What Happens in Vegas...

Miles

- One of the first things you need to know about Las Vegas is that it is hot! Vegas has very dry heat with temperatures averaging 105 degrees. I recommend always carrying a bottle of water with you if you are not accustomed to this type of heat. My east coast northerners please take heed.

- Las Vegas has public transportation. I used Uber to get around and found it as the easier mode of transportation.

Interesting facts

- You're allowed to drink in public on the strip because the sidewalks are considered private property of the hotel. However, they do prohibit glass containers. They still want to keep everyone safe and don’t want any broken glass.

- Cabs are not allowed to drop you at your exact location on the strip. They have designated drop offs to load and unload passengers so they do not disturb traffic. Anyone caught disturbing traffic receives a $150 ticket.

- The Golden Nuggets is one of the oldest casino in Vegas.

- The Eiffel tower is an exact replica of the real thing it just stands at 1/8th the size.

- The High Roller Ferris wheel is currently the tallest observation wheel in the world.

- MGM owns majority of the strip.

- Ballys was the original MGM.

- Contrary to popular belief, prostitution IS illegal in Las Vegas

 SLS

SLS, formerly known as the Sahara, is one of the newer hotels on the strip. My favorite part about the hotel is the bed. The bed was AMAZING! I felt like I was laying on clouds. The comforters and pillows were so soft. Probably some of the best rest I’ve gotten on vacation. The decor of the hotel appeals to the millennial. It’s very modern and hip with some instagramable locations. There’s a pool, casino, restaurants, and plenty amenities at the SLS. This resort is my go-to when staying in sin city.

Meals

Yard Bird

Yard Bird is absolutely delicious! This restaurant is a must try when in Vegas.

The chicken and waffles are absolutely to die for. The chicken was succulent, waffles were fluffy, the watermelon added a nice touch, and they have a bourbon maple syrup that is the icing on the cake!

Lotus of Siam

The food at Lotus of Siam was truly made with love! The Thai cuisine was delicious, the staff was friendly and hospitable, and the ambiance of the restaurant was one of sophistication.

The delicious chicken pad Thai!

Uno Mas

Uno Mas is a taco restaurant located in the SLS. I really enjoyed the tacos here. The pork and the chicken taco were yummy!

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House is known for the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef served sizzling on 500-degree plate to ensure its warmth by the time it gets to you. The food is really tasty, and the steak house is a good spot if you're willing to splurge a bit.

Peppermill

The iconic Peppermill truly keeps the essence of a traditional diner alive. The interior is virtually unchanged from how it looked when it started back in the 70s. This is a landmark of Las Vegas and well worth the experience. Needless to say, the food was delish!

In-N-Out Burgers

Of course going to the west coast, I had to try the famous In-N-Out Burgers. I'd give it 7/10. It's your typical fast food burger spot. It is one of those west coast experiences you have to try lol.

Lanis

There is a variety of food choices at Lanis but I opted for the foot long hot dog. The hot dog itself was tasty. It’s your normal beef hot dog with the exception of it being a foot long.

NorthSide

The NorthSide is located inside of SLS resort. The Belgian waffle was mediocre. It wasn't cooked fully and too much whipped cream was applied to it causing it to get soggy quickly. Something was also off about the flavor like there was too much or too little of an ingredient in the batter. Fortunately, the orange chicken and fried rice was amazing! Both had great flavor. Ask for extra soy sauce on the rice. It gives the dish some extra flair.

Umami Burgers

Also located inside the SLS. I was disappointed with the food here. I had the hot wings and truffle fries. The hot wings had an interesting flavor (not in a good way might I add) and the truffle fries didn’t taste anything like truffle.

Memories

The Las Vegas Strip

This is the strip that is home to the popular resorts/casinos of Vegas. You can find many restaurants and shows here. Not to mention it's a beauty at night 😍.

*No fee

Welcomes to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

This iconic sign is a staple of Las Vegas, found north of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a great instagramable photo opp.

*No fee

The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the city's most iconic art form - the neon sign. It’s a great attraction but I must warn you, it is incredibly hot. While taking the tour, you will be in the direct sun. Umbrellas are provided but it is still extremely hot. I would recommend going when the sun is at its lowest points (early in the morning or evening/night). You can take pictures on your phone but if you would like to take pictures with a professional camera, you must make arrangements to do a photoshoot which is an additional charge.

