The Las Vegas Neon Museum, July 4, 2019

Las Vegas Neon Museum
July 4, 2019

We spent a few days in Vegas for the July 4th weekend. We have been to Vegas on July 4th a few other times. Although, July 4th is a major holiday, its summer which is peak of the Vegas Peak Season, Vegas doesn't really "go all out" for July 4th. Vegas doesn't really do much for New Year's Eve either, but that is a story for another day.

Since moving to California in 2015, we have traveled to Vegas easily 100 times. But in all those trips, we had never gone to the Neon Museum. We've always wanted to, we just never made time. 

Both of us are fans of all of the history of Old Vegas. I definitely was surprised at how small the neon museum is. I guess I just expected to see every possible neon sign that has been retired.

I love that the neon museum has bought the names and logos for several of the old Vegas hotels. You can actually get objects from some of the old Vegas hotels like the old plastic room keys and the old ashtrays. It is really a great way to look at some of the history of old Vegas.

If the Neon Signs could talk, just imagine the crazy stories they could tell. 

Las Vegas

The Vegas Life for ChildFree

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be handing out advice and recommendations about Las Vegas, I would have said they were nuts. My husband and I visited Las Vegas together for the first time in 2013. My husband had been here about 5 times when he was in high school. In 2013 we stayed at Luxor because my priority in 2013 was to see Cris Angel. In 2015, we moved to Southern California. We arrived in Oceanside, but we had a couple days before we could pick up the keys to our house, so we went to Vegas for a few days. We stayed at Mirage for 2 days and then stayed at Bally's for 2 days. We got settled in, and then quickly came back to Vegas about 4-5 weeks later. 

I had no idea that in 2016, we were going to be visiting Las Vegas at least once to twice a month. My husband and I had points with the Caesars Entertainment group, and got free stays fro his playing, so we made it a goal to stay at all of the properties in Vegas that are part of the Caesar's group. We accomplished that goal. We are now working on staying at all of the MLife Properties. We've stayed at 3 so far, so we have quite a few to go. I can't even count now how many times that I have been to Las Vegas. There are less hotels on the strip where we haven't stayed, than were we have stayed. We have seen tons of shows. We have eaten at tons of restaurants. I feel like the focus of our travel blog could be nothing but Vegas, Vegas, Vegas and I would have a million things to write about. 

I get asked by people what is your number one piece of advice for someone who is visiting Las Vegas for the first time. I would say my number one piece of advice would be, if there is a show, museum, or attraction that is on your "bucket list" check the schedule. Shows have dark weeks and dark days. Museums and attractions have closed days and sometimes will close to upgrade or renovate. Check the schedule! Don't fly to Vegas hoping to see Celine and visit the CSI attraction and get here and realize she is not performing that week and CSI is closed. Sam with the pool schedule. Don't show up in February thinking the pools will be open. My second piece of advice is just as important, DO NOT pay full price for anything. Just about everything has a discount. Hotels, shows, restaurants all have discount codes or coupons. Some shows have BOGO deals, or attend one show, get tickets to the other for free. Some hotels have special deals for guests. Don't pay full price for anything!

We have stayed at a variety of hotels. Everyone has had a different flair and feel. They also all have different restaurants, shows and even the casino games can be different at the different hotels. Some hotels are better for the under 25 crowd, some are better for kids, some are better for the older crowd. They all just vary. Doing your research based on the group you are visiting Vegas with is very important. My husband really likes Caesar's Palace. But when my sister came to Vegas for her first time, we stayed at Planet Hollywood because I really thought she would like that better due to the setup and the location. If my sister was to visit again and bring my niece, we would probably pick another hotel where my niece would have more things to do. 

Las Vegas is like my vacation home now. Even though we have been to Vegas a countless number of times, each time we try to do new things and we always have a good time. I head home from Vegas totally exhausted, but ready to go back for the next adventure!

Vegas Baby!

Vegas Baby!

I decided to take a solo trip to Vegas at the end of January. I had some freebie days at the Caesars Properties. I decided to stay at Linq. I hadn't stayed at Linq in a long time. My husband and I have stayed there maybe 2-3 times. 

Linq and Cromwell are probably the only Caesars Properties without a Starbucks and with me being a huge Starbucks fan, I probably should have stayed at another property.

