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Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: David_CA on August 25, 2009, 03:39:49 pm

Title: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 25, 2009, 03:39:49 pm
Not to try to persuade anybody that Vegas would be a very fun place for an AMG, I thought I'd post some things that we've enjoyed there.  Anybody who knows some fun / cool things about Vegas, feel free to add to this thread.

Fremont Street Experience:
Freemont St. dates back to 1905, was the first paved street in Vegas, and is the second most famous street in Las Vegas (after 'The Strip' which is actually a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard).  Back in the early to mid '90's, Freemont Street was closed.  It was converted to a 'walking mall' of sorts.  Actually, it's more like a walking theater with a huge curved roof being the screen.  Various themed 'shows' are displayed on this 2 or so block screen at regular times.  Below are some videos of what I'm talking about:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDacQmFv4zc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDacQmFv4zc)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L16eS4rerI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L16eS4rerI)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se5487EXk8w (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se5487EXk8w)

(the sound is a bit crappy in the videos, but it's really very good in person)



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Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Moffie65 on August 25, 2009, 04:27:38 pm
Then on the way back to the strip, you can stop off at the Stratosphere, and ride some death defying rides atop their tower.

Spend a whole day or just an hour or two at Circus Circus, and here again, more rides in air conditioned comfort, and watch circus acts while dining at one of the biggest buffets in the world.

Of course there are the fountains at the Belagio, the gondola rides across the street at another casino, the Pirate ship show, the volcano going off at the Mandalay Bay, and so on and so on and so on, until you are completely exhausted and need a nice cocktail at one of the hundreds of bars in town.  Most have shows with your drinks.
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Dennis on August 25, 2009, 05:07:30 pm
One of my favorite shows in Las Vegas is Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil. It's a cabaret style show with sexual undertones and explores different fetishes in a creative way. (18 and over)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCYacavaUQ0&NR=1

I also enjoy visiting the lobby of the Bellagio and looking up at the hand blown flowers from renowned artist Dale Chihuly hanging on the lobby ceiling. The video below doesn't do the artist justice and is definitely a must see if in town. There's also a convervatory and botanical gardens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x70eTHmmUbE

The Grand Lion Habitat at MGM

http://www.vegas.com/video/attractions/lionhabitat/full_index.html

Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

http://www.mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx

A day trip to Hoover Damn and the Grand Canyon would be a must do while in town.

There's tons of free stuff to do in Vegas as well. Here's a link which has some.

http://www.vegasfreebie.com/listed-by-category.html
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: bocker3 on August 25, 2009, 06:08:52 pm
Then on the way back to the strip, you can stop off at the Stratosphere, and ride some death defying rides atop their tower.

Quite right -- I love looking down on flying helicopters while strapped into an amusement ride........  (Yes, I know I have left myself wide open for comments....).  Of course, I do believe that some have already stated that this isn't likely to happen for them.........

The Bellagio fountains are my favorite thing in Vegas -- I could watch them every evening.

Mike
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: anniebc on August 25, 2009, 07:17:19 pm
Quote
The Bellagio fountains are my favorite thing in Vegas -- I could watch them every evening

Me too, they are just beautiful.

We stayed at the Stratospher and there is no way in hell you would get me one those rides..unless of course I was strapped in and unconscious...watching was bad enough.. :D

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Dennis on August 25, 2009, 07:58:57 pm
We stayed at the Stratospher and there is no way in hell you would get me one those rides..unless of course I was strapped in and unconscious...watching was bad enough.. :D

Hugs
Jan :-*

I usually stay at Planet Hollywooed (Formerly Alladin) and always have a great view from the room of the Bellagio Fountains. Very soothing.

The last time I was in Vegas I rode the X-Scream and almost lost my breakfast riding up front.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSOKHvc9Obw

Insanity was a bit more bearable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbehfUGx6Rs
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on August 26, 2009, 10:27:00 am
I visit two or three times a year and always find something new and fun to explore.  The city is constantly changing and truly has "something for everyone."  As an early and often advocate for having an AMG here, I reiterate that a Las Vegas AMG would have some different dynamics than our previous ones (i.e. hard to stand in front of the hotel to greet when there are multiple entrances and the front is a city block long!) but it would certainly be affordable and accessible for people with disabilities.  I still think it would be a blast...and even if we schedule in the hot summer, I have gone there in the summer myself and trust me, the city is well air conditioned!

