Best of Las Vegas

Everybody has their own idea of what the real Vegas is. Some people say it’s Caesar’s, the grand dame of the Strip. Some people say it’s downtown with the consistent Golden Nugget. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it there, and for anybody, Vegas will be bright and brash and keep you up late.

The best things to do, in no order, include seeing the fountains at Bellagio (free), the Siren show at Treasure Island (free), your favorite band/singer in concert (whatever price), and Big Shot at the Stratosphere.

Quick Tips:

Any travel guide or anything you pick up in any lobby will have coupons in it. Definitely use them, as Vegas is a coupon city for sure. Specifically, you should try to find something for the Stratosphere thrill rides.

Even though it doesn't seem like it when standing inside the Venetian, Vegas actually is in the middle of a desert. If you get tired of the action at the casinos, head out into it to check it out. If you are up for the drive, head north about 2 hours to Zion National Park, which has great rock formations, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Also check out Lake Mead National Park, which has three of America's four-desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Deserts--meeting in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world.

Best Way To Get Around:

Defiantly rent a CAR. Vegas is becoming more walkable, but be aware that distances are VAST and things are FAR. They have some of those Jetson's walkways and a car-like tram thing, but they are not extensive.

Voted by locals as the Best of Las Vegas 2004 (the same as 8 other years), this casual Mexican restaurant is located on the main floor of the currently trendy Palms casino. If you like margaritas, this is your place. They have an extensive salsa bar and make their own fresh chips.

The best time to go is SUNDAY, when they have the all-you-can-eat and -drink MARGARITA brunch from 11am to 3pm for $12. Try to get there early, as there is always a line.

If you liked this Gardunos and are feeling adventures, head up north to the locals’ Fiesta Casino, where there is another one (2400 N. Rancho Dr.). The one at the Sante Fe has a tequila bottle train that rotates around the bar at the ceiling. Who knew there were so many different kinds of tequila?

If you have never been to a teppanyaki-style restaurant, you are in for a real treat. You sit at a bar-style grill, and the chef cooks your order right in front of you while performing clever tricks. They are very entertaining.

If you're seated in the teppan room, you still can order sushi (however, the teppan is much better than the sushi). This location is the flagship and has the best atmosphere of any of the Hamada locations, with a number of Japanese art items and artifacts. It's also the largest, with high ceilings and spacious rooms.

If you have a large party and want the teppan room, you should make a reservation.

Okay, it's expensive. But if you hit it big at the blackjack tables or are just tired of eating cheap buffet food, Le Cirque is totally worth it.

This is definitely the classiest restaurant in the classiest casino in all of Vegas. If you are looking for some elegant splendor, this is your place.

After dinner, talk a walk through the Bellagio flower conservatory. Every season, the flowers are changed and a new arrangement is put in. It’s really beautiful.

Your get your choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert for $95 per person.

Maybe one day they will have a discounted lunch menu like they do at Le Cirque in New York. But until then…

Definitely go at NIGHT. You get to the top of the tower and see all the lights of Vegas below you. The view is very pretty, and it's nice for the people who don't want the thrill of the ride.

You have probably been on rides like this one before that shoot you up and let you free fall down. The twist of this is that it's happening on top of a building.

The initial shoot-off is with amazing force. You really feel like you have just blasted off to the moon. When you get to the top, there are a few seconds when you feel you are floating over the city of Vegas, and then you go screaming down again.

What a rush!