Every so often, my wanderlust kicks in like a caffeine addiction at 7 AM, and I find myself booking flights to places where sensible sleep schedules go to die. This time, the destination was Las Vegasāthat glittering desert mirage where good decisions are optional and neon is mandatory. My boyfriend and I rented a car because we know we would be getting some miles in and flying home from California.
The Linq Hotel: Our Temporary Desert Oasis
We checked into The Linq Hotel (3535 S Las Vegas Blvd), conveniently situated in the middle of the Strip like the cream filling in a very loud, very sparkly Oreo. The hotel strikes that perfect balance between “I’m an adult with reasonable taste” and “But I still want a room with a view of a giant ferris wheel.” Mission accomplished.
Neon Museum: Where Signs Go to Retire
The Neon Museum (770 Las Vegas Blvd North) is essentially a graveyard for Vegas signs, except instead of being depressing, it’s magical. Wandering through this collection of vintage neon felt like time-traveling through Vegas history.
Fremont Street: The Strip’s Eccentric Older Cousin
Fremont Street is what happens when Las Vegas has a few too many energy drinks and decides to throw an outdoor party. With its massive LED canopy ceiling playing psychedelic light shows overhead, zip-liners flying above crowds like caffeinated squirrels, and street performers whose talents range from “actually impressive” to “dear god why,” it’s sensory overload in the best/worst possible way. At 2AM, you realize your brain is playing tricks on you, making you think it’s 2pm.
Surprise Space Coast Reunion
In one of those coincidences that makes you wonder if the universe has a sense of humor, we ran into our friends Heather and Gabeāfellow Space Coast refugees also vacationing in Vegas at the same time. We visited our buddy Jessi Lawless, who hooked us up with Vegas swag.
Grand Canyon West & Hoover Dam: Nature’s Rebuttal to Vegas
We joined forces with Heather and Gabe and headed to Grand Canyon West (30 miles from Peach Springs, AZ). Standing at the edge of this massive crack in the earth makes all your problems seem appropriately tiny.
Next stop: Hoover Dam (30 Hoover Dam Hwy, Boulder City), that massive concrete tribute to humanity’s desire to boss around water.
Bailey’s Brew: Come for the Coffee, Stay for the… View
A while back in Seattle, I’d visited a topless coffee drive-through (as one does when exploring the Pacific Northwest). Upon learning they had a Vegas location, journalistic integrity demanded I conduct comparative research. Bailey’s Brew (5591 S Valley View Blvd) maintains the same business model: excellent coffee served by women wearing little more than smiles and strategically placed sparkles.
Bellagio: Gardens and Fountains and Chandeliers, Oh My!
The Bellagio (3600 S Las Vegas Blvd) is what happens when someone says, “Let’s make a hotel that feels like being inside a wealthy person’s fever dream.” Their seasonal garden display featured a tea party theme that would have made Alice’s Wonderland look understated. Enormous teapots spouted real water, flowers arranged in the shapes of blooming tea cups.
Comedy Cellar at Rio: Laughter in the Desert
We headed to the Comedy Cellar at the Rio Hotel (3700 W Flamingo Rd) for a night of stand-up.
Red Rock Canyon: Nature’s Palette
Just a short drive from the Strip lies Red Rock Canyon (1000 Scenic Loop Dr), where the landscape looks like Mars decided to dress up for a fancy night out. The dramatic red rock formations against the blue desert sky create the perfect backdrop for cruising with the windows down.
California Nostalgia: In-N-Out Burger
As a California native exiled to the Space Coast, I have certain pilgrimage obligations when within striking distance of an In-N-Out Burger. We hit up the location on South Dean Martin Drive, where I ordered a Double-Double Animal Style with almost tearful reverence. My boyfriend, still uninitiated in the cult of In-N-Out, is used to me photographing a burger like it is a celebrity sighting. It’s a taste of home wrapped in paper and nostalgia.
The Road Beckons: California Bound
After two nights of Vegas sensory overload, we loaded up our rental car, said temporary goodbyes to Vegas, and pointed ourselves west toward California. The desert stretched out before us, promising another adventure entirely.
To be continued in Part 2: California Dreaming…
Such a fun trip!! š„°
Ready to go again!!