With the Affiliate Summit conference starting on January 9th In Las Vegas, we decided to arrive there early to celebrate New Year’s Eve, see some shows and get in some fine dining. Wow! What an excellent plan that turned out to be! What follows are some of the highlights of our stay in Vegas.
- Circus Circus KOA – If you’re RVing and want to stay on the Strip in Vegas, the KOA is your only option. We stayed in one of their Supreme spots so that Jasper would have a big patch of grass to hang out on. He really enjoyed eating the olives which fell off the trees. They have a nice dog park with agility equipment. Staff were super friendly and helpful.
- New Year’s Eve on the Strip – Throngs of people in a festive (fequently liquor-induced) mood on Las Vegas Blvd. Massive police presence. Marvelled at the young women in scant clothing braving the frigid temperatures where saner folks had donned parkas, hats, scarves and in some cases, balaclavas. 8 minutes of fireworks from 7 different hotels marked the advent of 2011. Great show.
- Criss Angel Believe – We had front row seats at this show, which is a great place to be if you want to see Criss the Cutie up close. I enjoyed his personal stories (very inspirational) but we had been warned by those who have gone before that in terms of the illusions, his TV show is better, and they were right. Worth seeing if you are a BIG fan, though.
BODIES…The Exhibition – Showcases real full-bodies and organs, provides a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the human form rarely seen outside of an anatomy lab. The show features 13 whole body specimens and 260 organs preserved by a special polymer preservation technique. See the human body up close and personal in a variety of activities, from throwing a disc to riding a horse. Nothing gross – hugely educational and well worth the entrance fee.- Lion King – LOVED the show. The jungle was brought to life via staging, costumes, puppets and props. Beautiful music, GREAT voices. Truly a spectacle. The Lion King Tickets
- Red Square at Mandalay Bay – Red Square is one of my favorite restaurants in Vegas, so I took Ed there to celebrate his upcoming birthday. We had caviar and ordered the tasting menu – which included a choice of my favorite menu item, the Roquefort Filet. Spent a lot of time saying “YUMMMMM!” Food there is so good it could bring tears to your eyes. Service was fabulous.
- Mon Ami Gabi at Paris – My favorite lunch spot in Vegas. They make the best burger you’re ever likely to have. Just make sure that if you plan to sit on the outside patio to watch the Bellagio fountains in January, that you get there by noon – otherwise City Center casts a big cool shadow on the restaurant shortly after 1PM. Although there are patio heaters, it’s much nicer to sit in the warm sun.
- Ra at the Fashion Show Mall – Recommended by a friend during Affiliate Summit, I ended up dining there twice. Tasty sushi and sashimi and the Hot Miso (spicey) was SO good! Service was a little weak. Could be seated a little sooner when the restaurant isn’t busy – and a smile would be a nice greeting.
- Cave at the Wynn – Small plates restaurant, food was fabulous. I had the scallops on polenta cakes … SO good!
- Fashion Show Mall – Shopping here in January during tough economic times is highly recommended. The deals were great.
- Aria and Crystals at City Center – First time I visited City Center and the architecture is pretty darned impressive. The place is dazzling with all that glass.
- Dog Fanciers Park – A 12-acre dog park split into 5 different sections and lit until 11PM. This was Jasper’s favorite place in Vegas. Wish all cities would commit similar resources for dogs and their owners.
Fun times. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
Glad you had a great time. Cathy and I love Ra as well. Just don’t go to late. We found out that we are TO OLD because the music was TO LOUD. We gotwice a year and the next trip is June for 9 days. If you get the chance try the Top of the World at the Stratosphere.
Hey Marlin,
I hear ya about the music at Ra. It was pumping.. even on the patio. Thanks for the tip about Top of the World. I could kick myself that I’ve never been to the Stratosphere — despite the fact that it was our main view from the RV for 2 weeks. 🙂
Have fun on your trip in June and greetings to Cathy from me.
Cheers,
Ros
Will do Ros.
We are renewing our vows June 16th on the 108th floor observation deck at the Strat. Then a Palmer sized party. )
BIG smile. That’s SO romantic! How many years have you and Cathy been together now, Marlin?
Ros it was great to meet you at the Summit (I was in the table discussion you led – super helpful!) Curious what you did with Jasper, where could he stay? Yes all we want to talk about is dogs!!! I’m assuming the Wynn would frown on his arrival. What hotels allowed him if any?
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Yes, of course, I remember you. Can’t wait to start following your round the world adventure.
Jasper stayed in the RV when we went out and we rarely left him for more than 4 or 5 hours.
There are sites online that feature dog-friendly hotels around the U.S. and Canada. We used them when we were traveling east last summer to pick up our other RV.
Cheers,
Ros
Jasper is adorable! I’m so ready for another dog (s). We had to put down our Basset Hound a few years ago, our cat last year and now live with a lovely LOUD Blue & Gold Macaw and turtle. I’m ready for more pets though. Hope to get 2 pups this year, we’ll see.
Vegas sounds like a blast. I have only been there once many years ago for a business convention. I knew there was a lot to do but those sound like some neat things you went to. It’s been fun reading about your travels.