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CommentsViva Las Vegas
Gamble. Eat. Gamble. Eat… Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to Vegas than those two things. For a change of pace, visit these five Sin City hot spots.
By Leah Still
Las Vegas: The land of insane excess. It’s garish. It’s full of ridiculous, over-the-top monstrosities. It’s really quite tacky. And it’s a total blast. There is no better cure for a case of the blahs than a quick weekend jaunt to a happenin’ place like Vegas. And with the brilliant inclusion of Allegiant Airlines at the Springfield-Branson National Airport, it’s never been cheaper or easier to get there. So what are you waiting for? Here are five things—some new, some not—to fill your time between gambling and sleeping (well, let’s be honest, between gambling and gambling for some of you).
 Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage. |
Water Show
The Bellagio fountain (3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-693-7111, bellagio.com) may be an oldie (relatively speaking in Vegas terms), but in the city’s rat race of newest/best/most extravagant, it’s definitely a goodie. In fact, it’s the one attraction first-timers shouldn’t leave Las Vegas without seeing, and probably the only attraction regular visitors never get sick of. The choreographed waterworks are put to music for a free show that rivals many of the Strip’s expensive entertainment options. The crowds are large, but once the show starts, set to anything from Frank Sinatra to Faith Hill, you’ll be too dazzled to care.Fireside Romance
If you’re looking for something a little less known, or you’re sick of spending all your time wandering through gigantic hotel lobbies just to find a place to get a drink, grab your sweetie and head north on the strip to Peppermill Fireside Lounge (2985 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-735-4177). Walk through the restaurant to get to the dark, cozy, old-school lounge in back that will have you snogging faster than you can order your mai tais. Peppermill is the place where couples go to make out like frisky teenagers in comfy booths and enjoy cocktails served by waitresses in long, sexy gowns. There’s even a fire pit, just in case you were wondering where the name came from.Car Talk
Hmm…you just won $500 grand at the craps table. Whatever will you spend your winnings on? Maybe that sports car you’ve always dreamed of? Okay, it’s time to wake up now. Chances are you will not be driving home in a Maserati, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look. Meander on over to the spectacular new Wynn hotel and casino to ogle the exquisite automobiles at the Penske-Wynn Ferrari Maserati showroom (3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S, 702-770-2000, wynnlasvegas.com). Just don’t bet that very last chip—it costs 10 bucks to get inside.Celebrity Spotting
One of Vegas’s latest snag-a-reservation-and-maybe-you’ll-run-into-a-celebrity restaurants is Tao at the Venetian (3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-388-8338, venetian.com). While the hotel’s Venice theme is Vegas kitsch at its best (skip the gondola ride; it’s not worth the cheese factor), Tao’s sleek Asian décor is swanky and full of well-heeled patrons sipping inventive cocktails and dining on sashimi and lobster rolls. Whether you’re in the mood to party all night (keep your eyes peeled for famous faces that are known to frequent the place) or just need some sustenance between rounds of blackjack, you’ll enjoy Tao’s exotic ambience and VIP atmosphere. Don’t miss the 20-foot-tall Buddha towering over all.
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