2 Days in Las Vegas
The next day we left Page and made the 5ish hour drive to Las Vegas. This is our second time going to Vegas. Our first time with the kids. Here's a look at what we did the first time around. Was not a fan then and we were not a fan this time either. We had initially planned on going to Flagstaff for a few days of skiing but this was before D's eye and we didn't think it would be a good idea to let him ski. So we changed things around and added a two days in Vegas.
For our first lunch we stopped at Tacos El Gordo. It is supposed to have the best taco on the strip and I will agree with that.. 100%. But the ordering process is confusing, the lines are long and we almost got into an altercation with someone who tried to cut in front of us.
We strolled the north side of the strip and were bored pretty quickly and ended up just returning to the hotel. M and H headed to the pool while D and I chilled out in our room.
Around 5 pm we headed off strip to the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum was established as a nonprofit organization in 1996 to collect and exhibit neon signs, the art form synonymous with Las Vegas. It was a really cool exhibit.. especially beautifully at night but the entry fee was $35 per person and the space was so small it took us less than 35 minutes to explore, this included pictures and reading many of the descriptions. I think $10 would have been more appropriate.
We had dinner at Eureka. Good dinner.. seriously.. not a single bad meal on our trip. Unfortunately no pictures. We were tired and feeling a bit jet lagged.
Afterwards we headed to Fremont Street. Today fremont street aka the Fremont Experience is located in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. It is a six-block, pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with retro casinos, open-air bars, cheap eats, oddball street performers, a humongous zip line.
We stayed at the Venetian. The hotel and our suite was stunning.
I think everyone was little Hangry!
We strolled the north side of the strip and were bored pretty quickly and ended up just returning to the hotel. M and H headed to the pool while D and I chilled out in our room.
Around 5 pm we headed off strip to the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum was established as a nonprofit organization in 1996 to collect and exhibit neon signs, the art form synonymous with Las Vegas. It was a really cool exhibit.. especially beautifully at night but the entry fee was $35 per person and the space was so small it took us less than 35 minutes to explore, this included pictures and reading many of the descriptions. I think $10 would have been more appropriate.
Afterwards we headed to Fremont Street. Today fremont street aka the Fremont Experience is located in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. It is a six-block, pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with retro casinos, open-air bars, cheap eats, oddball street performers, a humongous zip line.
Named for Western explorer and politician John C. Fremont, Fremont Street was first built in 1905, becoming Las Vegas’ first paved street in 1925.Fremont Street was the center of commerce in the Las Vegas Valley and had a vibrant, albeit illegal, gambling scene. In 1931, the Northern Club—Fremont Street’s very first gambling hall—received one of Nevada’s very first six gambling licenses and became the first legal casino on Fremont Street.
We had breakfast at Caesars Palace strolled the shops, were horrified by how horrible the mush watched Atlantis show was. There were like a 100 people waiting to watch it.
We ate Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan for lunch. So as I keep saying.. not a single bad meal.. well yea I forgot about this place. It was a freshly baked cheese pizza and if you wanted any toppings they were just dumped them onto the pizza. As is. Cold. The only way you get baked in toppings is if you ordered a whole pie. This was probably the most disappointing meal. Plus, as the name suggests it's a secret, it's hidden in a narrow alley inside the hotel. It took us like 20 minutes to find the place. 
Not really our cup of tea as we do not drink or gamble and we are just not wowed so easily by bright lights and loud music.
The next day we took a break from the strip but we'll talk about that in another post.
The day after we spent time exploring the south side of the strip.
Bellagio
We visited many more themed hotels. Got some coffee at New York New York. I was offended by the decor. It was like we stepped into a New York city from the 1930's it was so ridiculous. It's probably how the French feel when they step in the Paris hotel.
Even the Bellagio fountain display seemed less impressive. Tired we finally made it back to the hotel.
We had dinner at Buddy V's inside the Venetian. Which was great because we really didn't feel like setting foot inside another themed hotel ever again. It was a good meal. I am disappointed with myself for the lack of food pictures.
The last day we had breakfast, again within the Venetian, at Sugarcane. I got pictures this time. It was very good.
Keylime Donuts
Toad in a hole with brie and truffles.
Aww, lovely photos of you and your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteLas Vegas wouldn't be for me either, I've got several friends who travel there from the UK year in and year out. xxx
I've never been to Vegas. It doesn't interest me. I'd go for a concert or show but that's about it!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
We aren't huge Vegas fans either; not liking to drink or gamble we get bored rather easily too. Though I do love seeing the gardens at the Bellagio and enjoy the food and the shows I can't imagine keeping kids entertained there. My husband and I have been twice and also feel like we'd have no reason to ever to go back.
