Las Vegas vacations often involve sitting in one of the many well-appointed casinos, taking a chance and hoping to build up a massive bankroll.  Gambling, however, isn’t the only thing the city has to offer. Of course, Las Vegas offers a great nightlife scene, world class golfing, spas and resorts, and some of the world’s greatest shows.  Even after that, however, Vegas continues to offer more.  There are some amazing sight-seeing options that can be key parts of unforgettable Las Vegas vacations.  Let’s just review a few of the must-see sights in the Vegas area.

Hover Dam is an obvious choice.  This truly massive structure is a sight to behold and its surroundings are equally awe-inspiring.  If you want to see a true man-made miracle, you simply must make the drive to the dam.  Take the tour, too.  You’ll learn a lot about the structure and the history of the area, allowing you to leave with an even greater appreciation for both.

Everyone who visits Las Vegas should take a trip down to the Fremont Street Experience, too.  This one-of-a-kind downtown overhead light show is simply fantastic.  You can travel to city after city for your entire life without ever encountering anything like this electric extravaganza.  The show is on several times a day, making it easy to catch regardless of your schedule.  While you’re in the area, you can also sneak a peak at some of the city’s most famed and venerable casino properties.

Those who appreciate natural beauty should add a journey to Red Rock Canyon to their itinerary.  This massive federally-protected area is probably the best way to really experience the beauty and scope of the Mojave desert.  Bicyclists, hikers and climbers will find that Red Rock Canyon is a paradise.  Those less inclined toward outdoors adventure can soak in the amazing views of the Spring Mountains and Las Vegas Valley from the car while tooling down the special scenic drive.

Even if you’re staying downtown or in Henderson, Las Vegas vacations should always include a trip to The Strip.  That four-mile strip of Las Vegas Boulevard is stuffed with some of the most extravagant hotel structures ever conceived, offers amazing shopping and even boasts a few golf courses.  The Strip is Vegas at its best and its a must-see for any traveler.

There are many things to do in Las Vegas and one of the best is to take a little time away from the card tables to enjoy the sites.  Whether you’re marveling at the natural beauty of Nevada or observing some of the most impressive man-made structures around, you can find unforgettable memories and photo opportunities during Las Vegas vacations.

Opened in Las Vegas in 1997, in the Showcase Mall next to the MGM Grand. The four-story M&M’s World includes a gift shop on the first floor. The shop leads to a 3D movie theater. Also on display are M&M’s in nearly every color, and a replica of the M&M’s race car that is driven in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. M&M’s clothing is sold on the second floor and on the stairs that go up to the second floor are pictures showing how the M&M characters have evolved over the years painted on the wall.

The newly renovated Tropicana Las Vegas features all new, best-in-class Deluxe Rooms and 4.2 acres of tropical pool and garden area. They also offer a 50,000 square feet casino, Swim-up Blackjack at the pool and exceptional entertainment such as Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, The Las Vegas Mob Experience will open in December 2010, The Las Vegas Mob Preview Center is now open, Club Nikki and Nikki Beach will open spring of 2011.

Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Features
Guests can experience Tropicana’s legendary pool right in the heart of Las Vegas. With a bright, tropical setting that embodies the vibrancy of the resort’s South Beach inspired theme, the pool features an expansive deck with lush landscaping, waterfalls, and private lounge spots.Enjoy a meal at any of their dining establishments such as the South Beach Cafe & Deli, Havana Go Go, Bacio Pasta & Vino, Legends Steak & Seafood, or order room service.

Tropicana Rooms
Tropicana Las Vegas offers a total of 1,658 new, best-in-class guest rooms and luxury suites. All rooms feature king or two queen size pillow top beds, 42” flat panel TV, workspace desk or chaise longue, iHome clock radio with a universal docking station, wireless internet, Kohler sink features, curved shower rods and artwork from acclaimed Latin artist, Aldo Luongo.

The newly renovated Tropicana Las Vegas features all new, best-in-class Deluxe Rooms and 4.2 acres of tropical pool and garden area. They also offer a 50,000 square feet casino, Swim-up Blackjack at the pool and exceptional entertainment such as Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, The Las Vegas Mob Experience will open in December 2010, The Las Vegas Mob Preview Center is now open, Club Nikki and Nikki Beach will open spring of 2011.

Guests can experience Tropicana’s legendary pool right in the heart of Las Vegas. With a bright, tropical setting that embodies the vibrancy of the resort’s South Beach inspired theme, the pool features an expansive deck with lush landscaping, waterfalls, and private lounge spots.

Enjoy a meal at any of their dining establishments such as the South Beach Cafe & Deli, Havana Go Go, Bacio Pasta & Vino, Biscayne, or order room service.

Las Vegas used to be were adults went to play cards, roll dice, bet ballgames, smoke, drink and to generally misbehave. You could get married in a matter of minutes at a drive through chapel and get divorced almost as quickly when you came to your senses. Vegas was an adults-only playground. Nowadays, it’s a great place for everyone. Family-friendly hotels dot the strip, advertising campaigns promote the city as a family vacation destination and you can find enough things for kids to do to keep them busy for months.

Las Vegas has grown a great deal over the last thirty years and it’s changed it’s attitude a little bit in the process. Don’t be fooled, though. Las Vegas is still the place to go if you’re an adult. Sure, there are plenty of things for the younger set, but Vegas is still a great spot to cut loose. Think about the options.

Gambling
That’s the big one and it’s still reserved for adults. If you want to surround yourself by other adults, just hit the casino floor. There’s no place in the US like Vegas. You can play just about any slot machine or table game at virtually any limit. Enjoy the cheap drinks and try to make a killing. You can even bet on sports events, something that isn’t legal anywhere else in the country.

Eating
The food in Vegas doesn’t consist merely of cheap all-you-can-eat casino buffets. The city has attracted top chefs who have built spectacular restaurants that will appeal to adult palates. If you want to go gourmet, go to Las Vegas.

Shows
Vegas has long been known for its big star shows and lounge acts. The tradition continues. You can check out big-time superstars giving awesome concerts or you can hit some of the traditional Vegas variety shows—complete with feather-wearing showgirls and comics with a knack for telling somewhat less-than-clean jokes. The entertainment options abound and many of them have a distinctly adult flavor.

Clubs
If you love the nightlife, you’ll love Las Vegas. The clubs are world-class and the party stretches deep into the night. Great atmosphere. Great music. Great drinks. Great dancing. If you have a penchant for the club scene, you’re going to fall in love with Las Vegas.

Put it all together. Where else can you take a cab to your top-notch hotel, enjoy a few cocktails in the pool while playing on a floating blackjack table, get a great meal, see a world-class show, go clubbing until sunrise and top things off with a little gambling on the casino floor before you even bother laying down in your bed?

That’s grown-up fun and it’s still at the core of the Las Vegas experience. Las Vegas has expanded in popularity. Part of that growth has stemmed from the city’s efforts at attracting family vacationers, but the city has never turned its back on its primary audience—adults.

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Las Vegas vacations feature some of the most exhilarating nighttime fun possible.  Vegas is a twenty four hour city and there’s always a party going on.  Usually, there are hundreds of parties, to tell you the truth.  If you’ve ever wanted to take a trip that provided maximum opportunity for nightlife adventure, Las Vegas is the perfect destination.

In most cities, there’s a nighttime club scene to keep you busy, but there’s no place quite like Vegas.  Options are seemingly limitless in that regard.  If you want to dance the night away with live music, you’ll have more options than you can imagine.  If boogieing down at a high-style club while a DJ keeps things going is more your style, you can line up behind the velvet ropes of several top clubs.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a well-known A-lister to find a good party.  Sure, Vegas has more than its fair share of exclusive clubs populated by celebrities and “party people”.  The great thing, though, is that many of those usually off-limits places are actually accessible to the general public.  Plus, there are hundreds of clubs that are more than happy to welcome people of all types and preferences.

Not everyone is a dancer.  Some folks want a different kind of night life.  When the sun goes down over the mountains outside of Las Vegas, a variety of interesting and enticing adult pursuits become available.

There is, of course, a thriving bar scene.  Whether you’re looking for a place to fly your freak flag or prefer someplace with a little Hank Williams on the jukebox, you can find a perfect place to throw back a few adult beverages.

You can gamble the night away in the countless casinos.  Las Vegas vacations often featuring gaming as a centerpiece and hitting the slot machines or the tables in hopes of hitting a big winner is a popular overnight activity.  Enjoy the excitement—and the cheap drinks—with your friends or loved ones as you try to strike it rich.

If you’re looking for something a little more risque, Las Vegas has you covered.  From old school burlesque shows to exclusive “gentleman’s clubs”, there are adult entertainment options aplenty.  On most nights, the ladies can find risque shows that will appeal to their sensibilities.  When they say Las Vegas vacations offer something for everyone, they aren’t exaggerating.

The most annoying part of many Las Vegas vacations is the fact that your body will eventually cry out for some sleep.  There’s so much to do and so much fun to be had overnight that you might find it hard to resist pulling at least one all-nighter during your stay.  Those famous Vegas neon lights stay on from dusk until dawn, guiding the way to a cornucopia of fun night life events.

Long before a single fast-handed dealer yelled “blackjack” and pushed a stack of chips to a lucky card player, there was Las Vegas. Las Vegas pre-dates the bright lights, the shows, the all-night parties and the gorgeous resorts. The original residents of the area that now includes Las Vegas were, of course, Native Americans.  As settlers and traders pushed west, a small trading caravan gave the spot the name “Las Vegas” (“the meadows”). Mormon settlers tried to convert Native Americans. Buoyed by cheap government land sales, families tried to scrape out a living farming the Nevada land.  By the early 20th century, Las Vegas was an actual town, albeit one with under 1,000 citizens.

When Nevada loosened its divorce laws, the precursors of today’s resorts started springing up in the desert.  If you could maintain Nevada residency for six weeks, you could get a no-hassle divorce.  Dude ranches supplied a diverting place to spend those six weeks and Las Vegas was developing a reputation as the place to end your marriage by the early 1930s.

Water is a problem in the desert.  So is power.  The best way to solve those problem?  A dam.  Enter the biggest dam project anyone had ever seen—Hoover dam.  The massive engineering feat required personnel and Las Vegas became their home away from home.  Illegal gambling flourished in the dam camps and in the little town.  In 1931, the authorities decided it made more sense to bring the gaming out into the open.  With the dam project underway and a population that had grown to nearly 25,000 people, Las Vegas started earning its reputation as a gambling Mecca.

The dam was done by the late 30s.  The casinos were growing and the bright lights of “Glitter Gulch”, powered by the electricity generated by the dam, were shining.  The second World War brought a significant army training presence to Las Vegas, feeding the growing gaming industry.

Many people will tell you that the Las Vegas we know today started when two gangsters, Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel in 1946.  Earlier casinos were small, simple affairs.  The Flamingo, on the other hand, featured a world-class restaurant, venues for performances, luxury hotel space and a massive (by the time’s standards) casino floor.  It became a model for future projects and Las Vegas continued to boom.

Today, Las Vegas is an endless series of amazing casino properties connected by flashing bulbs and neon tubes.  It’s the home of many top performances, the site of magnificent resorts, and the only place in America where you can legally book a sports bet.  It’s casinos and adult cabarets.  It’s family fun and activities for the kids.  It’s a playground for everyone.

Las Vegas is one of the most famed cities in the world.  It has a reputation and a personality all of its own.  The back story is fascinating—who would’ve thought that a change in divorce laws, the construction of a hydroelectric dam, and the entrepreneurial instinct of mobsters would combine to produce something on the scale of Las Vegas?

Las Vegas vacations inevitably involve a trip to at least one or two of the many awesome casinos that have made the city famous.  While many travelers will be chomping at the bit to sit down at a high stakes table, others might approach the whole situation with some trepidation.