I decided to seize the opportunity to see a few shows and go to a few exhibits that my husband would not be remotely interested in. I walked and walked and walked. I swear I got well over 20,000 steps each day. It was at the end of January, so the big conference of January, CES, was already over. But of course, its Vegas, the convention capital, so there still were conventions going on. 

I had a good time, even though I was solo. I enjoyed the weather. It definitely was not too cold or too hot. My husband and I will be back in Vegas together in April.

WOW - World Of Wonder - RIO Hotel - Las Vegas

WOW

World of Wonder

RIO Hotel & Casino

Las Vegas

What is the most constant thing in Las Vegas? Change. As soon as you get the hang of where certain shows, restaurants and clubs are located, something will change. Especially with shows. Shows definitely come and go, they also move from venue to venue frequently.

The show WOW World of Wonder started in 2017 I think, maybe early 2018. From the previews, I knew I definitely wanted to see it. It is currently at the RIO where the Raiding the Rock Vault show used to be. At one point, RIO had Raiding the Rock Vault, X Rocks, a tattoo parlor owned by Counts Customs, and the KISS Rock N Roll mini golf. RIO was sort of going for a Rock n Roll kind of theme. Maybe trying to attract a certain age group or certain crowd. 

Raiding the Rock Vault has moved to the Hard Rock and X Rocks has moved to Bally's. WOW World of Wonder is a thematic, show performed in a sort of half round, multi level stage. The center is water and it changes. The show is not high flying and performing water tricks as some of the other shows. But it is definitely a dramatic, elaborate show. It tells a beautiful story and it is fairly easy to follow.

The story encompasses pirates, mermaids, sea creatures, fantasy, dreams, love and adventure. I would definitely recommend it for all ages. It was not something that was "too advanced" for kids maybe ages 5 and up. It is a fantastical roller coaster ride. There are few shows in Las Vegas that I would pay to see again within 6 months, WOW is definitely one of them. Don't miss it when you are in Vegas.

La Reve - The Dream

La Reve - The Dream

Several years ago, (I think 2014) the season finale of Face Off was held at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The finalists had to create make ups for their final that would be worn in the show La Reve the Dream. Ever since seeing that episode, I was super excited to see the show. La Reve is super popular and sells out every night. It is consistently rated the Best Show in Vegas. Due to its popularity, it is very rare to find any discounts for the show online, or in person, even in the off season. Since moving to California, my husband and I have been visiting Las Vegas frequently, so I knew eventually we would get to see the show. 

My husband was deployed and I got an email offer from the Wynn hotel. It was a package that included 2 nights, 2 buffets, and 2 tickets to La Reve the Dream for about the price of the 2 hotel nights. I got a friend to go with me, and we took Wynn up on their offer. 

The show was every bit of amazing. The theater is in the round, with performers on the stage and in the air. Honestly, there really isn't a bad seat. It is truly a show where there is action every where. We were sitting sort of in the middle and we saw everything without an issue. Those who choose to sit closer to the stage might have an issue.

If you are going to be spending time in Vegas, you definitely need to check out the show. It is an amazing show that takes you through a beautiful journey. The show goes through love, dreams, happiness, challenges and sends the viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

The acrobats and performers are extremely talented. The show takes place in and out of the water, and high in the air. Prepare to be thrilled and see the best show of your life.

Hollywood Cars Museum, Las Vegas

The Hollywood Cars Museum,  Las Vegas.

Get the Groupon Deal!

The collection is fairly interesting,  but most of the cars are from movies and tv shows only those over 40 or 50 would recognize. 

The Groupon deal includes sodas and sunglasses. Full price, it isn't worth it, but the Groupon deal definitely makes it worth it. 

Part of the former Liberace museum has been moved here. Several cars, a few outfits,  and a few pieces is all they have. 

Las Vegas for my sister's birthday, January 2018

My sister had always wanted to have a weekend in Vegas. At one point before our dad passed away she was discussing it with some of her friends, flying and meeting in Vegas for a few days. Since my husband and I moved to California, we have gone to Vegas at least once a month. With my husband playing in the casinos, he gets frequent deals or freebies. Basically, we can go to Vegas whenever we want.

