Travel

#Travel Peek: Adventures in Las Vegas

Bad blogger! Somehow I forgot my DSLR camera at home when we jetted off to Las Vegas for our tenth wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago, which meant I had to make do with my cell phone on our trip. Photo ops abound in Las Vegas though, so even though they’re not quite the quality I’d like, I still wanted to share a few of the photos I got. If you’re planning your own Vegas getaway soon, check out my tips for saving money in Las Vegas.

We stayed at the New York, New York Hotel & Casino. The hotel exterior recreates the New York skyline with miniature versions of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, and a 150 foot tall replica of the Statue of Liberty. Yep, that is a roller coaster on top!

New York New York, Las Vegas

It’s an older hotel, but still well-maintained. The inside is designed to look like a New York City street scene with a replica of the Times Square electronic billboard above the storefronts.

New York New York interior

The one major drawback was the location of the hotel itself. On the map it looks like it’s fairly central on the Las Vegas Strip, but it’s NOT. The entire time we were there, we kept being fooled by how long it took to walk what looked like just a couple of blocks. It was a blistering 43 degrees (109F) during the day when we were there, so that 45 minute walk down the street was brutal. Thankfully nighttime walks were cooler, and we could enjoy the bright lights on the Strip.

Paris at night

On our first night we caught an Uber over to the Fremont Street Experience, party central in downtown Las Vegas. Every block boasted a live band on stage, and we saw dozens of performers in the crowd, making a few bucks by taking photos with tourists. We saw not one, not two, but three different KISS bands, one of which was done up stripper style. Viva Las Vegas!

Fremont Street, Las Vegas

The next night, hubby and I attended Le Rêve (French for Dream), a stunning aquatic dance and acrobatic show performed in an amazing aquatic theater-in-the-round. Thrilling high dives and aerial work, the juxtaposition of fire and water, and the incredible dancing and water effects made this far and away the highlight of our trip. I understand why Le Rêve has been voted “Best Production Show” in Las Vegas six years in a row. Hubby and I were both completely blown away.

Le Reve divers

Le Reve

We also rubbernecked through quite a few of the hotels on the Strip. I think I was most impressed with the flower sculptures and gardens at The Wynn.

Flower carousel at the Wynn

We stopped to see the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show at Caesar’s. It was so crowded I couldn’t get a decent photo of the show while it was happening, so here’s the fountain between shows. Still really cool!

Fall of Atlantis fountain

We wandered through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian and took the required selfie by the bridge.

Venetian

And of course we had to play a few slots. No jackpot, but we still had fun!

gambling

This was our first vacation alone since having kids, and we had so much fun on our adults only getaway! We were only there for three days, and I’d love to go back to see all the things we missed this time around.

Have you been to Las Vegas yet? What are some of your favourite places/attractions there?

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15 Comments

  • Las Vegas is always a blast, but you are brave to weather the summer temperatures! I have been there once in August (for a convention/conference) and that will be the last time I will ever do that (LOL!); my trips have always been in the Winter or Spring… 🙂

    • Lol, agreed! We went in August because it was our anniversary, but definitely winter or spring would be much more comfortable. Plus a nice break from the cooler weather at home!

  • Never been to Las Vegas but your pics are so vibrant love the colors it looks super fun, thanks for letting me travel vicariously.

  • Wow, thanks for the information…I am taking my spritely mother there for her 90 birthday next year…neither of us have ever been there..so everything will be a surprise

  • I went to Las Vegas for the first time last November…loved it! My favourite hotels were the Wynn/Encore and The Venetian/Palazzo. The daily temperatures were around 20 degrees which was fantastic. I can’t wait to go back…your photos are reminding me of all the fun we had. The only show we saw was Rock of Ages which was great fun, but we definitely want to see more shows next time.

    • I thought the Wynn was gorgeous! We had the dinner buffet there and that’s where I’d like to stay next time we go. I don’t gamble much, so the shows are the best part for me!

      • We stayed at the Palazzo and the public areas in the Palazzo and the Venetian are spectacular 🙂 I would stay there again or at the Wynn or Encore!

  • I haven’t been to Vegas in years but I’m hoping to fly to Arizona so I can do a picture tour of Antelope Canyon and then drive to Vegas for a few days before flying home again. Love your pictures!

  • I just had my first trip to Las Vegas and Fremont Street was one of the most memorable experiences! Such a crazy fun night with amazing music! Sadly I wanted to do the roller coaster at New York New York but didn’t get a chance.. I guess it’s on the list for next time!

  • There is so much to see in Vegas, one trip doesn’t seem enough. I visited the city with some girl friends last year. We saw amazing displays, took in some tours and a few shows. I saved some places to see for the first time when my husband and I manage to get back.