I am not hip. Never been to Vegas. Never been to Italy. Never been to Glasgow. Never been to so many places Barenaked Ladies have played. But this October BNL will be 40 miles outside of Vegas. So, since Gary has decided we can safely take weekend trips, we’re taking a three day weekend to see the new streamlined BNL. Essentially, we’re using the band as an excuse to go to Vegas.
Like I said, never been to LasV. Get no thrill from gambling. Get neural overload from casinos. But I like me a nice hotel. Bellagio is booked up – at least that’s what the travel agent said. (It seems to have rooms now. Huh.) But we are tucked cozily at the Venetian. Bellagio versus Venetian? Opinions? The travel agent seemed to have some opinions. Blue Man Group? Wrinkled her nose. Barry Manilow? Eyes lit up.
SO, I need practical advice, like, “Don’t take the monorail if you want to be anywhere on time,” and “Gary does not need to wear a suit to dinner, even at a nice place,” and “Make sure you buy tickets for Blue Man Group a month in advance.” Will we really die if the rental car breaks down in the desert? Can you drive to the Grand Canyon in a day? Is Madame Tussauds Vegas comparable to Madame Tussauds London?
Around Vegas: So far we are renting a car for one day. Gary wants to drive to Hoover Dam. I booked a helicopter ride so we can see the Strip, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from the air. I think he still wants to drive.
Shows: We are set up to go see Love. A friend mentioned “Zumanity” was a pleasant experience. What else is out there? Are the classics still out there, like Wayne Newton and the magic act with the White Tigers? Are they worthwhile or there for nostalgia?
I see this as a test trip to Vegas. Scoping it out like we’ve done to Chicago. First visit to Chicago: Hilton and taxis. Second visit: Travel Lodge and El. Next time it’ll be the Mini and the Super 8 motel as we start to feel more at home.
“What happens in Vegas gets posted on the blog.”
22 responses to “Flagstaff, Barstow, San Bernadino”
just bring his passport
just in case
First off, I’m absolutely THRILLED that you’re coming and can’t wait to see you!On to advice (from one who goes to Vegas fairly regularly) – The Venetian is a nice hotel – I think it’s more your type of place than the Bellagio (which just feels uppity to me). My one piece of advice is DO NOT wear socks in the hotel room. Slippers, shoes or bare feet. Because man, those floors are slippery (just ask my roommate). Unless, of courese, you WANT to take a trip to the local hospital.Love is a good choice for a show. There are lots of lounge acts (yes, Wayne is still there), magic shows (the guy who won America’s Got Talent has a show) and comedians (Rita Rudner). But I would recommend Penn and Teller at the Rio if you’re looking for an additional show to see. But know that most shows are dark on Sundays.The monorail is good (you don’t have to go outside to get between certain hotels) but it can be a challenge to find the boarding area within the hotel. It usually takes a map, a compass, and knowledge of the stars.That’s it for now. Oh, and I’ve been to ALL of the places in your post title. 🙂
Please at least go to the Bellagio to see the fountains (homage to “Ocean’s 11”) and take lots and lots of pix of the Chihuly glass flowers ceiling, which is the only reason why I want to go to Vegas.
Careful. When I was in college, one of my friends in the dorm went to Vegas with her mom and came back a complete and utter Wayne Newton groupie.
You have been warned.
Becs, we have Chihuly in St. Louis at our Botanical Gardens. >Must sees: Paris (at least have a crepe) and walk around Monmarte. If you’re down at north end: Stratosphere – great view day and night of the entire strip.Luxor – A pyramid hotel! Woah! House of Blues is in that I think.Freemont street downtown. Short taxi ride. OLD Vegas…just walk up and down and you’re done. Makes the strip impressive.Otherwise, go see some shows. Riveria (north end) has great topless shows.BIG TIP: EVERYTHING is much farther than it looks. And it’s hot during the day. Take a short cab ride! Stop when you get tired!
besides having kids and being married, Going to ‘O’, the other show by the cirque de soliel, was the best thing I did in life. and make sure you book ‘wet’ seats.you’re welcome 😉
Never been to Vegas either, but I think it’s a place one needs to go in one’s lifetime. I look forward to the blog posts telling us what not to see and do.
You really SHOULD see the Bellagio; the Chihuly ceiling is VERY impressive, Botanical Garden Chihuly notwithstanding. They also have the best buffet.
Other than that, I have no suggestions — I have a love/hate relationship with Vegas. Oh, no, I do…Hoover Dam was a neat experience, but the drive through the desert even better (I like deserts).
I haven’t been to Vegas either….so I’ll be using your blog as MY test trip. Please post with reckless abandon.I can say this — I’ve seen Blue Man Group. Even though it’s been around for awhile, it’s kinda cool and has some funny moments and lots of audience participation. I’d take BMG over Barry Manilow any day.
I’ve stayed at the Venetian. I actually had reservations but canceled them to cheap out when we decided to do a CA loop to see my girlfriend instead.
Sirens of TI are at Treasure Island, free outdoor show, lots o’ people but a must do, I think. The talking statues at Caesars are fun and kind of interesting.
The lights at Freemont street (after dark show), along with the people watching. You get some really cool street performers on Freemont.
DO NOT do the Excalibur “Tournament of Kings.” Ick.