The death of my father brought my sister and I together for 2 weeks. We hadn't seen each other since she moved from Virginia to Missouri. The military life had put us in Virginia at the same time for several years. We really enjoyed the opportunity to be together, see each other and spend the time with our parents. By the time that our father passed, we have both realized that we are never going to live in the same city again. Her husband and family love Missouri, my husband and I love California. We will probably move back to Virginia due to the fact that we own a home there. 

I was missing my sister, and I randomly just texted her and asked her what she was doing for her birthday. We ended up planning for her to fly to Vegas for a couple of days.  We drove on Thursday, and then my sister flew in on Friday. 

After we left the airport, we went to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and then we decided to go to Freemont Street. Within a couple hours of being in Vegas for the first time, my sister talked in me into getting on the Slotzilla Zip Line. 

While my sister was in Vegas, we stayed at Planet Hollywood, we ate at Whalburgers and Mesa Grill, and we saw Jabawockeez and The Tenors of Rock. I will do separate posts for all of the things we did. 

Jennifer Lopez, All I Have

Jennifer Lopez

All I Have

Planet Hollywood

Las Vegas, NV

We waited until we had been to Vegas many times before we finally saw JLo. My advice, DO NOT WAIT. From what I understand her show is ending soon. The show was very good. We went the full spectrum of her career.

Even if you are not a huge fan of pop music, go see her show before it leaves Planet Hollywood. It is definitely a great show and worth the ticket price.

Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada April 2016

Easter Weekend 

Paris Hotel, April 2016

Living a 5 hr drive from Vegas means we visit more than we should. The goal with playing at so many Total Rewards, Caesars Entertainment properties is to stay at every hotel they have in Las Vegas. 

This was our first stay at Paris.  They have renovated since and we have stayed in another type of room since.  I love the hotel theming.  I just love it. Every detail.  From the flooring, to employee uniforms to the signage. What a great theme. 

We had a pretty good view with our room, although we normally spend little time in our hotel rooms.

It was time for the room to be updated.  The carpet was worn and it was clear that it had been awhile since a renovation.  However,  we still had fun, enjoyed our stay and we came back.

Strip Side Junior Suite, Flamingo Las Vegas, March 2016

Our Second Stay at the Flamingo, We decided to check out the Junior Suite instead of a regular room. Typically, it doesn't matter if we don't have a huge room or a suite at hotels because we are the type who are only going to be in the room long enough to sleep and shower before we are back out again.

We had a deal, playing at the casino does that, and we ended up getting the Junior Suite at Flamingo for free.  The best part about out suite was that it was right on the front side facing the strip, with HUGE windows looking out on the strip. This would definitely be a good spot for fireworks, or one of the 5ks. 

The only slightly negative thing with the Junior Suite, is with one bed, and a glass wall separating the bathroom, it would have been a little weird with 2 people who were not together or used to seeing each other naked or "on the throne". 

That is the only slightly negative thing I could say. Since my husband and I rarely travel with anyone else, it is always just he and I, the glass wall in the bathroom was not a problem. 

'The Flamingo is probably one of the most well known hotels on the strip for those who know ANYTHING about the history of Las Vegas. We love walking through the hotel and feeling like history is everywhere. The last original section of the hotel has been gone for a long time, but the history remains. 

Have a drink at Bugsy's bar, some say his spirit will have a drink with you. Or maybe those who said that, hit Margaritaville and the Its 5oclock Somewhere Bar first. 

Mirage Las Vegas, November 7, 2015

While waiting on our furniture to be delivered to our house in Oceanside, we decided to take 2 days and use a casino promo offer for rooms at the Mirage in Las Vegas. It was our first stay at The Mirage Las Vegas. 

We had stayed at other properties in the MGM Family, but just not Mirage. 

When we visited Mirage, they were doing some construction, updating rooms. Our direct room had not been updated yet.

We had a great trip. It was my birthday, we saw two shows, we ate great food and solidified our love for Las Vegas.

This was our first trip to Vegas since moving to the West Coast, technically we hadn't even moved in to the West Coast. We had a 2 night stay at Mirage that was a promo deal from MGM Family. We took advantage of that deal since we really did not have anything to do or anywhere to go while we were waiting on our furniture.  What a great birthday!  

We ended up not getting our furniture as scheduled, and we ended up staying in Vegas two more nights at Bally's with another casino promo deal.