Gary
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Cliff on August 26, 2009, 03:09:57 pm
Oh, I thought we already did AMG in Las Vegas.  Then I realised that wasn't official and all that.

I'm gonna put all the things you can do in London!  Surely that trumps Vegas.

Vegas is too hot, gimmicky and trashy.  And after two days you've seen all that you need to!  AMG has never been to the proper South.  If you're gonna do AMG in the US (again) then at least pick something a bit more original!  It's getting a bit too predictable and stale.  Maybe Savannah, Atlanta, Austin or something. 

Toodles.

(http://www.smiley-faces.org/wallpaper/smiley-face-wallpaper-008.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: minismom on August 26, 2009, 05:25:06 pm
I still think we should go to Disney World. ;D
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Curtis on August 26, 2009, 06:54:25 pm
I'm with Jan, saw the rides and said No Way in H-E-two hockey sticks I'm doing that!

I would go to Las Vegas.  Impressed, but didn't think it was a place I needed to see again soon.  The main reason would be to be with you guys again.  At this point AMG in Iraq is the only thing I'd especially balk on. 

Curtis
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 26, 2009, 07:36:34 pm
You can't properly do Vegas (the city stuff), a show, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Mount Charleston, and Lake Mead / Hoover Dam in two days!  Besides, if we want Europe we can go to the Monte Carlo if we're in the mood for France, the Venetian if we want Venice, and if Egypt is more ones liking, the Luxor is always available.  New York, New York is cool if one is wanting a big US city.  Besides, London doesn't have the Liberace Museum!

Oh, I thought we already did AMG in Las Vegas.  Then I realised that wasn't official and all that.

I'm gonna put all the things you can do in London!  Surely that trumps Vegas.

Vegas is too hot, gimmicky and trashy.  And after two days you've seen all that you need to!  AMG has never been to the proper South.  If you're gonna do AMG in the US (again) then at least pick something a bit more original!  It's getting a bit too predictable and stale.  Maybe Savannah, Atlanta, Austin or something. 

Toodles.

(http://www.smiley-faces.org/wallpaper/smiley-face-wallpaper-008.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Basquo on August 27, 2009, 09:42:02 am
Hell to the NO on having AMG in Austin! It's too hot, too spread out and public transport sucks.
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: pozniceguy on August 27, 2009, 02:04:11 pm
I am still offering Dallas...  will find the link to all the "attractions"   like Austin lousy public Trans but most "attractions easy to get to and a great Hotel in the Oak Lawn area.. Omni..Melrose...classic old hotel that has been completely overhauled...

 Nick
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: minismom on August 27, 2009, 04:33:09 pm
That was my question about Vegas.  How easy would it be to go to all the sites mentioned above - especially to the mountains?  Are there buses or transportation avaliable from the different places that will pick us up at the hotel?  Or will we need to rent vans for everyone to get around?

N.O. has great public transportation.  The only down side in that aspect is the distance from the airport (which is actually in Metarie) and downtown N.O.  It's a good 1/2 hr.  Luckily, most downtown hotels offer free shuttle service from the airport.  Once there, everything is an easy walk or bus ride.  I'll have Hubby put up some links.

Mum
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 27, 2009, 04:58:14 pm
That was my question about Vegas.  How easy would it be to go to all the sites mentioned above - especially to the mountains?  Are there buses or transportation avaliable from the different places that will pick us up at the hotel?  Or will we need to rent vans for everyone to get around?

N.O. has great public transportation.  The only down side in that aspect is the distance from the airport (which is actually in Metarie) and downtown N.O.  It's a good 1/2 hr.  Luckily, most downtown hotels offer free shuttle service from the airport.  Once there, everything is an easy walk or bus ride.  I'll have Hubby put up some links.

Mum


Guys, quit hijacking my thread; this is about Las Vegas not New Orleans, Dallas, or London!   ;)  Just kidding, I hope you know.  

Mum, there are many tours available.  Everything from a tour of Hoover Dam to a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.  Vans are always an option.  Honestly, I don't think we'd be able to do all these things; we'd have to pick and choose a few due to time limitations.  We generally rent a car, but there's been anything from 2 to 5 of us (as opposed to an AMG size group).  