ReplyDeleteSo much goodness and beautiful memories.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
I've never been tempted to go to Las Vegas and this is why.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to read your trip posts and see all of your beautiful family making memories. I've never been to Vegas. Everything I've ever heard or seen does not appeal to me. Toad in a hole is one of TBG's favorites. I'll have to replicate this one. It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've never been nor have I want to go but then again I am a homebody. when you go I get to go via your posts!! (from the comfort of my home, lol).
ReplyDeleteLas Vegas has never appealed to me. I don't gamble, am not interested in 'superstars' performing, and don't understand the desire to replicate, flashily, the great wonders of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure this is my cup of tea either, particularly as gambling is not my thing and I don't drink either. But the food you photographed looks good - apart from the secret pizza :-) - and I'm loving the photos of your lovely family! xxx
ReplyDeleteI think Vegas is a place everyone should go once just because it is so unreal. Having had to go there multiple times for Rick's trade shows, I've had MORE than my fill! I do like the garden at the Flamingo, which is a wonderful nature spot and the conservatory at Bellagio and some of the hotels are fun. But enough's enough. Seeing the Stardust and Riviera photos reminded me of the first two hotels we stayed at. Sigh -- both gone. But that' entry is outrageous!
ReplyDeletePart of me would like to visit Vegas, part of me feels it would be over rated
ReplyDeleteI haven't been back in years. Glad you got some good meals out of it. Last time I went we saw a couple shows. O was worth the price of admission. And then we had to deal with a misplaced credit card (ultimately we had to cancel it), so it was kind of a meh trip.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores
aka (A Creative Harbor)
It's a weird place, i don't gamble, but i enjoyed my visit there, it was in december and got to see some really nice decorations, apart from that everything is so fake, big and tacky that I found it mesmerizing!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!,
S
At least you had good food there! We love Vegas and have visited multiple times, with and without kids. We've stayed in lots of different hotels, too, including the Venetian when our younger daughter had an Elvis wedding ten years ago. It was so much fun! I blogged about it at the time.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! It's been years since I was in Vegas, but I always loved it. So much to see and do there.
ReplyDeleteI love Vegas and we visit a couple of times a year because it’s such a quick getaway for us. I loved seeing your photos.
ReplyDeleteI was in Vegas a couple of months ago. It was fun, but I can't imagine doing it with children.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time. Did you ride the roller coaster?
ReplyDeleteI can't stand to gamble, seems like burning money. I've not been to Vegas and it holds nothing I would want to see. Your post just emphasizes that. If I hear you mention Vegas again, I'll give you a link to your post to discourage it. Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteVegas has no appeal for me - but at least you got some good meals. And were able to confirm your suspicions. There are plenty of other places you can go. And no doubt will.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful time in Vegas! I have always wanted to go to the neon museum.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
You all saw quite a bit here in Vegas.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteThat is some ceiling at the Venetian. It reminds me of classic old buildings.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Vegas, but I'm sorry to hear it wasn't your thing. The Neon Museum does look fun but very expensive. Good thing the food (except for the pizza) on your trip was all so nice!
ReplyDeleteI would never know this was not your thing from your beautiful smiling faces!
ReplyDeleteI've only been to Vegas once and it was many years ago. I think it's a great idea to visit at least once. The pools must be really nice, great food, and shopping.
ReplyDeleteI went to Vegas when I turned 21 with my family. It was a trip they had planned and it just turned out to be on my birthday. I didn't gamble at all, but I enjoyed the food, walking around and the shows. Looks like you did a lot of fun stuff!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
We have enjoyed Vegas, not really fans as you say.
ReplyDeleteLas Vegas has never appealed to me ... but at least you experienced it :)
ReplyDeleteSending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Oh my, I am loving these fabulous photos!!! The sights are familiar to me as we were there but haven't been back for several years. I remember the Chihuly glass ceiling at the Bellagio, and their fountains. The gondolas. Looks like you are having a wonderful time and I have enjoyed each and every photo. Thanks so much for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Vegas but the food sure looks good! Beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteLisa
This looks so fun! I have never been to Las Vegas but I'd love to go one day!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Las Vegas either. I hate the fake-y feel to everything and the scenery beyond the hotels is so desolate. I don't gamble either and I hate being around smokers so the casinos are not my thing and of course you have to walk through a bunch when you stay there. At least most of your meals were good. The neon museum sounds neat but yes, overpriced!
ReplyDeleteOnce was enough for me to visit Vegas as well. Don't need to go back. I'm not sure if it's because we went with kids and maybe it's more fun with just adults, but I didn't get the appeal of it. The food you got though does all look amazing. Well, minus the cold pizza.
