Photo Friday: The Vegas Conundrum

Why does Vegas always seem so fun when you arrive, but after two days, you can’t wait to leave? We have visited quite often, both due to its convenient starting/ending point when visiting national parks out west and also because my husband's uncle (now deceased) and aunt live there. In fact, the impetus of this trip was to visit his aunt, whom we have not seen since 2016. Her health has been declining so it was time.

After returning our rental car, we checked into the Palazzo which is attached to the Venetian.

It was our first time staying here and it turned out to be the best place we've ever stayed on the strip. All the rooms are suites, and the hotel was much easier to navigate than others. The bathroom was ginormous as well, which was nice with three people.

View from our room

We spent a day at my husband's aunt's home. While there, I came across this photo of us from our first trip to Vegas in 1996. We stayed at The Mirage for our 10th wedding anniversary. One day, his aunt and uncle took us to the Mount Charleston Lodge in the Spring Mountains. Unfortunately, the restaurant was destroyed in a fire in 2021. It was fun seeing a photo I'd never seen before.

Another day, we spent walking the strip and stopping by some favorite spots.

The Wynn

Flamingos at The Flamingo

The Bellagio Conservatory had an autumn theme.

We had only ever seen summer themes in the past, so I was happy!

Funny story: we spent about an hour roaming around the Bellagio, looking for this gelato shop. I had read that it was the best gelato in Vegas, so I wanted to try it. I asked no less than three employees where it was, and their directions reminded me of how I feel when someone explains a card game to me. If you've ever been lost in a casino, or a Vegas hotel in general, you understand. It's a damn maze.

I consider myself somewhat of a gelato connoisseur. It is hard to find authentic gelato, and this was NOT authentic. Like so many others, this had the consistency of ice cream, not gelato. The spoon should have been my first hint, as real gelato is served with a teeny, tiny spoon that is more like a plastic stick. I ordered banana. It tasted fine, but again, NOT gelato!

                                                

However, Cocolini at the Venetian did not disappoint me! I had the raspberry truffle and it was amazing, as was the view while enjoying it.

Speaking of food, we had a great breakfast one morning at Capri, the poolside restaurant in the Palazzo. It felt like being in Florida. I do not hate on Florida, ever. (Hi Suz!)

I love avocado toast and this one did not disappoint.

One evening, my husband had chicken and waffles with maple bourbon sauce at Yardbird, known for their Southern cuisine. It's not my thing, but he said it was very good. Middle Child and I had their protein power bowl, which was excellent. (**Not my photo**)

We were in Vegas from Sunday-Tuesday nights, so many of the major acts were dark those evenings. We did go to two shows: All Stars of Magic and V: The Ultimate Variety Show. Both shows were good and relatively inexpensive.

I was confused why this magician was dressed like Prince, but he did pull a cat out of thin air.

The Wizard of Oz was playing at the Sphere. Fun fact about me: I have always hated that movie! No thanks to the Sphere and their ticket prices, regardless of the show.

One negative about this trip was that we were unable to find a direct flight to Phoenix nor home from Vegas. We ended up having layovers in Chicago, and of course on the way home, our flight from Chicago was delayed four hours. BUT, we did book Main Cabin Extra for all the flights and this was my leg room!!!! Yes, I was able to cross my legs and still have tons of space. I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to fly any other way again. We didn't gamble one cent on this trip, so I think we deserved it.

Watching the sunset on the flight home.

What would be your favorite thing to do in Vegas?

Back to regularly scheduled programming next time!