Vegas baby, Vegas! We meet again. Oh how I love thee you dirty bitch!
Being that I am once again in Las Vegas attenting another convention for work I figured I’d give a shout out to my favorite place to work and play.
This pretty much sums it up every time I step off that airplane at McCarran Airport. For a few days or a week you can live like a rock star and party like a porn star. It’s an adult playground and fantasy land like none other. You can live out the seven deadly sins while here, and sometimes invent a few new ones!
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not some dumb tourist that is blind to what Vegas really is like in it’s deep dark underbelly. Over the past 20 years I have been there many times for work and play. You go a few blocks off The Strip and it’s kind of sketchy. Some homeless and crime. On The Strip it’s touristy and annoying to many. Overpriced high end clothes shops, dining, and drinks. Cheesy abounds here. Sometimes you see a strange mix of the American populace walking by. People who live here have a love/hate relationship with Vegas. Personally, I don’t give a damn about any of this. The haters can hate. Coming from NYC we have enough of our own problems too. I go to Vegas to escape. I come here to play, and to play hard.
Terrific shows that are always in abundance, and with discounted tickets that can be found for most if you look hard enough. Excellent dining choices from high end restaurants to low end fast food. Amazing hotels that offer all types of amenities. The gambling options are everywhere on the strip and off-strip in the locals joints. Monster sized casinos. Conventions for everything come here. Nightlife is unequaled with some of the best dance clubs and lounges. Major sporting events. Booze is accessible everywhere, and you can drink on the strip! Gorgeous girls at some of the hottest strip clubs around. Rocking concerts. Free sights to see on the strip. Freemont Street light show in old Vegas end of the boulevard. Much to do and see off the strip – Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam not too far, Lake Mead, Shelby Car Museum and race track, sky diving, helicopter tours, gun ranges, and so much more.
Honestly, I so much like Vegas better since they went back to the Sin City theme. I just did not get the idea they had a few years back when they tried to make it a family destination spot. No one likes to see your kids here people. We don’t like to see them at the pools, on The Strip, or in the casinos. Leave the kiddies at home. Vegas is an adult DisneyLand and should be enjoyed by those who are of age. After all, what happens in Vegas……
If you enjoy blazing hot sunny weather this is the place for you. Summer season is brutal, but it also has a terrific winter weather season and is a great place to go during that time of year. The pools at some of the casinos are amazing, and beautiful so make sure to pack your swim wear. Oh yeah, the Hard Rock pool party is a human petri-dish. The people you see here range from the young, sexy, and beautiful, to the middle aged on vacations, to the senior crowd looking to have some gambling fun. Bachelor and bachelorette partiers come here non-stop!
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. It’s so appropriate, and words to live by!
Sin City for sure.
I have never been to Vegas, sadly.
Maybe when the Current Crop of Young Dumbasses move out of my house in 7 & 11 years respectively, I can take Mrs. Fearless Leader there.
I’ll be almost 70 by the time the Youngest Dumbass bails.
Dammit.
Hey Fearless!
Don’t worry, as I am sure Wayne Newton will still be performing there by then! You need to hit Vegas at least once!
You know I’ve never been before…
Hey Emily!
It’s definitely an over the top city! A bit unreal.
Oh I love everything you said about my other home. I especially love that you included the things away from the strip. I took my husband there for his first time when we were on our way back to Germany and he loved the experience he was able to have as a local. We honestly love it enough we wanted to stay but decided that wouldn’t be best for our son. And I miss it so so much. And all my friends and family. Thanks for doing it justice. 🙂
Hey Deanna!
I never get sick of Vegas and go there for biz around twice a year. We have also done vacations there. There is so much there to see and do, and much more than gambling. So glad you enjoyed this post. It’s such a fun city to party at!
