Whether you’re single or married or have a family there is no better time to be had than when you gather up your besties for Girlfriends Getaways. Whether it’s just for a long weekend or even better if you can manage an entire week, I highly recommend taking time in your busy life to slow down with your girls for a great time to breathe, re-energize and find yourself again.

In no particular order these are just some ideas to inspire you ::

#1 :: Eat Beignets in New Orleans

Of course there is much more to do in N’awlins than eating beignets but it sure is a great place to start! Cafe du Monde is iconic in the French Market and Cafe Beignet serving what they call the “original” beignets is competition for sure. But it doesn’t really matter where you go because You’re in New Orleans with your girls!

Go out for breakfast in one of the many adorable restaurants and cafes in town. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the Garden District and take in the history and architecture that IS New Orleans.

Have a muffuletta and red beans and rice for lunch and gumbo for dinner in that good ole N’awlins style.

Go out at night and listen to some really great jazz on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter…

…or go to a piano bar and sing along!

New Orleans. One of the great girlfriends getaways for sure.

#2 :: Go snorkeling in Belize

You may not know but Belize has the second largest coral reef in the world. And snorkeling it is pretty amazing. Unbelievable underwater beauty for sure.

There are lots of other options in Belize however :: visit the Mayan Ruins, eat some jerk chicken, snorkel with Manatees at Ambergris Cay, take a helicopter over the Blue Hole (way pricy at $500+ per person but if it’s on your bucket list I hear it is well worth it)…

Of course you can just as well lay on one of their beaches and soak up the sun…

…and enjoy a Belizian daiquiri… that won’t cost much!

And when you’re surrounded by your girlfriends it can be one of the best getaways ever!

#3 :: Tour Magnolia Silos in Waco

Even if you’re not necessarily into Joanna and Chip you will have so much fun at The Silos! Shop for the cutest housewares, get ideas for your own home…

…eat delicious delicacies in the Silos Baking Company…

…sit in the sun and listen to wonderful music while watching kids playing on the lawn. It’s all to be had here.

The town of Waco is bigger than just Magnolia although the town is on the map because of the Gaines’ but here are some of the things they recommend you see in Waco ::

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, Dr. Pepper Museum, Hippodrome Theater, Waco Mammoth National Monument. And if you want to live it up big and you’re lucky to get a spot, book one of the two Magnolia Stay Bed + Breakfast homes for your lodging!

#4 :: Take in the Shows in Las Vegas

Vegas may have a reputation for setting the perfect atmosphere for girls to get into trouble together. But if you’re anything like me that’s the last thing you want to do with your besties. Instead get all dressed up for a night out on the town to enjoy a concert or Cirque du Soleil show…

…dine at a fancy restaurant…

Rent a cabana at the pool…

…play Bingo together…

And just laugh until your sides ache!

There are so many great getaways to do with your girlfriends in Las Vegas :: but being together is the best.

 #5 :: Go Dunebuggying in Cozumel

What a blast you’ll have no matter how big or small your group… take dune buggies out for a spin around the island of Cozumel.

Drive out to Punta Sur…

…and out to the southern point to the lighthouse…

Take a dip in the ocean to do some amazing snorkeling…

…then duck out of the sun for some shade + some relaxation…

Exploring + snorkeling in Cozumel + then relaxing in the sun + the water. What better girlfriends getaways are there?

#6 :: Go Parasailing in Maui

You’re in Hawaii + surrounded by that beautiful blue water. And the weather is perfect nearly all year long. Perfect for parasailing!

Talk long leisurely strolls along the water + stop for stories + laughter…

Wake up super early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala

Spend all day on the beach, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) + enjoy the sun…

And attending a luau is a must!

The list of things to do (or not do) in Hawaii is endless. Isn’t this one of the best girlfriends getaways you can imagine?

#7 :: Keep it Weird in Portland

I used to live in Portland when I was younger + I have so many fond memories… But things have changed so much since those days! Portland has gotten so trendy over the last decade or more.

But the things I remember are still cool :: check out Multnomah Falls… so beautiful + glorious. Drive out there + spend time hiking up to the top or at least to the bridge. Amazing views.

Whether you’re a bookworm or not a visit to Portland is not complete without checking out Powell’s Books. Browse, sit + have a latte in the cafe.

