Vegas Bucket List

We are heading to Vegas for a little adult getaway to celebrate my sister-in-law’s birthday and I’m mostly excited for a little time away.  Hoping to cross a few more items off my Vegas bucket list for sure.
Our first two Vegas outings we stayed at the MGM.  It’s possible I chose it the 2nd time after watching Oceans 11 too many times!  Glad I will not be packing any high waisted jeans this trip!
Because it was close to the MGM, we also rode the Roller Coaster at New York, New York.  I’m not saying it’s the best coaster I’ve ever ridden but I loved that it actually went through the hotel.  
I’ve also headed to the Mandalay Bay Resort – Shark Reef and it is a nice aquarium if you need a little break from the casino.   Other notables on this south section of the strip include Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World.  I mean who doesn’t love to bring back 5lbs of M&M’s for the kids!
The very biggest item on the bucket list for me in this area of town this year is to take a picture with the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign!  I mean 5th times a charm right?
If we happen to venture down to this area at the right time I would love to venture in one or more of these bars;  Foundation
Room
 (63rd story bar/lounge),  Minus
5 Ice Bar
,  Skyfall
Lounge
.
So one of craziest things about Vegas to me is that everything looks like it’s really close to you as your walking.  I guess it’s just the illusion because the properties are so big and often set back away from the road a bit but things are NOT very close together.  I have never ventured far enough north to arrive at the Stratosphere Observation Deck and it is on my bucket list to head there at sunset one day but not sure it will happen this trip.  
The Wynn brunch was always recommended as a favorite.  We have been twice and there is nothing you cannot find here and the mimosas are bottomless.   
I took Jordan to Vegas for her 21st birthday and we stayed at the Venetian which I loved because the rooms were more like suites with sectional sofas and space to spread out a bit. We didn’t actually take a Gondola ride but the shoppes along the canal are fun to shop and we stayed at this hotel on this trip.  
Keith and I had a blast walking through MadameTussauds Wax Museum.  It really is a little freaky how real some of these statues look!  
A couple of restaurants I have on my list of possible eating locations this trip are Lagasse’s
Stadium
 , Peppermill Las Vegas.  Thinking Lagasse’s would be a fun place to watch the Super Bowl.  
The last time I was in Vegas for a conference and we stayed center strip at the Vdarra.  Now, I am not a gambler so this hotel was perfect as there is no casino and thus no smokey smell.  It was nice and quiet but was attached to a walkway across to the Bellagio which led right through the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The flowers in the exhibit were amazing.   
You cannot miss the Fountains of Bellagio regardless of where you are staying.    I recommend seeing both during the day and at night for the full effect!  Keith gets bored way to fast but I could watch for hours! 

The Siegfried
& Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat
 was just like the shark reef, on a beautiful day it provides a day time outing but probably nothing  you have not seen.  
The
High Roller
(worlds tallest observation wheel) is totally on my MUST do for this trip.  A friend gave me the tip to reserve online to insure a private car for your group only.  She also told me the Hash House in this are was a must eat location that is open 24 hours.  
More free fun watching the Volcano
at the Mirage erupt each night and while not free I think it would be fun to take the Eiffel
Tower
 ride to the top if only for the view.
I promise this was  totally tasteful and we had such fun taking a Pole Dancing (aka stripper 101) class!  Let me tell you, being a stripper takes some strength!  And yes that was my then 66 year old mom totally being a full participant in the class!  
Shopping the  Forum
Shops @ Caesars is tops!  Plus, where else can you go to the mall and drink while you shop.  Amy loves shopping so I’m sure we will end up here at one point.  
Cirque Shows are amazing and Love@The Mirage is my very favorite!  If you love music by The Beatles, heck even if you don’t, this show is amazing. 
For sure on my bucket list is venturing downtown.  The Freemont Street Experience is something I’ve always wanted to do and this Downtown Walking Tour sounds fun.  We will have to pose with Vegas Vic next to the Golden Nugget and find the Rocker Sign outside the Golden Gate.  I would really, really love to visit the Neon Museum and possibly the Mob Museum.  Evidently the best thing to do is people watch and the best places to sit and watch are evidently here!   
I was really hopeful fitting in a Hiking Red Rock would be a possibility but I really don’t think it’s going to work out. Keith and I have already been to Hoover Dam and we definitely recommend you Take the Dam Tour.  

Click the image for all my faves!  
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