Aug 25, 2002 09:28 AM
3286 Views
(Updated Aug 25, 2002 09:28 AM)
I have been to Las Vegas, Nevada three times. Here are some of the places I have been in Las Vegas. If you’ve seen movies featuring Las Vegas, you’ll recognize “the strip” as the location in Las Vegas where the major casinos and hotels are situated. Movies and television shows which show Las Vegas will inevitably show the strip.
Do you enjoy going to the circus? There are free circus acts every day all day long in the Circus Circus Hotel right on the strip.
Do you admire the graceful beauty of the white tiger? In the Mirage Hotel on the strip you can see white tigers on display all day long in a natural habitat. I think the white tiger is one of nature’s most beautiful animals.
Do you ever wish you could have lived in the times of pirates long ago? View a pirate battle and imagine what it was like, at the Treasure Island Hotel.
These are just a few fun and interesting things to do and see inside of some of the many gambling casinos in Las Vegas. Then there are other activities you can engage in, away from the activity of the strip.
Do you love the taste of chocolate? If you’re like me, and crave chocolates from time to time, you won’t want to miss a visit to Ethel M Chocolate Factory. You can watch workers making fresh chocolate candies and taste free candy samples.
The Hoover Dam has been around for about 75 years and is located about a half hour drive from Las Vegas. I had the pleasure of taking a guided tour of the inside of the dam on a day which reached 100 degrees. But even though it was that hot, I still enjoyed the tour and found it very interesting.
Another breath-taking site is called the Red Rock Canyons. The formations are said to have been formed millions of years ago! The views of the gorgeous bright red rock canyons are just beautiful. You’ll want to bring along your camera. This park takes a mere 15 minutes drive from Las Vegas. Many people enjoy hiking in the Red Rock Canyon, although as it was in the upper 90s and low 100s when I went, I did not feel like hiking! If you do hike, remember to carry water and dress appropriately so you won’t get sunburned or dehydrated.
All of the casinos in Las Vegas have restaurants and buffets. The buffets are the best deal because you get all-you-can-eat for a reasonable price. But if you want to really dine out at a fabulous restaurant one night, away from the casinos, my favorite one is Grape Street Café and Wine Bar which is centrally located in the restaurant district of Lake Mead Boulevard. This restaurant offers a much more cozy dining experience than the crowded casino buffets. The restaurant has a wine bar which offers hundreds of varied wine choices and a rotating selection are offered by the glass.
The Grape Street Café has warm walls of red brick and wrought-iron dining chairs. Along with the wonderful wine bar is a coffee bar and a take-out area. I’ve had their pizza and their pasta, and both are delicious. Imported and domestic cheeses can be purchased at their cheese counter. The bleu cheese and brie are yummy. Patio dining is available, and it’s very nice when it’s not too hot. Prices are moderate.
The atmosphere, food and wine, and the service are all great. When I return to Las Vegas, I will go back. I haven't personally been to another restaurant with this many wine-by-the-glass selections. I prefer the buffets for lunch, but hit Lake Mead Boulevard for dinner.
In closing I would recommend Las Vegas to people who want to have a good time 24-hours a day. There are plenty of attractions to see day and night. You won’t possibly be able to see and do everything this never sleeping city has to offer. You’ll want to come back when you can to take in more.