One of my fave places to meet with friends is Salt + Straw. Ice cream at its finest.

Portland is a fun place to meet up with the girlfriends :: with such a variety of things to do to catch up you can start planning one of your getaways today.

#8 :: Hang out in LA

LA has lots to do + see. And with the girlfriends you’re sure to have a great time! The Getty Center is an awesome place to start!

Maybe stop at Grand Central Market for a bite to eat…

Joining an audience of a talk show is always a fun time with the girls!

It’s not too far to the beach for some relaxation.

LA is a fun town + a great place to have some time with the girlfriends!

#9 :: Take a California Coast Road Trip

I feel pretty blessed to live in California. I have the best of all worlds here. I’m not far from the beach, the mountains, the river + the desert. There are a plethora of absolutely amazing things to do + see in California. But when you take the time for a road trip along its beautiful coastline you get to know California in a whole new way.

Malibu is a wonderful place to stop :: the views of the ocean are pretty awesome + there are lots of little restaurants along the way

Stop to see the elephant seals just north of San Simeon

Hearst Castle is a cool place to visit :: you can even stop to see some zebras on the property!

Morro Rock up in Morro Bay is such a beautiful place :: take a walk + enjoy watching the surfers + otters. You’ll find clean restrooms here also

Depending on how many days you have you can include tons more things to see + do along the California coast!

A road trip with the girls is one of the best ways to get to know each other better + to enjoy each other’s company. Blast the radio + sing at the top of your lungs, stop wherever you feel like it for as long as you want, a spontaneous trip up the coast can provide memories that you can’t make any other way.

#10 :: Take a Cruise

Just decide where you want to go + when. Then let the cruise line do all the leg work for you! Just relax (or not) + have a great time together!

Whether you want to see places you’ve not seen before or lay under the sun all day…

…or get crazy on the dance floor or sing karaoke with abandon or take on Casino Night…

Taking a cruise with your best girlfriends is one of the best ways I know to catch up + have fun without having to really plan much. You can do as much or as little as you want. Your lodging + meals are all taken care of. You just need to decide what onboard activities you want to participate in + maybe sign up for an excursion or two. The rest is easy peasy.

Spending time with your girls is the most important thing. As women we need this more than we know. But once you start planning a trip or two you will realize it is a necessity that all of us girls not only want but absolutely need!

Take all the time you need with your besties! You won’t regret it!

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

Los Angeles :: Why Only See it When We Have Visitors

How To Pack For a Cruise in a Carryon in 10 Easy Steps

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Part 5. LISTENING to the Music

From big headliner halls to small out-of-the-way places, Las Vegas has music for your ears! I’ll not make you wait to find out what I think is not only the best deal in Las Vegas but the very best of the best that you may never even have heard of before.

a. Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns at The Copa Room

Meet Santa Fe (Jerry Lopez) + The Fat City Horns (his band). Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns. I know, crazy name. If you can’t remember the full name just remember The Santa Fe Band. But believe me when I say they are absolutely the best of the best. I call it the musicians’ band because you will find many big name musicians in the audience to see their shows. And it isn’t unusual for Jerry to call them up on stage to join them for a number or two.

To give you an idea of their sound think Earth, Wind + Fire blended with Tower of Power. Funk, jazz, horns, percussion with vocals. Every musician in this 17-piece band could stand on stage in a concert of his own, that’s how talented they are. One of my favorite band members is drummer Jose “Pepe” Jimenez who also tours with Santana.

They only play one night a week on Mondays at 7:30pm at The Copa Room of the Bootlegger Bistro at 7700 S Las Vegas Blvd (in south Las Vegas). $10 will get you in the door. It’s a steal + the best bargain for music in Las Vegas for sure.

Tip: Get there early for dinner + get the best seat in the house. But be sure to make a reservation because the place fills up fast.