Not everyone is a veteran gambler.  In fact, many of the folks who head west on Las Vegas vacations have never placed a wager in their lives.  That can be intimidating.  There’s money on the line and it seems like everyone else is up-to-speed with the hustle and bustle of the casinos. Las Vegas vacations can be an absolute blast and a good time at the casino is often the highlight of a trip.

Enjoying a few games of chance while in Vegas shouldn’t be scary.  It should be fun!  Here are a few tips for novice gamblers that will make their first casino visit a little less intense and a lot more entertaining.

First, stick to relatively simple games.  Some games are more involved and complicated than others.  For instance, craps has literally thousands of betting possibilities, its own unique vocabulary and a lot of fast action.  It might not be the best place for a new gamer to try his or her luck.  Poker is a game of skill and Vegas attracts many skilled players who don’t have a lot of patience for someone who needs to be reminded whether three of a kind beats two pairs (it does) or who don’t know the difference between a big blind and a check raise.  The poker tables aren’t a great place for a newbie gambler to cut his or her teeth.

If, on the other hand, you can stick to relatively simple games.  Slot machines, obviously, are very easy to play.  Blackjack isn’t particularly complicated and almost anyone can master the basic strategy in a short period of time.  You’ll feel more comfortable when you understand the game.

Second, play at low limit tables and don’t over-bet. There are a few reasons for this.  First, tables that have low limits usually attract more newer players.  You’ll be “among your own” with a dealer who is prepared to deal with occasional delays, errors and questions.  It’s a more comfortable environment.  Second, it’s easier to lose a bundle than it is to win one.  Novice gamblers should stay away from situations that make it too easy to lose too much quickly.

Finally, take advantage of lessons.  You might not know it, but almost every resort casino in Las Vegas will give you free lessons about how the various games are played.  You can learn the ins and outs of the games that interest you before you ever put a single chip on the felt.  Free lessons are a great way of developing the kind of comfort level that make Las Vegas vacations less intimidating and more fun.

You can have a great time gaming even if you’re completely inexperienced.   Following the three simple tips outlined here can render even a first-time novice comfortable in a casino setting.

Freebies at the MGM Grand

The MGM Grand offers the Lion Habitat, which is fun for all ages. Just look up and you’ll be able to see the huge cats groom themselves, play, and eat. There’s also a store right next to the habitat where you can buy lion themed items. Kids and adults alike will love watching the cats and there’s only a thin slab of glass that separates you from them. While you’re at the MGM, consider watching and rating new television shows at the research center, which is located by the pool. New shows from several networks are previewed in order to gauge audience reaction and some participants are chosen for longer focus groups, some of which are paid. Some people are even lucky enough to watch a new movie and get paid for their time and opinions.

Free Thunderstorm

You’ve never paid for a thunderstorm before, so why start now? Experience a computer generated one at the Miracle Mile Shopping Mall, which is attached to the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. Hear the thunder roll while the lightning strikes and the rain beats down.

Also, be sure and visit M&M’s World and the Coca-Cola, shop, both of which are on the strip and offer the kind of themed merchandise that you don’t often see. M&M’s World has about 26 different colors of M&M’s and you can even special order them with sayings or someone’s face on the tiny chocolate candies. Even if you don’t buy anything though, these two venues are fun to just walk around in.

Circus Circus

Whether or not you have kids in your party, you won’t want to miss the free circus acts at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. The show only lasts about 10 minutes but the shows start every half hour between 11 am and midnight. Limited seating is available so arrive early if you want to sit while you watch the trapeze artists, jugglers, and clowns, but if you don’t mind standing, there is plenty of room for that as well.

Las Vegas vacations inevitably involve “hitting The Strip”.  Just what is “The Strip” and why is it the city’s number one destination? The Strip is an amazing sight to behold.  It’s almost impossible to believe that so much can be crammed into such a compact area.  There are few, if any, similar examples of vacation options within a single defined area.  The Las Vegas strip is a one-of-a-kind spot!

It’s hard to imagine that so much fun, excitement and excess can be shoehorned into a single four-mile section of a city street, but that’s what’s happening on The Strip.  Officially a part of Las Vegas Boulevard South, The Strip has a taken on an identity–and a life–of its own. It started small.  The “Pair o’ Dice” casino had been down the road for ten years when El Rancho Vegas was built on today’s Strip back in 1941.  Modest by today’s standards, the first joint on the strip featured around sixty rooms.  It lasted twenty years and was just the first of many ventures to call The Strip home.  Growth came fast.

Today, this one little piece or road is the key to countless Las Vegas vacations because it hosts so many massive hotel properties.  The bulk of Vegas’ famous casinos and resorts call The Strip home.  In fact, there are nearly seventy thousand hotel rooms on that one four-mile chunk of boulevard!  The list of properties features some of the city’s most recognizable names. But The Strip isn’t just part of so many Las Vegas vacations because of the hotels and their attached casinos.  It’s the centerpiece of any Las Vegas shopping experience, the place to find some of the world’s finest cuisine and the home of countless internationally-acclaimed shows and performances.  There are even world-class golf courses nestled into The Strip.

When you see those dramatic, exciting photos of Las Vegas, you’re probably looking at a shot of The Strip.  The hotels, casinos and restaurants compete for attention in shocking ways.  The themed properties with massive external structures, amusement parks and cutting edge architecture are awash in lights, creating an absolutely unforgettable scene. There really isn’t anything that you’d want to do in Vegas that you can’t do on the strip.  Literally everything necessary to create a memorable and exciting trip is right there, jammed into those four remarkable miles.

Las Vegas vacations and The Strip are really inseparable concepts.  Even if you aren’t staying on The Strip, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself there before you leave Las Vegas.  It’s truly the heart of the city and offers everything from the world’s finest gaming to spectacular gourmet restaurants.  Travelers inevitably take in the sights, travel via the casino-operated trams, and marvel at the wild sights and sounds of The Strip.

Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio has brought his distinctive vision of the American steakhouse to Las Vegas. Craftsteak’s ingredient-driven menu features the highest quality meats and produce, presented with minimal interference as a la carte options to best showcase the integrity of their farm-fresh flavors. Chef Colicchio’s standard of excellence is evident in all aspects of the restaurant: its extensive selection of Kobe and Wagyu beef, its 200 bottle collection of premium scotches and whiskies, and its diverse variety of seasonal sides and entrees prepared with reverence by Executive Chef Matt Seeber and his skilled team. Craftsteak is a welcome reminder of the wealth of potential that resides within the application of caring and thoughtful restraint.

In addition, spend a little time searching online for unadvertised specials. You can benefit from the experiences of other travelers by visiting message boards and forums. For example, one particular unadvertised special has been going on for years, yet you won’t find it on the menu and your waiter won’t tell you about it. It is the $6.99 steak special at Ellis Island Hotel and Casino. For less than $7 you’ll get a good size steak, vegetables, and bread. You’ll find this little gem behind Bally’s Hotel and Casino and the steak special is good every day.

You’ll also find steak specials and other good eats that are good for certain hours of the day, some after midnight so do pay attention to when the deal is good. You’ll also find a plethora of coupons for BOGO offers all around Las Vegas. Remember, too, that you’ll get free drinks as long as you’re playing on any of the casino floors, but be careful; you don’t want to get sloshed while you’re gambling or you could lose the farm in a hurry!

Gambler’s Special

This is another deal that you’ll have to ask for but it is well worth it and it is available 24/7 at the Hard Rock Hotel. You’ll get a steak and shrimp dinner for $7.77 but remember to ask your server because it isn’t on the menu. There are also several breakfast specials that you’ll find off strip. An Internet search for Las Vegas dining deals will bring up more food than you can eat in a week at super discounts. Most of the really great dining specials are off the strip, though, but even some of those are in walking distance, depending on where you are staying. The bottom line is if you look for specials, you can eat well in Las Vegas and spend much less than you would otherwise.

Hoover Dam, once known as Boulder Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Arizona and Nevada. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936, and was dedicated on September 30, 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over a hundred lives.

Hoover Dam impounds Lake Mead, and is located near Boulder City, Nevada, a municipality originally created for workers on the construction project, about 30 mi (48 km) south of Las Vegas, Nevada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoover_Dam

Positioned on the 11th floor of the Eiffel Tower, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant serves classic French cuisine including seasoned lamb and foie gras. Meats and cheeses served at Le Village Buffet are selected from each French province of origin. The hotel features an 85,000-square-foot casino housed beneath a replica of Paris’ wrought-iron train platforms. The hotel offers a pool complex with a seasonal pool and two oval spa tubs. Located on the pool deck, Café Du Parc offers views of the Eiffel Tower. The Paris Spa by Mandara, the hotel’s 26,000-square-foot spa, includes a fitness center, sauna, steam room, spa tub and vanity bar. The spa offers Balinese health treatments and massages and wraps that include the Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap. Le Boulevard recalls outdoor Paris with storefronts, streetlamps, stone paths and sky-simulated ceilings.

Guestrooms. The Paris Las Vegas’ 2,916 guestrooms feature French-inspired décor and custom European furnishings. Select rooms feature complimentary in-room safes, built-in wet bars with sinks and refrigerators, and separate seating areas with sofas and coffee tables. Bathrooms contain marble bathtubs, separate showers and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Select bathrooms include jetted tubs and dual sinks. High-speed Internet access is available for a fee.

Location. Designed to emulate 1920s Paris with replicas of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Las Vegas is located on the south end of The Strip in Las Vegas, Nev. The Paris Las Vegas connects to Bally’s Las Vegas via an interior passageway. This property is located adjacent to Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

Expert Tip. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to a partner property, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino’s on-site restaurants include P.F. Chang’s and Spice Market Buffet. A limited-hour, staffed business center is located adjacent to the lobby and the 100,000-square-foot casino. Entertainment options include music and dance shows in The Showroom and magic and variety shows in V Theatre (fees apply). Television’s EXTRA correspondents and crew call Planet Hollywood Resort Casino home, as they interview celebrities at their Las Vegas headquarters. A limited-hour fitness facility is available for a daily fee and includes cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, and free weights. Flanked by palm trees and a chaise lounge-lined sundeck, two seasonal pools and a spa tub overlook the Vegas Strip. The Balinese-style Spa at Mandera offers a range of body treatments that pamper and soothe, including the Japanese Silk Booster Facial, the Strawberry Herbal Back Cleanse and the Frangipani Nourish Float.

Guestrooms. The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino contains 2,567 guestrooms housed in the main 38 story-building and two 23-floor towers. Rooms are decorated according to Hollywood themes where each accommodation showcases well-known film memorabilia. Tech-savvy enhancements include high-speed wired Internet access, for a fee, and 42-inch flat-screen televisions. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses, 230-thread count linens, and a choice of five feather-and down, or allery-sensitive pillows. Oversized bathrooms contain black-marble vanities, European-style soaking bathtubs and separate showers.

Location. Located centrally on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nev., Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is themed after the glamour and bright lights associated with Tinseltown. Connected to the Miracle Mile shops, the hotel stands across the street from Bellagio Conservatory and Fountains. The hotel provides pedicar rides to and from the Miracle Mile shops daily. Forum Shops are one-half mile away.

Expert Tip. The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino hosts complimentary gaming classes. A schedule of all classes are obtained at the hotel concierge desk.

It’s easy to think of Las Vegas as an adult town. There are the risque shows featuring scantily clad showgirls. There are bars with cheap drinks, clubs with heavy-duty parties, adult-themed shows featuring plenty of “blue” comedy and, of course, gambling. If you’re not twenty-one years old, you can’t roll the dice or bet on a football game. It’s easy to think of Las Vegas as a grown-up getaway.

There’s no doubt about it, there’s a lot of things to do for the adult set in Las Vegas. However, thinking of the city as an adults-only vacation destination overlooks the many different family-friendly activities that are available. That’s right, Las Vegas really is a great place for the whole family. Just consider a handful of the hundreds of things in Vegas that will appeal to the young and the young at heart.

Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel. The giant hydroelectric dam is an awe-inspiring site with a fascinating history. Hoover Dam tours are available and their guaranteed to drop the jaws of young and old alike.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Las Vegas Springs Preserve whisks visitors away from the blinking bulbs and neon of downtown and the strip, providing travelers with a great look at interactive exhibits that provide insight about the area’s ecology. Nature buffs will love the Preserve.

Las Vegas GameWorks
You may need to be twenty one to play blackjack, but there are great games available for people of any age at Las Vegas’ massive arcades. Operations like the Gameworks Arcade at Showcase Mall feature hundreds of video games and other activities suitable for all ages.

Bonnie Springs Old Nevada
Before the lights and the concerts, there were cowboys and trains. You can take a trip back in time at destinations like Bonnie Springs Old Nevada. It’s a complete old western town located within twenty miles of Las Vegas featuring everything from western souvenirs to gunfight reenactments.

Rides
Many of the casino properties offer rides that would fit in at any high-end amusement park. There’s the Gondola Ride at The Venetian, roller coasters at New York/New York, and a score of different routes to the high-rises providing an unforgettable view of the well-lit city from above.

Amusement Parks
If you want to wrap yourself up completely in the amusement park experience, you can do it at places like Adventuredome at Circus Circus. It’s one of a handful of full-featured amusement parks that will keep kids happy in Las Vegas.

There’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas. You can see sharks in aquariums, make your way to the top of an Eiffel Tower replica, visit a wax museum, or do just about anything else you can imagine!

Las Vegas is a great place for the grown-ups to cut loose, but it’s also an A-plus vacation destination for those who happen to be under twenty-one. Not everything that happens in Vegas needs to stay there for the sake of discretion—there are plenty of adventures that any kid will want to talk about for years to come.

Many Las Vegas vacations have featured a trip to beautiful Red Rock Canyon—and for good reason. This massive federally-protected conservation area is a spectacular way to experience the awesome Mojave Desert. Spanning nearly 300,000 acres, the Red Rock Canyon conservation area offers a true one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re headed toward Vegas, you simply must consider adding Red Rock Canyon to your travel itinerary.

Red Rock Canyon has a great educational aspect about it. There’s a fully-appointed book and gift store featuring products that celebrate the area. Guide books, histories and maps are only part of the inventory. The gift shop also offers stunning Native jewelry and other handcrafted items.

The visitors center, which is the “heart” of the area features a number of fascinating exhibits and interpretive displays that cover everything from the geological story of the canyon to the culture of its original native inhabitants. You can study history or check out rescued lizards up close and personal.

Red Rock is a feature of so many Las Vegas vacations, however, because it offers more than history and science lessons. There are also many opportunities to directly experience this stunning desert area.

Hikers will be thrilled to wind their way through the miles and miles of trails. These pathways have been carefully designed to create an unforgettable Mojave experience and feature jaw-dropping views of the Las Vegas Valley and the Spring Mountains. You’ll be shocked to learn just how beautiful and impressive the desert can be.

Those who’d prefer to pedal through the canyon are also in luck. Bicycle paths make it easy to navigate massive chunks of the huge reserve, and are keyed to all levels of talent and experience. There are even special rest and refreshment areas for those who decide that the best way to experience Red Rock is on two wheels. Adventurous types may opt to organize their Las Vegas vacations around the climbing opportunities at Red Rock Canyon.

Some of us, however, aren’t necessarily up to the challenge of exploring the desert canyon area in such a physical way. That isn’t a problem, due to the extensive winding scenic driving route. This makes it easy for anyone to get an up-close view of a completely unique natural area from the convenience of the car.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about a natural wonder or in challenging yourself with a mountain bike ride or climbing trip, Red Rock Canyon is a great place to visit. Las Vegas vacations don’t have to be all about indoor events like gambling and shows. The region offers some of the most amazing natural beauty you could ever hope to find and Red Rock Canyon showcases nearly 200,00 acres of it!

Las Vegas is a place like no other. There are an endless amount of attractions for visitors and residents to experience. The most popular activities in Vegas usually involve the strip. There is a seemingly endless line of casinos, clubs and other glitzy attractions. If you have already hit the strip and are looking for something different to do I have just the attraction. That attraction is the Atomic Testing Museum. Its something different that will give you an interesting story when you get back from your vacation. Keep reading and learn about the museum.

Nevada is of course famous for Vegas and the glitz and glamour of the Vegas Strip but it was also home to a big part of American history. The state was used by the US Government to test and develop nuclear weapons for over a forty year period. The Atomic Testing Museum is over 8000 square feet and uses a number of different displays to tell the story of America’s nuclear testing. It contains audio and video media as well as unique artifacts to tell the story of the over 900 nuclear weapon tests that were conducted in Southern Nevada. Besides the history of the actual testing you will also learn about the history and culture at the time of the tests and the importance of the program to the security of the country. Most of the video is displayed on television screens located throughout the museum but there is also the “Ground Zero Theatre” which is designed to resemble a concrete bunker. The theater shows an actual above ground test and will help give you an idea of the power of nuclear weapons. This just scratches the surface of what there is at the museum. There are quite a few other things to see there so plan to spend a couple of hours at the museum to fully take everything in.

This is a great attraction to see that is somewhat off the beaten path. If you would like to plan a visit to the museum you can find it at 755 E. Flamingo Road in Vegas. Call the information line at (702) 794-5161 for current hours and admission prices before you go. Have Fun.

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Las Vegas vacations inevitably feature at least a few shows. The strip is the best place to catch some of the more famous (and elaborate) productions. Although there are scores of great shows on the strip on any given night, a few stand out in the crowd. Let’s look at three shows that often end up being vacation highlights.

Cirque du Soleil – Various Locations

Who would’ve ever believed that French circus act would eventually become so tightly linked to Las Vegas in the public consciousness? Right now, there are no fewer than six different Cirque shows gracing the Vegas area and you can find a performance on the strip at virtually every time. Cirque shows aren’t just performances, they’re events. If you haven’t been to one, you owe it to yourself to check one out. The participants will wow you with their grace, dexterity, contortions and sense of performance.

Phantom of the Opera – Venetian Hotel and Casino
The Venetian hosts an absolutely fabulous version of this musical staple. The special effects are amazing (including an eye-popping version of the famous chandelier scene) and the venue has been completely redesigned to evoke an old French opera house. You may have seen “Phantom of the Opera” before, but you’ve never seen it like this. It’s one of the best shows on the strip and it’s a perfect example of the kind of entertainment that makes Las Vegas vacations so memorable. You don’t even need to be a fan of musicals to love “Phantom”, it’s a fantastic event no matter what yardstick you use to measure it.

Blue Man Group – Venetian Hotel and Casino
The Venetian gets another “thumbs up” for Blue Man Group, one of the most unique pieces of performance art anyone has ever seen. This fascinating blend of genres has been dropping jaws all around the world for years and never fails to entertain. It’s comedy. It’s action. It’s intense. It’s fun. It’s Blue Man Group and it is one of the best things going on the strip. Blue Man Group has been simultaneously defying explanation and enchanting full houses for years. If you want to pick a show that you’re sure to remember, this is the one.

Las Vegas vacations often feature big-name shows for a reason—they are thoroughly entertaining. You can find great shows all over Las Vegas, but the “big boys” reside in the custom-built theaters of the hotels and casinos on the strip. If you want to add a truly memorable event to your vacation itinerary, just hit the strip. You won’t be disappointed. Whether you see “Phantom”, one of the great Cirque programs or Blue Man Group, you’ll have a blast.

Howard Johnson Inn – Las Vegas Strip has an outdoor pool. Business amenities at this 2.0-star property include wireless Internet access and business services. The property has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Business amenities at this 2.0-star property consist of conference rooms and banquet facilities. Additional amenities include a casino, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a safe deposit box at the front desk.

Location. This casino hotel is located in Las Vegas, close to Guinness World of Records Museum and Las Vegas Country Club.

With so many other things to do in this fabulous city, you may not think of going to Las Vegas for the shopping, but it is truly a shopper’s paradise. From outlet malls to the ritziest boutiques, to souvenir shops on the street, there is something for everyone who wants to shop in Las Vegas. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace offer a wealth of unique items, and there are plenty of upscale shops, such as Christian Dior, Fendi, and Gucci, to name a few.

All of the strip casinos have their special shops as well, but if you’re looking for a bargain, you might want to head on out to the Las Vegas Outlet Mall. It has 130 shops, including Nike and Levi’s and several shoe stores as well. You can take the Deuce all the way to the mall and if you get hungry, there’s a food court there so you can easily spend all day at the mall. There’s also the Fashion Show Mall, which is right on the strip, and it has over 250 shops and restaurants, including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.

If you have a little time between flights, do some shopping at McCarran International Airport. McCarran is the kind of airport that you want to have some time to spend in because, between all the slot machines, shops, and dining choices, it is a fun adventure in itself. If you happen to forget to take home a souvenir, you can find numerous options at the airport, including treasures from some of the famous strip hotels. Even if you didn’t stay at one of the grand resorts, you can act as if you did just by shopping at the airport. You’ll find shot glasses and other souvenirs from Treasure Island, Bellagio, MGM, and others. You can also get some delectable candy at the airport, including chocolates for the chocolate lover on your list.

Grand Canal Shoppes

This is a must see, must do, even if you’re just window shopping. Laid out to replicate St. Mark’s square, the canal shoppes offer an ambiance so rich you’ll think you’ve died and gone to Venice.  There’s a strolling juggler and opera singers to keep you entertained and you can also lunch at the food court, which has a great variety of dining options at a decent price. Take home a hand blown glass figurine or a Venetian labeled souvenir or just browse the day away. Whether you’re looking for top notch merchandise or are just out for a leisurely stroll, the Grand Canal Shoppes offer an experience like no other shopping venue in Vegas.

Kyle Ranch isn’t much of a ranch these days and it isn’t a traditional park.  It is, however, considered part of the national park system and it’s a great slice of history located within Vegas city limits.  All that’s left of what was once a bustling ranch is a single building—which just so happens to be the oldest remaining building in Vegas.  It’s neat to find that kind of history in such an ultra-modern environment.

Las Vacation vacations have unprecedented worldwide popularity.  Every year, millions of people soak up the fun of Las Vegas and create amazing lifelong memories.  Occasionally, though, a trip to Vegas can be a little rough.  Those who don’t prepare adequately for the city and its pace can find the whole affair a little uncomfortable and downright exhausting.  That’s why it pays to get ready before you even think about sitting down to play your first hand of blackjack.

Las Vegas is a figurative oasis of fun, but it is located smack-dab in the middle of a very real desert.  That means a few things for visitors.  First, you can expect some very warm temperatures during the day.  If you go during the summer months, the heat can be nothing short of oppressive.  Second, you can expect some serious overnight temperature dips.

What does that mean in terms of trip preparation?  Well, it certainly points to the wisdom of packing the right kind of clothing for a Las Vegas vacation.  You want to make sure you have cool and comfortable clothing for the days that feature an ability to warm up a little bit after sundown.  Layering with light fabrics is a great defense, as is having a pair of slacks and a jacket for the evenings.

The weather isn’t the only thing you need to prepare for if you’re going to join the ranks of those heading out for Las Vegas vacations.  You’re also going to want to think about pacing yourself a little bit.  Las Vegas is one of the busiest around-the-clock cities in the world.  You can do things at three in the morning in Vegas that you couldn’t do during regular business hours elsewhere in the world.

Those casinos are humming with activity twenty four hours a day and almost everything else in the city runs on that same twenty-four hour clock.  The list of fun diversions is long and you can find yourself cutting way too much sleep out of your daily routine.  You don’t want to spend your trip stumbling around in a haze.  Schedule time for sleep—and maintain that schedule.

