5 Days & 50 Ways to Enjoy Las Vegas: Day 5, the Final Edition

This is sadly my last list of 10 for the "5 Days & 50 Ways" series. While I could have easily found another 50 unique things to do and see in Las Vegas, it was time to go home to my family and life in Pennsylvania. I will be back, however, in search of more good times and adventure. Perhaps a "5 Days & 50 Elvis Impersonators" exposé, "A Sin City Swimming Pool Sampler" report or a "Following the Las Vegas Pastry Trail" week-long series? I don't know. Journalism is such an unpredictable career. Thank goodness I am flexible.

As I drink a stiff cup of black coffee and recuperate in my Pj's here at home, why don't you read my last list of ways to have fun in Vegas. And please, let your intrepid reporter know what you'd like to see covered next time.

 

1. Visit Lucky the O’Shea’s Casino Leprechaun, and maybe try your luck at beer pong, too. 

Anyone who is looking for a fun, friendly and casual casino experience with the added twists of dedicated beer pong tables and true Irish saloon flavor, just listen to the only Leprechaun ever awarded a key to the city of Las Vegas, Lucky (a.k.a. entertainer Brian Thomas). “O’Shea’s is as real as it gets here in Vegas,” says Thomas, who compares the casino’s atmosphere with the old hit TV show “Cheers”. If you aren’t watching or competing in beer pong, you can try your hand at blackjack for as little as $5 or grab a cold Irish brew at the bar where even if everybody doesn’t know your name, they are still always glad you came.

2. Feast on crepes at Paris Hotel & Casino.

It was brought to my attention that my earlier Las Vegas blog posts were heavily favoring Italian desserts. In order to avoid an international incident, I decided to investigate the crepe situation here in Sin City. Going to the Paris Hotel & Casino's La Creperie is a quick & delicious way to get your dessert fix. At this little walk-up booth, they make the crepes right before your eyes, with all kinds of fillings for dessert, dinner or a snack.

 

3. Go treasure hunting (or just treasure browsing) at the Charleston Antique Mall.

Not as famous as downtown’s pawn shops but equally as interesting are it’s antique stores, where locals and vacationers alike can go to find all manner of second-hand treasures. The Charleston Antique Mall is one such location. It's a large mall where vintage furniture, books, jewelry, coins, clothing, artwork and more can be found in the many aisles just begging to be wandered by the the discriminating eye.

 

 4. Channel your inner Polynesian at Frankie’s Tiki Room.

 

Rumor has it the West Coast tikiphile community is all abuzz about the relatively new Frankie’s Tiki Lounge, located off Strip. The interior of Frankie's was built by Bamboo Ben, the world's foremost tiki bar designer. They serve all manner of tiki drinks, both original and traditional, with intriguing names, such as the Thurston Howl, Three Rum Scum and the Polynesian Pile Driver. You can even get them served in take-home souvenir tiki mugs. Frankie's is open 24 hours and has several fun theme nights, like their graveyard double feature screenings every Thursday starting at 4 am.

5. Check out the terrific renovations at the famed Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.

Completely renovated and rejuvenated, this classic fixture of downtown Las Vegas is worth a visit, if not to gamble or to dine, then just to look around. Built in 1946, this historic building still has it's original charm, but also sports some exciting new features, like "The Tank", a three story outdoor swimming pool complete with a live shark aquarium, private cabanas, water slide, and bar. (Click here for an amazing virtual tour of "The Tank.")

 

 6. Find out if In & Out Burger is as great as Paris Hilton and her friends think it is.

OK, this one goes out to all the fast food junkies out there. In & Out Burger is a famous West Coast restaurant chain that makes the news every now and again when celebrities get their munchies on. Las Vegas has nine locations, so it's easy for us east coasters to find out what all the fuss is about.

7. Experience the unique views at the Parasol Up / Down bar at Wynn Resort.

Parasol Up / Down is a two-tiered bar with two distinctly different atmospheres. The upper level, Parasol Up, is where you can relax in a lounge-style setting under a domed roof that acts as a shade umbrella. The lower lever, Parasol Down, is accessed via a spiraling escalator that brings you down to a beautiful lounge where you can enjoy the Lake of Dreams through a three-story window. The bar is know for it's rare drinks, expertly made cocktails and fine spirits.

