Goin' to Vegas

[southsider2k5]

Vegas is somewhere to go once, but I didnt' really feel the need to go again after that. The second time we went was paid for, and I had more fun in places like Red Rock Canyon than any of the strip stuff.

 

I definately wouldn't take any kid under 18 there.

[DBAHO]

Remind me to walk you through the musts of Vegas when we are at the game or tailgating. Hell, I'm going to be out there again in August, when are you going to be there?

August 2-5.

[AssHatSoxFan]

August 2-5.

enjoy the heat, my friend was out there last year at this time 100°F +; but as for recommendations I can tell you there is a lot to do just walking around the strip and you can just gamble and get your free drinks and have a great time

[Middle Buffalo]

I definately wouldn't take any kid under 18 there.

This is exactly how I feel.

 

When my wife made the arrangements, she apparantly forgot that we have three kids under 10. Now that the trip is inevitable, I'm looking for things to do in the immediate area to make it fun.

 

We're driving from Mesa, AZ, so I think we'll stop at the Hoover Dam on the way there or back. We may take a less direct route back and hit Lake Havasu (for London Bridge - though hopefully I'll see a few "Girls Gone Wild"). We'll walk the strip a little at night, but kids can only walk so far before they start moaning. We'll hang out at the pool some, and my wife and I will probably take turns going to the casinos - unless we can get one of those girls from the cards that the illegals hand out to baby-sit.

 

What I'm looking for here is things to do that don't include the casinos. I'd be willing to drive an hour and a half or so off the strip if there's anything worth doing. I don't expect this to be the typical Vegas roadtrip. Even when we get back, when asked, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to claim that I've ever been to Vegas.

[Balta1701]

What I'm looking for here is things to do that don't include the casinos. I'd be willing to drive an hour and a half or so off the strip if there's anything worth doing. I don't expect this to be the typical Vegas roadtrip. Even when we get back, when asked, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to claim that I've ever been to Vegas.

If you're looking to hit national parks, Death Valley is somewhere around a 2 hour drive from Vegas (without traffic). The Grand Canyon Skywalk that Native American tribe built is probably about the same time from the city, and might be less than an hour from Hoover dam.

[southsider2k5]

This is exactly how I feel.

 

When my wife made the arrangements, she apparantly forgot that we have three kids under 10. Now that the trip is inevitable, I'm looking for things to do in the immediate area to make it fun.

 

We're driving from Mesa, AZ, so I think we'll stop at the Hoover Dam on the way there or back. We may take a less direct route back and hit Lake Havasu (for London Bridge - though hopefully I'll see a few "Girls Gone Wild"). We'll walk the strip a little at night, but kids can only walk so far before they start moaning. We'll hang out at the pool some, and my wife and I will probably take turns going to the casinos - unless we can get one of those girls from the cards that the illegals hand out to baby-sit.

 

What I'm looking for here is things to do that don't include the casinos. I'd be willing to drive an hour and a half or so off the strip if there's anything worth doing. I don't expect this to be the typical Vegas roadtrip. Even when we get back, when asked, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to claim that I've ever been to Vegas.

 

Red Rock Canyon has great hiking, climbing, and camping. Plus is has a great driving trail.

 

http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/

 

Its was my favorite part of my second trip. Plus it's only about a half hour outside of Vegas.

[iamshack]

I actually just moved here a week ago to take a new job. The 100 degree temp actually isn't bad, considering how low the humidity is. What you want to avoid is the 110 and directly in the sun stuff. That can be pretty rough.

 

As for off the Strip stuff, as some have mentioned, Red Rock is pretty popular amongst the locals. Then there is also Town Square, which is just off the Strip, that has a very non-vegas feel to it. There is also the 51's, the Dodgers Triple-A team. Additionally, basketball summer leagues are starting here soon (if not already), featuring the many NBA players that were just drafted. And then you might want to check the Team USA Basketball website, as I have heard they are going to be scrimmaging here at the Thomas and Mack Center in a few weeks.

 

There is also an area called "The District" in Green Valley (20 minutes from Vegas) that features some family friendly shopping, eating, etc.

 

I'm not going to argue that Vegas is the best family destination, but there are a few things you can do besides gambling and getting loaded.

 

Oh, and as for shows, Lance Burton puts on a decent magc show over at the Monte Carlo that your kids might enjoy.

[DBAHO]

BUMPITY BUMP.

 

Am probably going to stay in the Golden Nugget in the downtown area. For 2 people for Sat and Sun Night, we can get a double room for about $45 per person per night.

 

Anyone stayed there before? It seemed to be the "best luxury hotel" in that area.

[shipps]

BUMPITY BUMP.

 

Am probably going to stay in the Golden Nugget in the downtown area. For 2 people for Sat and Sun Night, we can get a double room for about $45 per person per night.

 

Anyone stayed there before? It seemed to be the "best luxury hotel" in that area.

You gotta wear those sporty glasses I gave you when you go out clubbing in Vegas.

[DBAHO]

I kind of left them at Mario's.

 

They looked way better on you anyways Shipps.

[shipps]

I kind of left them at Mario's.

 

They looked way better on you anyways Shipps.

I was reeeeeeeeally hoping you would forget them because I got alot of compliments of how they looked on me.So I must admit they do look better on me.

[ChiSox_Sonix]

On the topic of Vegas...i'm goin out with some friends in a couple months and we're looking to book our flight and hotel soon. Any recommendations on where to stay? We're only gonna be in vegas a few nights then rent a car and visit our friend in Lake Havasu, AZ for the rest of the time. It sucks is the cheapest flight i've been able to find is $400 out of JFK so ideally the hotel wouldnt be that expensive, but at the same time be nice and conveniently located. Never been there before, we're looking forward to the nightlife and gambling.

