Couple Needs a Couple Days
I feel like anytime you hear “Vegas” everyone starts singing Elvis in their head, there’s just no way around it! Vegas comes prepackaged with its reputation, stereotypes, and flashing lights. There are some great things about a vacation spot that has everything at its fingertips! And like anything else, you find what you’re looking for. For Michael and I, we were looking for 1. Sun 2. Connection 3. A break! As opposed to past trips to Vegas, this was more a mature trip to Vegas. Think less “Ladies Drink Free!” and more “Shake hands with the Chef”. Let’s break it down:
Day one
Catch an early flight so that your travel day is your first day. Although your check in will likely be later in the day, the resorts will hold your luggage for you so you can check your bags and hit the strip! We stayed at the Bellagio because this was Michael’s first trip to Vegas and I wanted to be right smack in the middle. Not only is the location great for anything you have planned for your trip but it’s also just SO iconic! The Fountains, the Conservatory, the pools, all of it satisfies that itch to be in the Vegas you see on TV. Walking the strip is the easiest way to get around and is also just fun to see “all the things”: the elaborate casinos, the people watching (wow), the sun on your face! Pick your hotel so your walks aren’t insane but be sure to bring your walking shoes so you can enjoy the sights.
A must while in Vegas: Cirque du Soleil! Spend your first night enjoying your first Vegas Show! We’d highly recommend Mystere, the original, as your introduction to Cirque du Soleil. You can save yourself some sweat stains on your cute outfit if you walk through the casinos: Bellagio- Caesars- The Shoppes- which will spit you out just outside of the Mirage (now the HardRock which is a major bummer) then the final stretch in the sun from Mirage to Treasure Island. After the show, head to the Paris for your dinner reservation at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (make far in advance). If you’ve always wanted to eat at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant pay the extra cost (secretly without telling your husband) so that you can get a window seat and watch the Bellagio Fountain show with your dinner.
Day two
Sleep in, grab a starbs and hit the pool for the late morning sun. I like to lay out for as long as I can get away with before Michael gets bored. One nice thing about Vegas is the nightlife is kind of the highlight, so you can relax by the pool without feeling like you should be out sightseeing. After a quick shower and wardrobe change, head up north to the Wynn for a very exclusive dinner at Delilah’s (make your reservations well in advance). This speak easy, 1950’s dining is such a fun experience with live music and glamorous cocktails. There are no photos allowed inside so this vintage-style Vegas club remains a bit of a mystery. Which is a bit of a bummer, if I could have taken a video of the scene walking down the staircase to the dining room floor- lounge singer in full ball gown with full band accompaniment- you’d reserve on sight. One criticism, it’s smooshed. The tables were very tight together. Just be prepared for that. After dinner grab a Lyft to the NewYorkNewYork and swing into Cirque’s new show Mad Apple. This show was such a mash up we had no idea what we were getting into. There’s music, there’s acrobat acts, there’s dance acts, there’s stand up comedy, it’s a wild ride and so fun! Michael may or may not have laughed so hard he spit on the gal in front of us… like major spit… (Anonymous girl, if you’re reading this, we are so so sorry.) After the show enjoy the walk back to the Bellagio. The desert air is still warm against your skin, the lights at night are so fun and dreamy, you gotta do the walk at night at least once. Put your blinders on, it’s still Vegas after all and you may see cards for prostitutes or people under some serious influence. But those are small moments that, if you can get past it, shouldn’t ruin your time.
Day three
Start the day the same as Day Two, this is your vacation after all! Sleep in! Make a reservation at Hell’s Kitchen for an early-ish dinner. Gordon may not be there but it’s still fun to be a part of the experience, the wait staff is top notch, and the meal is of course amazing. Michael got a whiskey cocktail that was brought in it’s own smoke box. Some experiences you just gotta do it to do it!
After dinner walk across the street to the Linq. Between the Linq and the Flamingo they’ve developed a great shopping and dining area which is fun to walk through. Spend some time shopping and then head inside to the Mat Franco Magic Show! The theatre is close and intimate making the magic either more impressive or more infuriating because “oh my gosh how is it happening!?” But whichever camp you’re in, seeing a magic show in Vegas is so ichonic. Michael even got called on stage to be a part of the act!! (He was such a pro, he drew a fantastic four of hearts, he’s so talented).
The end to Day three, I’m sort of embarrassed to say but also highly recommend. For those of you who have kids you’ll understand, Michael and I don’t get to do the “dinner and a movie” thing very often. So after all the shows, all the fancy dinners, all the walking and sightseeing, before we went home to face the children… we stopped at Target and got snacks and drinks, went back to our hotel room, and watched a movie together. Maybe that’s lame, but I’ll tell ya what. Watching a movie from start to finish without any interruptions is a rarity. Cuddling up with my guy, with nothing that I have to do, no one that needs my attention, that’s an evening well spent in my book.
Vegas is great because there’s so much more that you could do if you wanted to. Check out the Grand Canyon, spend a wad of cash on the Bruno Mars Pinky Ring club, Michelin star dining, Fremont Street, the list goes on and on. Orrrrr, if you need to reconnect with your husband in the midst of a crazy life, put your feet up in the glorious desert sunshine and take the day as it comes.
