Day three started and finished with an activity I am an expert at: eating. This town is jam packed with great places to dine, which really is a crying shame, isn't it? That being said, I was lucky enough to sample two of the best and unique eateries around. Just think of it, people! I had to gorge myself on not just one, but TWO fantastic meals. Don't pity me. Just somebody call Jenny Craig for me.
I also discovered some really great places to visit and things to do in between feasts. Below is your daily list of way to enjoy Las Vegas. It's too bad I "cannoli" post 10 a day. (Thank you, I'll be here all week...)
1. Get your brunch on Man-Vs.-Food-style at Hash House A Go Go.
This is like brunch on steroids. (I mean that in a good way, so all you health nuts, chill out.) The only thing bigger than the flavor at Hash House A Go Go are the portions. Everything is cooked to order using fresh ingredients and a lot of TLC. I tried their famous Andy's Sage Fried Chicken Benedict, the same dish that was featured on the Travel Channel's "Man Vs. Food". It's a huge, layered mound of awesomeness: A fresh biscuit, griddled mashed potatoes, hardwood smoked bacon, a slice of market tomato, sage fried chicken breast, spinach, eggs, cheese and chipotle cream. The friendly and knowledgeable staff did not even give me funny looks when I dug in, which made this great dining experience even better. They also make fantastic waffles, pancakes, fried chicken and burgers. Be sure to stop in at one of their 2 locations (in the Imperial Palace on the Strip or out on Sahara Ave.) while you are in town.
Oh, and if you are wondering...food won.
2. Pool party people will love the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
I saw the pool area of The Monte Carlo for the first time while looking out the lobby window here at Aria, and I knew I had to investigate. Four...count 'em four...swimming pools, including the Wave Pool, an enormous kiddie pool with child-sized beach chairs and an ankle-deep wading area and the 400 foot-long Lazy River tube ride make up the swimming complex. Poolside dining makes it easy to extend the life of your swimming jaunt, so the hardest thing to remember is to reapply that sunscreen.
For more cool Vegas pools, check out this Spot Cool Stuff Travel article.
3. Take this scenic road trip tip from Aria guest services representative James Porcell.
James recommends that anyone who loves nature should see one of the area's greatest environmental attractions that's only a short drive out of Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Just 17 miles west of the city, this driving excursion offers amazing views you wouldn't expect to see so close to a major city along it's 13-mile scenic drive. There are also more than 30 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, picnic areas and nature photo ops everywhere.
4. Go Spa-tastic at Spa Mandalay.
Can you think of a better time to have a luxury spa treatment than while you are Las Vegas? I didn't think so. Spa Manadaly has 30,000 square feet of world-class spa facilities that are also beautifully appointed. Their indulgent products and skilled professionals will usher you to "a level of relaxation and vitality beyond your imagination." And their 3,000 square foot fitness center ain't no slouch either! This is a great place to pamper your mind, body and spirit.
5. The Neon Museum is simply a bright idea.
This museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying old neon signs and has two locations. The Fremont East area has the refurbished signs and "The Boneyard" of un-refurbished neon signs is located on a lot just north of downtown. The Boneyard is currently closed for repairs until Sept. 1, however.
6. Your heart will go on with Iobst Travel's super Celine Dion Three-Day Vegas Package.
Catch Celine Dion in her groundbreaking new show designed exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Enjoy Celine’s biggest hits performed with 31 musicians in a one-of-a-kind production that captures the romance of Hollywood movies in a stunning visual presentation. You can relax in a Classic Room at the landmark Caesars Palace for three nights or choose from two other top Las Vegas hotels. This package includes round-trip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges, and rates are land only, for two people, based on double occupancy. Book by 8/09/11 for travel through 8/14/11 by calling 610-965-9025 or email us.
PACKAGE FEATURES:
- Front orchestra seats to Celine Dion at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
- Caesars Palace—three nights in a Classic Room, from $1,255 for two
- Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino Las Vegas—three nights in a Standard Room, from $755 for two
- Paris Las Vegas hotel—Three nights in Luxury Room, from $1,139 for two
7. Go see the beautiful Bellagio fountain show at night.
This video doesn't even do it justice.
8. Try the best cannoli in Las Vegas.
If you happen to have a cannoli craving while you are out and about (this happens to me all the time), it can be tricky. While in Vegas, you can handle this type of emergency with a visit to the Familia Pizzeria on the west side of town, not too far from Rhodes Ranch Golf Club. They are purported to be the best cannoli in Vegas, and I believe it!
9. Come on down to "The Price is Right Live" at Bally's.
Unlike the television "Price Is Right", you don't have to pass a screening process to have a chance at being on the show, you just have to buy some tickets and register your name as a possible contestant. If you are selected, you could possibly win prizes like new appliances, jewelry and even a new car. And if you don't get picked to play, you can still enjoy the show while you sip on a very nice cocktail.
10. Have a true Vegas supper club experience at Casa Di Amore.
When a restaurant sends a limo to your hotel to pick you up, you know you've made more than just dinner reservations. You've taken a step back in time to experience Vegas as it used to be during the days when the Rat Pack ruled the club scene and dinner was more than just food, it was an experience. Walking into the cozy mid-century atmosphere, including the sounds of live music (the Sinatra-era stylings of George Bugatti) was such a treat for me. Service was wonderful, from Ray the limo driver to Brad my waiter, I was made to feel welcome right from the start.
I had excellent fried calamari for an appetizer, followed by a delicious seafood, sun-dried tomato and artichoke pasta dish that was made with an unforgettable pesto cream sauce. My cappuccino and cannoli (Yeah. I know. Cannoli again. I was not lying about my Italian pastry issues. Deal with it, people.) were the perfect ending to my meal. It is easy to see why an estimated 70 percent of Casa di Amore's clientele are repeat customers or local regulars. They know a good thing when they find it.
STAY TUNED FOR DAY FOUR'S REPORT, INCLUDING MY NIGHT OUT ON THE ROCK STAR TOUR BUS...IF I CAN GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING!
Margo Trott is a freelance writer whose Ladies’ Home Journal humor blog “Ha, Ha, Ha...No, Seriously” is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Maybe even two.
We'll never know if my interest in EP inspired you to write your initial comment on your first blog for LHJ which eventually contributed to this fantastic El Vee write-up!!
Your number one fan always,
Mom
Posted by: Elaine Trott | July 17, 2010 at 06:14 AM
It was all you, Mom!
Posted by: Margo Trott | July 17, 2010 at 08:59 AM