Las Vegas
Where do Hawaiians, who already live in paradise, go on vacation? What American city has such good shopping it lures Japanese tourists clear across the Pacific? It may surprise you to find out that the answer to both questions is Las Vegas. More entertaining than a tropical beach and stuffed with more diversions than you might guess, Las Vegas is an overwhelming monument to fun.
Activities and Attractions:
Las Vegas has a downtown area, known as Glitter Gulch. This low-key part of town, where the ring-a-ding-ding of the Rat-Pack era still echoes faintly, has its adherents. But who comes to Las Vegas for a low-key time? Las Vegas is about the Strip, four miles of neon spectacle.
Take time to explore the surreal sights found in casino hotels along the Strip, including acrobats flying high above gamblers’ heads, glass pyramids, live lions, re-creations of Parisian and New York city skylines, and the world’s highest thrill ride, 1,081 feet above your head.
Spectacular stage shows are another form of non-gambling entertainment. Cirque du Soleil almost always seems to have at least one production running somewhere, and there will most likely be a big name in music performing during your visit. Vegas is no longer where careers go to die; Elton John and Celine Dion are two entertainers who have had extended runs there recently, and many others pass through every year.
Not everyone who comes to Vegas is aware that much of the world considers the town a prime shopping destination, but it doesn’t take long to see that it is. Most hotels on the Strip have shopping promenades. Some are schlocky, but the Forum Shops at Caesar’s offer Louis Vuitton, Versaci, and Brooks Brothers boutiques. Any big names you don’t see there can probably be found at Via Bellagio (Armani, Prada, Tiffany) or at the Wynn Las Vegas Esplanade, which boasts Chanel, Dior, and even a Ferrari dealership. In addition, East Charleston Boulevard, in Glitter Gulch, is a respected antiques Mecca.
Nevada has some wholesome outdoor pursuits, as well. There’s golf galore, and hiking and some excellent rock climbing can be found at Red Rock Canyon, 19 miles outside of town. Lake Mead’s water sports are less than an hour’s drive from Vegas. The massive Hoover Dam, which is responsible for the lake’s existence, also makes an interesting side trip.
You may have heard that there’s a bit of gambling in Las Vegas. Slot machines are literally everywhere; at the airport, at gas stations, and at grocery stores—basically anywhere you might find yourself with a handful of change and a moment to kill.
But you can do better than that. The real money—and the real fun—is at gaming tables. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know all the rules. Many casinos offer lessons to help you master the subtleties of blackjack, poker, and the complicated but extremely entertaining game of craps.
Insider Tip:
Want to get treated like a VIP in Vegas? Booking luxury accommodation is a step in the right direction. Once in Vegas, be prepared to bet big. High rollers are expected to wager in the neighborhood of $10,000 over the course of a weekend. You’ll also need to demonstrate a willingness to spend a lot of time at the tables—leaving after dropping (or winning) a few grand on your first hand won’t impress anybody. But attaining high-roller status isn’t just about flashing cash. Treating casino employees courteously and tipping dealers generously will go a long way towards attaining VIP status.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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