A Weekend in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Glows in the Desert Night 1

 
Out in the Mojave Desert, amidst dust, cacti and tumble weed, a perverse by-product of the American dream has sprung up from the arid soil. Over the years, this exotic desert oasis has bloomed into a fantasy land, devoted almost entirely to entertainment, sensual abundance and the dream of striking it rich. This is Las Vegas; a place simultaneously known as Sin City and the Entertainment Capital of the World; a post at the furthermost reaches of the American spectacle; a city that offers the ultimate weekend escape, where freaks can be freaks, the lights never go out and anybody can find anything they desire.

A WEEKEND IN SIN CITY

The variety of flavors in this intoxicating city appeals to many appetites. For some, a trip to Vegas is like being invited to the biggest party on Earth; others may just want to relax by a pool and sip on a martini; some go in hopes of cashing in at the tables; and many others are only there for a conference, though they can always be caught sneaking out to catch a show. Whatever whets the appetite though, hungry folk will agree, just a weekend serving of this city can satisfy even the biggest cravings.

With that in mind, it's important to have one's wits about them when visiting. Know what Vegas has to offer and where to find it, otherwise a weekend getaway could become lost in a blur of bright lights and loud noises.

FRIDAY

	Welcome to Las Vegas 2

Touchdown
From an airplane window high up above, the Las Vegas skyline bursts out of the desert landscape in a colorful array of lights. Upon approach into McCarran International, this bird's eye view reveals everything from a spinning roller coaster to an active volcano and a towering pyramid flanking a fairytale castle. It's an awesome perspective of the city, giving visitors their first taste of what's to come.

Once the plane has made a complete stop, it's only ten minutes from the tarmac to the famed Las Vegas Strip. This flashy 4-mi (6.4-km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is lined with some of the biggest hotel and casino properties in the world. It's the place that most people associate with Vegas and it's where almost everything happens.

Check into any of the 100,000 hotel rooms in this region and be prepared for... well, pretty much anything. Be sure to book in advance though, with the city's 95 percent weekend occupancy rate, even a 5,000-room hotel will fill up in no time.

Out and About
Once settled in, get out and see the city. That first night in Vegas should be spent taking in the sights, not sitting in a suite or battling the one-armed bandits.

A great part of the fun is simply touring the different casinos. As such, bipedal transport is definitely the way to go. Walk as much of the Strip as possible. With its balmy Nevada climate, incredible people watching, non-stop attractions and lax alcohol regulations, the Strip could be one of America's most pedestrian friendly zones.

For those unable or unwilling to walk that far, Vegas is happy to provide a convenient monorail, plenty of hotel shuttles and more taxi cabs than there are pools in the state.

Free Shows
In a bid to outdo the others, most of the casinos offer nightly shows built around their particular themes. Seeing these elaborate displays is a great introduction to the city. It's sure-fire entertainment and free to all.

Highlights include a dancing water show at the Bellagio and big top excitement at Circus Circus. Every half-hour after dark, the volcano at the Mirage erupts in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics while the Rio hosts a year-round Mardi Gras show, complete with a live band that rotates around the ceiling. Treasure Island even puts on a full-blown, theatrical pirate ship battle in front of the casino. Though it might be impossible (or undesirable) to see all of these landmark attractions, some just should not be missed.

Good Times on the Strip 3

Each hotel hosts a variety of restaurants, clubs and bars, all dressed to suit the buildings that house them. These establishments range from the party atmosphere of Treasure Island's Kahunaville to the high style of StripSteak at Mandalay, so it's really up to personal taste and budget when deciding on a place to eat.

Back at the Hotel
After dinner, head back to the hotel for some down time. Saturday will be a big day and it's best to get some rest. Don't worry though, this doesn't mean the night is over. It would be sacrilege to turn in without testing the pit, tossing some dice and drawing some cards. Head down to the hotel's casino and play some games. Who knows, it could pay for the whole trip. Be weary though, these establishments entice guests with free drinks—a ploy to get novice gamblers to bet more foolishly—so stick to the low risk games as the tumblers are emptied.

SATURDAY

Pools, Parties, Poker and Performers
So long as there is some money left in the bank after Friday night, Saturday should be a blast. It's time to be immersed in Vegas culture—whether it be the non-stop party scene, the high-stakes poker games or sunning by the pool.