Scheduling is also important when it comes to Las Vegas vacations simply because you’re going to need to make tough choices if you don’t want to run yourself ragged.  There are so many things to do that you could spend a lifetime sampling them.  Unfortunately, your vacation has some pretty strict time limitations.  You need to put together a good plan, finding a way to do the things you’ll love the most and leaving some other tempting options out of the mix.

Don’t worry, though.  There’s no rule against taking multiple Las Vegas vacations.  Whatever doesn’t fit on your first trip can become part of your next visit.

Tao, in the luxurious Venetian Hotel Casino, has made a splash in Las Vegas since opening in 2005. Their menu of “Pan-Asian” cuisine has been lauded on many fronts and features influences from China, Japan, Thailand, and Korea. One taste and it’s clear why – Tao is sexy, and their food is solid. It’s beautifully prepared, and quickly and efficiently delivered. An extensive wine list, and lengthy sake menu that encompasses hot and cold sakes ensures that those who wish for something special have a wealth from which to select. Tao effectively shows what exciting, beautiful dishes may be found, waiting for the adventuresome diner to experience.

Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Tropicana has an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness facility. Business amenities at this 2.5-star property include 3 meeting rooms, a business center, wireless Internet access, business services, and audio-visual equipment. Event facilities include exhibit space, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. The staff can arrange wedding services, event catering, dry cleaning/laundry services, and express check-out. Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Tropicana has a bar/lounge with gaming machines. A hot and cold buffet breakfast is complimentary to guests. This property provides a complimentary airport shuttle and a complimentary shuttle to The Strip. Additional amenities include laundry facilities and multilingual staff.

Guestrooms.
Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Tropicana has 322 guestrooms. Televisions are equipped with satellite television channels , HBO, and Nintendo 64 video-game consoles. Guestrooms also provide complimentary weekday USA Today newspapers, two phone lines, and free local calls.

Location.
This Las Vegas hotel is a convenient half-mile from The Las Vegas Strip, 2 miles from the Bali Hai Golf Club, and 2.4 miles from the Thomas and Mack Center. The hotel is 3.3 miles from the airport.

Las Vegas is the number one place to tie the knot and there are some very good reasons why that’s the case. You can get a very clear idea of why so many people opt for weddings in Las Vegas just by reviewing this handful of facts.

Weddings in Las Vegas are more common than slot machine jackpots. The wedding industry in Sin City is always bustling and the city has gained a deserved reputation as the nation’s marriage capital. Here are a few fun facts about weddings in Las Vegas that you may not know.

Economic Turmoil Made Marriage Easy
In 1931, Nevada re-legalized gambling. That same year, the state also loosened restrictions on marriage and divorce. These decisions were made, in large measure, to give the state a leg up on other states in terms of collecting fees and business from folks who’d be wiling to hop over state lines to tie (or cut) the knot. Nevada was looking for a way to minimize the impact of the Great Depression and created the Las Vegas Wedding industry in the process.

You Don’t Need Much To Get Married
Everyone knows that it’s easy to get married in Vegas. That’s the main reason weddings in Las Vegas are popular enough to keep wedding chapels busy around the clock. Few people, though, really understand how easy it is to get a marriage license. All you need is valid identification, a Social Security number and around fifty dollars to pay the licensing fees. Assuming you’re over sixteen years old, that’s all it takes to get married in Sin City.

Marriage Is A Twenty Four Hour Affair
The marriage license bureau isn’t a nine-to-five operation. They stay open until midnight through the week. On weekends, they operate on a 24-hour schedule. Those who perform the actual ceremonies keep long hours, too. You can get married any time, night or day, with no advanced scheduling required at any one of the many specialty chapels that officiate weddings in Las Vegas.

Marriages Of All Types Are Available
If you want to get married by a somber man or woman of the cloth, you can do it. Heck, you can wear a beautiful white gown, carry a bouquet and do all of the other things involved in traditional marriages. If you’re looking for something different, though, Las Vegas is the place for you. Where else could you have an Elvis Presley impersonator conduct a ceremony? Where else can you get married from the comfort of you car at a drive-in wedding chapel at four in the morning? No matter what kind of marriage ceremony you want, one of the many chapels that perform Las Vegas weddings will be able to help you out.

Christmas in Las Vegas

Christmas is a magical time no matter where you spend it but Christmas in Las Vegas is truly spectacular. With huge Christmas trees and magnificent displays, the atmosphere in Las Vegas, which is already jolly, gets even merrier during the Christmas season. The casinos go all out to create an extravaganza of merriment. The Bellagio gardens, which is awe-inspiring in any season, takes on an extra air of festivity at Christmas, with extravagantly decorated Christmas trees and a plethora of poinsettias. The lobby of the Bellagio, as well as all the hotel lobbies along the strip are decorated to the nines, with casino employees wearing Santa hats and Christmas shows taking over the stages.

You’ll find that you’ll need reservations at restaurants that you may not normally need reservations for if you’re in Vegas during Christmas. Also, be aware that the casino buffets usually serve special foods during this time, which means the prices are higher than normal. Two for one buffet coupons may not work for this time of year either so plan accordingly.

Celebrate the Fourth in Las Vegas

The Fourth of July is another fun holiday to spend in Las Vegas. Parades, fireworks, and barbecues permeate the city and it is an exciting time all over. Be prepared, though, to wait longer for everything as this is an extremely popular time to visit Las Vegas. Whether you’re taking a shuttle from the airport or waiting on line for a drink, you’ll wait longer for almost everything. In addition, realize that the heat in Vegas this time of year is incredible. Days of 110 degree weather are common and many days see hotter temperatures than that. Keep bottled water with you if you are sightseeing and if you’re walking along the strip, take advantage of the numerous misting fans you’ll come across. These fans provide a quick cool off by gently misting you with cool water and you might also want to take advantage of one of the strip’s many swimming pools. If you like to swim, check out what your hotel has to offer before you make your reservations as some of the strip hotels have fabulous swimming pools and other water attractions.

Ring in the New Year in Las Vegas

If you’re lucky enough to travel to Las Vegas during the New Year’s holiday, you’re in for a spectacular treat. Realize, though, that many New Year’s reservations are booked months ahead of time so you may be out of luck if you wait until the last minute to book your trip or reservations. If you go during this time, though, there is a New Year’s party going on virtually everywhere in the city so you’re bound to have a good time.

Dining at Joel Robuchon is an indulgence of all the senses. Wishing to treat diners to the breathtaking elegance of historic royalty, Michelin super star Joel Robuchon infuses his namesake restaurant with a meticulous care and unparalleled opulence. The French-themed menu of two, four, six, and sixteen course feasting options promises artful culinary surprises. Crystal chandeliers, velvet upholstery, and an ivy-walled outdoor seating area complete the luxurious ambience. A complimentary limousine service is offered to all guest reservations at Joel Robuchon Restaurant.

People have weddings in Las Vegas.  Lots and lots of weddings.  It’s the number one marriage city in the number one marriage state in the USA.  When people think about running off and eloping, they usually have Vegas on their minds.  What’s the backstory?  Why is Las Vegas the wedding capital of the world?

The story dates back to the early 20th century.  Divorces weren’t just more rare than they are now, they were also very hard to get.  State laws governing divorce were strict.  Ending marriage took a great deal of time and, in many cases, some level of personal embarrassment.

A few states attracted folks from other areas who wanted to put an end to their marriages.  These states had divorce laws that weren’t quite as demanding.  Nevada, along with Arkansas and few other states, had less restrictive laws and divorce became a profitable industry.  Reno, for instance, was recognized as the divorce spot for several years before the Great Depression hit.

When the stock market collapsed in 1929, every state was in a scramble to find ways to keep their citizens employed.  Nevada was no exception.  In 1931, the state decided to implement a variety of changes in order to boost business.  Those changes served as the foundation for the Nevada—and the Las Vegas—we know today.

The divorce laws were loosened even more, making Nevada a clear-cut choice for those seeking a quick dissolution of marriage.  The state legislature also decided to allow legalized gambling, which is now the very foundation of Las Vegas.  The other change of 1931 has led to countless weddings in Las Vegas—the loosened marriage requirements along with divorce regulations.

Ever since, Vegas has been the place for a quick marriage.  You don’t need to be a resident of Vegas or of Nevada.  You don’t need a blood test.  All you need is a fistful of cash to get your wedding license and once the clerk at the license office (which, by the way, is open until midnight or longer almost every night), you can go to any of the several area wedding chapels.  Weddings in Las Vegas bring an unrivaled level of efficiency to the matrimony process!

These days, other states have also made it easier to get married, but Vegas remains the marriage hot spot.  Seventy years of marriage-related infrastructure is there for those who want to tie the knot in a hurry and that history of weddings in Las Vegas have created a surrounding culture of wedding-oriented businesses that make the whole process fast and easy

When people today want to get married quickly, they invariably head to Las Vegas.  It doesn’t look like that Nevada tradition is going to change any time soon, either.

If you’re off to Las Vegas for a romantic weekend or vacation, there is plenty of romantic things to see and do while you’re there. Consider a helicopter tour for two over the famous Las Vegas strip. Enjoy a champagne toast and then board a state of the art helicopter that will guide you over a million lights below. Whether you want to pop the question or you’ve been married for years, this romantic experience in the night skies of Las Vegas is a favorite for couples young and old.

Do Paris in Vegas

When is an observation deck romantic? When you ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel and Casino. Watch the sun set with someone special and if you time it right, you can see the Bellagio Fountains from there, which is truly an amazing site, even from the ground. Surrounded by the lights of Las Vegas and the beautiful valley below, romance is in the air when you mix in someone special, the Eiffel tower, and a little attitude.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

Why not pretend you’re in Venice and take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal? There are both indoor and outdoor gondola rides at the Venetian and each gondola seats four. If you want a private ride just for the two of you, that can be arranged, but the price is double. Still, it’s only $64 and well worth the romance the atmosphere creates.

Spa Packages

Las Vegas is home to some of the ritziest spas on the planet and you can get romantic spa packages that include couple’s massages and other treats as well. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino as well as several other upscale resorts offer couple’s spa packages and you can also request couple’s massages in your room at many of the resorts.

Romantic Dining

Nothing is more romantic than a candlelight dinner and you can dine in style in Las Vegas. Try the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Las Vegas. Dine eleven stories above the Las Vegas strip and see a great view of the Bellagio Fountains while you dine. This is a popular restaurant for question popping but even if you’re not headed in that direction or you’re already married, you’ll love the ambiance and the food here.

You can always get married at one of the wedding chapels in Las Vegas as well as a plethora of more conventional venues as well. However, you don’t have to get married, pop the question, or spend a fortune to find romance in the fabulous city of Las Vegas. Walking down the street can be romantic in Las Vegas as well as taking in many of the free activities. Look for the romance and you’ll find it, whether you spend a bundle or take it easy.

Golf is an integral part of many Las Vegas vacations. The city and its immediate surrounding area serves as the home of dozens of wonderful golf courses. Choosing the “best of the best” can be difficult with so many options available. In order to help you plan your Vegas golf getaway, we’ve assembled a list of the top ten courses and resorts in the area.

Desert Pines Golf Course
One of the toughest parts about organizing Las Vegas vacations is time management. You want to see the shows, hit the casino floors and play some great golf. Desert Pines makes the list, in large measure, due to location. It’s right on the strip, making it easy to fit a few rounds into your schedule, hassle-free. It’s a surprisingly attractive, straightforward, traditional course and you can go straight from the eighteenth hole to the blackjack table in a matter of minutes.

Primm Valley Golf Club (Desert Course)
Don’t let the word “desert” throw you. Sure, Primm Valley is nestled in a desert environment, but it’s as green as they come. Primm Valley was honored with a slot on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. This Fazio course is great to play—it’s not a widow-maker, but it offers some fun challenges (watch out for the slopes on the tenth hole!).