Concerts are all top-of-the-line

I like to see at least one great concert when I’m in Vegas. Of course SFATFCH are always on the list but I’m talking about headliners. Here are two of the concerts we attended lately – both pretty great in their genres. And both got us ROCKING OUT to their music!

b. Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie puts on a fun show. Everyone in the audience sings along with the many songs he’s written over the years. And you don’t realize how many there are until you attend one of his concerts. I had so much fun I couldn’t stay in my seat. I just danced All Night Long!! Front row center, baby!

c. Bruno Mars

But this year Roydio surprised me + really outdid himself by getting us tickets to Bruno Mars for his 24K Magic World Tour in Las Vegas. OMG he put on a nothing less than phenomenal show. And let’s just say there were pyrotechnics involved. Don’t ask how much we paid to see him in the front center section about 10 rows back. We weren’t in the cheap seats. But to me it was totally worth it. Talk about dancing in your seat? It was Uptown Funk and That’s What I Like! One of the best concerts I’ve ever been to.

His concert rules have changed as of late – they locked our phones in Yondr pouches so that we wouldn’t take any pics. And they do watch so it’s impossible to sneak one in. Suffice it to say, I highly recommend seeing Bruno!

Tip: You can see the big names or the local performers, each have earned their place on the Vegas stage in their own right. The only thing that I’d advise you is to really make sure the show you want to see is G-rated before you go. For example, most comedians in Vegas keep their “dicey” acts for their late night performances but that doesn’t mean they are G-rated in their earlier performances. Again, just check it out thoroughly before you book your tickets.

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

Big names such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Wayne Newton, Donny + Marie, Reba with Brooks + Dunn, Mariah Carey, Cher, Lady Gaga are just examples of the well-known stars who have been resident performers in Las Vegas. The best of the best are here. The scene changes all the time so check before you go to find out exactly who will be performing when you’re in town. Click here!

The post 6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 5 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Part 4. SHOWING the Headliners

We’re keeping it all G-rated so no worries – you can bring your entire family to any of these shows + rest assured there will be no surprises!

a. Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay

Michael Jackson will forever be considered an icon in the music world known as the King of Pop + Mandalay Bay has really captured the best of Michael in this show. I can’t wait for you to see it!

Imagine Michael’s music in dynamic surround sound + put to acrobatics + dance like you’ve never seen before. Critics rave about Michael Jackson ONE calling it “electrifying.”

Check out Michael Jackson ONE if you love Michael. And even if you just liked his music. Because once you’ve seen it, you will love him. I guarantee it.

b. Mystere by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island

The award-winning Mystere happens to be Roydio’s favorite Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. It is entertaining + acrobatic + truly indescribable.

Fun for the whole family, this wonderfully creative show filled with unbelievable talent will leave you talking about it for weeks. How did they do that? How are they able to move like that? Buy a regular ticket or get VIP seating, that’s what we did + I think it was worth every penny!

c. “O” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio

“O” by Cirque du Soleil is actually my favorite of the two. I admit both shows are terrific but “O” is the aquatic-themed version of Mystere with the water element that I’m drawn to. Having said that I would highly recommend either one because they are both filled with breath-taking acrobatics.

But “O” by Cirque du Soleil also has synchronized swimmers + divers. That’s one of the things I love about it. Have you seen the shows? Which one did you like best? If you haven’t yet, see for yourself + let me know what you think.

d. Blue Man Group at Luxor

Blue Man Group is one of those shows that will rock your world + leave you wondering once you leave the theater. This bizarre show is really different from anything else you might have seen, or I should say anything else you might have DONE because it really is an experience.

Filled with lots of great music + heart pounding beats you will be surprised many times + you will laugh through its entirety. And I’ll give you one hint: there may be toilet paper involved HA! You can’t go wrong with this show. It’s awesome!

e. The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage

The Beatles LOVE features their legendary music + tells their rags to riches story through song, dance + acrobatics. It is an entertaining feel-good kind of a show.

Bringing you as close as possible to the studio in which The Beatles recorded + wrote their songs, you feel as though you are there with them, rooting them on all the way.

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

So there you have it. Five shows to choose from that are all G-rated + great for the entire family. See? There aren’t naked girls in every show. It’s too bad you’ve been led astray + have missed out on so much! But there is still more, can you believe it? Next up I’ll cover:

Part 5: LISTENING to the Music

The post 6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 4 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Here are my #1 picks for the different categories of food:

Part 3. EATING Your Way Thru Vegas

For my #1 pick for dinner in Las Vegas all you need to remember are 3 little words:

Best Asian: Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast

I know, it’s a silly sounding name, Ping Pang Pong. And you’ll find my favorite Las Vegas restaurant in an even more inconspicuous spot: inside the Gold Coast Hotel + Casino. Now, the Gold Coast is not a Vegas hot spot. It’s not even on The Strip. But believe me when I tell you they serve real authentic Chinese food at PPP.

