WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS

This space is supposed to document our adventures abroad, but we felt our quick weekend in Las Vegas deserved a small post here. Vegas is a four hour flight and a three hour time difference from home, so it counts as a unique travel adventure, right?

We have both visited Las Vegas before but not together and at different ages, so when we were looking to get out of town last week, we decided almost on whim to venture here. We took a late flight out after work on Friday and spent the following two days enjoying the warm weather, cuisine, and nightlife.

Accommodation: The Mirage Hotel and Casino

Adventures: The Mirage Pool, The Strip, Absinthe, The Fountains of Bellagio, In-N-Out Burger 

Takeaways: 1) Vegas when you’re a thirty-something is a much different experience than when you’re a twenty-something. 2) Desert heat is strange. It’s hot but a dry, non-sticky type of hot. 3) There is SO MUCH WALKING required. 4) The distance to locations on The Strip is deceiving. 5) In-N-Out Burger is totally worth the calories. 6) Food and drink prices are twice what we expected. 7) There are some unique jobs here. 8) It's easy to lose track of time everywhere.

Memorable Moments: 1) Sunbathing in 108 degree weather. 2) Paying $25 for a 32oz Bloody Mary. 3) Ubering to In-N-Out Burger. 4) Being overwhelmed with food options at the Bacchanal Buffet. 5) Watching the performers in Absinthe. 6) Winning (small) on the slot machines.

Restaurant Picks:

Lunch::

In-N-Out Burger (for a cheap and tasty West Coast burger, take an Uber)

4888 Dean Martin Dr

LVB Burgers and Bar (try the fried pickles)

The Mirage

3400 S Las Vegas Blvd

Dinner::

Bacchanal Buffet (plan to wait in line, ask about the all-you-care-to-drink upgrades)

Caesars Palace

3570 S Las Vegas Blvd

Mon Ami Gabi (French steakhouse, make a reservation)

Paris Hotel

3655 S Las Vegas Blvd

Recommendations:

1) Uber to the airport.

2) Pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunblock, comfortable shoes, Band-Aids, and Alka-Seltzer.

3) Plan on spending twice the amount of money you expected.

4) Purchase alcohol and snacks at Walgreens to save money.
5) Take advantage of the free drinks when gambling.