[Balta1701]

On the topic of Vegas...i'm goin out with some friends in a couple months and we're looking to book our flight and hotel soon. Any recommendations on where to stay? We're only gonna be in vegas a few nights then rent a car and visit our friend in Lake Havasu, AZ for the rest of the time. It sucks is the cheapest flight i've been able to find is $400 out of JFK so ideally the hotel wouldnt be that expensive, but at the same time be nice and conveniently located. Never been there before, we're looking forward to the nightlife and gambling.

You're going to have to give us more details. What kind of hotel room are you looking for? How many people, how many nights? What are you looking to spend on the room part of the voyage? What types of stuff are you looking to do?

 

I.e. Do you want to stay on the strip in the nicest room possible at some price level, do you want to stay mid-strip but have the cheapest room/best deal you can get while on the strip, are you more in to gambling and willing to stay off-strip to save some money on hotel and get a better gambling experience?

 

By conveniently located there's 2 different meanings. In Vegas, there's sort of 2 touristy areas, the Strip with the big & fancy hotels, a ton of nightlife, bars, restaurants, etc., and the Downtown Vegas area, where the hotels are cheaper, the gambling is better, but you usually take a bus or drive if you want to hit some of the nightlife on the strip. There's also areas that are sort of in-between, older hotels like the Sahara that are still on the strip but are a distance from the big ones which are still a little cheaper.

 

Oh, and also, have you checked in to promotions? A lot of the hotels there are giving away stuff for people who book rooms to try to make sure they have people on the casino floors. Case in Point, Mandalay Bay is running a summer promotion where they're paying for a good chunk of air fare for people who stay 3 nights.

[BigSqwert]

BUMPITY BUMP.

 

Am probably going to stay in the Golden Nugget in the downtown area. For 2 people for Sat and Sun Night, we can get a double room for about $45 per person per night.

 

Anyone stayed there before? It seemed to be the "best luxury hotel" in that area.

Go for it. Golden Nugget it pretty nice. They revamped their pool area recently.

[ChiSox_Sonix]

So I am booking my ticket to Vegas sometime this week but I had a couple quick questions for anyone who's been there and/or out west. My return flight has to go through either Denver, LAX or San Francisco. Is there one you guys would recommend over the others in terms of least likely to get delayed and whatnot? Also, we are going to try to stay on the strip or just off of it. We'd like to be near some nice clubs. Any advice on where to stay? There's 4 of us and we'll only be there for 3 nights before going to Lake Havasu City so anywhere around 100-120 a night for the room is the range we're looking at. Finally, what are the best places to gamble with small mins (ie 5 or 10 dollars for blackjack) and what are some of the better bars/ngith clubs? Thanks for the help.

Edited August 26, 2008 by ChiSox_Sonix

[RockRaines]

So I am booking my ticket to Vegas sometime this week but I had a couple quick questions for anyone who's been there and/or out west. My return flight has to go through either Denver, LAX or San Francisco. Is there one you guys would recommend over the others in terms of least likely to get delayed and whatnot? Also, we are going to try to stay on the strip or just off of it. We'd like to be near some nice clubs. Any advice on where to stay? There's 4 of us and we'll only be there for 3 nights before going to Lake Havasu City so anywhere around 100-120 a night for the room is the range we're looking at. Finally, what are the best places to gamble with small mins (ie 5 or 10 dollars for blackjack) and what are some of the better bars/ngith clubs? Thanks for the help.

LAX gets delayed a ton. Denver and SF are ok, but SF really isnt on your way, and either is LAX.

[Chisoxfn]

If your gonna stay off strip, stay at the Hilton. Sports book is awesome and they give free drinks (unlike most modern sports books where you have to get drink coupons). You have a monorail stop that takes you everwhere on the strip. Plus, you are within walking distance of the Venetian and Wynn which have two of the best clubs (Tao & Tryste).

 

In terms of other good clubs, the playboy club at the Palms is pretty badass (I think thats what its called at least) and Pure (Caesars) is always packed.

[EvilMonkey]

So I am booking my ticket to Vegas sometime this week but I had a couple quick questions for anyone who's been there and/or out west. My return flight has to go through either Denver, LAX or San Francisco. Is there one you guys would recommend over the others in terms of least likely to get delayed and whatnot? Also, we are going to try to stay on the strip or just off of it. We'd like to be near some nice clubs. Any advice on where to stay? There's 4 of us and we'll only be there for 3 nights before going to Lake Havasu City so anywhere around 100-120 a night for the room is the range we're looking at. Finally, what are the best places to gamble with small mins (ie 5 or 10 dollars for blackjack) and what are some of the better bars/ngith clubs? Thanks for the help.

I stayed at Casino Royale right smack in the middle of the strip in Mrch for less than $100 a night. They also had cheaper table games, usually on par with downtown. The rooms were pretty bare (no big screens or anything), but they were clean. If you are trying to get all 4 of you in one room, try one of the places right off the strip where you can get a suite for about $140 with more than enough room for 4. Tuscany Suites on Flamingo, about 2 long blocks away from Bally's ran us $135 for a suite with 2 queens, and 2 couches that pulled out into beds, kitchenette, etc. back in November. I got something from them in the mail last month with $99 specials.

[ChiSox_Sonix]

LAX gets delayed a ton. Denver and SF are ok, but SF really isnt on your way, and either is LAX.

 

Well to clarify, I'm going into DC for a couple days before i go back home to NY and i cant find a direct from Vegas to DC. The plane flights i've found all have a connection and its one of those three. Its not as if i am going to drive to one of those airports or something.

 

Thanks for all the info everyone.