And they also serve dim sum which, if you’ve never had it, are dishes prepared as small bite-sized portions served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. This has actually been my favorite way of eating since I experienced tapas (small plates) in Spain.

PPP has been lauded for its regional variety, serving dishes from Cantonese to Sichuan, they do it all. They’re consistently one of the highest rated Asian food restaurants in Las Vegas. This is their rating in The Best of Vegas.

One of things I enjoy here is watching the chefs in action in their exhibition-style kitchen. No, they aren’t doing tricks or spins to entertain. As a matter of fact they take their culinary skills very seriously.

PPP is open daily from 10am to 3pm for lunch serving dim sum as well as a comprehensive menu. Closed from 3-4pm. And open again for dinner from 5pm to 3am.

Remember Ping Pang Pong. I would never steer you wrong.

Tip: Expect a line, come early.

Best Noodles: Noodle Exchange at the Gold Coast

After PPP, this is Roydio’s #1 pick for dinner so I felt I needed to include it. Odd thing is, this restaurant is located in the very same hotel as Ping Pang Pong + actually right across from it. And it’s even more unusual that it has the same owners. Because of PPP’s growing popularity over the years they created Noodle Exchange to catch its “overflow.” They serve nearly the same menu with a few additional items. Of course the name says it all: they specialize in noodles! But another dish that has earned them acclaim in their own right is their Hot Pot.

If you’ve never had Hot Pot before it’s basically a boiling pot of soup that is served to you with a plate of raw vegetables + meat which you cook in the soup right there at your table. It’s not only a fun concept but crazy delish! But in all fairness, all of the food at Noodle Exchange is fabulous. Take it to the bank.

Best Bakery: Cafe Belle Madeleine at Paris Las Vegas

My #1 pick for desserts is Cafe Belle Madeleine. For the very best apple turnovers you’ve ever had, head over to Paris Las Vegas to find this delightful bakery/cafe. Ok, their chocolate eclairs are pretty scrumptious too. Who am I kidding? Of course ALL of their pastries are to die for at Cafe Belle Madeleine. My mouth is watering as I write this… HA!

Right after visiting here you can stroll over to the Eiffel Tower because it is located right outside the front door of Paris Las Vegas if you didn’t notice it when you walked in HA!

Best Breakfast: Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas

My very favorite restaurant for breakfast in Las Vegas is the classic French bistro Mon Ami Gabi which also happens to be located at Paris Las Vegas. Choose a table outside for a great view of The Strip + the Fountains of Bellagio as well as the Eiffel Tower Las Vegas. Of course they do serve lunch + dinner + their daily specials are also very good.

Best Buffet: Carnival World Buffet at the Rio Las Vegas

There is no larger buffet available in Las Vegas than at the Rio Las Vegas and it’s my #1 pick for an all-you-can-eat buffet. With over 300 selections of dishes from around the world Carnival World has all the others beat.

There is a station for every cuisine represented which includes American, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, BBQ + steaks. And each cuisine provides live cooking action before you. Oh + if you didn’t get it from the picture above, they even have made-to-order teppanyaki, cooked on an iron grill before your eyes.

If that isn’t enough, they have over 70 different desserts to choose from! And unlimited draft beer + house wine for an additional $13.

Carnival World at The Rio.

Best Steaks: Smith + Wollensky’s Grill in the Grand Canal Shoppes

Smith + Wollensky is a premium steakhouse that really is a cut above the rest (see what I did there?) + I am so happy to say they are returning to Las Vegas after closing their doors last year. In the Spring of 2019 they will have their grand re-opening at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian. In my opinion it will be an even better location than their previous stand-alone building right on The Strip.

Recognizable by their hunter green awnings, people from around the world have sung their praises as a premium steakhouse that serves steaks that are hand butchered + they hand-aged it on the premises. I can certainly attest to the quality of their food.

IMHO their re-opening is worth waiting for. This is my #1 pick for steaks in Las vegas.