Bear’s Best
Jack Nicklaus was a master on the links and he’s proven that he knows his stuff when it comes to course design. Bear’s Best hammers that point home. It’s made up of eighteen of his most highly-regarded holes from courses he’s designed all over the world. Take a trip into Bear’s world and be ready to bring your “A” game.

Tuscany Golf Course
Tuscany has a retro feel and a price tag that reminds duffers of the good ol’ days. It’s a vintage-styled desert course offering great play at bargain prices. The Tuscan wine village theme runs through the Robinson-designed course, but the real attraction is the straightforward play and bargain pricing.

Rio Secco Golf Club
Even heavy hitters gulp a little bit at Rio Secco. The Rio Hotel and Casino owns this fascinating 7,300 yard course, which features four par-five holes. If you’ve ever wanted to muscle up while overlooking Nevada canyons, Rio Secco is perfect for you.

Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas
You won’t believe you’re in Nevada. Jack Nicklaus designed this outstanding course to mimic the Palm Beach feel. Somehow, the waterfalls and palm trees seem to fit on this beauty that naturally eases into the Lake Vegas area.

The Wolf Course at Paiute Resort
Some courses are great for novices. Others are perfect for everyone. Some, however, bring serious challenges to even the best golfers. The Wolf falls into the last category. It’s the longest course in the state and it punishes sloppy play almost as much as it rewards the masters of the wedge. Those looking for Las Vegas vacations that will test their skills must consider the Wolf.

DragonRidge Country Club
DragonRidge is the pride of Henderson, and for good reason. It’s built right into the McCullough mountain range and features astounding valleys and hills. If you like challenging golf in a beautiful setting, you might want to consider making DragonRidge a part of your vacation.

Silverstone Golf Club
Silverstone is the centerpiece of many Las Vegas vacations. Located less than a half hour from the strip and featuring a jaw-dropping view of Sheep Mountain, Silverstone serves up three fantastic nine hold courses designed by no less than Bob Cupp himself!

The Lexington Golf Course at the Revere Golf Club
If you’re looking for a challenge, you need to call the Revere and book a tee time at the Lexington. The amazing course stretches out over 7,100 yards and will test both your swing and your decision making skills. If you want to test yourself, you need to put a round at the Lexington on your Vegas to-do list.

The Bali Hai Golf Course
The Bali Hai’s 7,000 yard course combines great play with an absolutely stunning environment. Designers Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt came up with course that plays well while engulfing clubbers in a tropical paradise. Seven acres of water, an unforgettable isle green and a hundred thousand tropical plants make the Bai Hai a great destination for duffers on Las Vegas vacations.

The Las Vegas National
Want to play one of the best-known courses in the country? Try the National on for size. This famed course has hosted the Las Vegas PGA event on multiple occasions. Previously known as the Sahara Country Club, the National is a traditional skill-tester with a professional-grade pedigree. You can walk the same path as golf legends at the National.

Aliante Golf Club
You can usually trust the locals to tell you where to play. Readers of Vegas Golfer Magazine named the Aliante Golf Club the best new course in Vegas. It’s an 18-hole championship layout designed by Gary Planks. The Aliante is an absolute beauty, blending seamlessly with some of the most attractive scenery in Nevada.

Lupo sits among giants, in the splendid foyer at Mandalay Bay, home to Aureole, China Grill and other Architectural Digest-type restaurants. It’s a deceptively simple design, and a rather unique one. It’s got an open patio, a lot of green trim, bulbous amber lanterns that recall Faberge Easter eggs sans decoration and wrought iron railings. The idea, one supposes, is that of a sleek urban trattoria. But Lupo reminds me of the kind of restaurant you’d find in a renovated European train station, and the décor sends a mixed message.

It’s one of the least American looking restaurants in Vegas, and therein lies the rub. Many potential customers fail to recognize this as an Italian restaurant. Furthermore, Lupo’s menu is a compendium of hip dishes that are popular in Italy today, and frankly, confusing to rank and file tourists. Because of all this, what should be one of the toughest tables in the city turns out to be a restaurant that’s often less than full at peak hours.

Chef Mark Ferguson is a master technician. He’s retooled the menu recently to make it more approachable to people who aren’t super familiar with cooking trends on the Continent. The result is one of the smartest Italian restaurants in this country. So now the question is: How will it play in Peoria? The jury, it seems, is still out.

Everyone starts with a generous basket of foccaccia, olive-oil-rubbed squares of puffy oven baked bread, and grissini, herb-rubbed breadsticks. On top of the basket is a whole clove of roasted garlic, intended to be squeezed onto the breads.

I always start a meal here by perusing the terrific wine list, which has been put together by Puck’s resident master sommelier, Greg Harrington. The list contains incredible wines-by-the-glass, Ernst Loosen’s Riesling, Terrabianca San Giovese from Tuscany and about two dozen other esoteric choices. The list is top heavy with Italian wines, and the back page contains a large selection of Single Malt Scotches, Cognacs and dessert wines. It’s one of the best wine and spirit lists in a city that’s loaded with them.

Next, I progress to pizza. Lupo serves, without a doubt, the best pizza in the city, cracker thin crusted pies you normally go to Rome or Florence to find. My favorite one among many good choices is the rustic one topped with razor thin slices of potato, pungent fontina cheese, shallots and thyme. It’s precisely the sort of pizza, though, that someone named Vinny would send back to the kitchen, muttering Puck’s name in the process.

Some of the antipasti are spectacular. The restaurant group’s commitment to product makes this one of the five or six places in town where you get an excellent slice of tomato. Consequently, the red and yellow heirlooms with fresh mozzarella and basil is a delight.

Italian meats affettati with dried fruit mostarda is a little mainstream when compared with the real deal in Italy, but the dish isn’t bad. You’ll get some salami, coppa, proscuitto and sorpressata, plus a side dish of the fruits, much milder and less penetrating than real mustard fruit from Cremona.

Lupo Caesar salad with pizza grissini (breadsticks) and asiago cheese crisps is wonderful, however, and so is the Lupo chopped salad with grated reggiano-parmesan cheese, another Puck trademark.

Among pastas, choose agnolotti, a half moon shaped stuffed noodle, with sage and balsamic brown butter, or plain and fancy rigatoni with a swell veal Bolognese. I like Wolfgang’s lasagna, but I can understand those who don’t. It’s thick sheet dough layered with chunks of braised beef, and it’s about as close to a mid-American lasagna as Klagenfurt is to Naples.

Secondi, or main courses, are always interesting in a Puck restaurant and that’s the case here. Fish courses are creative, especially scallops with cranberry beans, wild mushrooms and pesto, and grilled mahimahi with tomato, pancetta and green beans.

One evening Ferguson riffed on his excellent veal Milanese by topping it with a flurry of chopped tomatoes and arugula. He also prepared an off-menu braised baby lamb shank served on a bed of wide, flat pappardelle noodles. I wish to hell he’d put both these dishes on the menu, but the folks in Peoria still prefer veal parmigiana. The last dish on the menu, though, is food for just about anyone not a committed vegetarian. Lupo’s bone-in grilled beef rib eye Diavola, is a dish for the ages, spicy, beefy, irresistible.

Italians aren’t known as the great dessert makers of Europe, and for good reason. But pastry chef Victor Quezada has a few surprises in store. One is a light, frothy lemon semi-freddo, topped with meringue, and best thought of as a wedge of frozen lemon mousse. Another is a chocolate tartuffo with caramelized hazelnuts and raspberry coulis, about as rich as the law allows.

You can finish with an orange Muscat or a glass of vintage Port, and then wander off into the Valhalla that is Mandalay Bay Restaurant Row. Puck is about to launch his own TV show on the Food Channel, and he’s overdue to focus on Italian recipes someplace other than his Las Vegas trattoria.

–Review by Max Jacobsen

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian combines Old World charm with up-to-the- minute fashion and retail offerings and world-class dining. Names like Kenneth Cole, Movado, Mikimoto, Paige Premium Denim, Dooney & Bourke and Peter Lik Gallery create an unparalleled retail environment. Many of The Grand Canal Shoppes’ restaurants are headed by some of the world’s most famous celebrity chefs, including Wolfgang Puck (Postrio), Emeril Lagasse (Delmonico Steakhouse), Joachim Splichal (Pinot Brasserie), and David Burke (David Burke Modern American Cuisine).

In America, the car is king. Las Vegas lies just off the mythical, scenic Route 66 and you`re missing out on half a vacation if you don`t venture beyond the glitz and glamour of downtown. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States lies just outside the city gates.

Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park and the Joshua Tree National park are all under three hours` drive from Las Vegas and the legendary Grand Canyon is only five hours away. The natural beauty of these canyons and deserts couldn`t provide a greater balance to the flashy excitement of the poker tables. Even if you haven`t got that kind of time, you can sample similar marvels nearby, such as at Red Rock Canyon, with a 13-mile scenic drive and miles of hiking trails.

Driving around the city of Las Vegas is made easy by its grid-pattern layout, with Las Vegas Boulevard running north to south. There is little street parking, but the many hotels and casinos offer free or valet parking. It is customary to tip the valet around $2, still the cheapest parking in any urban center in America.

In America, all traffic drives on the right-hand side. Most traffic law varies state to state, however, so you`ll need to become familiar with the basics of each state you`ll be passing through. Some of the key regulations in Nevada are: you can turn right at a red light (unless otherwise posted), after stopping; every passenger in a car must wear a seat belt; and you must stop for a school bus that is stopped with flashing lights.

American police take `driving under the influence` (of alcohol) very seriously. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for drivers 21 and over in Nevada is 0.08% and random breath checks can be imposed. It is illegal even to drive with an open container of alcohol in the car.

Renting a car in Las Vegas is simplicity itself. You can get a quotation and reserve a car online even before you leave and in fact it is cheaper if you do. Most companies have a minimum age of 21, charging more for drivers under 25. National driving licenses are usually acceptable, but it is advisable to check first to see whether an international driving permit (IDP) is required.

Daily rental charges start at around $50 per day, or much less if renting for longer periods. Surcharges (local taxes and other fees) can add a further third of the cost on top, not to mention various insurances and other extras, such as child seats, GPS/SatNav and return refueling.

The economic downturn has hit tourism hard and there are plenty of special offers, such as upgrades or extra days` rental, to be had. Search the websites or even try a little counter-side negotiation. You may find that your credit card policy automatically offers some rental car insurance, which can also lower your outlay.

For car rental Las Vegas offers many options. Hertz and Avis are the bigger agencies, with Alamo, Enterprise and Budget their economy counterparts. You will find all of these at McCarran airport or in Las Vegas itself and on the web. You can rent a tiny Smart car, a luxury limo or Chevrolet Corvette convertible and everything in between. Most agencies also offer green cars, such as the Toyota Prius Hybrid. It couldn`t be easier to see America, so get behind the wheel and hit the open road.

The 1.5-million-square-foot facility is located on the south end of the Strip, just past Mandalay Bay and Luxor. Featuring 70 different facades, the overall theme at Town Square portrays a city that has aged over time. Architects and designers traveled across the globe to get ideas for these buildings. The result? Colorful, Mediterranean, Spanish and Colonial-style facades along with antique street poles as accents.

The most sensible people in everyday life can go completely nuts when they’re gambling so it is imperative to establish a gambling budget and stick to it. If you’re tempted to spend more than you should, leave the credit cards behind because it is just too easy to get money in Las Vegas. Not only can you seriously dent your credit or debit cards, but you’ll pay hefty fees each time you use the casinos to take money off of your cards. If you are a slots fan, the penny machines can be just as much fun as the dollar machines. You can play a lot longer and not feel guilty. What’s more, you can still have the thrill of knowing you can win a jackpot worth several hundred dollars, even if you’re playing just fifteen cents a spin.