Oh, for those wanting New Orleans, there's always www.orleanscasino.com/ (http://www.orleanscasino.com/)!   ;D
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Basquo on August 27, 2009, 10:14:18 pm
Just want to say...I'm all for Vegas...but The Orleans SUCKS! It's way off-Strip, to the point that you're looking at the strip from the desert, and their customer service is Pitsville. They were so very rude to Desiree and I when we stayed there.  If you really want to go, there's a free shuttle from Barbary Coast, but...well, hell, even their buffets suck.

I would recommend the Fitzgerald downtown.  It's old, and just okay, but they have great customer service and being downtown, you're at the top of the strip, and steps away from all kinds of trouble.

Thee's also a monorail-type train that goes between several of the hotels on the west side of the strip, which is very convenient for an afternoon of seeing the hotels/casinos that are so plush on that route.
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 27, 2009, 10:25:15 pm
Just want to say...I'm all for Vegas...but The Orleans SUCKS! It's way off-Strip, to the point that you're looking at the strip from the desert, and their customer service is Pitsville. They were so very rude to Desiree and I when we stayed there.  If you really want to go, there's a free shuttle from Barbary Coast, but...well, hell, even their buffets suck.

I would recommend the Fitzgerald downtown.  It's old, and just okay, but they have great customer service and being downtown, you're at the top of the strip, and steps away from all kinds of trouble.

Thee's also a monorail-type train that goes between several of the hotels on the west side of the strip, which is very convenient for an afternoon of seeing the hotels/casinos that are so plush on that route.

Oh, I wasn't recommending any of the above mentioned hotels.  I like a nice, smaller hotel downtown.  We generally stay at Lady Luck, but it's closed for 'remodelling'.  I've found rooms ranging from less $40 to $1500 for a new suite.  Leave the multi-acre casinos for a visit.  It is nice to spend a long afternoon visiting the casinos (and shops, bars, and restaurants in them). 
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on August 27, 2009, 10:46:39 pm
Well, of course, I adore the Strip...but if we go downtown, The Golden Nugget has the nicest facilities and will be quite affordable.  I still think we can find affordable and fun on the Strip and I am sure they would do some type of accommodation as a group.  Rental cars are dirt cheap in Vegas..parking is very easy and on the Strip there is monorail and bus transportation galore.  Like David said, it would be easy to organize some off-Strip tours to Red Rocks, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, etc.  The Liberace Museum is worth the trip and for my money, I love the Pinball Hall of Fame (3 miles off the Strip on Tropicana)...bring lots of quarters!  (No Robert...pinball machines, not peep shows!)  Vegas affords us myriads of affordable options...and who knows, we might even strike it rich!

Gary
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: aztecan on August 27, 2009, 11:49:06 pm
We stayed at the Stratospher and there is no way in hell you would get me one those rides..unless of course I was strapped in and unconscious...watching was bad enough.. :D

Hugs
Jan :-*

I rode two ride at the top of Stratosphere, the rollercoaster that hangs you off of the edge and the super shot, which shoots you up the outside of the top of the space needle. You really do look down on helicopters flying along the strip.

It was really a lot of fun. We did it at dusk, just when the strip was lighting up.

I would highly recommend it.

There is also the gallery of fine art at the Bellagio. When I last went through, they were hosting an exhibition of the Dutch masters. Breathtaking.

Just an FYI.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 29, 2009, 09:16:15 pm
This is of one of our trips to Mount Charleston.  It's around 35 or so miles from Vegas - north west - and is about as far away from the city (in terms of nature) as can be imagined. 

The other two are from Valley of Fire, which is south east of the city, on the way to Lake Mead.  The petroglyphs are estimated to be somewhere between 3000 and 4000 years old (depending on the source). 



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Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 30, 2009, 10:39:19 am
Oh, another cool thing... I'm finding flights from regional airports for $220 round trip.  Hotels are often in the sub $75 range, too.  I'll bet they'd be cheaper for a group with some negotiation. 
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Dennis on August 30, 2009, 11:22:27 am
$75 is what I typically pay for a weeknight at Planet Hollywood. Slightly higher on the weekends. One reason I like this hotel is it's extremely inexpensive for the type of property, it's centrally located on the strip, has the best rated buffet on the strip (Spice Market), and it's very close to two gay clubs. Krave is actually attached to hotel and the only gay bar on the strip and 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge & Piranha Nightclub (2 clubs in one) is located right around the corner.

