Las Vegas.. Las Vegas!!!

7 thoughts on “Las Vegas.. Las Vegas!!!”

1. Fun in Vegas without gambling

   My list of places that are fun to go and do that don’t directly involve gambling in Las Vegas:

   • The Fountains at Bellagio offer an interesting show if you’re walking the Strip.
   • Though I’ve never done it, the “AdventureDome” at Circus Circus is supposed to be a lot of fun. It’s a pretty large indoor amusement park. Christy went there with my brother Jay, his wife Julie, and the kids (I think it was a weekday, and I was working). If I recall correctly, it was fun, but the kids were so small at that point the list of available rides was quite small. With my daughter and son coming up on 9 and 7 years old, I expect there would be many more options for them to lose their lunches on vomit-comet rides than before!
   • The Laser Show at Sam’s Town takes place every hour, and is a fairly unique experience. They have a killer steak house there, too — expensive, but VERY good.
   • One of these days, I want to go to the top of the Stratosphere. And maybe ride the roller coaster up there, or take the Sky Shot. I like the idea of the roller coaster better than a ride that just tosses you in the air, just because you’ll be kind of dangling, with centrifugal force going on as you stare in horror at the 1,000-foot drop to the pavement below 🙂 WOOT!
   • The Freemont Street Experience. I wouldn’t call it “awe-inspiring”, but I’ve never seen anything else quite like the display 🙂 We spent several nights there as a family while living in Boulder, and it was fun for the whole family. They have closed the road in that area, so it’s this enormous — what’s the word? — walkplaza, I think. Shows every half hour. Not many places to sit, though, so either stand and get a crick in your neck, or bring lawn chairs…
   • I’ve read a few things about The Venetian — gondola rides with gondoleers that will serenade you as they pole you along through a virtual Venice — and that might be a fun stop.
   • I’d be interested in finding out the price of tickets for Cirque de Soleil. Been a long time since I’ve been to an acrobatics show.

   Well, that’s my random thought or four!

   —
   Matthew P. Barnson

2. Walking 10 miles a day

   If you’ve never been to Vegas before, then I would suggest simply walking up and down the strip. Stop in each c asino, marvel at the sights and revel in people watching. Vegas is crazy with all the people walking around.

   -Contrary to Matt’s opinion, going on the rides and walking through the exhibits is about the last thing I want to do. You want rides, go to Disney world. Albeit, you can’t take kids into the c asinos. -Shows are expensive. Cirque du Anything is $85 a ticket minimum last time I was there. -The only game that makes sense to play is craps. Of all the tables and slot games, craps provides the best odds for the player. -Eating: most c asinos offers the famous “buffet” is like $15 for all you can eat. My favorite place is China Grille in Mandalay Bay.

   1. Craps vs. Black jack

      Black jack, if played with a small shoe (usually single or double-deck) can also be very good odds, but only if you’re capable of and practiced at counting cards. You won’t score big money over the long run, but most good card-counters can pick up a spare $20 or $40 (enough to pay for that buffet) in a few minutes playing if they know how to count adequately.

      I’ve never practiced it, though 🙂 Most my experience is second-hand from my stepfather Dennis, who was the master at the “pay for dinner at the black jack tables” trick.

      —
      Matthew P. Barnson

3. Suggestion

   How about getting married by Elvis?

   — Ben Schuman Mad, Mad Tenor

4. DAM!

   Hoover Dam is a must-see. Its only about 30 minutes from Vegas and you should take a couple hours. It really is way more cool than you’d think it would be.

   1. Sunscreen

      Whatever you decide to do, bring the sunscreen along. The Freemont Street experience is a lot of fun and it’s free. Then along the walk plaza are plenty of great eating establishments, gift shops as well as casinos to gamble in.

      I’d ask a couple locals about which buffet to eat at. The last one we went to had no flavor in any of the food, despite the fact that it was enormous. It wasn’t on the strip, so you probably won’t run into that one.

      If you do see Hoover Dam, there’s a great little Chinese restaurant in Boulder City that we absolutely loved. Seemed like we ate there at least 2-3 times a month. It’s easy to get to and last we ate there, the food was delicious!

      See you there!–

      Christy

      1. BIG non gambling day..

         So.. for the big non gambling day, we should hammer out what we want to try to do.

         Kelly an I are doing Fremont street the night before we see you. I’ve found a BUNCH of things we could do all together, and there are some things I will try to do at night the night after..

         We’ll talk this week!

         JT

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