"" Writer's Wanderings: Las Vegas - Outside the Casinos

Monday, August 22, 2011

Las Vegas - Outside the Casinos




Many people end up in Las Vegas because of a convention. But what do you do if you aren't interested in spending your free time in the casinos? Lots!!

Our most recent trip amazed me because of all the kids that were there. School was still out for the summer and many visitors had brought small kids with them to the place that has been dubbed "sin city" for so many years. Some of that is changing thanks to new attractions, hotels that are catering to families, and restaurants to "sinfully" indulge your taste buds.

Summertime heat was 106 F but even though it is considered a dry heat, it was enough to make you feel thoroughly baked. Bob compared it to what a convection oven might feel like. Breezes were hot and the sun scorching. Thankfully we were able to use the monorail and get us close enough to the places we wanted to see. Our hotel, Mandalay Bay, also had a tram between it and the Luxor and Excalibur but we could also walk from one end to the other indoors if we wanted the exercise. Other hotels have smaller monorails or trams that run between them as well. Do a little homework and you won't have to burn to a crisp outdoors and you'll save a few steps as well.

You do need to get out on the sidewalk once in a while to take in the views though. New York, New York is amazing as well as Paris and some of the other themed buildings. It's a little like walking through Epcot at Disney. And there is plenty to do at each hotel other than gambling.

New York, New York features a roller coaster ride. Many hotels have lazy rivers and wave pools. Mandalay Bay has a huge aquarium. MGM Grand has a lion exhibit. Several fancy hotels have huge conservatories where gardens are changed seasonally. The Mirage has a Secret Garden full of animal exhibits and a volcano that erupts outdoors in the evenings. While we didn't make it all the way to the end of the Strip, I understand the Stratosphere has all sorts of rides and then there's always Circus Circus which truly caters to families.

With all of the things to see and do you might not have time to gamble! Tomorrow: Restaurants, Fast Food to the Exotic.

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