Going to Las Vegas! - Suggestions

[mobear]

I am heading to Las Vegas for a few days in May...DBF is going for a work conference. I was there once before, but was too broke to really enjoy it as it was a last minute trip. I still don't want to spend a ton, but was wondering if anyone could provide suggestions on the following:
- Shopping areas other than in the casino malls. Like cute local shopping districts. I remember Lucky magazine once had an article a few years ago.
- Shows. I would like to try to fit in one show. Was thinking of the Cirque de Soleil one. But tell me what you liked the best!
- A good day spa? Don't want to break the bank.
- Foodie meccas? Eating or shopping. :D

DBF has not told me where we are staying, but I think it is one of the old Las Vegas casinos.

[funniegrrl]

I can't speak to the other activities -- when I went to Vegas I didn't go shopping, or to a spa or show. But, in terms of restaurants, Vegas has some of the best.

If you are planning to splurge on one nice meal, I would HIGHLY recommend Alize, on top of the Palms hotel. It is just off the strip, so the nighttime view is absolutely amazing. Also, the food is definitely some of the best you'll have anywhere. I have friends who go to Vegas frequently, and I hounded them to go to Alize after my trip. They did and reported that yes, that was the best meal they had ever had in Vegas. And, the prices are not TOP top of the line, but reasonable top of the line.

For something more reasonably priced, check out Wolfgang Puck's Spago in the Forum Shops at Caesar's Place, especially for lunch.

[Wendy w]

Here are a bunch of threads, have fun:

http://community.cookinglight.com/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=487628&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

[erin elizabeth]

I loved breakfast in Paris--a frothy cappucino and an excellent pan au chocolat. I also tried some of the crepes--yum!

[mobear]

Thanks for the links. Slightly brain dead at work due to lack of stimulation.

Still looking for advice on shopping. The other threads only mentioned outlet malls. Not too interested in those since they tend to lack local flavor. If anyone knows of cute local boutiques or areas, please let me know. I hope there is something other than casino-mall shopping. Who can afford that?! Not me. :)

[rinsav]

I definitely think the show to see is O (it's the circue de soleil one). It's at the Belaggio (sp?) and it's amazing!

[crlykat]

I saw O as well and I recommend it, as well as eating at Aqua, yuummmm.

[Escher]

I got back from Vegas a week ago tomorrow.

I really dig the Blue Man Group. So I saw their performance at the Luxor. I would pay twice the ticket price they were asking to see it again for the first time.... Actually, if you have the time, see more than one show...maybe do "O" one night and Blue Man the next, or something like that....

I didn't do much shopping off the strip, except at http://www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/...but that's a specialty store....(it's quite unlikely you would engage in that type of shopping)

Anyhow, it wasn't fancy looking, but off the strip there's a Casino called the "Orleans"...inside was a restaurant w/ great Mexican food, if that's your thing....

[Chefzhat]

Been to Vegas many times, and I go there to shop. There isn't too much in the way of "local flavor" shopping - or if there is they hide it pretty well!

Fashion Square is a huge Mall on the Strip near Treasure Island. There are also great outlets, one you can cab/bus to, the other is outside of town about 30 minutes. Ceasars has a wonderful shopping center, as does the Venetian and Aladdins Palace.

We saw Blue Man Group - it's great. We are going to be in Vegas at the end of May as well, but are having problems getting tix to the show we want. Mystere is dark that week, and O is already sold out. So figure something out quick and book your tix in advance. If you wait until you get there to see the big shows, you'll be out of luck.

Venetian has a great, great, great spa. Be prepared to pay, though. The spas cater to the casino winners, and they aren't cheap. The pools at Caesars are wonderful.

I give up on good food there - I always like the food but we're so crazed that I can never remember the names when we get home! We did eat at Commanders Palace once - good, but not as good as New Orleans.

Have too much fun! Love, love, love Vegas.

[mobear]

Escher - I like to go shooting. Only thing is, we might not have time. I think we might go hiking at Red Rocks instead since we never get the chance to go hiking together (long distance relationship now). We have not been hiking in a desert before either.

I can't remember where I ate in Vegas a few years ago when my brother was married. :)

Thanks for the ideas everyone.

[KimKelly]

Danny Ganns was the best show I've ever seen (althought O was wonderful!) and Delmonico in the Venetian is the restaurant (IMHO) not to miss.

Have a blast!
Kim

[KimKelly]

Danny Gans (http://www.dannygansshow.com/) Here's the link!