Fisherman: My First Vegas Trip -2011

New contributor Fisherman shares his first Vegas trip…

My first trip to Las Vegas was a surprise vacation over Memorial Day weekend in 2011 planned by my now wife. She had been to Vegas on several prior occasions attending conventions and the likes for work. Being a corn-fed boy from the Midwest, going to Vegas had always been on my to-do list, but something I just never got around to doing.

My future wife and I were both working professionals at that time in our younger 30s. The trip started with a late arrival on Thursday and a departure Monday. We stayed at my wife’s favorite hotel, Aria. I still remember descending into the city at night for the first time and seeing the Strip all lit up. Talk about a first impression! The cab line at the airport on a busy holiday weekend was the next thing to leave a lasting impression, but for other reasons. However, once we arrived at the Aria and checked in, all was good. The smell of vanilla is common throughout our house now due to Aria.

Since my future wife had plenty of Vegas experience (nearly twenty prior trips), she planned everything. The trip included the Elvis show performing at Aria at that time which was very entertaining.

We also took a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon, which is an experience I highly recommend. Flying over the Hoover Dam and up the Colorado River is nothing short of amazing.

We landed at the skywalk and went out onto it, but I’ve got to admit looking down scared the crap out of me. The most memorable aspect of the trip is still just the feeling of awe I felt while simply walking along the strip and taking everything in.

I think the reason Vegas remains our number one vacation destination is because that feeling still exists every time we visit and walk from casino to casino. It simply never gets old.

My first trip to Vegas definitely had me hooked. It just so happens that my second trip to Vegas a few months later is when we would get hitched.

[Photos: Fisherman]

Fisherman

An attorney by day, bass tournament angler by weekend, and country boy at heart. I took my first trip to Vegas in 2011 with my future wife. We went back the following year to get married and continue to visit Sin City two or three times a year. I love a good meal, a good drink (or three), and the simple experience of walking down the Strip.