Viva Las Vegas!!!!

Hi there,

So DH has a conference in Vegas at the end of August. We're not really gamblers. I don't mind playing a few hands at the BJ or Texas Hold Em tables or even playing a little in the sports book. We're looking for people who know Vegas, either you live there or visit there. We'd just really like some advice on what we should do or where we should go. We're going to have DS with us so we'd like some fun kid recommendations. Can anyone recommend where to go for a good deal? We're going to be staying in a 2bd condo that's part of the MGM Grand. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated!

The Mirage Hotel has the Sigfried and Roy's Dolphin Habitat, we went to it two years ago and it was pretty neat. There were a few folks who had paid more and got to be a "trainer for the day". There is also the Cirque del Soliel show "Le Reve" it is...........AMAZING.

Also Treasure Island Hotel has the pirate show

Have a great time! I will be with you in spirit!!!!

Thanks. i think we're definitely going to go to Le Reve. My mom and dad are coming as well so that DH and I can actually have a few date nights! I think we've had a total of two since DS was born 15 months ago..... that's what happens when you live in the middle of nowhere with animals! She's wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show since I was young so I'm going to treat her. The Dolphin thing sounds great. I think DS would really that and the lion habitat at MGM.

Oh! and there is the Tournament of the Kings at the Excalibur, which your DS would love! Knights riding around on horses while you eat a medieveal dinner, great!! Every kid's fantasy!!

Oh man you are going to love Le Reve! I have the soundtrack and listen to it all the time!

Yeah he would totally love that! I remember thinking that Excalibur was super tacky when I went a few years ago but we were only in for five minutes and well I didn't have a son who'd love that kind of thing either. Really looking forward to going now. Was a little apprehensive as the first time we went we went with friends who just sat at slots all day and we were really there to see Depeche Mode which was fantastic. I think it's going to be far different this time around!

www.lasvegas.com

You can find all the shows, exhibits, etc. at that site. I live 2 hours from Vegas. I hope you realize it is about 110 degrees there in August. Their Bass Pro Shop is one of the bigger ones and they have a wonderful mall. The shops inside the Venetian and Paris are incredible. Window shoping of course. There is a wine store in one of them that has some really cool stuff.

The MGM has the lion exhibit, and make sure to go downtown at least once in the evening - the 7 pm light show is not to be missed. Try to stay away from buffets except at breakfast - they are illnesses waiting to happen. Circus Circus is a great place to take the child.

HAVE FUN!!!!

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Thanks and let me know if you need any birds from the PNW caravanned in my carryon!

I'm from Louisiana originally so I'm not TOO worried about the heat though my English DH is not going to be impressed for sure!

Oh! Can you recommend a grocery store? I know that might sound weird. I'm just not sure if the chains etc are the same. We'll have a full kitchen in the condo and I'm a chef by trade so I'll be more than happy cooking but need a store recommendation for decent produce. Can't wait to hit up Vegas's food scene.

And I'm TOTALLY with you on the buffet front. I think they're generally wrong. I don't enjoy eating until I feel ill so they're not really my bag. Especially since the quality of even the good buffets is mostly premade overprocessed Sysco product. Though the Wynn apparently has a fine dining buffet that you go up and they cook you what you want to order..... I just want to go to some of the chef's restaurants I have mad respect for and have apps and a cocktail!

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Thanks and let me know if you need any birds from the PNW caravanned in my carryon!

I'm from Louisiana originally so I'm not TOO worried about the heat though my English DH is not going to be impressed for sure!

Oh! Can you recommend a grocery store? I know that might sound weird. I'm just not sure if the chains etc are the same. We'll have a full kitchen in the condo and I'm a chef by trade so I'll be more than happy cooking but need a store recommendation for decent produce. Can't wait to hit up Vegas's food scene.

And I'm TOTALLY with you on the buffet front. I think they're generally wrong. I don't enjoy eating until I feel ill so they're not really my bag. Especially since the quality of even the good buffets is mostly premade overprocessed Sysco product. Though the Wynn apparently has a fine dining buffet that you go up and they cook you what you want to order..... I just want to go to some of the chef's restaurants I have mad respect for and have apps and a cocktail!

Safeway (or called Vons) stores are in Nevada, so you can google the locations in Vegas. I can tell you this - they will be FAR from your hotel. There are very few "normal" stores along the strip, and the small ones that ARE there are VERY expensive.

Vegas also has a Whole Foods, and there is a WalMart super center on West Charleston Blvd. There is also Albertson's but make them last on your list for good produce.

Just about every nice hotel has a fine dining room, so you are set for meals. There is no shortage of food in Vegas!!!!

Thanks Debi! I plan on hitting up the food scene. Probably more apps than anything as I want to visit quite a few fab establishments!

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You are going to have a blast!!!! I love Vegas. Rarely get to go for more than a day trip though.