Watch out for the progressives. Although just the thought of winning one of the monstrous jackpots that are advertised in neon lights above a bank of slots is exciting, realize that in order to even be in the running for the top prize, you’ll have to max out your wager. That can add up in a hurry so if you can’t afford to play at full throttle every spin, choose a standalone slot machine instead.

You can spend a small fortune just picking up a few things you may have forgotten for your trip to Las Vegas. If you’ve forgotten over the counter medicine or your toothbrush, look for the nearest Walgreens or CVS instead of purchasing these items at your hotel, where the prices are exorbitant. Also, lay off the minibar unless you have a fortune to spend and stock up on snacks and drinks at the drugstore too. Most of the strip hotels don’t offer refrigerators in the rooms, but you can fill one of the sinks with ice and save a ton of money as even bottled water costs several dollars a bottle in the hotels and casinos.
If you can afford it, see one of your favorite shows and get the best seats you can afford. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime and you never know when you’ll get the chance to see your favorite performer again. If you’re strapped for cash, stop in at one of the Tickets Tonite booths. Calling won’t do any good so you’ll have to show up on the day of the performance you want to see to find out if they have any discounted tickets. You could get lucky and get as much as 50% off of a major performance. Realize, though, that you might not get the best seats or even get seats together with the others in your party, however, it is worth checking out.

There are lots of ways you can save money and still have a great time in Las Vegas. Look for the savings and you’ll find numerous ways to stay under budget and still make memories that will last for a lifetime.

Floyd Lamb Park is only about ten miles away from the city and it offers healthy doses of natural beauty and history.  The park was a Native American winter resting point and a working ranch.  Back in the 50s, it was one of the infamous Las Vegas “guest ranches”.  Estranged couples would stay there for six weeks, which allowed them to meet the Nevada residency standards required to get a Las Vegas divorce.  It’s great for walking, biking and picnics.  You can even fish the park’s four lakes.  When you think about Las Vegas vacations, fishing may not usually cross your mind—unless you know about Floyd Lamb Park.

GameWorks is your place to play! With an incredible selection of interactive games and attractions, plus great food and drinks, GameWorks is the perfect place for sharing fun times with friends and family.

Visit http://www.gameworks.com/

To boast credentials of being the most honored and awarded restaurant in Las Vegas is no small feat. But such are the accolades given to Andre’s inside the Monte Carlo Resort Hotel, the AAA Four-Diamond home of contemporary French cuisine inspired by renowned chef Andre Rochat. Sexy and elegant in atmosphere, Andre’s transports guests to a delicious culinary destination with signature dishes from Chef de Cuisine Gary LaMorte including Rack of Colorado Lamb, Filet of Beef au Poivre, and Live Maine Lobster Thermidor, while offering a relaxing after-meal escape in an intimate cigar and cognac lounge.

BRAND is a unique dining experience that sets the trend for steakhouse dining.

The dining room’s stunning interior features an open 5,000-square-foot dining room with attached lounge area. Dramatically lit ceiling canopies, soft lighting and an earth-toned palette give BRAND a cool casual atmosphere where guests can munch on Executive Chef Brian Massie’s steakhouse creations with a twist.

At BRAND, diners can feast on bone-in Nebraska steaks, large chops, and a variety of house-made sauces like brandy and green peppercorn and shallot red wine bordelaise. Signature dishes include rack of lamb, a tomahawk rib-eye and a double-decker burger with brie and double-smoked bacon. Other dishes offered are imported Japanese Kobe beef, kurabutto pork prime rib, and lemon-rosemary free range chicken.

The 8.6-pound beef porterhouse certainly sets BRAND apart from other steakhouses and give diners something to sink their teeth into. The mammoth cut of meat is served with two house-made sauces and two sides.

– By Nikki Neu

Shibuya transports diners to the stylish streets of its namesake Japanese neighborhood with traditional culinary offerings and a colorful contemporary décor. Yabu Pahelberg’s dramatic design offers distinctive dining environments to match the diversity of Shibuya’s cuisine. An expansive marble sushi bar and playful virtual aquarium set the stage for Master Sushi Chef Yoshinori Nakazawa’s creative rolls and sashimi dishes, while dynamic teppanyaki seating create intimate environments for enjoying the culinary performance of teppan griddle cooking. The main “Bento Box” dining room’s kelp-like pillars create private niches for savoring Executive Chef Stephane Chevet’s modern Japanese cuisine while sampling from Shibuya’s celebrated sake collection.

The Beach at Mandalay Bay

If you didn’t think you could go to the beach in Las Vegas, you were mistaken. Set upon eleven acres, the beach, which includes 2,700 tons of sand at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino offers a wave pool, lazy river, and 3 swimming pools. You can also rent a cabana, get a poolside massage, and dine at the open air Beach Bar and Grill. For those adults who enjoy the European style of sunbathing, the Morea Club offers a sophisticated experience. Instead of baking in the scorching heat, cool off at the Beach at Mandalay Bay.

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

You’ll have 4 swimming pools to choose from here, among the Roman statues and fountains. If you like to indulge in European sunbathing, you can do so for free on weekdays, although there is a cover charge on the weekends. If you want to make the experience truly indulgent, rent an air conditioned cabana, which is stocked full of drinks and lounge around on the cushy lounge chairs while you watch TV. There is just no reason you should suffer in the Las Vegas heat because there are too many delicious ways to cool off here.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at this hotel, you absolutely have to make it up to the roof for a swim or bask in their rooftop hot tub. You can also rent poolside cabanas and villas to make your time at the pool truly spectacular. Keep in mind that in order to be admitted into most of the strip hotel’s pools, you’ll have to present your room key. If there is a pool you’re dying to take a dip in, ask if you can pay an admission fee if you’re not staying at that particular hotel. Some may allow it while others won’t.

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

If you’re in the mood for a tropical paradise, try the pools at the Flamingo. Complete with lagoons and a waterfall, this tropical oasis can be yours and it is located right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. If you have kids in your party, this is the one with the water slides, which are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can also rent private cabanas, which come with LCD TVs and a private host as well.

There’s always something to do in Las Vegas.  Every day is an event.  The lights.  The massive hotels.  Fine dining, non-stop partying, endless gambling and scores of world-class shows are daily happenings.  Las Vegas, however, doesn’t seem satisfied with its everyday excitement.  The city sweetens the pot with a wide assortment of annual events that add yet another dimension to the Vegas experience.

There is something special happening on a daily basis, but some of the annual events really stand out.  Consider just a few of the annual happenings that never fail to attract a crowd.

Las Vegas BikeFest
If you’re a fan of the open road and motorcycles, the FSE Las Vegas BikeFest is the place to be.  Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world gather to celebrate their hobby and lifestyle.

Races
There are a series of automobile races in Las Vegas every year.  Whether you’re a fan of the dragsters who burn down the track at the Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, into the Craftsman Truck race series or obsessed with cheering on your favorite NASCAR driver, you can find a way to feed your need for speed in Vegas.

Rodeo
Las Vegas is a western town and that legacy shines through in its strong support of top-grade professional rodeo events.  The most famous is the always-packed National Finals Rodeo.  The NFR, however, is merely the biggest jewel on the Vegas belt buckle.  The PBR event shows off the skills of the best professional bull riders.  The annual senior rodeo is a hit, too.  Hey, Vegas is even the host of the annual Miss Rodeo America pageant.  If you love rodeo, you’ll love Las Vegas.  Shine up your boots and grab your best Stetson.  It seems like there’s always a rodeo event in Vegas.

Poker
Most of us make an immediate connection between Las Vegas and gambling.  Poker is the epitome of professional gaming and Vegas plays host to the granddaddy of all poker tournaments every year.  The World Series of Poker is an awesome annual event.  There’s always a poker tourney somewhere in Las Vegas, but the notable annual events are nothing short of a tourist attraction in their own rights as celebrity professionals hit the tables and try to draw winning hands.

That’s just a taste of the wide assortment of annual events that up the ante in Las Vegas.  It only scratches the surface.  You can find annual fairs, get togethers, rallies and festivals of every sort.  You have Salsa Days in Henderson, the Clark County Fair, Reggae in the Desert, the nation’s biggest New Year’s Eve Party, film festivals, Independence Day celebrations and loads of other exciting and fun annual happenings that make visiting Las Vegas extra special.

You can put on a blindfold and throw a dart at a calendar.  No matter what day your dart hits, you can be assured that there’s something different happening in Las Vegas.  Every day offers the “standard” thrills that only Vegas can provide, but the city goes beyond that with awesome annual events that guarantee added fun and adventure.

Death Valley National Monument is a great place to get hot!  This desert park is located at the lowest dry sub-sea level point in the United States of America.  They don’t call it “Death Valley” for nothing, either.  If you want to experience the desert in full force, this history-rich area is worth the two hour drive from Vegas.

The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas’ dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future. The Preserve features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, colorful botanical gardens and an interpretive trail system that meanders through a scenic wetland habitat.

Visit http://www.springspreserve.org/

The Deuce is a double-decker, climate controlled bus that goes up and down the Las Vegas strip until about 2 am. You can buy a one day pass or a pass that is good for several days. It’s far cheaper than taking a taxi every time you want to switch casinos but it isn’t as fast. Still, it’s air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter and beats walking. In addition, the view from the top level of the bus is incredible at night, with millions of lights sparkling in the Vegas sky.

Taxis

Taxis are in plentiful supply at all the strip hotels and of course, from the airport as well. Not only can you get from the airport to almost any strip hotel for about ten bucks, it’ll cost about $10 or less to switch from one casino to another as well. While it’s not a bad rate if you only take a taxi once or twice, it can really add up if you use them for very many rides. In addition, if you’re going to a show or somewhere else off the strip, the taxi ride can get hefty in a hurry.

Monorail

The monorail is a train that goes between some of the hotels and it is a fun way to travel as well. Everyone should ride the monorail at least once but if you’re traveling very much, you’ll find that the Deuce is cheaper. You’ll also find hundreds of people walking along the strip at any given time and if you’re visiting Las Vegas when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, you’ll find it fun to meander along the strip as well. The time of year that you come may have a lot to do with the transportation options you choose. Also, if you’re taking public transportation to a show or an event, plan well ahead of time as the taxi lines can be really long during certain times of the year or when it is time for a popular show. That also means that the bus and other forms of transportation are fuller too so planning ahead is key.

There are all types of different hotels that people can stay in when they are visiting the great city of Las Vegas with the
Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter being among newest hotels to add to the list. The MGM Mirage the powerhouse behind the development of many luxury resorts is the creator of the Vdara Hotel. This exquisite boutique hotel has a wonderfully unique twist because it caters to people that love all of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas without a gaming environment or having to deal with smoke filled rooms.

The suites in this boutique hotel are the real focal point of the entire structure. They have been decorated by some of the top fashion designers in all the world. Each and every room in the Vdara is an intriguing combination of modern elegance with the very latest in high tech amenities. Any comfort that a guest could possibly want has been thought of and provided for the guests of the Vdara. Not many hotels are comfortable as well as stylish and functional.

Location. The all-suite
Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter is connected to the Bellagio Resort and Casino. Within four miles of the hotel are Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas Convention Center, and the McCarran International Airport.

Hotel features. A rooftop pool and spa tub and fitness center are available. In addition to a spa and salon the hotel provides a restaurant, bar, and limited-hour room service. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Guestrooms. Guestrooms come equipped with full kitchens with stainless steel appliances. Amenities include bathrobes, minibars, and evening turndown service. Bottled water , local calls, and wireless Internet access are complimentary.

There are plenty of amenities that guests can take advantage of when staying at the Vdara. There are a number of useful amenities including a business service center, 24-hr in room dining, concierge services and complimentary valet. There are also several great choices for fine dining including Silk Road Restaurant and Bar Vdara. You can pamper yourself at the Vdara Health and Beauty Spa and Crystals which is a truly unique shopping experience.

