“JerzChris” Goes Jogging for Beer in “Vegas Musts”
Guest Author “JerzChris” works those glutes on the way to Bugsy’s Bar for “Vegas Musts”…
Since I come out from the East coast (and also because I’m a thrifty person), my arrival at LAS is usually after 10 pm. Naturally, my body understands it to be 1 am and I’m tired and groggy. So, the first “must” is being able to pre-check into my room to avoid the registration lines that seem to be at every hotel.
This past July I stayed at the Linq for the first time. It was super well-priced (thrifty again), and there was no wait whatsoever at the self-check kiosks. Studying a map of the hotel in advance (also a “must” if it’s a new property to you), I was out of the cab and up in my room in about 20 minutes or so. Given the wait for an elevator, this isn’t too bad.
The next morning, my body is still on East coast time, so I’m up way earlier than I should ever be while on a vacation. The must for me here is to lace up my sneakers, put in my earbuds, and take a jog on the Strip. Las Vegas is truly the city that doesn’t sleep. But in the early morning hours, the Strip is probably as empty as you’ll see it. You’re in the desert, but the heat is not too intense, relatively speaking, and Las Vegas Boulevard offers quite the obstacle course.
The steps at the Harmon crossing are great for the glutes; backtracking from an unforeseen sidewalk or pedestrian bridge closure makes you quick on your feet. And when you’re done, you must have a beer to congratulate yourself (also to prove that you are letting yourself go in Vegas with a 9 am drink). I like Bugsy’s Bar at the Flamingo because it makes me feel like I’m in old-fashioned Vegas. I also like O’Shea’s because it makes me feel like I’m 15 years younger!
Taking a run-up and down the empty Strip lets you clear your head and plan for the rest of your adventure. You’ll see the Bellagio water feature while quiet and the Mirage’s volcano while dormant. You’ll start to think about what they’ll look like going up. You’ll be able to judge just how far Strip-side bars and restaurants are and gauge if you’ll be up for the walk or opt for an Uber later.
Throughout the day, you should bounce from casino to casino, get their players cards, and take advantage of the free play until you find your favorite. Mine has been the Cosmopolitan. They probably don’t have the loosest slots, but I always go back because I love the vibe.
I always buy a shot glass from each casino I visit. In fact, I will travel to the off-Strip properties to see if they have a gift shop with a shot glass souvenir to add to my collection. I think that every casino everywhere must sell logoed shot glasses.
The running and the walking throughout the day builds up quite the appetite, so you must reward yourself with a big dinner. Once again, I find myself going back to the Cosmopolitan for the Wicked Spoon Buffet. I like the variety and their presentation. I tag my Instagram photos with “This meal was brought to you by gluttony and girdles.”
Walk off your meal on the way back to the hotel with a margarita in a ceramic balloon from the Arc Bar at Paris and take in the now-dancing fountains, the neon lights, the traffic and crowds on the Strip.
And this is just the first day! I usually have 5 or 6 more days of vacation…and all that free time to explore something new and further afield.
Thank you!
Photos: [Sammasseur]
