sometimes will erase a whole comment when I'm tired after re-reading it:) and you made employee of the month so I know you've been working really hard lately:). Kudos! I think your comment was awesome and makes me glad I took my time to try to break it down and keep it simple:). You get an A+!
Right Stacy - I always say go big or go home! Lol. For sure we have to plan at least a few days! Daves the one with the grueling schedule so I have to work around it. Holidays are always my best option.
I love trivia facts like that - biggest - tallest - oldest - I'm a sucker for checking stuff like that out! I can't wait to see the pix you have! You had your camera the night I lost mine!
Hi Amy! That is scary! And I'm so glad you pointed it out so everyone will remember to take heed (and a good friend!). That happens in clubs here all the time - Laurel had a similar experience and a car wreck stopped her from getting hurt worse! Omg! Sheesh - it's all still in court:). But she's safe and sound.
Thank you so much! I always seem to have such a fun time writing the hub articles too:). There was so much to see and do - and I thought St. Louis was advanced:) haha! We do not have that kind of night life except yearly festivals like Mardi Gras - I stay out of that crowd!
Alastar! Thanh you so much! What a nice compliment!
I was morbidly fascinated with that death ray:) I mean what a design flaw! And there's not much they can do to fix it I suppose. It's not safe to go in the water! Lol. I keep hearing the jaws theme in my head!
I had a blast in Vegas - and in sharing it in hub too! Makes traveling even more interesting when you know your going to be able to laugh about it with everyone! Thanks again! And hey - all ladies my age love compliments -- I'm not going to lie - keeping it real:)
Wow...RHW...I loved reading about the Vdara Hotel. The architect of that hotel must be brilliant!
AS they say..what happens is Vegas stays in Vegas, did not know about all the sins until now :)
thanks RHW. Voted up and interesting!
Whadda ya mean a girl your age Kelly? Shoot, 29s a springy chicken!! Had to finish something so waited for your reply to see the slide show and another vid. You took some marvelous pics there- everyone seems so happy. Loved ya with little Elvis:)
Ruchira - thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I had such a good time:).
That hotel designer will probably never design another large building! Oops! I mean what a thing to neglect:). They should advertise it and make it an attraction!
Alastar - thanks again! I wish I was 29 again:) I'm in the 40+ club. Ouch! But I feel 29 so I guess it all works out even:)
Fun! Viva Las Vegas! Finally some pictures! Yay! I felt like I was there with you...awesome trip review and details! I know who Penn & Teller is now that I saw their photo, that's cool you got a photo with Teller and with a mini-Elvis. I also recommend visiting Vegas at least once in a lifetime, it was enough for me. I'm glad you and Dave had a fun adventure. I'm also glad you and Stacy got to meet up:)) Thanks for sharing Real Deal! Voted across the board!
Hi Sunshine! It was such a fun trip (I gave it an up and awesome:) lol. You're so right - everyone just has to go and experience it at least once. Meeting Stacy was the highlight! So totally cool to meet up In person and have dinner and talk. I'm gonna make it to Orlando one of these days too! Thank you oh so much!
I just read that there is a Titanic exhibition at the Luxor in Vegas. Another sight I'd like to see. There is just so much to do in Vegas. Maybe we should move there!
Sunshine is waiting in the sunshine state for a visit from the Real Deal! :)
Hi, Kelly, delighted you got to see so many, you will pardon the expression, hot spots, but know for sure you will be back to visit Hoover Dam and any other sights you missed.
Isn't the Bellagio a favulous hotel? That lobby with all the glass sculpture on the ceiling is one of a kind. And the buffet is all you say - phenomenalicious.
Thanks for reviving all my pleasant nmemories of Vegas. Plan to revisit again but not in the months of July or August. You can literally fry eggs on the sidewalk during those months.
Austin - there is a Titanic exhibition right now! Sydney is fascinated with the Titanic! She would have killed me for going without her:) lol
I drove around Vegas - I would like to live there! I need a warmer climate than MO - it snows and rains too much here. Gets bitter cold in the winter with lots of wind. Sucks! I'm for it - let's all move to Vegas!
Sunshine - I'd drive there too....we used to every year but stopped after I had the last two - impossible to travel far with 2 babies/toddlers. Now they are the perfect age because they still like to hang with us.:). I'll plan that for sure!
Drbj! You were so right! Omg! It was outrageous and crazy and amazing. It is almost like a sensory overload. Those flowers on the ceilings are unforgettable. The colors so varied and vibrant. The fountain show was awesome. All the characters and people to see! Everyone was SO nice too!
I am so glad we went. It was truly a perfect vacation. I did hit some hot spots! Lol. I had a huge list so I didn't get it all done this round but I do intend to take my kids there. I'd like to check out Rhyolite (the ghost town) I couldn't squeeze that in:(
I hooe you get to go back really soon and no matter what - don't go in the pool at the Vdara around noon! Lol
I haven't been to Vegas since the 70's when I went there with my parents. Even though I was not allowed to gamble I still had a great time. A lot has changed there and I loved re-visiting Vegas through your hub.
Hi Kelly really useful hub. I have never been to Las Vegas but have wanted to go there for a few years now. There must be a dark side to this city which kinda makes me a little nervous about going, but one day I would like to go. Voted up and thanks for the info.