A longtime acquaintance of mine from my travel agency days is the sales director, so no doubt a good group rate could be had.

http://www.planethollywoodresort.com/

And perhaps this will help some of ya'll decide  ;)

http://www.planethollywoodresort.com/drinks-on-us/


Oh, another cool thing... I'm finding flights from regional airports for $220 round trip.  Hotels are often in the sub $75 range, too.  I'll bet they'd be cheaper for a group with some negotiation.  
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: pozniceguy on August 30, 2009, 02:51:01 pm
Dennis  , you are a devil, what an offer.,  we have several persons ,as you know, that see that as a prime attraction..... never seen such an offer from any other establishment.   
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 30, 2009, 06:34:29 pm
$75 is what I typically pay for a weeknight at Planet Hollywood. Slightly higher on the weekends. One reason I like this hotel is it's extremely inexpensive for the type of property, it's centrally located on the strip, has the best rated buffet on the strip (Spice Market), and it's very close to two gay clubs. Krave is actually attached to hotel and the only gay bar on the strip and 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge & Piranha Nightclub (2 clubs in one) is located right around the corner.

A longtime acquaintance of mine from my travel agency days is the sales director, so no doubt a good group rate could be had.

http://www.planethollywoodresort.com/

And perhaps this will help some of ya'll decide  ;)



http://www.planethollywoodresort.com/drinks-on-us/
Wow, the rooms look nice (from the website), but are those the $75 rooms?  For those that don't know, Planet Hollywood is the old Aladdin, which was imploded in 1998.  It was re-opened in 2000, and sold in 2003 and became the Planet Hollywood. 

Still, one of my favorites is the Golden Nugget www.goldennugget.com/home.asp (http://www.goldennugget.com/home.asp).  It's downtown (which D and I prefer) as opposed to The Strip.  There are quite a few really tacky hotel / casinos in Vegas, but there are some that are absolutely beautiful.  Also, the Golden Nugget is advertising $49 rooms.  I wonder if they'd be cheaper with a group? 

Looking at the links Dennis and I have posted give an idea of how nice some of the accommodations are in Vegas.
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Dennis on August 30, 2009, 10:51:53 pm
I'm not sure which category you were looking at. I've stayed in the Fountain View and the Resort Room categories. They're basically the same room. The Fountain View rooms are in the front of the property and overlook the Bellagio fountains. The resort rooms are on the back end of the property; still a nice view of the mountains. The Hollywood Hip rooms are located on the lower floors with not much of a view.

Currently their website has rates ranging from $79 (Hollywood Hip) up to $129 (Fountain View). Plenty of room to play with there for a descent group rate.

The Alladin wasn't actually imploded. They just revamped the entire resort, inside and out.

The deals are usually better downtown. And for those that gamble, the slots are looser. But like Lou-ah-vull, I love the excitement and convenience of the strip.

Wow, the rooms look nice (from the website), but are those the $75 rooms?


Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on August 30, 2009, 11:24:43 pm
The Alladin wasn't actually imploded. They just revamped the entire resort, inside and out.

The deals are usually better downtown. And for those that gamble, the slots are looser. But like Lou-ah-vull, I love the excitement and convenience of the strip.

The OLD Alladin was imploded... I'm talking about the one built in '66.  It was only 32 years old, but that's an eternity for a hotel / casino on the Vegas Strip.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRaNwPGcQcM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRaNwPGcQcM).  I always found the downtown areas to be more convenient, but I'm basing that on hotels like the Monte Carlo, which is slightly bigger.  It took 30 minutes to go from our room to the car and back.  Most of that time was spent walking through the casino and the long hotel hallways!  Besides, loose can be good!  Any of the hotels in Vegas on the strip or near Fremont St. are going to be fairly convenient, for the most part, though the goal is to keep folks in the casinos and for them to not go gamble at another establishment!
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on September 17, 2009, 09:25:18 am
After seeing the discussion of whether Paris or London is the top destination, I thought I'd look to see what's the top in the US.  According to Forbes, the Las Vegas Strip is number two (31 million) right after NY's Times Square (35 million).

www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/most-visited-us-tourist-attractions-slide-1.html?thisSpeed=25000 (http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/most-visited-us-tourist-attractions-slide-1.html?thisSpeed=25000)

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Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 17, 2009, 09:57:55 am
wtf, #16 is Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Penn./N.J and I've never even been there.  And more people go there than to the Grand Canyon?  And Independence Hall doesn't even make the list?
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on September 17, 2009, 04:43:06 pm
wtf, #16 is Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Penn./N.J and I've never even been there.  And more people go there than to the Grand Canyon?  And Independence Hall doesn't even make the list?

