[el ess A]

This summer we're going to vegas. First time I've been out there in over 30 years and the wife's never been. I know it's changed a bunch since then so effectively we'll be Vegas noobs for all intents and purposes.

Anyone been out there lately and can recommend something (other than the obvious gambling). I've heard about the monorail but don't know much about that. Is that worth the time to maybe visit other casinos? Just asking.

After looking at Aria, Venetian, Bellagio, etc., we landed at the Caeser's Palace based on a relative's recent trip recommendation. We'll be there for a solid week.

Probably pop in on a show or two, but not sure yet which one(s).

We got a rental car so one place outside the city would be Hoover Dam tour, and MAYBE add on a West end Grand Canyon trip.

Open to suggestions.

[stormchaser]

Make sure you stop by Pawn Stars. Seriously, I've been twice and it really is a pretty cool little place. However, I never did see Rick, The Old Man or Chumley. And if you go in the summer, be ready for temps of 110+ degrees. I'm not sure I'd want to do much outdoors. I also end up trying to plan my Vegas trip around a good concert or two.

[eymang]

You can ride by bus up and down the strip to the pawn stars and Fremont for $8 pass good for 24hrs. Highly recommend rather than finding parking. Venetian is a good spot for free outdoor entertainment. Shows are over priced, I fell asleep during Cirque Soleil. Be sure to book early on-line.

[trashmanssd]

I have been looking inot long weekend to go out and do the Las Vegas motor speedway track day you can pay to go out and drive exotic cars. Looks funn not sure how god it is but may be worth it??

[01pewterz28]

As a frequent visitor to Lo$t Wage$ I would suggest the following.

- Grand Canyon
- Hoover Dam & Bridge
- take a trip to the top of the Efile Tower & Stratosphere Tower
- Enjoy the fountains at Bellagio
- enjoy the Volcano at the Mirage
- If you have the spare funds head on out to Exotic Car Racing and drive some exotics.

Casino hopping is always fun back in the day we used to casino hop and collect coin cups from every hotel and casino.

Not sure if the BIG wheel by Harras will be open when you go but it takes like 30 minutes to go around and you get great views of Vegas.

Have fun on your trip.

[VR Code R6P]

Watch out for the resort fees in Vegas, unless you are into the stuff that is offered (check the hotels website as to what is included). I ended up getting charged $280 on two rooms, for 5 days!! ($25.00/day, plus tax.) The only thing we used in the "resort fee" part of the stay was printing our boarding passes for the flight home! I have read online since, that some hotels will allow you to opt out of the resort fee!! So ask!

I feel the resort fee is just another way of gouging the customer, kinda like the airlines with their "baggage fees". :(

I would recommend the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere, for an evening meal. The food/atmosphere excellent, and the revolving floor gives you a great view! It took us about two revolutions (2 hours) to get through 4 courses and a coffee. Admission to the restaurant also allows you to go up on the outside observation level as well, which is normally $18. If you are not too full, try the rides!!

Another evening we enjoyed eating on the outside patio at Mon Ami Gabi, located at the Paris. The food is amazing, and with the Bellagio water display going off directly across the street, really made for an extraodinary view while we dined. Save room for the banana/walnut crepe, as it was exceptional.

For a great Margarita with some equally fabulous chips and guacamole, go to El Segundo Sol. It is located just outside the hugh shopping mall north of Treasure Island, at the street level. The Grilled jumbo shrimp Tacos are out of this world as well!

We had a really good filet and Stone crab at Joe's seafood, prime steaks and stone crab. I think it is in the Ceasars forum shops.

My family enjoyed the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Luxor had a interesting Titanic exhibit, and the Human Body display that uses the specially preserved actual human bodies. It is a little creepy, but amazing to see.

I always like the Blue Man Group for a very fun evening.

We did not do any shows this last trip as I thought they were too high for what they were.

Fremont street area has a lot of free street entertainment, but my family did not think it was all that great overall.

The new large ferris wheel is up, and may be running by the time your get there. I heard it will be pretty expensive to ride. They were estimating $35 for about a 30 min ride around. I think it is about 500' tall. The Stratosphere is about 900' tall as a comparison.