Best Sandwiches: Earl of Sandwich in Planet Hollywood

I discovered Earl of Sandwich many years ago at Planet Hollywood + have loved going there ever since. This is my favorite choice for sandwiches.

Their artisan baked bread is the secret to their success along with traditional family recipes + fresh ingredients. They send the finished sandwich through an oven on a belt + that melty goodness comes out on the other end. My favorite is the Earl’s Club (actually I love the Holiday sandwich but it’s only available at the [DUH] holidays) + Roydio’s is the Italian.

They even won the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Las Vegas restaurants so don’t just take it from me.

Make sure you try Earl of Sandwich in Planet Hollywood + tell me if it isn’t one of the best sandwiches you’ve ever had in your life…

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

I think these great restaurants are enough to get you started on a wonderful culinary experience in Las Vegas. Didn’t I tell you the food would turn you around? It has, hasn’t it? You can be honest with me…

Now it’s time to SHOW you what’s next:

Part 4. SHOWING the Headliners

The post 6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 3 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Part 2: PAYING Attention to the Details

If I haven’t convinced you about Las Vegas yet I’m not worried because I have a LOT more coming for you! There are plenty of G-rated things to do to have the time of your life!

a. Gondolas at The Venetian

It is pretty fabulous to wander through The Venetian which is located in the center of The Las Vegas Strip. It is truly captivating to see it in all of its glory at night. But it is a spectacular experience to take in a Gondola Ride with your personal singing gondolier + let it transport you to Venice. The Venetian knows how to recreate every detail to make you feel as though you’re really in Italy.

Tip: you will have two options: indoor and outdoor. The more popular ride is indoor because the Canal Shoppes + restaurants + St. Mark’s Square all replicate a romantic dimmed-light feel with a blue sky mural above you. Besides the ambiance, there are more bridges to go under inside. But outside you can be under the stars + the nights’ sky. $29 per person in a gondola meant for four, or $116 for two in a gondola of your own.

b. Las Vegas Observation Wheel/High Roller

The Las Vegas Observation Wheel or The High Roller as it is known is the tallest of its kind in the world soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip.

Ride the 30-minute rotation + see the entire Las Vegas skyline. Without realizing it we got on right before the sun began to set so we enjoyed seeing the skyline during the day + watched the sky turn darker as we were coming down. Wow! Couldn’t have planned it better if I tried. So that’s what I would suggest when you ride if you can somehow manage it.

The High Roller also offer a Happy Half Hour ride for those 21 + over which provides an open bar inside the cabin while you ride. Whichever you choose, The High Roller is an amazing way to see Las Vegas. Bring your friends + get your party started in the sky. They’ve thought of every detail!

And be able to tell all your friends that you’ve been on the tallest observation wheel in the world! But you better hurry because I hear the AIN in Dubai is set to be completed later on this year + it will break the world record standing 689 feet tall. I think you might still have time if you hurry + get on the High Roller in Vegas. It may be a little closer to home…

Tip: If you book a High-Roller-facing room at The Linq Hotel (located pretty much in the center of The Strip) you will receive 2 complimentary tickets to ride the High Roller. That’s a pretty cool offer.

Side note:
I’ve been to two other observation wheels including the London Eye which happens to be the most visited paid attraction in London, England…

…and the Wiener Riesenrad in Vienna. Hey, observation wheels may very well have to be another one of those attractions I chase all over the world because there seems to be about 75 of them throughout. Hmmmm….

c. Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

You don’t have to go all the way to Paris, France to see the Eiffel Tower anymore. Paris Las Vegas has one for you! It stands at half-scale of the  original tower in Paris but it will impress you nonetheless. They have covered every detail of this magnificent replica. Take the 46-story ride in one of their glass elevators all the way up to the viewing deck + see the most spectacular views of Las Vegas that money can buy.

On the 11th floor you can dine in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant + feast on French cuisine, a most romantic ambiance + dramatic views of the Bellagio Fountains. Prices are not for the faint-of-heart however + advanced reservations must be made because it is the most desired restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.

Tip on the Eiffel Tower Restaurant: Obviously your ride up is included in your reservation. Everything on the menu is sold a-la-carte, expect to pay $5 for a sauce, $18 for a salad, $79 for the lobster + $290 for their main course trilogy caviar.

d. Circus Circus

Circus Circus in Las Vegas is the world’s largest permanent circus, the perfect place to bring your children + where you don’t have to act your age HA! Carnival games + an arcade with 200 of the most popular classic + current video games surrounds the center stage of the Midway (you know you wanna go) where you can watch trapeze artists + clowns flying through the air daily.