Poolside
Bathed in sunshine 294 days a year, Vegas is not only an indoor playpen for the poker player but a poolside paradise where lounging in the sun is a major pastime activity. There are pools everywhere, the most popular of which form incredible centerpieces for the Strip's major resort properties.

These are places where Rehab means a pool party at Hard Rock Casino, and The Tao is no ancient Chinese concept but a beach club at the Venetian.

The scene can be an all-day affair, dragging out into a night of partying or it can be a cool place to recoup and prepare for another day in Sin City.

	Vegas is a Poolside Paradise 4

The Party Person
Perhaps no other place in the world is better suited for the party person than Las Vegas. Proudly endorsing the non-stop party attitude, the city encourages everyone to come and let loose, forget their inhibitions, stay up late and spend some money. So if that's the name of the game, get out there and live it up.

And forget that tacky, over-the-top Las Vegas of the past when planning this coveted night of indulgence. These days, a young, trendy, fast-paced scene thrives here, feeding off of the big money atmosphere, constant celebrity showcases and a kicking club scene.

The nightclubs are big, not only in popularity but in size. Fueled by the giant revenue of the casinos that house them, these chic, modern play dens have each established their own identity, attitude and clientèle.

Try the ever-popular Pure at Caesars Palace and Tao Nightclub, at the top of the Venetian. Both celebrity hotbeds, each offers a totally different scene than the other. Where Pure is like an all-night Miami Beach party, Tao boasts a Zen-influenced, high-energy atmosphere.

Please remember, while alcohol is available almost anywhere and anytime, the drinking age in Nevada is 21, meaning it's not available to everyone. A dress code is often enforced, depending on when and where one is drinking, and most importantly, drink responsibly—everyone will benefit.

The Poker Player
If the party scene is not number one on the agenda, chances are, poker is. Vegas was built on gambling, and it's totally possible to spend a full weekend, if not a full week, playing the tables. If that's what this trip is about, then best get to winning some money.

Once again, the Strip is the place to be. This one spectacular stretch touts such world famous names as Caesar's Palace, the MGM Grand, the Venetian, New York-New York and the Bellagio. Each of these man-made miracles (or monstrosities) can cover entire city blocks and contain everything from million dollar works of art to live animal exhibits.

The glamorous casinos of the Strip are not the only places to gamble though, far from it. Just head downtown where old Las Vegas is still alive and well. Test the tables at the Fremont Casino and if the dice don't roll right there, head across the street to the Four Queens Casino.

Best enjoyed once the sun goes down, Fremont Street is where the classic Vegas dazzle is at its finest—complete with millions of flashing lights, a giant neon cowboy and that landmark Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas sign.

The Bustle of a Vegas Casino 5

With many of the time's most popular acts performing on any given night, the best way to wrap up a Saturday evening is to see a show. Look into the big casino's entertainment calendars. Some of these theaters even host fixed shows year round.

The Canadian-born phenomenon Cirque du Soleil has made a permanent home at Treasure Island. Don't miss this brilliant troupe of international acrobats, dancers, musicians and singers and their colorful, dreamlike show.

The critically acclaimed Blue Man Group has also found a home in Vegas. For their most lavish production ever, the Venetian has built them a new 1,760-seat theater.

It doesn't stop there. Comic-magicians Penn and Teller now have a fixed residence at the Rio, a spectacular permanent production of The Phantom of the Opera (complete with it's own Vegas twist) is regularly held at the Venetian, and all the while a host of musical talent continue to set up shop in theaters all over town.

SUNDAY

Way off the Strip

	Leaving Las Vegas 6

Hit the Road
A drive out to Red Rock Canyon, less than an hour west of Las Vegas, is a great respite from the hub-bub of the big city. This dramatic geological site is a good place for climbing or hiking. Head out to these colorful rock formations and have a picnic while looking out over wooded canyons and great stretches of desert.

No more than half an hour away, Old Nevada can still be found. From the Red Rock, head south to Bonnie Springs and experience the wild west as it was in 1880. With tumbleweeds blowing by stagecoaches and saloons, this is John Wayne country. A great place for the entire family, there's always lots for the kids to see and do, including a petting zoo, miniature train and plenty of cowboys and cowgirls.