We did not care for the tram located behind the casinos on the east side of the strip, as it is a long walk to the back of the casinos to get on them.

From 30 years ago, the biggest change I notice is that nothing is cheap in Vegas anymore!! Gone are the inexpensive buffets.

I suppose if you are a big gambler, you may get many things comped. I do not fall into that category!

[Scalded Dog]

I second the "Pawn Stars" (the "Gold and Silver Pawn Shop"), but also in the 'hood nearby are Count's Kustoms, and Rick's Restorations. We like hitting those up when we're in town.

I also second the Hoover Dam... very cool, nice drive down there. You can even catch a cool tour of the dam via helicopter for $29... you'll see the signs as you near the dam. Or, for no cost, cruise the dam, walk it, check it out. Watch out for Decepticons.

[el ess A]

Thanks for some great tips. Won't be gambling like a roller, but plan on hitting a couple of casinos just to experience it. Yeah, already been tagged about resort fees. What a rip. Apparently as of either March or April of 2013 it applies to all resort-type facilities. Another government hand in the cookie jar I believe. Never hurts to ask.

Appears the exotic car thing might be cool. Drive a few laps in a Porsche or something. May have to check that out. I just hope Celine Dion isn't there at CP while we are...maybe the wife won't find out. I do NOT want to go to that show.

Man, I was looking around at Fremont Street, et al, with google maps (where a lot of action took place way back when I remember it). Now it's like a "classic" museum adventure area, similar to the 20th century display in Demolition Man.

I recall the 4 queens and frontier and golden nugget- they used to hop. Looks like the nug is still around though, albeit bigger. Damn I'm old.

[RubyCamaro]

See the show "O" at the Belagio. It is pricey but well worth it. You can also pick up discounted tickets several ways including with your booking if you book one of the hotels owned by Winn or through Southwest Airlines and at places on discount ticket places on the strip but they don't always have "O" tickets. If you book well in advance, and ask for discounts you can often stay in one of the nicer hotels on the strip as cheaply as in cheap hotels & save taxi/bus fares & the waits associated with them.

If you like to eat & appreciate really good food, eat at the Belagio buffet. If you go around 10:00 lines are not as long & if you take your time you can sample both breakfast & lunch dishes as they start changing over around 10:30. It is pricey too but I can get my $'s worth & not be hungry for anything except maybe a snack late in the day.

On really hot days you can go between many hotels by walking through malls between them & over crosswalks or on trams. Then walk the strip after dark. See the Freemont St Experience.

If you have any specific questions or types of activities you are interested in feel free to PM me. We go out there every year.

[el ess A]

Thanks, again for the tips. Ruby, you got the experience as a regular. Plus it sounds like you got the where-to-go for eats figured out. Bellagio is right across from CP as I understand the map.

Been fighting with the leak in the garage ceiling today. One of the soaked sheetrock ceiling panels let loose and crashed to the ground about an hour ago. GLAD I MOVED THE CAMAROS! I'm trying to think vacation now to get my mind off of it. At least until I get the repairs done.

Thanks again to everyone for the tips. Keep 'em coming if you got 'em. I want this trip to be a memorable one in a good way. Two years ago I took the wife and mother-in-law to Flagstaff, AZ to see the Grand Canyon. The day we got up there, about 30 minutes into it, she fell and broke her hip...that trip will always be memorable too, but not for the right reasons. Still need to get back to the Canyon one day.

[SS ORANGE CRUSH SS]

Maverick helicopters flies you right into GC ,,they land there beside picnic tables . Lunch and champagne and walking tour. Well worth it.

[RubyCamaro]

Yep, we did the Maverick Grand Canyon thing one year. Very nice. Also pricey, but worth it. Maverick is great. Do be choosy which hellicopter Co you choose (so I was told).

[MikeSVX]

Tour the Shelby Plant.
Check out the Lions at MGM Casino
Rent an Exotic Car
Eat dinner at The Top of The World resturant in the Stratusphere Casino.
Watch an Elvis Show.
Watch a Berlesk Show
Check out Fremont Street

[jewel25]

Check out Las Vegas Cars and Coffee Lots of sexy azzzzzz Camaros



OHHHHH and there are other fancy cars too. I am just a little bias