The Vdara is also a great destination choice for business and other types of conventions with spacious ballrooms, meeting rooms and spacious poolside areas. When you are looking for a superb hotel, the

Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter is a great destination for you to relax at after a full day of exploring Las Vegas.

Bonnie Springs Old Nevada is a great place for the entire family and there are lots of attractions for the kids, including a petting zoo, cowboys and cowgirls, and on weekends and holidays, a miniature train ride, and a “posse” show where the kids can even help track down the ‘bad guy”. This little old mining town offers plenty of rousing, rough-and-tumble action, simulated gunfights in the streets, an 1830′s melodrama complete with mustachioed villain in our authentically recreated Saloon, and even a public hanging, with an obliging Stuntman swaying in the wind. All shows are kids friendly and we encourage audience participation.

The highly acclaimed San Francisco eatery, Fleur de Lys, has come to The Strip, and continues the tradition of visually show-stopping restaurant spaces in the Mandalay Bay. The venue’s main walls feature a spectacular floral sculpture that uses 3,000 fresh cut roses to produce the image of a leaf. Just as impressive as the setting is the cuisine prepared by famed chef, Hubert Keller. Dishes like the Truffled Onion Soup with a braised duck ragout and black truffles, and the Ground Kobe Beef Fleuburger “Rossini” with sautéed foie gras, and black truffles, touch on the exquisite complexity of flavors Chef Keller masters.

It used to be that if someone were offered a free room on the strip, you knew they were spending serious money at the casinos but that is no longer the case. You don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy your share of Vegas comps. Even if you just play enough to earn a free buffet, it is well worth it to join the Player’s Club everywhere you play. If you’ve been to Vegas before and already have your favorites, try to stay where you play because then you have the chance to get your room comped by earning points on your player’s card. You earn points whether you win or lose and every point counts toward eventual rewards so it is to your advantage to sign up for a player’s card. Even if you think you won’t be back to Las Vegas for some time, you might earn enough points this trip to pay for one night’s lodging or a free buffet.

Check Out the Properties

Most people like to visit as many casinos as possible on their trip to Las Vegas but if you do a little research first, it may be more profitable for you in the way of comps. For example, the same company that owns the MGM Grand also owns the Bellagio, New York, New York, Mandalay Bay, and others. By playing at the properties that are owned by the same group, your player’s card points will add up faster than if you play at properties that are owned by different groups. If Caesar’s Palace is your favorite casino, look to see which other properties are owned by the same company so your points will add up enough to turn in for comps.

MGM Mirage Player’s Club

At the MGM Mirage Player’s Club, which encompasses 12 partner casinos, you can earn points all year long and save them up for the holiday extravaganza. Each year, during the latter part of November and first part of December, they host a holiday gift shop where special gifts are on display. You can redeem all of the player’s club points you have saved all year long for fabulous gifts that are then mailed to your home. You can also turn in your points for free play that you’ll receive immediately. Several times throughout the year they have special promotions where you’ll earn double or triple points so if you can make it to Las Vegas during one of those times, your points can really add up. The only downside to the whole program is that if you don’t spend your points by the end of the current year, they will expire and you’ll have to start all over the following year.

You’ll find a variety of eats along Freemont Street, as well as some of the older casinos. Some people actually like them better because they haven’t upgraded to the “ticket in, ticket out” system, which means you can still hear the clink clank of quarters when someone gets lucky. If you haven’t quite gotten used to the newfangled slot machines, you’ll love the ones in the casinos on Freemont street.

Millions of visitors visit Freemont Street each year, many for the famous party atmosphere, which includes free concerts between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Others come for the spectacular light show, which is projected on a screen the size of five football fields. When the lights and the music come together, it truly is a sight and sound to behold. It is no wonder that more than 25,000 people take part in the Freemont Street Experience every day. It’s the biggest sing along you’ve ever been to when the crowds get wound up and start singing along with the band.

Other than the free nightly entertainment, several times each year, the Freemont Street Experience hosts special events. Shopping is also a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike along Freemont street and the downtown Las Vegas area. Shoppers can take home trinkets and souvenirs and shop the specialty shops in the area. Many people like to visit the area simply because the drinks are cheaper than they are on the strip and it’s a great place to eat if you want to avoid the pricey strip buffets.

While you can visit Freemont street day or night, the light show is truly spectacular at night. For those that do visit in the heat of the day, though, the huge canopy provides a respite from the scorching heat so if you’re going to be walking around Las Vegas during the hot summer days, this is the place to do it.

For those who like to make good use of the coupon deals, you can hit the jackpot with match play coupons and the like along Freemont street. Some of the gamblers cite better odds in the casinos on Freemont street than the casinos on the strip. While many visitors to the Freemont Street Experience don’t realize that it was the original Las Vegas strip, most will agree it is worth visiting and many loyal Las Vegas fans go back to the Experience year after year.

Regally reigning atop the Palms Casino Resort, Alizé is one of Chef André Rochat’s jewels among his gemmed trio of French restaurants. Rochat, who introduced fine dining to Las Vegas 20 years ago with his original André’s French Restaurant, presides creatively at Alizé. Mark Purdy, Alizé’s Chef de Cuisine, executes the restaurant’s delectable dishes of fish, meat, and poultry that dazzle and delight through flawless execution. Alizé’s astounding wine list of 1,800 wines would appeal to discriminating wine connoisseurs. Located on Flamingo Boulevard, one mile north of the Las Vegas strip from Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio Hotel, Alize is one restaurant not to be missed.

When the “Pair o’ Dice” casino set up on what is now known as “the strip” in 1931, no one was really thinking about millions of people taking Las Vegas vacations. What started as a little recreation opportunity for locals, however, has grown into a tourist-magnet industry. Casinos are king in Las Vegas.

Not all casinos are created equal, however. There’s a big difference between the best casino resorts and a few of the more rundown gaming houses. Those who want to experience Las Vegas vacations with style and comfort understand that finding a great resort casino is a key to success. Let’s take a quick look at ten amazing resort casinos.

We’ll start our look at the best places to go with The Bellagio. Any list of the best has to start with The Bellagio. This amazing property has carried the AAA Five-Diamond Award for over five years. It’s also a perennial part of the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. When it comes to great resort casinos, The Bellagio is the gold standard.

The Palms Hotel and Resort
Another great example of how to do Las Vegas vacations the right way. The Palms is forty stories of elegantly-designed luxury, featuring all of the extras you’d expect in a superior resort.

The Green Valley Ranch Resort
A different way to “do the Vegas thing”. Nestled off of the bustling strip, Green Valley Ranch does offer world-class gaming but the emphasis is on a full-featured resort experience.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
An exemplar of how Las Vegas somehow manages to pull off a delicate balancing act by combining excess with elegance. The old world romantic styling merges seamlessly with an almost infinite variety of relaxation and entertainment options.

New York-New York
Combines the Las Vegas penchant for theme-based properties with the attention to guest needs and services discriminating travelers expect from a superior casino resort.

The Rio
A Las Vegas favorite. Originally designed with appeal to locals who take their relaxation and entertainment seriously, Luxury Resorts: The Rio is comprised completely of effectively-designed and well-appointed suites.

Wynn Resort Hotel Casino
Bears the name of the famed Vegas developer, Steve Wynn. It definitely measures up to his standards, too, offering everything necessary for some of the most comfortable and entertaining Las Vegas vacations.

Caesar’s Palace
One of the first places that crosses one’s mind when thinking about a Las Vegas getaway. The well-established landmark is a sprawling empire not unlike Rome. Casino floors alone comprise nearly 130,00 square feet and there’s no shortage of luxury recreational and relaxing vacation options.

Red Rock Station
A full-featured resort and gaming facility. It may not have the immediate name recognition of The Bellagio or Caesar’s Palace, but it’s a great home base for winning Las Vegas vacations that features a top-ranked comprehensive spa experience.

The Palms
A fantastic off-the-strip experience for travelers. Less than ten years old, the Palms structures still glisten as if they opened only the day before. This is another perfect example of how a single location can offer everything you need for an enjoyable stay in Las Vegas.

If you’re planning to join the legions of people who have had wonderful Las Vegas vacations, any of these casino resorts will deliver a truly unforgettable experience.

Hotel Features. Dining venues at Bally’s Las Vegas includes Old World at al Dente that features Italian cuisine prepared using traditional Sicilian techniques. Bally’s Steakhouse presents slow-roasted, aged beef and seafood entrees. The Spa at Bally’s offers wet and dry saunas and spa tubs. Treatments include deep-tissue massage and mineral body wraps. Jubilee endures as Bally’s famous showgirl extravaganza. The 67,000-square-foot casino offers poker games, roulette, craps and blackjack tables. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and spa tub open seven days a week. Private cabanas contain televisions, telephones and refrigerators. The casino offers 67,000 square feet of gaming action. Bally’s Las Vegas is the only Strip hotel that boasts tennis courts.

Guestrooms. Guestrooms offer blonde-wood furnishings, chairs and ottomans upholstered in slate blue velvet, granite-topped desks, custom entertainment armoires and décor in taupe and antique gold. Refrigerators are available, on request. Laptop-compatible, in-room safes are complimentary. High-speed wired Internet access is available, for a fee.

Location. Bally’s Las Vegas is located in the center of The Strip in Las Vegas, Nev., adjacent to the Paris Hotel and Casino and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. McCarran International Airport is four miles away.

Expert Tip. During winter months, Bally’s Las Vegas guests may take advantage of the heated pools located at partner properties, including the Flamingo Las Vegas, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, and Caesar’s Palace.

A massive neon guitar jutting into the sky over Paradise Road marks the cool and contemporary Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Located one mile from the Las Vegas Strip, this property stands two miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The hotel is located two miles from McCarran International Airport.

Hotel Features. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino features the lounges Rockstar Players Club, Wasted Space and Poker Lounge. The hotel also provides six restaurants, including Nobu sushi bar and AGO, which serves Tuscan Italian cuisine. The property is home to more than 600 pieces of rock-n-roll memorabilia, a 30,000-square-foot circular casino, a 4,000-seat concert venue hosting major recording acts, and the subterranean nightclub Body English, featuring a retro-industrial ceiling, glowing violet tables and green vinyl booths. Also on site is the 14,000-square-foot Vanity nightclub featuring two marble bars, 50 luxurious VIP booths, and a patio with five spacious cabanas. Leathers and velvets adorn the space while a multimillion-dollar wave chandelier hangs as the centerpiece over the club’s dance floor; music is spun by DJs.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino HRH Tower features services only available for HRH Tower guests, such as exclusive check-in, valet, spa, and restaurants. The HRH Tower offers 374 suites with custom furnishings, original artwork and hi-tech electronics. Pampering treatments can be arranged (fees apply) at the property’s Reliquary Spa, with a 2,500-square-foot pool, or the RockSpa, which includes the signature Mediterranean Organic Veggie Wrap, Monticelli Mud and ThermoFreeze therapies. The Beach Club pool offers three swim-up blackjack tables. Adjacent thatch-roofed cabanas contain flat-screen televisions, telephones and ceiling fans.

Guestrooms. The rock-n-roll motif continues in the 1,505 guestrooms which feature sea-green carpeting, eggplant-colored draperies, velour furnishings, colorful rock-n-roll portraiture and French doors. Rooms offer platform beds with leather headboards and 400-thread-count Egyptian-cotton linens. Room amenities include Bose CD players, 42-inch high-definition flat-panel televisions, and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access for a fee. Bathrooms contain marble vanities and shower/tub combinations. Honor bars are provided in all accommodations.

Expert Tip. The beat goes on at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Casino’s pools with music piped through underwater speakers.

Weddings in Las Vegas are extremely popular due to a number of considerations.  These include the exciting and fun nature of the city itself, the presence of many wedding chapels capable of providing any kind of ceremony and, most notably, the easy-to-meet requirements to get married in Vegas.