*Admissions fee

Seven Magic Mountains

7 Magic Mountains is an art instillation by Ugo Rondinone. The 7 large boulders, up to 35 ft. high, are painted in beautiful bold colors. You can find this masterpiece in the dessert 20-30 minutes away from the strip.

*No fee

Bellagio Fountains

The soaring iconic fountains feature a dramatic aquatic show choreographed with music and lights. The fountains are located at the Bellagio Hotel. The show happens multiple times daily and last 30 minutes. You can check the schedule at Bellagio MGM Resorts

*No fee

Fremont Street

This right here is a true Vegas gem! The strip has so much character and gives you a totally different feel from the Las Vegas Strip. I got the vibe that everyone can enjoy Fremont Street where as the Las Vegas Strip appeals to a younger crowd (in my opinion). Fremont Street is home to the Golden Nugget which is the first ever casino in Las Vegas!

If you look closely, he had his foot on the scale when I went to weigh myself. It wasn’t until I watched the video back that I realized lol.

*No fee

Day Parties/Pool Parties

Encore Beach Club

Encore Beach Club is a great pool party if you’re into top 40s music. They play a variety of the latest hits and cater a bit more to the house and EDM lovers.

Rehab Beach Club

Rehab Pool Party is more of a Hip-Hop scene with a mixed crowed and good music. Fully expect to swag surf at one point or another while here.

Drai’s Beach Club

Drai’s Beach Club is like Rehab Beach Club but a notch better. I can’t quite put my finger on why but if you go to both, you’ll see what I mean.

Migos was there when I went and here’s a glimpse of their performance.

Night Life

Drai’s Night Club

One of my best turn up nights in Vegas happened here! Drai’s Night Club is a great hip-hop spot. It made my whole night! The vibe is everything. Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. I'm a huge Lil' Wayne fan and he just so happened to be performing the night I went. Below you can get a glimpse of the turn up.

XS Night Club

XS Night Club is a neat club. It has an inside portion and an outside portion. The same music plays both indoor and outdoor but of course having two different spaces creates a unique experience for club goers.

Kygo was spinning the night I went. And yes, he performed his hit “Firestone” which I was extra excited about lol.

Intrigue Night club

I didn't stay at Intrigue for long, but it had a great vibe. The music was house/EDM and the crowd was mixed.

Drai’s After Hours

When all the clubs are ending, Drai’s After Hours is where everyone goes to continue the night. Vibes are similar to Drai’s Night Club just in a smaller venue.

Jewel Night Club

I'm not too fond of the set up at Jewel Night Club. The venue is small in comparison to other clubs in Vegas. The dance floor became so packed that we had to wait about an hour to enter. I don’t know about you, but I love to dance so this was pretty annoying. Tory Lanez was performing the night I was there so that could also be the reason for it being crowded.

Light Night Club

This club wasn’t my favorite yet it wasn’t bad either. The crowd is interesting with a mixture of ages, but you can absolutely make the most of it.

Kaos Night Club

I arrived at this club closer to the end of the night therefore it wasn’t as active but still seemed to have good energy. Lil Nas X performed his hit “Old Town Road”

Travel Tips /Travel Hack- you should never pay full price for clubbing in Las Vegas. There are promoters practically begging for you to join their guest list. The guest list usually allows for free admission into the club. Ladies 9/10 you can party completely free as long as you are on a guest list. Unfortunately gentleman, chances are you will more than likely only get a reduced rate. That's still a win though. Saving money is always a win lol.

Something else to know is Vegas clubs/parties are very strict with what is allowed inside. Most of them don’t allow gum, any types of pills, or hand sanitizers. be mindful of what you are carrying with you on your day/night out.

X Burlesque

X Burlesque cabaret was smaller than I expected. The venue is very intimate. There isn't stadium style seating which makes it a bit harder for the back rows to view the show but I guess the size of the venue does compensate. There were some good acts but I would overall rate the show a B. The comedy intermission, with Nancy Ryan, was funny and much needed. The price point was a bit high for this show coming in at $70-$90. I would only recommend it if you come across discounted tickets.

Summer League

Summer League is an off-season competition organized by the NBA. You can purchase tickets from the box office and watch NBA teams play against each other. Unfortunately, you won’t see any Lebron James or Steph Currys. These players are usually draftees, year ones, or players from overseas. I do recommend that if you go, you go to the games in the morning/afternoon. It starts to die down by the evening/night games. Summer League usually takes place from the beginning to mid July.

Last but not least, Plant 13. Look it up 😉.