ReplyDeleteWere you nervous taking your boys since it can be very non-family friendly?
ReplyDelete$35 does sound like a lot for that neon exhibition. We are lucky that most museums and art galleries are free here in Australia! I have never been to las vegas and hope never to go there. So not my thing at all!
ReplyDeletecheers
sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
We are with you on Vegas, while Freemont is fun for the people watching, it certainly is not worth going there just for that. I did see your previous point on Horseshoe and Antelope Canyon. Now, that is worth the trip, that is one of my all-time favorite locations, so glad you got to experience it!
ReplyDeleteyou all look have fun time.....
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing interesting photos...
Gotta say I'm not really a big Vegas fan either even though we got married there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of your family.
ReplyDeleteBernie,
Benita James
Wherever you go, you seem to be able to find the best food! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteHa.. I will stop you, I promise. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have never been there, so I appreciate your honest review.
Great pictures! I've never been to Las Vegas. I've never really wanted to either. The food looks delicious, though!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure Las Vegas would be my first choice either, but it seems you managed to have a good time despite not being the biggest fan of the place.
ReplyDeleteShame that someone cut in your line when you were getting tacos, but at least the food was good. Venetian looks like a beautiful hotel. The ceiling does make one think of a very famous chapel, the art looks stunning. So, it's good you were still able to enjoy yourself with your family, even if it was a second option.
You took some lovely family photographs!
Lots of sights, lots of food. I've never been to Vegas, not really wanting to go. Except I hear the food is great. I'd like to get one of those big fancy drinks that you can make a meal out of.
ReplyDeleteAlways so much good food! I've been to Vegas once, for my aunt's wedding. I'd like to go again just to have time to do things I want to do, like the boat rides, and the neon museum looks neat, but I wouldn't want to spend that much either. My favorite group is going to be in a theater there for a couple months and I'd love to go see them. But it's so expensive to get the tickets, and I'd probably end up by myself. I'm not much of a gambler either. I like a fun slot machine that I can play on for a while without spending a ton of money, lol. Thanks for sharing your trip!
ReplyDeleteThe Venetian looks amazing, and Tacos El Gordo seems worth the hype, though the lines sound crazy.
ReplyDeleteI get what you mean about the themed hotels—they’re not for everyone, and Secret Pizza sounds like a letdown. At least breakfast at Sugarcane was a win!
I've been to Las Vegas as a kid when my mom's cousin got married, but I don't really have a desire to go back as an adult. The food does sound and look pretty good though except for the pizza with the cold toppings!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Vegas, so reading your post here was really interesting. It seems like there is a bit too much hype to the area. Most of the food seemed lovely (which was a good pint), but the slice of pizza with cold toppings is just so odd! I can't say Vegas is on my travel list, and this is probably why!
ReplyDeleteThe hotels are so over the top! Love seeing your photos!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
My hubby went there a few times because the Air Base that is there, and went down to the city, he thought it was interesting but he doesn't gamble or drink either so none of that appealed to him, I never cared to go myself. At least most of the time the food was good.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if Vegas is ever a place that I'll get to, but the hotels sure are magnificent!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your trip recaps. I liked Vegas but a few days is more than enough. We really enjoyed the Beatles Love show and that was the highlight of our trip. We also went to some great restaurants and enjoyed "people watching" and walking around. We also got lost a few times in the hotels looking for restaurants!
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny! I love how honest you are, Hena. I cannot imagine anything on earth that would induce me to visit Las Vegas. That is just not my scene nor is it TG's but we DO love good food so I guess the great restaurants took the edge off your disappointment. Y'all all look great! Happy New Year! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't sound like Vegas is the place for you. ha ha. We don't drink or gamble either, but we still enjoyed Vegas. We saw Celine Dion. That was amazing. We loved looking around and seeing all the lights, decor, and the flower gardens! What we didn't like was all the drunkards. Oh my gosh, that was just awful seeing people passed out on the street.
ReplyDeleteAh when I lived in Seattle I so wanted to get to Vegas but never did.But I go to Vancouver in Canda, Portland OR, and San Francisco. I hope D's eye is getting better. I found out a friend of mine's mother got an eye infection and lost her sight in one eye like Elton John, seriously, WTF? And of course what happed with those eye drops. Not good.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
We've never been to Vegas, nor do we have a desire to go. The food sounds good though :)
ReplyDeleteThose pancakes look amazing. I want to make some tonight! And the keylime donuts! I like the photo of all of you with the colorful ceiling, it's delightful.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I enjoyed Las Vegas in the nineties but only marginally. The last time we went my favorite part was renting a movie in our room: Dodgeball. lol Thank you for sharing your travels and art.
ReplyDelete