Sailordude: Vegas Must Do’s (But Haven’t Done Yet)
Sailordude shares his Vegas Bucket List…
OK, I’ll bite. I’ve read all the “Vegas Must” reports that have been posted and collectively they have covered most if not all the “Musts” on my list (they were also a fun read…thank you to everyone who posted!). So I finally have a few minutes to put “Fingers to Keyboard” to pound out my own report, but in my quirky traditional fashion, I’ve decided to switch it up and do a list based on “Vegas Must Do’s (but haven’t done yet).” Let’s face it, we’ve all been to Vegas with the best intentions of doing SOMETHING new, but run out of time for whatever reason.
Let’s call this my Vegas Bucket List:
Visit the Strat. OK stop laughing. Yes, I want to visit the Stratosphere and not only to get to the top of the tower. I’ve never step foot on the property so I want to walk the casino floor, do a little gambling, pick up my $1 chip for my collection, and ride the rides (obviously). I might even do dinner there; I’ve heard good things about the restaurant in the tower (can anyone confirm?).
Stay Downtown. This is probably something reserved for a “guy’s trip.” I’ve visited downtown, gambled downtown, partied downtown, and ate downtown, but I’ve never stayed downtown. The pool at the Golden Nugget looks awesome, and I think I’d like to stay there sometime. Alternatively, the D has attracted my attention. I like what Derek Stevens is doing on Freemont and would happily spend more of my money there in support of his Hotel and Casino. (side note – I suggest you follow Derek on Twitter, he’s very active and tweets some pretty cool things about what he’s doing!)
Leave Town. Wait, what? Yeah, LEAVE TOWN. I have never spread my wings in Nevada. I’ve never seen Red Rock. I’ve never drove over the Hoover Dam or taken the Dam tour (lol or asked any Dam questions or taken any Dam pictures). I’ve never taken in the Grand Canyon. I’ve never visited Primm. At some point, I need to rent a car or go on a bus trip and see something other than the Lights and Neon of Vegas. I’ve even considered renting a Harley…has anyone else done this?
Drive a Supercar. I don’t think I saw this on anyone’s list of “Vegas Must’s”; perhaps it’s a little pricey to do every trip. I’ve never driven a Lambo or Ferrari so sometime when I’m in Vegas I have to get out and rent one. If any readers have done this before, please comment below on your experience.
Be there for a Fight. I am an MMA fan. I’ve been to a UFC event before (in Montreal), would love to be in Vegas for a fight weekend AND be at the fights. I know this isn’t going to be cheap, and finding the right Wolf Pack to come with me might be difficult. But this adventure is something I need to do in the next couple of years. I thrive off the energy in Vegas when I’m there, and I can only imagine how it’s that much more exciting to be in Vegas during a fight weekend.
And finally…
Take my wife to a fancy dinner. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a low roller. I’m frugal with how I spend money, but one of the things I like to do is spend it on my loved ones. My wife is a ‘foodie.’ She enjoys a fine cooked meal with a wine selection to match. I’d like to take her out to a restaurant, not one with a celebrity chef, but one that is just known for a great meal would do. I know this would make her very happy (which would make me very happy). Any restaurant recommendations VegasBright readers?
This isn’t a complete list of things I still MUST DO in Vegas, but it’s a good start. Maybe next I’ll write a list of Vegas “MUST NOT DO AGAIN’s.” LOL, I’ll have to keep it PG rated, though ;)
Until next time…
Sailordude
[Photos: Greg Bennett, Craft+Brand, Michael Movestro]
Husband, Father, Yachtsman, Rum Drinker, Beer League Hockey Goalie, Canadian, and now Writer (I guess?). Darren loves to visit Vegas a couple times a year and considers himself a low roller extraordinaire. “Long time lurker of VegasChatter, I’ve learnt the ways of those that came before me (to Vegas).” – Sailordude
8 thoughts on “Sailordude: Vegas Must Do’s (But Haven’t Done Yet)”
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Love the twist on the Vegas MUSTS! I can help you with –
1. The Strat. Yes, go. Go up to the top. Ride the Big Shot. Take in the views. It’s a blast. While you are there, you can play crapless craps for your dollar chip. (Crapless craps is SOOOO good for the player they will tell you.) Don’t play too long, get your chip and walk.
2. Stay at the Golden Nugget. I did this on a guys trip a few years ago and it is a great hotel for your guys trip. It is nice, clean and good casino.
3. For your nice meal, go to Prime at the Bellagio. It is my favorite restaurant on earth and is worth every penny.
Enjoy!
Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere has excellent service and great views and average food. I thought Hoover Dam was impressive but somehow boring. Helicopter ride to Grand Canyon was fun, but doesn’t compare to driving and seeing its sudden magnificence. Best gourmet and foodie restaurant was Rosemary’s which sadly closed several years ago. Fleur at Mandalay is very good for foodies.
I too need to go to the Stratosphere. I’ve been as far North as the SLS but never crossed the road to get to the Stratosphere. I’ve even stayed in a Condo at the Las Vegas Country Club but used the Westgate as my ‘home’ casino.
My son and I stayed at the Golden Nugget downtown a number of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The water slide through the Shark Tank is awesome. It is a top notch property worth a stay. I too am a decidedly low roller, and there are a number of older downtown hotels with $9.99 buffets that are every bit as satisfying as the $23.99 buffet at Excalibur or Luxor.
We’ve travelled to Hoover Damn and to the Grand Canyon on trips from Vegas. But like you, I need to rent a car more often and see places such as Red Rock. One of the things I love about Vegas is waking up in the morning and seeing the majestic mountains in the distance. I need to get a bit closer.
Definitely worth getting out of Vegas as there’s so much to see. I’ve had a couple of trips out, one to Springdale to see Zion and Bryce Canyon and another to Williams for Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. These were both in hire cars as a Harley is a bit too much for me!
I’ve been to the Stratosphere and went on all the rides at the top. This was before the zip line. I’d still like to do that. Gambled at the Stratosphere too. It was fine. Stayed at the Golden Nugget this past Labor Day Weekend and I have to say I was really surprised at how very nice it was. The staff was great and they have this outdoor patio area that the only requirement to sit out there is to buy 1 drink and it was so worth it to sit and people watch for a while.
A cool way to see Red Rock is on the Scoot City your, great fun!
Why do you think Downtown is for guys? My multitude of ladies-only Vegas trips have included stays at 8 hotels Downtown (including the old Lady Luck) vs. 12 on or near the Strip. You should definitely stay Downtown; I’ve pretty much given up on the overpriced, traffic-clogged Strip. No idea why everyone suggests the Nugget – I stayed there once – I much prefer Main Street Station or Golden Gate, which is a hoot if you don’t mind noise and shabby corridors, which kind of reminded me of old college dorm days. Fun and nostalgic. As for side trips: another cool trip is up Extraterrestrial Highway 375 to Little A’Le’inn at Rachel, Nevada, an alien-themed cafe/motel jump-off to Area 51. (The infamous entrance is an amazing photo opp, but don’t get too close!)
hello fellow Canadian, ur must do list is pretty much identical to mine…
must.visit.Strat.some.day…. maybe this upcoming trip in Dec