 

8. Soak up the sights and sounds of Streetmosphere at the Venetian.

Get serenaded by performers while you shop or just wander along the Grand Canal galleria area at the Venetian. There are also "Living Statues" performing daily to give visitors even more to talk about. Who knew you could find classically trained opera singers and actors roaming around among replicas of famous Italian landmarks right in the heart of the Nevada desert? (Man, do I feel another cannoli craving coming on!)

 

9. Get in the swing of things at Bally's fantastic tennis complex.

With eight championship-caliber tennis courts, lights for night play and experienced tennis professionals available for private or group instruction, you might just leave Las Vegas a better player than when you came. Bally’s tennis complex also includes a full-service pro shop and several two-hour clinics offered throughout the week. Private tennis tournaments and clinics can be arranged for corporate and convention guests as well.

 

10. Take advantage of Iobst's Cirque du Soleil Vegas Package deals.

I loved my stay at the new Aria Resort & Casino and the fantastic "Viva Elvis" show. Iobst Travel has great deals on these and other hotel-and-Cirque combinations. These packages include show tickets when you book a 3-night Las Vegas package by 12/15/10 for travel through 12/31/10 at any of the following Las Vegas hotels:

• ARIA Resort & Casino 
• Bellagio
• MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
• Mirage
• Treasure Island
• Luxor
• New York–New York Hotel & Casino

The packages include 2 tickets to a Cirque du Soleil Show, round-trip airport transfers, and taxes. The combinations include the following:

• "Mystère" by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island—three nights in a Deluxe Room, from $529 for two
• “OTM” by Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio—three nights in a Standard Deluxe Room, from $799 for two
• "Zumanity," the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York–New York Hotel & Casino—three nights in a Deluxe Room, from $615 for two
• "KÁTM" by Cirque du Soleil Live at MGM Grand—three nights in a West Wing Room, from $749 for two
• "LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil at Mirage—three nights in a Standard Deluxe Room, from $729 for two
• "CRISS ANGEL® BELIEVE" by Cirque du Soleil at Luxor—three nights in a Pyramid Room, from $629 for two
• "VIVA ELVIS" by Cirque du Soleil at ARIA Resort & Casino—three nights in a Deluxe Room, from $819 for two

Rates are land only, for two people, based on double occupancy. Call us at 610-965-9025 or email us to make your reservations, or for more information.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR FOLLOWING OUR "5 DAYS & 50 WAYS TO ENJOY LAS VEGAS" TRAVEL SERIES. CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND PERSONALIZED VACATION PACKAGE TO LAS VEGAS, OR WHATEVER DESTINATION YOU'VE BEEN LONGING TO EXPERIENCE. WE'LL HELP MAKE YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS A REALITY.

 

Margo Trott is a freelance writer whose  Ladies’ Home Journal humor blog “Ha, Ha, Ha...No, Seriously” has won her no journalistic accolades whatsoever. When she is not covering topics about travel, human resources, landscaping, health, nutrition or exercise, she is busy writing overly complimentary bio lines about herself, just in case no one else is.

Comments

[Pam]

This has been so much fun. Really enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about Vegas that I didn't know. It is definitely on my "must see" list. Thanks Margo for a great five days.

[Margo Trott]

Pam, I only scratched the surface of unique things to do in Las Vegas.

[Jennifer E]

I always wanted to go to Vegas, but since I don't gamble, I never thought I would be entertained. But it looks like there is a ton of really off the path, wacky stuff I can get myself into trouble doing, so my brother and I (plus spouses) are planning a trip. Thanks for the info!

[Elaine Trott]

So proud of you for doing such an amazing job with this assignment!
Would like to see anything in the future from your book, '500 Places to Take Your Kids'; you'll never get your kids to every one of these suggestions, but they're fantastic places for all adults as well!

[Margo Trott]

Thanks for following the series, Jennifer E. You guys will have a great time in Vegas. Be sure to let us know what cool things you discover while you are there, too.

And thanks to you too, Mom! I will share the "500 Places" book with Iobst Travel and see what they recommend!

[Beth U.]

So, next trip we're off to Dubai, right?? Count me in.