I was a bit surprised at how places ranked.  The Disneys weren't as high on the list as I expected, either.  I'm sure some of this has to do with cost (Vegas is very affordable... decent sub $50 / night accommodations are common).
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Robert on September 20, 2009, 12:11:38 pm


talk about cool stuff to do, check out the underground toilet in London.

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Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on September 20, 2009, 04:05:03 pm

talk about cool stuff to do, check out the underground toilet in London.

I can barely see what it is from the tiny pic.  Do you have a link for whatever it is?
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: bocker3 on September 20, 2009, 04:21:46 pm
I can barely see what it is from the tiny pic.  Do you have a link for whatever it is?

What is it with you and toilets lately???   ;)  :P

Mike
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: David_CA on September 20, 2009, 11:24:15 pm
What is it with you and toilets lately???   ;)  :P

Mike

That's a really crappy thing to ask!
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: weasel on September 21, 2009, 08:52:16 pm
Anybody mention the  " PADDLE WHEEL BOAT "  trips on lake  mead ?

  They are  about three hours long and travel  down to the dam !

  Quite a view   , They used to have a dinner  trip .................


 I LOVE  LAS VEGAS

                                                              Carl
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: bocker3 on September 21, 2009, 10:25:52 pm
Anybody mention the  " PADDLE WHEEL BOAT "  trips on lake  mead ?

  They are  about three hours long and travel  down to the dam !

  Quite a view   , They used to have a dinner  trip .................


 I LOVE  LAS VEGAS

                                                              Carl

Oh!!  Count me in!

Mike
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Robert on September 22, 2009, 02:55:07 am

This is the 3rd time I've tried to post this.  Let's see what happens.

I can barely see what it is from the tiny pic.  Do you have a link for whatever it is?

David.  I've tried to post the bigger picture but Peter/Tim keep telling me I've reached my max. Here is the  LINK  (http://www.earth-photography.com/Countries/England/England_London_UndergroundToilet.html).


What is it with you and toilets lately???   ;)  :P

Mike.  Good question.  My mother once remarked that I was very oral and I had to agree.  When Michael and I went to Italy we visited Pompei and saw the incredible bath frescoes preserved from the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius.  Although I'm sure there are many here who have far more experience than I, I have seen my share of toilets around the world and I must admit this particular one in Westminster is worth a visit and I would recommend it to everyone.

Certainly it falls in the category of 'Cool Stuff To Do.'
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: weasel on October 25, 2009, 10:03:09 pm




    Did anyone   mention    " METRO "   PIZZA  ????????????

     It is out of this world , best on EARTH !

                                                          Carl
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: weasel on August 01, 2010, 08:10:16 pm
Then on the way back to the strip, you can stop off at the Stratosphere, and ride some death defying rides atop their tower.

Spend a whole day or just an hour or two at Circus Circus, and here again, more rides in air conditioned comfort, and watch circus acts while dining at one of the biggest buffets in the world.

Of course there are the fountains at the Belagio, the gondola rides across the street at another casino, the Pirate ship show, the volcano going off at the Mandalay Bay, and so on and so on and so on, until you are completely exhausted and need a nice cocktail at one of the hundreds of bars in town.  Most have shows with your drinks.

 

   Yes Moffie WE SHALL DO ALL OF THIS ! 
                  I for one will be thinking of you !   
                                                               Carl   :-*
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: WillyWump on August 03, 2010, 07:56:20 pm
I'm ditching the Blondie concert saturday to go see Paul Oakenfold's "Perfecto"at Rain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhHpLExSxZ0

Any one wanna join??

-Will
Title: Re: Cool Stuff To Do In Vegas
Post by: Basquo on August 04, 2010, 08:59:50 am
Me & Santi have our Blondie & The B-52's tickets in-hand!