Loved your hub and the way you showed so many facets of Vegas. The trip to Red Rock Canyon is wonderful, isn't it? We loved having a day to hike and view the desert while we were there. I love all the Elvis impersonators in Vegas! When we visited, we did rent a car and drive out to Death Valley and to the ghost town of Rhyolite - it's a very long drive, but kind of fun to see the ghost town. There are so many nearby attractions (Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam...) that it's really impossible to squeeze everything into one vacation. You seem to have done a great job of getting the most out of your time there and including some history in your hub made it extra interesting! I'll tweet this!
Susan - we have all got to get back there! It is so wild! we should all plan a trip and meet up:). That would be an excellent place to do that! You have to get your strength in your leg back first - but I still think the visual of all the hubbers riding scooters through Vegas would be sweet! Lol
Hi Brian - you should just go to Vegas. There is a dark side but I don't think there's anything to worry about unless you go looking for trouble:) lol. I wouldn't have wanted to be without my husband there for sure - but I really felt safe the whole time. I stayed out of most of the gaming places. I have heard of people that go to Vegas and never leave the hotel they checked into! That's insane - I think it's most notable for gambling but I could have completely done without that part. There are so many other things to do....super fun place with lots of brilliant lights and excitement!
Hope you get to take that trip soon! Let me know how you like it when you do:). Thanks so much!
That would be a BLAST!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much! I so enjoyed my trio there and you're so right - there are so many things to do it's impossible to choose. I so wanted to go to Hoover Dam and Rhyolite! They were on my list but I ran out of time:). It will keep for next time and I'd like to have my kids see those things too.
Before this trip - I'd really only thought of Vegas as a Mafia Hub and gambling spot. I was excited that there were so many other awesome things to do and I hoped if anyone else had the mind set that it was just a casino trip that they would realize how varied and endless the entertainment choices were! Most people only ever talk about the casinos:). I wasn't interesting in a long drawn out bar trip! Lol.
I love the Elvis impersonators too! I am going to see how many cities I can find one and keep having my picture taken with "him"! Haha! And hey - thanks SO much for tweeting!!
Susan - we should plan it! I'm serious - I would totally go again! We should make a reasonable date and then everyone start saving their hub money:) lol.
That might take awhile but sure okay....In 2020? :)
Hubbers on Scooters! ROFLMAOPP
Susan - no that's too long!! Haha! How about I year? Lol
Austin - I know wouldn't that be so awesome!! The visual is priceless!
Ok, we could go to Vegas or Chichen Itza for the 12/12/2012 End of the World Party. Right now I'm thinking Vegas!
The Luxor would be perfect!
By 2020 I'll be ready for a motorized wheel chair.
Ok but Mexico is great too! I have been twice and didn't get to go to Chichen either time! I wanted to so bad!! We can get cheap trips there too!
Susan - I'm ready for one now if I get to go to Vegas again - a hover round would be great! Even has a shopping basket:) lol
Are you anglin' for a job at Frommer's or just Vegas' Department of Tourism? :-)
I've always wanted to go to Vegas. Someday I hope... Fun hub!!! Its only needs a Table of Contents! Ha!
Lapse - oh gosh no! The last thing I want is another job:) lol
I didn't think of the table of contents! It's never too late to edit! Haha! Thanks so much - I hope you get to go there too - is is well worth the time and money:)
You couldn't drop your current job? Think about it, writing travel guides you've be FORCED to travel to fun cities and record great places to visit/eat/do whatever! Seems like a dream job to me! :-) You could bring your family if that's part of the hesitation. HA! I don't actually know how those things work though... they probably get you to live in the city you exclusively write about so you become an expert... Sounds sweet though.
Well Lapse - I don't actually have a "job" per se. I am a REAL housewife:) lol. I don't think the kids would appreciate it if I ran off and became a travel writer:) LOL. Oh wait....maybe you're onto something here!! I quickly reversed my mind because I'll just bet they would like to only live with big push over daddy:) haha! I'm off to follow that dream! Thanks - you're not lapsing a bit!
Hi Ashok! Thank you so much for the comment and link! That looks pretty cool and just the sort of place I would love to check out if I was going to plan another trip. Awesome! I will add the link to my hub!
Sweet. I'm sure you'll be able to juggle this new job and the old one. :-D Good luck!!!
Thanks Lapse! I have started packing! Lol
Lived in Las Vegas from 1995-1998 after getting stationed there for my first base when I joined the Air Force. Loved it and I still visit when I can!
Hi Jason - lucky! I can't wait to go back either. It is one of the coolest places I have visited. The weather was gorgeous while I was there too. Good luck getting back and thanks for the comment!
Kel,
This is an extremely well written, entertaining hub. Seriously, you really pulled it together nicely. How do you get "rewards" for pimping Vegas? (Sunshine may know, ha) So glad you had a fun, safe trip. I've never been there but would like to go. Three times to Atlantic City was enough and I'm sure not the same. Have a great weekend!
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn! I have never been to Atlantic City! Great Idea - I just asked Dave he doesn't think he has either! Thanks - I will put that on my list!
I hope you do get to go there - every city has it's own attractions and ways of speaking and living. It seemed really cool there - I think I mentioned before everyone seemed really friendly! It's such a surpise I did't realize how crabby people in St. Louis are:) lol
Thanks so much and you have a great weekend too!
writer20 Level 8 Commenter 6 months ago
You have to careful what you talk about for Las Vegas because we get upset really easy.
The Rio, go only if you don't mind sitting on hard wooden seats and something like a picnic table.
The Belligo cafe is great to try next time your here and the conservatory changes scenes every season and always so very good.