Don’t forget to cash in your winning tickets at each casino BEFORE YOU LEAVE. You always think you will be back and you won’t. Those few dollars here and there will add up.
Site see at the Hard Rock, it’s a neat casino with some cool displays.
If you like Indian food there is a neat place called, Gandhi’s on Paradise, it’s not bad.
If you are driving to casino’s use the self park if you can. The valet’s can be soooo slow at some casinos.
The monorail can be worth it. You are going to get lost in the casino’s, no matter what. They are a good way to see the lights.
I don’t do buffets. I tend to be a monster about food. (I know, who would know to look at me!) In Vegas you get what you pay for. If it’s a prime rib advertised for $4.99 you get a prime rib dinner worth, maybe, $4.99.
I am sure I will think of more. I love it when people ask my opinion! 😉
I’ve never been to Vegas so I have no advice. I’ve never been even slightly tempted to go to Vegas, even for BNL, but that helicopter ride sounds quite amazing. Have a fantastic time when you’re there, it sounds like you’re getting lots of good advice!
Hoover Dam is worth the drive, but do make sure you’re really headed in the right direction before going too far. Desert is desert, and you can convince yourself to drive a looong way before admitting defeat.We loved Blue Man Group in Vegas and have seen their tour twice in St. Louis since then.You could always head to the Palms and try to see someone who’s famous for being famous. A blog pic with Paris Hilton or Kevin Federline would be hilarious.
AThousandDreams – Ha! I hoped someone would say that.Crystal – Seriously, the Bellagio feels uppity, and you dont think its MY type of hotel? I am all up in the uppity! Then again, I like the camp aspect of the Venetian.Becs – I have a long affection for Chiluly. Mom followed his career closely since he came to the art museum here. Not so closely she was not shocked to hear he is blind in one eye. 3 – I can see it happening..75 – Tonight Gary just said he felt a show with nudity might make him uncomfortable. We didnt discuss topless. He might be okay with that. Mrs. Hall – Wait- O is the adult show, not Zumanity? Zumanity has sofas where you can make out. Okay, there must be a side-by-side comparison out there. Candy – what not to see and do? I will try to deliver! Christy – Yep, Gary’s already nixed the copter ride. He likes to make his own drama. Erin G – Well, I figure since Gary’s a drummer he would like BMG. Surprising Woman – I LOVE the 4.99 comment. That is some practical advice! Kristie – Dang, and now the copter ride’s out. Gary says he thinks looking at the Grand Canyon from the sky would be like seeing it on tv. Caroline – GPS, baby. I hope the iPhone works in the desert.
No copter ride! No tiny airplane rides! No, no, no!
Sincerely yours,
Phobic Woman
A couple more thoughts:Circus Circus sucks.Don’t bother going to Treasure Island if there’s much of a breeze in the air. They cancelled every show the evening we stood out there.
My only advice is to make a note of which night the shows are “dark,” and then avoid going to LV on that night. “Dark” is fancy for “closed, off, SOL.”
Becs – I don’t know why, but tiny airplanes scare me much less than copters. Maybe because I’ve heard of airplane crashes people walked away from, not so with copters.Caroline – Good to know. Rayleen – Sounds like Sundays are dark for many shows, but we get on the plane Sunday night.
O is the water cirque show, Zumanity is the sexy show. I’d reccommend O. This might sound ridiculous, but I lived there and miss In-N-Out burgers (among many other food items), so go there, eat a cheeseburger and order fries ‘animal style’ (with grilled onions, special sauce, and cheese) yum! Red Rock and Mt. Charleston are out there and closer, for some more outdoorsy things, and you really can’t go wrong with some good old fashioned people watching on the strip 🙂 Gary will not need to wear a suit to dinner (maybe not even to the shows, you just might need to double check, b/c they can vary). The Venetian is nice, i could live in the bathroom! Oh, and delish crepes at Bellagio with a chocolate fountain :)-a queen blog stalker 🙂
Amanda – (Oh, Amanda, you try to stalk, but you left an IP address stamp, so now: 1) I know your first and last names mwahahahaha, and, 2) you are a repeat stalker, so I think you are a commenter, which is good. But you can keep saying you’re a stalker, if you like) Gary overrode ALL my decisions and now we are at a King Tower suite at the Bellagio and we’ll probably see O, because as guests of the hotel we can get really good seats.
I haven’t been to Vegas much since the late 70’s but I can tell you that, once you get west of Denver, suits are optional for most everything. Including funerals and weddings! It’s a whole new, casual world out west! You might like it. In fact, plan what you need in the suitcase, then subtract about half. I know this from going east on occasion and being woefully under dressed, even in a Denny’s!
no wonder you’re the queen! you are onto my tricks! plus i’m a huge technotard and wouldn’t know how to block any of that stuff anyways 😉 I believe BNL is at stateline (aka Primm), and I haven’t been there in ages, but if you’re rollercoaster folk then make sure to ride (in front or back, not middle) the rollercoaster at Buffalo Bills. 🙂
Judith – Unless you are in your pajamas you cant be underdressed for Dennys.Amanda – Oh! I used to be rollercoaster folk. Of course, I puked on the last one. Coulda been a fluke puke. No way to know but to try again.