Vegas had been one of those destinations that I knew I needed to visit, but it wasn’t at the top of the bucket list. So when my dad had a 3-day convention there last April, I knew I had to take advantage of the free hotel room and the general mooching that happens when you vacation with your parents. Plus, I had just gotten a new job and found no better way to celebrate (and use up the rest of my vacation time) than a 5-day trip to Las Vegas.
So there I was traveling on a Saturday afternoon to Las Vegas with my mom and dad. We landed mid-evening and got a taxi from the airport to our hotel, The Bellagio. One perk of traveling at the expense of someone else is the luxury of a fine hotel. The Bellagio lived up to the hype. Pulling into the covered entryway to walk into the extravagant lobby with people bustling in and out of the casino was just how I pictured.
After checking into a pretty standard room (Besides the bathroom, that thing was huge!), we were in search of food. Now, anyone who has been to Vegas knows you have your choice of dining options. I honestly can’t remember where we ate that night as I was so fascinated by all the lights, buildings, fountain shows, and performers taking up the street.
Fast forward to the next morning, my dad did not have to be at his convention until later that evening, so we decided to walk the Strip. I can’t tell you where one hotel ended and the next began. But a few of my favorites were Mandalay Bay, Paris, and The Venetian. Our day consumed of stops for food in New York-New York, pictures in The Venetian, and slots in the Paris Hotel. We walked the whole Las Vegas Strip that day, and our feet paid the price. The hot tubs back at The Bellagio were a godsend!
Later that night, we had dinner/happy hour at Sadelle’s Cafe, located in The Bellagio, before heading to the convention opening party at the MGM Grand. Or so we thought…
We caught an Uber to the MGM Grand, where the same night the annual Country Music Awards were being held. I was very hopeful to run into some of my favorite artists, but unfortunately, as soon as we got there, my dad realized he got the hotels mixed up; the party was actually at a club in Caesars Palace. This is how I ended up not only in Vegas with my parents, but at a club with them. Fortunately, the club had more of a bar-feel, similar to any convention opening party.
The next two days were filled with my mom and I doing what we do best: shopping! I have never seen so many high-end retailers than I have on the Strip. I must have counted at least four Louis Vuitton stores. If you are like me and cannot afford these high-end stores, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options on the Strip and an outlet mall a short drive away.
Our last evening in Vegas was spent on Fremont Street, also known as “Old Las Vegas.” My parents were feeling nostalgic and wanted to visit the parts they remembered from when they were kids. Unfortunately, according to them, that Vegas no longer exists. Fremont Street is definitely the Daytona Beach-vibe of Las Vegas. Far less classy than the Strip, with street performers and zip-liners above your head. If you do find yourself in Old Las Vegas, be sure to check out the light show and stop into the famous Golden Nugget; you’ll be sure to be brought back in time visiting this famous hotel and casino.
Finally, it was our last day in Vegas, and we spent it relaxing at the pool. It was mid-April, and the weather was gorgeous. It was the perfect way to end our trip before our red-eye flight. Our final meal was by far my favorite. HEXX Kitchen + Bar had a great happy hour menu full of awesome appetizers and a few specialty cocktails. I highly recommend this Paris Hotel-based restaurant; sitting out on the patio is the perfect way to people watch in one of the most fascinating cities in America.
Vegas may have been an odd choice for a vacation with my parents, but I do enjoy the times I get to travel and experience new places with them. We all enjoyed it enough that we are planning our second visit when my brother is finally legal!
Until then, I definitely need to plan a girls’ trip, as I am sure my eyes will be opened to a whole new Las Vegas.
Viva Las Vegas!
