WannaBeRocker Cuts to the Chase in “My Vegas Musts”

A guest contributor tells how he maxes his time, money and fun…

We have visited Vegas about 8 times in the last 6 years. It seems we are always planning the next trip via our own Vegas Musts. For me, the first “must” is obsessing over travel dates, rooms, flights.

It seems that when flights are cheap the rooms are not…and the reverse seems to hold true as well. Then which MyVegas comps are available for this trip.

Leaving from Buffalo, we try to get a window seat on the right side of the plane. This gives the Strip view as we come in for landing, building the growing excitement of the stay.

After picking up the luggage, grab a Showtime shuttle (starting at $7.50 one way) from the airport. Kind of neat to visit the casino/hotels along the way to our stop. Check in, use the Twenty-Dollar Trick, do a quick room check and then out to the Strip.

A must is Bellagio for the fountains and the atrium. Have a gazillion pictures of each, but out comes the camera for more. My Vegas Must-drink: strawberry daiquiris! The waitress looks at you funny when you order one before 9:00 am. Ha Ha!

Of course another must is the volcano at Mirage…the frogs are amazing. You feel the heat from the flames! Used to watch the Sirens show at Treasure Island but alas…it’s gone.

So long, Sirens of T.I.

We concentrate our stay on the Strip but always make time for a night to go Downtown and see Fremont Street and its craziness. Our bus passes are put to good use as we travel to the north outlet mall for an afternoon each stay. Always find a little time for Fashion Show Mall, too.

Always try to get to Wynn Buffet, Wicked Spoon (Cosmopolitan), Hash House A Go Go, Mon Ami Gabi (Paris) Aria buffet and Planet Hollywood‘s Spice Market Buffet (great for breakfast). Earl of Sandwich was good last trip.

We try to grab a show each night of our stay except for the night on Fremont Street. We have seen nearly every headline act and now hitting most of the smaller ones.

We always try to get off the Strip for an afternoon. We have biked in Red Rock Canyon, paddled Colorado river, toured Hoover Dam and Ethel M. chocolate factory. Saw the NASCAR race one year. Want to do some other activities, but really they are overpriced.

“Bliss Dance” at The Park by T-Mobile Arena

Lately we skip Stratosphere and Circus Circus. Too far out and really, just grungy. Of course, Vegas always has something new. Last trip it was The Park and the Bliss Dance sculpture. But very little else there. The Linq alleyway is sooooo much more interesting and has a better vibe.

We stop in each casino to gamble a little, slots being our poison. But the last couple of trips they are very, very stingy. We are gambling less and less. It gets very discouraging when they never hit. I can play here in Niagara and win more.

Vegas, are you listening?

Photos: [Sammasseur, The Park]

Vegas Bright