Vegas has a reputation for easy marriages, but just how easy is it to tie the knot there?  What do you need in order to join the ranks of those who’ve enjoyed weddings in Las Vegas?  This is one case where reality lives up to the hype.  Getting hitched in Sin City is easy!

You’ll need proof of identification.  A driver’s license will do the trick (assuming it’s valid).  If you don’t have one, you can use a passport.  You can actually get by with nothing more than an authorized official copy of a birth certificate, if all else fails.

You’ll need to have a social security number, too.  If you’re from outside of the US, some additional documentation may be required.  That will vary based on your home country and their requirements for recognizable foreign marriages.

Assuming you’re over the age of sixteen, that’s all you’ll need in terms of documentation.  If you’re under sixteen years of age, you can still get married in Las Vegas if you have an appropriate court order and official parental consent forms, though.

What about waiting periods and blood tests for weddings in Las Vegas?  Forget about them.  You don’t need them.  You don’t need to be a Nevada resident, either.  The rules are lenient and the standards are low.  It’s downright easy to tie the knot there.

There is one other thing you will need, though.  You’re going to need a marriage license.  All you need to do to get one is to show up at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau with a little over fifty bucks in cash.  That’s right, you can be all set to married your beloved for around fifty dollars!

Assuming you have the necessary documentation, they’ll be happy to give you the license.  And to make matters even easier, they’re open from eight in the morning until midnight on weeknights.  On weekends and other special days, they stay open all night long.

When you take a look at just how easy it is to go through the process, it’s no surprise that weddings in Las Vegas continue to be incredibly popular.   It’s been that way since Nevada loosened wedding restrictions back in 1931 (the same year they legalized gambling, by the way) and there’s no reason to think that the tradition of tying the knot in Vegas will loose its appeal any time soon.

When you think about Las Vegas vacations, what crosses your mind? If you’re like most people, you immediately start thinking about casino action, awesome shows, great food and luxury resorts. That’s only part of a bigger and even more beautiful picture, though. Las Vegas and its surrounding area are also the home of some amazing national parks.

Those who are planning Las Vegas vacations should really consider integrating park trips into their itinerary. There are many awesome options that will give you the chance to add a memorable outdoor component to your trip. Let’s look at a handful of the many parks you can visit.

Death Valley National Monument
A great place to get hot! This desert park is located at the lowest dry sub-sea level point in the United States of America. They don’t call it “Death Valley” for nothing, either. If you want to experience the desert in full force, this history-rich area is worth the two hour drive from Vegas.

Floyd Lamb Park
About ten miles away from the city and it offers healthy doses of natural beauty and history. The park was a Native American winter resting point and a working ranch. Back in the 50s, it was one of the infamous Las Vegas “guest ranches”. Estranged couples would stay there for six weeks, which allowed them to meet the Nevada residency standards required to get a Las Vegas divorce. It’s great for walking, biking and picnics. You can even fish the park’s four lakes. When you think about Las Vegas vacations, fishing may not usually cross your mind—unless you know about Floyd Lamb Park.

Kyle Ranch
Not much of a ranch these days and it isn’t a traditional park. It is, however, considered part of the national park system and it’s a great slice of history located within Vegas city limits. All that’s left of what was once a bustling ranch is a single building—which just so happens to be the oldest remaining building in Vegas. It’s neat to find that kind of history in such an ultra-modern environment.

Red Rock Canyon
A massive park, covering nearly 200,000 acres and its within a quick drive of Las Vegas. It boasts a great gift shop and a variety of recreational options including bicycling, climbing and hiking. There’s a scenic drive that allows you to get some amazing views of the Las Vegas Valley and the Spring Mountains.

There’s nothing wrong with Las Vegas vacations that revolve around the roulette wheel and A-list shows. By the same token, though, you can organize a slightly more well-rounded vacation by taking advantage of some of the areas great national parks.

Those who enjoy golf should make Las Vegas vacations a regular part of their lives.  While Vegas is better known for its gaming and shows, there are literally dozens of top-notch golf courses surrounding the city.  You can get a good idea of the amazing Las Vegas golf scene just by taking a quick glance at a few of the fantastic courses.  Here are five Vegas courses that belong on your vacation itinerary.

Silverstone Golf Club
Silverstone is the centerpiece of many Las Vegas vacations.  Located less than a half hour from the strip and featuring a jaw-dropping view of Sheep Mountain, Silverstone serves up three fantastic nine hold courses designed by no less than Bob Cupp himself!

The Lexington Golf Course at the Revere Golf Club
If you’re looking for a challenge, you need to call the Revere and book a tee time at the Lexington.  The amazing course stretches out over 7,100 yards and will test both your swing and your decision making skills.  If you want to test yourself, you need to put a round at the Lexington on your Vegas to-do list.

The Bali Hai Golf Course
The Bali Hai’s 7,000 yard course combines great play with an absolutely stunning environment.  Designers Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt came up with course that plays well while engulfing clubbers in a tropical paradise.  Seven acres of water, an unforgettable isle green and a hundred thousand tropical plants make the Bai Hai a great destination for duffers on Las Vegas vacations.

The Las Vegas National
Want to play one of the best-known courses in the country?  Try the National on for size.  This famed course has hosted the Las Vegas PGA event on multiple occasions.  Previously known as the Sahara Country Club, the National is a traditional skill-tester with a professional-grade pedigree.  You can walk the same path as golf legends at the National.

Aliante Golf Club
You can usually trust the locals to tell you where to play.  Readers of Vegas Golfer Magazine named the Aliante Golf Club the best new course in Vegas.  It’s an 18-hole championship layout designed by Gary Planks.  The Aliante is an absolute beauty, blending seamlessly with some of the most attractive scenery in Nevada.

Las Vegas vacations aren’t just for craps, blackjack, shows and nightlife.  You can spend your day preparing for the evening’s festivities on some of the nation’s greatest golf courses.  If you’re more interested in spending your vacation time in a golf cart than on a tour bus, book a flight and pack your clubs for Vegas!  There are few, if any, American cities that offer so many great golfing options.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many weddings in Las Vegas?  What makes the idea of tying the knot in “Sin City” so attractive?  What is it about Vegas that attracts marrying couples like moths to a flame?  Here are a few of the reasons why weddings in Las Vegas are such a recognizable and popular feature of the exciting city.

First, there are legal reasons for many people to love the idea of getting married in Las Vegas.  Unlike some places, there are no residency requirements for a wedding license.  A would-be husband and groom can also skip taking a blood test or undergoing any kind of mandatory waiting period.  The city offices have a whole separate division designed just to hand out licenses for weddings in Las Vegas–and that office keeps hours more like a convenience store than a government building.

Second, there is the wedding “infrastructure” that’s grown up in Vegas.  People originally flocked to the city primarily because of the aforementioned legal issues.  As more and more people decided to have weddings in Las Vegas, a series of businesses and services grew up to support them.  Vegas is home to more bridal shops than you can imagine.  Wedding chapels are a regular feature of the city’s commercial landscape–and they are equipped to handle marriages of any kind imaginable.  Las Vegas is a great place to marry because the city has grown to be designed for that very function.

Third, Vegas itself is hard to resist.  Can you think of a better place for a honeymoon?  Las Vegas offers an awesome array of things to do and has great activities to suit any interest.  Why not get married in Las Vegas?  You can, after all, walk right away from the altar into one of the most exciting and fun cities in the country.  Weddings in Las Vegas are popular, in large measure, because Las Vegas is so much fun.  It’s a great way to roll the ceremony and the honeymoon all into one awesome package and it makes the special event a great deal of fun for anyone else who might want to attend, too.

People get married in Las Vegas frequently and they do it for some pretty strong reasons. The legal requirements for a marriage in Vegas are set so low that it makes the whole process very easy, efficient and attractive. Not everyone has the dream of a Vegas wedding, but those who do usually find that fantasy rooted in justifications like the ones outlined here.  “Sin City” is the marriage capital of the world and there’s no reason to believe that it will lose that status any time soon!

The Boulevard Mall is shopping for the real Las Vegas! The are located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, downtown and the convention center. The Boulevard Mall features 140 shops, services and eateries including Ashley Stewart, Charlotte Russe, Express, Forever 21, Old Navy, The Body Shop, Victoria’s Secret, Yankee Candle and many more!

Sure, people do take Las Vegas vacations wherein fine dining consists of a cheap casino hot dog and a seemingly never-ending series of free frozen drinks on the casino floor. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Fine dining options in Las Vegas abound.

When people think of eating during Las Vegas Vacations, their thoughts often turn to the “old reliable” notion of a casino-sponsored buffet. Most of the resorts, casinos and hotels in Vegas offer one or more buffets and many of them offer high-quality far Although the idea of a casino buffet is often associated with the old days of gut-busting bargain chow in some minds, things have changed in Vegas. Competition for dinner dollars is serious and the buffets of today offer an amazing assortment of options, utilizing quality chefs and top-shelf ingredients. If you’re thinking about cruddy all-you-can-eat-for-five-bucks affairs, think again.

One reason for the upgrade in casino buffet food is the fact that so many recognizable names from the gourmet world have planted flags in Las Vegas. Those who go on Las Vegas vacations today can take their pick of scores of restaurants associated with some of the most famed and talented chefs in the world.

Alaine Ducasse owns Mix. Bobby Flay serves up his southwestern-inspired delicacies at Mesa Grill. Andre Rochat provides an unrivaled French dining experience at Andre’s. Emeril Lagasse, the famous TV chef, delights taste buds at Delmonico’s. You can probably find a three-dollar breakfast somewhere downtown, but you can also spend a few hundred dollars for foie gras in a ginger pineapple reduction at Renoir, if you’re so inclined.

Las Vegas has become a serious vacation destination, attracting very serious travelers. The city’s entertainment and dining community has recognized that any old food just want do these days. People expect more. Vegas delivers. All of the larger hotels boast high-quality restaurants for those who want something a step above the already-great buffet food.

It’s no wonder that there are so many great dining options in Sin City these days. Who could even imagine staying at some of the posh, five-star hotels that dot the strip while dining on dull, tasteless food? It just wouldn’t make sense. That’s why Las Vegas serves up the good stuff these days.

The city and its food have matured as more and more people insist on Las Vegas vacations that meet a high overall quality standard. The “cheap steak” Vegas of thirty years ago. It’s been replaced by dining experiences that will put a smile on the face of even the most discriminating gourmet.

With views of The Las Vegas Strip and the desert skyline, the Las Vegas Hilton contains a modern lobby embellished in white and black marble. Hilton Steakhouse, the hotel’s dinner-only restaurant, serves prime-grade beef and fresh seafood. This dining venue displays photos of Las Vegas performers. Benihana Village features a terraced lounge that descends to a water garden, Japanese houses, a koi pond, and private dining rooms. Benihana serves dinner only and contains a sushi bar. The Spa Las Vegas Hilton offers treatments such as Vitamin C facials and Hot Stone massages, and houses wet and dry saunas, steam rooms and spa tubs. A third-floor outdoor pool and recreation deck features a pool with a shallow end that accommodates younger swimmers. A total of 12 lighted tennis courts are located on-site.

Guestrooms. The Las Vegas Hilton offers 2,941 guestrooms and suites distributed among three, 31-story towers. Beds are dressed with pillowtop mattresses and 400-thread count linens. Central Tower suites offer Murphy Beds with the same mattress and linen details. Guestrooms afford Strip, mountain or golf course views. Light-wood furnishings are topped with marble surfaces. All accommodations feature flat-panel televisions, and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access for a fee. Laptop-compatible in-room safes are available for a fee. Every room features coffeemakers, Refrigerators are standard amenities in some rooms and available for a fee in others.

Location. The Las Vegas Hilton is located off the Strip in Las Vegas, Nev., adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. This property stands less than two miles from the Fashion Show Mall and the Sands Expo Center. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is two miles away.