Recently I looked back at my holiday to Vegas with fondness and decided to show one of my little videos as a YouTube short. It was successful because it included a segment of the incredible Bellagio water fountain during an evening walk down the famous Las Vegas Strip. I have never written much about the whole experience but I will admit now that my visit to Vegas definitely had an impact on my life.
How Las Vegas Started
Vegas was founded as a stopover on the railway that had been built from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. It was named later on by Rafael Rivera, using the Spanish term ‘Las Vegas’ meaning meadow. I suppose it was a town that had freshly emerged in the middle of a desert and came across as a meadow amongst the otherwise nothingness of that part of Nevada.
When those working on the Hoover Dam project needed entertaining, casinos and theatres began to spring up. Obviously, a lot has happened since then and we now have this incredible network of hotels, often joined up by underground tunnels which are guarding tourists from the debilitating desert heat.
Las Vegas Things To Do
Everyone assumes that Las Vegas is purely about the gambling. Don’t get me wrong, that is a major part of the appeal for many people but there are so many other things to do in Vegas. From restaurants and shops to a range of theatrical shows, Las Vegas is packed with fun.
I was lucky enough to stay in the Mandalay Bay Hotel which is right on the end of the Las Vegas Strip, not far from that famous road sign stating that you have arrived in Vegas. It was a very short drive from the airport and I could see the landing strip from my apartment.
My best friend had convinced me to join him and his family at the Mandalay for eight nights and when we drove up to this shiny building I was instantly intrigued. One of the fun facts about this place is that it is a resort hotel with its own extensive beach and wave pool built onto its grounds.
While I was there, I enjoyed the night life, both at my hotel and at some of the others. One night we explored the bars at the incredible Wynn hotel and popped into the Club Tropicana, which had me full of nostalgic Wham vibes. I was so grateful to be persuaded to go out and about as I absorbed the food, vibrancy and general feeling of happiness which seemed to embrace the whole place.
One of my highlights was seeing a stand up comedienne known as Whitney Cummings (who I had not known of before) in the very cosy Venetian Theatre, within the grand hotel of the same name. She was absolutely hilarious and had us almost crying with laughter for two hours non-stop.
So many affordable Las Vegas shows were available at the last minute and so we also grabbed tickets to a Divas night where we witnessed brilliant singers imitating legends such as Whitney Houston, Cher and Celine Dion.
What Las Vegas Means To Me
This was a big adventure for me as I had never been to the USA before. I was lucky enough to spend time in New York before visiting Las Vegas and I hope to write about that part of the holiday at a later date.
Even though Vegas is somewhat superficial and filled with pure indulgence, I have nothing but fond memories of the week I spent perusing casinos, eating great food and enjoying the incredible shows. If you find a time when Las Vegas becomes a possibility for you, definitely take the time to go and explore the Las Vegas hotels and see for yourself what this amazing city is famous for.
Thank you so much for reading this nostalgic post. Is Las Vegas worth the hype? Definitely. For other articles about travel, books and the environment please consider following my blog.
I remember seeing the Mandalay Bay Aquarium the last time I was there with my family. The Boulder Station buffet was always good (but unfortunately the buffet is being replaced); Sam’s Town had a good buffet too (though the quality went down). We also would visit the Ethel M. Chocolate factory.
Oh wow how did I not spot an aquarium?
That’s great to hear you had a wonderful time in Las Vegas! The last time I went was when I was younger (too young to drink & gamble) because my mother’s cousin was getting married at The Strat. We stayed at the Circus Circus hotel & it was fun to be there because they had their own mini theme park & a circus! It was also fun seeing all the different hotels!
Sounds great! I love it there.
I have never been to Vegas. In my 20s, and maybe for a short time in my 30s, I really felt like I was missing out on something. I pretty much outgrew that whole nightlife thing in my 20s, so that might explain it. But, you’re reminding me that they have great shows and I love a great show. I may have to add it back to my list to visit sometime. I do love what I have seen over media of the Bellagio (hotel and fountain). Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Yes I discovered there is so much to do in Vegas. Go for it!
Loved reading your recap! I also recently came back from Vegas, but from a girls trip 😂! I’ve been to Vegas so many times, thanks to my bestie living there. Also put together some tips and observations from seeing Vegas evolve in recent years! I just blogged about my last trip (https://www.secondgendesi.com/vegas) if you wanna check it out!