World-class circus acts are performed before your very eyes at 10:30am to 11:30pm every day in the CC Midway, on the hour every half hour + it is completely free. Click here to see what acts are coming up.

Adventuredome is another great place at CC for your kiddos. One of the world’s largest indoor theme parks it contains thrilling roller coaster rides throughout its 5 acres! For ride descriptions, click here.

Adventuredome is open week days from 11am to 6pm + on weekends 10am to 12am.

Splash Zone – over an acre of fun containing a 50-foot slide tower, splash pad, water playground, pools + whirlpools await your arrival. Since Las Vegas is sunny most of the year, you can get wet + enjoy the water here pretty much year round! Consider renting a cabana (check in at the pool) + have fun in comfort!

RV Park – this is one of the amenities at Circus Circus + perfect for you if you are coming in your camper! Check out this map that will show you they mean business when it comes to your family. They have covered every detail of what you might want or need!

e. Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame Museum

This place was a real surprise for me. Roydio kept urging us to see the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum + I wasn’t necessarily interested, but let me tell you it is sure to be a great time for you + your family as you enjoy seeing + playing these classic pinball machines! Their 10,000 square feet of gaming space is filled with restored machines dating from the 1970’s to the 1990’s.

This non-profit organization gives all of its net proceeds to non-denominational charities. Make sure you go + support the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum. Bring your quarters because that’s all you’ll need to have a great time here!

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

I could go on + on about the great affordable places you can enjoy in Vegas. Are you convinced yet? Well, I have more for you to chew on (see what I did there?) – stay tuned for my next post:

Part 3: EATING Your Way Thru Vegas

The post 6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 2 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

“…maybe this post will change your mind…”

If you’re not a fan + thinking “Las Vegas is not for me” I totally get it. When you think of Las Vegas the first thing you think of is “adult” entertainment. But if you are at least a little bit curious about what else Las Vegas may have to offer then maybe this post will change your mind about perhaps planning a visit to Sin City.

I am actually going to take you on a G-rated tour (I know, but it is possible HA!) of the City That Never Sleeps, show you some places + things that might convince you of the fact that this iconic city is much more than a party town filled with gambling + strip shows + bars. Seriously, there is.

Because there is just too much to cover I’ll be breaking this post up into 5 parts:
Part 1: SEEING is Believing
Part 2: PAYING Attention to the Details
Part 3: EATING Your Way Thru Vegas
Part 4: SHOWING the Best of the Best
Part 5: LISTENING to the Music
Part 6: DRIVING Outside the City Limits

Part 1. SEEING is Believing

…and it’s UNbelievable when you realize that the following attractions are FREE! There are many things you can do in Las Vegas that will cost you absolutely nothing + yet are nothing short of spectacular!a

a. Fountains of Bellagio

There’s nothing more spectacular than seeing the Fountains of Bellagio up close + personal right smack in front of the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: This video was taken from the Las Vegas Observation Wheel/High Roller (which I will cover in Part 2 of my Las Vegas blog post) so it won’t have the full effect of the music which accompanies each rise + fall of the waters. As it turns out we rode up the High Roller with a mother who was trying to get her son to stay still so she could take a picture HA! Sometimes that can be entertaining, sometimes not.

Consider checking out this fantastic show. You can see it every 30 minutes from 3-8pm + then every 15 minutes from 8pm-12am. Sundays you can enjoy it every 30 minutes from 11am to 7pm. Don’t miss it!

Tip for the Fountains of Bellagio: Come early as space fills up quickly. I suggest you be ready + waiting as soon as a show comes to an end + people move out of the way. Totally worth it.

b. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

While you’re at the Bellagio you may as well wander into the hotel + stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory + Botanical Garden – IMHO it is a must-see at Christmastime. The Bellagio Conservatory Team goes over the top on the displays, transforming this 14,000 square foot space to reflect the vibrancy + colors of Christmas. But then it is pretty spectacular every other season as well. Whether you visit in winter, spring, summer or fall each season will have you spell-bound + give you a completely new experience.

