Riding the Rails -- Return to Vegas

The next leg of the vacation led to Las Vegas for two nights at the Tropicana Hotel.

Hoover Dam

On the way to Sin City, we drove by Hoover Dam, that marvel of construction from the 1930s. Because of security concerns, buses and trucks aren't allowed near the dam. So we got a view from our windows. It's still impressive from a distance.

I was in Vegas last October, and I must say, nothing much has changed along the main strip. Some of the shows that were playing on the first visit were still drawing crowds nearly a year later. 

There are still the folks dressed in various stages of clothing and costumes walking the streets, street musicians, and others handing out leaflets for special "adult" shows.

Our Vegas guide took us to the Bellagio and Venetian hotels to check out the lavish surroundings to lure guests, especially those who are high rollers.

Bellagio's chocolate machine

The Bellagio has the world's largest chocolate fountain while the Venetian has a canal with several gondolas winding through an expensive shopping mall.

The Fremont Street Experience

On our last trip we weren't able to go to the Fremont Street Experience, which is the revitalized old Vegas. So stopping there was a real treat because it's so different from the Vegas Strip -- a little more hip and affordable.

The Viva Vision Light Show

 One of the attractions is the Viva Vision Light Show that fills the roof six times a night. We were entertained by eight pounding  minutes of music by Heart synchronized to the throbbing, dazzling lights.

There are three sound stages with some outstanding musicians performing different genres. You'll also find a ziplines stretching across the top of the facility.

This will probably be my last trip to Vegas (I said that last year), but I think it's a city most people should experience at least one time for its sheer razzle dazzle to the senses.

Until the next time...

(Note: the chocolate machine and light show images should be vertical but blog site won't allow me to rotate them).

A Great Bet for Winning Vacation

My wife and I spent the past five days vacationing in Las Vegas. The place was on our bucket list for several years so we finally made the trip.

Caesars Palace

Luxor Hotel and Casino

We didn't gamble but we still had an enjoyable time because there are so many things to do while there. We were impressed by the architecture and interior designs of all the themed hotels and casinos. Yes, a few were a bit gaudy, but most were lavish with no expense spared to attract guests. 

Ceiling in Caesars lobby

Harley-Davidson restaurant

 We're urban hikers so we enjoyed going from one place to the next during our sightseeing venture. There are many first-class restaurants, high-end shops such as Gucci, Tiffany and many more, and the standard, low-end tourist shops for people like me (wife not included)! 

Veronic -- the gal with 50 voices

We took in three shows -- "Jersey Boys," "Rock of Ages," and "Veronic" -- and highly recommend them all. On a side note, we also decided to rest our feet one afternoon and saw the movie, "Gravity" in 3D. Great special effects but weak storyline. 

New York New York Hotel and Casino

There were tourists from all over the world, making Vegas a truly cosmopolitan city. 

Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino

If there was a downside to our trip, it was a bus tour reserved two months ago to visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon that was effectively cancelled by our federal government. 

We may visit Las Vegas again after we see some other places on our list.  We were told that the light show on Freemont Street in old Vegas was interesting. 

Spring Mountains to the west of Las Vegas

Even if you don't gamble, Las Vegas is a great bet to have a wonderful time.

Until the next time....