The Lights. Casinos. Porn-slappers. Resorts. Drinks. Shows. Food. Crowds. Shopping. Add those together and you've got the recipe for stimulation overload. "Paiiiii GOW!"
As it turns out, four days seems to be the perfect amount of time in fabulous Las Vegas.
After a layover in NYC, we time traveled via Delta Airlines and arrived at The Flamingo Las Vegas around 1pm PT on Monday. Starving and super excited to start our vacation, we headed straight for Margaritaville, which was conveniently connected to our hotel lobby. Our fruity frozen Margaritas were precisely what the doctor ordered after 8 hours of flight time. The island-style Jimmy Buffet themed decor and music were the perfect way to ease ourselves into vacation mode, and the service there was fantastic!
It was just about dusk as we headed outdoors to the Strip. We headed north -- hitting up Paris, Bellagio and Caesar's Palace first.
Paris is a favorite. Just walking through the doors under the gigantic replica of the
Eiffel Tower is enough to set this all-things-French-loving-gal's heart all a flutter. It's by far the most romantic setting under a starry-lit sky on Las Vegas Boulevard. If you think it's impressive during the day, you
have to see it at night. Someday, I hope to see the real thing in person. For now, the replica will have to be enough.
Stepping into the casino was no disappointment either. The ceiling is decorated and lit to look like you're walking through Paris, France in the evening. The chandeliers, fountains, statues and music take you back in time and overseas as you walk past the dinging penny slots and poker tables galore. One thing we noticed -- the ratio of bilingual speakers goes up considerably when you step foot into a foreign-themed casino.
Venturing across the busy street, we headed for the Bellagio. It's daunting from afar, but even more impressive up close. The pathways around the famous Bellagio fountains are just high enough above street level to offer a beautiful backdrop view of the Strip. You must pause for a pic or 2, or 8!
It's truly awe-inspiring how much detail and workmanship goes into creating a hotel such as this. While we were there, the atrium was filled with a gorgeous botanical exhibit that makes you feel like a kid again. Giant ants, bees, lady bugs and animals made of flowers hang from the ceilings and crawl up from the ground. Truly great.
While we were there we just
had to stay for the Bellagio fountain show. This time the choreographed water dance was to Frank Sinatra's
Fly Me to the Moon. It never fails. I always get teary-eyed. The next night we stopped to watch again -- standing side-by-side with an Elvis impersonator -- this time the show was to Chicago's
All That Jazz. It's a larger than life experience that sucks you in. I would stand there all night and watch the fountains pretending to be Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven, if there weren't millions of other things to see and do.
The pool at the Flamingo was a nice getaway during the day. Just make sure you get there early to claim a good spot! It was a little windy while we were there in April, but the sun was still plenty hot. The only complaint we had about the pool was the trees -- too much shade. We were sunseekers who kept having to pick up and switch chairs multiple times as the palm shadows crept over us. The pool was a fun atmosphere -- top 40ish music hits were loud enough to cover-up the screams of kids playing in the waterfalls.
Day 2, we decided to try someplace new for dinner. After scouring the Vegas Restaurant guide, we chose
Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar (located in Planet Hollywood). Prices range between $15-30 per entree, but as long as you stick to the specials, it's a pretty good deal. The Jambalaya was my favorite of all the pastas -- perfectly spicy and a good portion. And the smoked salmon was flakey and tender -- lots of flavor! We called ahead, so there was no waiting, and the service was great. Definitely recommended.
After dinner we headed back to the Flamingo to meet our relatives who were also in Vegas for some gambling. Tonight was the night I was determined to play Pai Gow! The search for a mostly-open table was on. Flamingo was full. Paris was full. Finally, Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon came to the rescue. We sat at a 1/2 open $10 minimum table and placed our bets. Immediately, we were served double drinks and the excitement began. I was up, then down, then even, then down, then even, then down, down, down ... that's just the way Pai Gow usually goes. I lost my $50, but the rest of us left just about even (with some free drinks and the memories, of course!)
The next morning, we hit the breakfast buffet at The Flamingo. Apparently if you go right at the end of breakfast, they start putting out the lunch food as well (crab legs, shrimp cocktail, roast beef!), so you can sit for a little while and have both meals for the price of the cheaper. Niiice. Plus, they serve cotton candy and chocolate fondue during all meals ... pie and cheesecake for breakfast? No complaints here!
After a late night of pai gow, the pool was calling our names again. It's tough to fall alseep with all the commotion, but we managed to get a few Zs anyway.
We gussied up and set out in the opposite direction on the Strip that evening - hitting up the Venetian, Plazzo, Wynn and Encore. OK -- So this is the point when we realized a few things: 1) All of things resorts are amazing; 2) They all consist of the most incredible malls you've ever seen, filled with things we cannot afford to buy; 3) If I had to walk through 1 more gigantic mall in my new sandals my feet just might fall off.
Venice was my favorite of these hotels. I've never been to the real Venice, Italy, so I'm always overwhelmed by the gondola rides through the inside of the resort. It's unbelievable! The drivers (boaters?) serenade the riders as they wind through the twists and turns of the river. The designer shops, Italian restaurants, music and street performers all play a role in setting the romantic mood of the hotel.
After a few hours of sight-seeing, we headed back to our hotel to pack up our suitcases and spend the rest of the night gambling! We took our seats at our favorite penny machines -- Goldfish and Mermaid -- where we sat and played, drank for free and laughed. Ultimately losing the small amounts of money we were betting, we decided to call it quits.
Sometimes I swear I can still hear the ringing bells of the penny slots or the ridiculously exciting "bonus" music they play when you get lucky. They're so entertaining, you never want to stop! But I digress...
It was time to head back to Ohio. Thanks for a fun time, Vegas! We had a blast, but next time I think we'll opt for the beach!
Sidenote: I just purchased these Ann Marino heels yesterday too. So far, I'm a fan. Pairing them with dark skinny jeans today, but they'd be great with a dress too! 
