Vegas Recommendations

My friends are spending a weekend in Vegas. I've been there countless times, so this post is for them, a quick set of things that shouldn't be missed.



Performances

• Mystere - Saw this the first time November 2005. Fantastic beyond belief. I haven't seen O so I can't compare.
  
• O - Reviews are great, though I've heard from the "locals" it's not as good as Mystere. Still, its ALWAYS sold out. I don't think it could be anything but great.
  
• Blue Man Group - This is just an awesome show - I've seen it twice in fact. You definitely should not miss it. If you do, they are now in a total of 7 cities.

Attractions

• Fountains at Bellagio - Best (free) show on the strip hands down. Don't miss it, and frankly, it's hard to miss anyway. Good vantage points are had in front of the portcullis, on the street, and at Olives (in the Bellagio shopping area).
• Fremont Street Experience - Located in downtown (old) Vegas, and thus off the "strip" this is a bit harder to get to, but worth it. It's really pretty cool, and if you happen to like poker, Binion's is where most of the tournaments are held.
• Star Trek Experience - Pretty fun if you're into SF, but since the Hilton is off the strip, a bit hard to justify the trip. If you do go there, check out the Hilton sports book, it's the biggest in Vegas.
  

Food

• Bellagio Buffet - Easily the best buffet on the strip, it's also one of the most expensive. Go for Sunday brunch. Though they don't serve Mimosas, they do serve unlimited OJ and Champagne. I can't remember ever going and not making my own. And PLEASE don't forget to play Kino. You're in Vegas.
• Aureole - 4 story wine cellar located in my favorite casino - Mandalay Bay. What else is there to say? After dinner, make sure to stop by Red Square (see Bars).
• Stratosphere - Super chill restaurant with a great view.
• Yard Long Margaritas - It's a Vegas thing. Extra credit: find a place that offers an extra shot of everclear for $1.

Casinos

• Mandalay Bay - Aureole. Red Square. Awesome decor. Rum Jungle even. With easy travel between Luxor, New York New York, and MGM, this casino is hard to beat and has been my favorite for years. Only drawback is that it's at the far end of the strip. I particularly like taking a break from the action in the round bar located in the center of the casino. If I get tired of that, there's usually live music right near the entrance to the restaurant/bar area.
• Palms - Hard to describe why this Casino just clicks. But it does. Spend some time here and I think you'll agree. Hit the club, then some gambling, then go up for a drink and the best view of the strip from the Ghost Bar (see Bars).
• New York-New York - Ya just gotta check out the inside, especially the back with authentic steaming manhole covers. It's fun hands down, and if you like Roller Coasters, how about one that goes through the Casino itself?
• Bellagio - Predictably upscale. Don't miss the Chihuly sculpture in the lobby, and the ever-changing botanical gardens. If you can afford to shop here, more power to ya.
  
• Venetian - Take a ride in a gondola, or marvel at the unbelievable tile work just off the lobby. This is what you get for $1.1B, and I gotta say, it's pretty damn spectacular. Well worth the visit.

Bars

• Red Square - My all time favorite. Where else can you chill your Martini on the 4" x 20' strip of ice embedded in the bar - or drink a bottle of vodka Siberian style in the sub-zero room complete with Siberian Coats and Hats? Not a connoisseur? Try a vodka sampler while you're there.
  
• Ghost Bar - Easily the best view of the city, not to mention the parking lot 24 stories below. Hip bar with a lot of energy - all around cool.
  
• Stratosphere - If you missed eating dinner, it's just as good to have drinks here. Chill spot to enjoy drinks and the view. But honestly, the view is better at the Ghost Bar, and the Stratosphere is too far away from the main action on the strip to make it a worthwhile trip on it's own. The roller coasters here are downright scary.

=== What Not To Do ===

• Wynn - There's no reason to go here unless you are a guest. Close your eyes, open them, you'd think you were in the Bellagio.
• Lance Burton - Snore. This guy is older than Dick Clark and still looks 30. I call illegal use of botox.
  
• Sahara, Celine Dion, Fashion Mall, M&M Store, Coke Store, Gameworks, Circus Circus, Hard Rock, ...