Here is a sampling of what Christmastime looks like at the Bellagio.

c. Mirage Volcano Eruption

The Mirage Hotel is the location for yet another show to which everyone is invited. Stand in front + watch this gorgeous pond with its beautiful waterfalls transform into an eruption of lights + water to mimic that of a volcano. Come at 8pm, 9pm or 10pm daily if you want to see for yourself how magnificent Volcano Las Vegas really is!

d. Fremont Street Experience Light Show

The light show at the Fremont Street Experience is truly something to behold. Showing nightly every hour on the hour from 8pm to 1am, Viva Vision can be seen on the world’s largest video screen at 1500 feet long + 90 feet wide, suspended 90 feet up in the air over the pedestrian-only Fremont Street. Featuring the music from many popular bands + well-known songs will cause you to rock out with the music or at the very least bring you back to an earlier time. Either way it will make you feel good!

While the light show is going you can also enjoy watching as people fly above you on the SlotZilla Zip Lines (or you can get up there + try yourself for $25) as well as listen to live bands performing on the three stages. You will also find street performers dancing + playing instruments + even doing magic. Fremont Street is a party in + of itself.

Tip for the Fremont Street Experience: I would recommend coming to the early shows at 8pm or 9pm if you want to avoid the R-rated street performers that do make an appearance nightly especially on the weekends.

e. Iconic Las Vegas sign

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign welcoming you to Las Vegas located on the south end of The Strip is no longer a must-see location in Las Vegas. It has become a must-DO for visitors all over the world. At one time many years ago it was just a sign like you have in many towns around the country. But now it is a great opportunity to take selfies + group pictures not only with the sign but for Vegas performers that may happen to be there.

Most of the time you will find showgirls or Elvis or other impersonators there ready + willing for you to take a picture with them. And because of this phenomenon there is usually a line. But due to the popularity over the years the city has put in a 12-car parking lot making it easier + safer for visitors to park their cars + see it.

Tips for the Las Vegas sign:
1. Be patient + be ready to wait in line.
2. Don’t be that guy that tries to take a souvenir lightbulb.
3. Be ready to tip the performers. They don’t do this for free.
4. Offer to take the picture for others.
5. Have a great time!

f. Caesar’s Palace

There are no words to describe Caesar’s Palace – just to say that you have to come + see it for yourself. Caesar’s Palace continues to be the epitome of Las Vegas glitz + glam.

The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace is the most successful mall in the United States which spreads 600,000 square feet + includes 60 retail establishments + 12 restaurants. It is impressive to say the least. But even if you’re not in the market to go shopping, roaming this breath-takingly beautiful space is definitely something worth doing. High on my recommendation list.

g. Gold + Silver Pawn Shop

Even if you’ve never seen the television show “Pawn Stars,” you’ll have fun browsing through all the fun + crazy items the Gold + Silver Pawn Shop has for sale. 

Tip for Gold + Silver Pawn Shop: This place has become really popular. There can sometimes be a line so be prepared to wait.

h. The Monorail – the best ride in town

Although this item is NOT free, it used to be + I thought it important to include in Part 1. of Las Vegas. Getting around to all of the hotels can’t be much easier than taking the Las Vegas Monorail. Even though it’s no longer free it’s still cheaper than taking a taxi or Uber around town all day long.

One-way tickets are $5 so it’s much more economical to buy a daily pass for $13. And a 3-day pass is $29. They have also introduced Mobile ticketing which makes it that much easier. Just buy your tickets online + they will send you an email that includes your email ticket. Just scan + get on board!

I’ve included the map here for you. Click on it to see where it picks up + drops off.

Tip for the Las Vegas Monorail: This map of The Strip is a perfect reference to download + print. Take it with you + you’ll know where all the hotels are located in relation to one another.

Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!

So… was I able to convince you even just a little bit that Las Vegas is a destination you might consider in the future?

But wait, I’m not anywhere near finished telling you all about it! There are some other things in Las Vegas that may not be free but they are still G-rated + pretty impressive, definitely worth seeing or doing. Be sure to check out my next post:

Part 2: PAYING Attention to the Details

The post 6 Things That Happen in Vegas That Don’t Need to “Stay” in Vegas – Part 1 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.