Vegas Vacation: The Fun

As many a bachelor party will tell you, there is plenty of fun to be had in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a gambler, a bachelor, or a first time Vegas visitor, there’s plenty to do in Sin City.

If you have three days, a limited budget, and an adventurous spirit, grab your closest wolf pack and follow our tips for fun things to do in Las Vegas:

See a show!

From world famous magicians to the flying acrobats of Cirque du Soleil, there’s a show on The Strip that’s perfect for every man, woman, and budget (limited or otherwise.)

As a “superfan” (thanks for coining that term, Donald Driver!) of the TV show Dancing with the Stars since season 1, I knew I had to see Dancing with the Stars Live in Las Vegas at the Tropicana (doesn’t anything pertaining to the Tropicana sound so Vegas?) For two hours Lori and I sat mesmerized as former contestants Sabrina Bryan, Kyle Massey, Joey Fatone and professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer waltzed, tangoed, and cha-cha-cha-ed their way across the stage. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply want to be entertained, head to the “Trop” now through August 5^th for the show that judge Len Goodman would surely give a “10!”

See the Sights!

Like most visitors to Vegas, we stayed right off The Strip. As a first time visitor, I didn’t realize just how much there is to see and do in that 4.2 mile stretch of sand. Each casino, from the contemporary Cosmopolitan to the canals of the Venetian, boasts a unique theme and atmosphere. It’s free to stroll in browse and provides an excellent escape from the relentless Nevada heat. You can walk the streets of “New York” or jump from the top of the Stratosphere, just make sure to see a few of the unique gamblin’ halls while you’re there, even if you’re like me and don’t gamble a penny!

“Experience” Fremont Street

Before Vegas became the modern, sleek, and polished vacation destination that it is today, Vegas was…Fremont Street. Located in downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is home to such venerable casinos as the Golden Nugget and Binion’s and has been featured in hit movies Viva Las Vegas and Diamonds Are Forever. Sadly, Fremont Street has lost much of its original luster and we found the characters lining the street to be seedy and sad and many of the shops shuttered. If you decide to go, make sure to head there at dusk when the Fremont Street Experience is aglow in lights.  And if you’re brave, see the street from above and zip line across Fremont Street. We did and it was the highlight of our Fremont Street Experience.

Dance the Night Away

By nature, I’m not a club goin’ kind of gal. I much prefer a wine bar and jazz to the bump and grind of a disco. But, as they say, when in Vegas…dance the night away! Lori, Marion, and I left Mike to his own devices at the poker table and headed to Tryst Nightclub at the Wynn. If I had any doubts about going out for a night with the girls, those reservations were put to rest once we entered Tryst. A lagoon, a ninety foot waterfall and superb service were on display at this Vegas club known for employing guest DJ’s Jermaine Dupri and deadmau5. Seating at Tryst is reserved for bottle service patrons only, so ladies beware, between the dance floor and your high heeled dancing shoes, your feet will hurt at the end of the night. But, spending a night dancing and drinking at Tryst? Totally worth it.

Head to the Hoover Dam

Anytime I mentioned that I was going to Vegas, people would tell me, “You have to go to the Hoover Dam!” So, one afternoon we packed up the rental car and made the one hour trip to the engineering marvel named after President Herbert Hoover. We opted for the thirty minute, $11 “Power Plant Tour.” And, that sounds about as interesting as it was! Take our advice: skip the tour and go directly to the Observation Deck or the Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, where views of the dam and the Colorado River can be seen for free.

See an Elvis Impersonator

No trip to Vegas is complete without the hip shakin’, lip quiverin’ experience of an Elvis impersonator. And if you’re going to go, you might as well head to Harrah’s for the free “Big Elvis Show” performed by Vegas veteran Peter Vallee. Voted the #1 Vegas Attraction by the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2011, Peter Vallee performs many of Elvis’ hits while including the audience in on the fun.

Viva Las Vegas

Las Vegas, like New York City or Paris, has a look, feel, and speed all its own. If you’ve never been, don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think Vegas is like determine your decision to visit the City known for Sin. Let Vegas be Vegas. Enjoy it in all its glittering glory and you just might find yourself saying, “What happens in Vegas…goes on your blog, Facebook, and twitter account.”

You can read Part I of my Vegas Vacation: The Food here.