Las Vegas RV Resort (14-17 May 23)
Viva Las Vegas!. . .in the words of the great Elvis Presley! And what happened to Elvis? We spent three days in Vegas and did not spot him once! Sadly, the rumors may be true that he has left the building. Regardless, we did spot some very dear friends and spent nearly every waking moment touring the city with them.
Only a couple of short hours after our arrival, we were picked up by a former squadron mate, Dennis, who is a recent new resident of Las Vegas. New resident or not, he has gotten his bearings and identified some great eateries! The “Lazy Dog Brewery”, the “King Fish House Restaurant”, the “Public School Restaurant and Bar” and the “Yard House” were all excellent choices. There was no shortage of craft beer, wine and great food! We also much appreciated his taxi/tour service and spending his time off with us during our short stay.
Another very good friend, Caressa, was kind enough to treat us while exploring the dinner scene at a place called “Superfrico” in the “Cosmopolitan Hotel.” Caressa is a relatively new concierge for a Vegas hotel and is still building her knowledge base of the town so she can make recommendations for her guests. Superfrico was a place she had heard about and wanted to check out. In short, it was interesting and the best way to understand it is to experience it yourself! Food was fantastic, service was great and the entertainment – yes, entertainment – during our time there was the interesting part! The constant floor show of various acts roaming about the restaurant while customers enjoy dinner is their niche. It was good . . .different, but good!
While I am on the topic of the Cosmopolitan, I should tell you about the “Chandelier Bar” located in the hotel. Chandelier is the operative word, and it is something to see, but the bar is famous for their drink called the ‘Verbena.’ The “Chandelier Bar Verbena” is an off the menu vodka and ginger based lime drink that comes with the secret ingredient called the ‘Szechuan button.’ Eating the bud has the common effect of numbing the mouth and tongue. I tried the drink. . .it was lime tasting. . .the button does have a definite and noted effect, but it was not numbing for me. Tasted kind of like eating a dandelion leaf, but instead of any numbness, it sent my saliva glands into overdrive! That is the best description I can provide. . . go give it a try!
Las Vegas was another bucket list destination for Tina, so she came with a list of the ‘big four’ to see and explore. We had to see the “Bellagio Hotel” (fountains, botanical garden and chocolate fountain), “Caesar’s Palace Hotel” (Fall of Atlantis, shopping area Chihuly ceiling), “Venetian Hotel” (gondola ride), and a show. Check, check, check and check! There were a few other points of interest we wanted to see, but our time was limited. Ergo, a reason to return at some point in addition to seeing our friends again!
We saw the show “Absinthe” at Caesar’s Palace, and it was entertaining with the acrobatic acts and injected comedy. I will add that the language was a bit strong and not for the easily offended. I also have to say it was a little surprising, but I had to remember we were in Las Vegas! The language notwithstanding, the acrobatics were phenomenal! The athleticism and skill in the performers were incredible to watch! Great show!
We did manage one side tour to the “Hoover Dam” only about half an hour drive from our camp. Dedicated in 1930, the dam has a much broader history and was originally named the Boulder Dam until the official name change in 1947. We drove across the dam some 730 feet above the canyon below and experienced some great views. There is a parking structure, and you can walk across the dam at your leisure. The visitor center is a pay-to-enter facility where you can also schedule a tour of the interior of the dam. We did not take that tour, but we have talked to others that have and it sounds like an impressive experience if you get the chance.
To wrap this one up, we stayed at the “Las Vegas RV Resort,” and despite that we learned after arrival it may not be in the best part of town, we had no issues. There is 24-hr security, the sites were level, adequately sized with plenty of room for the trailer and tow vehicle. Since we were only at the trailer to sleep, we have no problem staying here again if the circumstances dictated it. Fun stop and great to see everyone!
Camping up with the Joneses 