Love Vegas! Ya forgot Lake Mead, a must place! My sister and brother and law have a long line in the casino business, including its cousin in AC. Next visit, ya need a boat trip with Rog and Carolyn, gorgeous mountains and view, early happy hours, and some down country music! Beautiful hiking too. Oh Yeah, you got my email. Hope you had a great trip!
Hey Peggy!
Yes, Lake Mead is wonderful. So is the Valley of Fire. Once you travel away from the Strip there is a lot to see and do. Always a fun visit there.
I’ve yet to go to Vegas. Do you think my 55-year-old constitution could cope with this adult Disney World? (Although ‘Sin City’ does sound enticing).
Hey Gary!
It’s one of my favorite cities to work and play in. Just pace yourself and you’ll survive!
A little Vegas goes a long way! Fun for a day or two, but more than that and I’m a dead man! I ain’t as good admi once was, but I’m as good once…
Damn that autocorrect !
Yeah, it always messes me up when commenting on my cell phone. It’s an idiot-correct!
Hey UP!
I’m sure you can still party hard there for a few days!
I love Vegas too! I’m going to be there next month!
Hey Katie!
I’ll be back there in June on biz again! Always a fun trip even when working!
I’ve only been 3 times but had so much fun! I havent been able to find those discount show tickets you mentioned. Myhusband and i have been talking about going there soon.
Hey Holli!
They have booths now set up along the Strip selling discount tickets for all the shows. They are called Tix4Tonight and there are 11 locations up and down the Strip.
Phil, I could’t agree more – like you, I have been going to Las Vegas my entire adult life. It’s a ridiculous place if you think about it but it sure is fun. I just got back myself and had a great time watching Evil Dead – The Musical (“Groovy”) and eating more buffets than should be allowed by law. I’ll be back next year!
Hey Ham!
It is totally absurd and lewd and crude and over the top but I love it so much! I wanted to see that show but missed it. The buffets kill my waisteline, and my liver also takes a beating there. Can’t wait to go back!
Ah Vegas – what an interesting place. I’ve been there many, many times and enjoyed its offerings on many occasions. It is not for the faint of heart, the weary or the righteous.
What a great excuse to go, too – work – right. Wink wink. I imagine you got a lot of “work” done while you were there.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Hey Patricia!
Vegas is like a bad drug habit that I can’t shake! I try to get my work done during the day and at night it’s debauchery time! Drop your inhibitions at the airplane gate and be ready to party!
Vegas baby. You better believe it Phil! We went there a few years ago and I was pretty careful as we were doing a family holiday trip around California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah and there was no way we were going to be in the sandy desert without passing through.
I booked a non-gambling, non-smoking apartment hotel as we had son in tow.
We did the sights, went to one of the family-friendly dinner and shows, and had lunch at Bellagio’s. Hubby and I even managed to get in a few gambling hours at Caesars Palace as we organised a child-minder. Our hotel was brilliant and even had an exclusive club on the top floor. Coupled with free snacks, cocktails, a jacuzzi, and two large screen TVs, we all had a brilliant time LOL!
Hey Victoria!
You really need to go back to this Adult Disneyland without the kids. It’s way different when you can really let loose. I still don’t think Vegas is a place for kids, but that is my opinion.
That being said, it sound like you had a great time and took advantage! Nice.
Love Vegas. In every life a little cheesy should fall.
The shows (saw Elton John and Billy Joel there), the food, the shopping, the booze, the gambling. So much fun, and Lake Mead is just gorgeous when you need a break.
Hey Karen!
Everyone should enjoy a little cheesy in life! Vegas is king! So many great shows and places to eat for sure. Plus – Gambling fun!
Not everything stays in Vegas. I have been to Vegas twice. Both times I was pregnant. (One time I didn’t know, but wanting to go to sleep at 10:00 in Vegas was a pretty good indicator.) I’m a little scared to go back.
Hey Mandi!
Just think, if you go back again you might come home with another kid! Ready to make that gamble?
Well, our Regular NY guys hit Vegas hardcore style, kicking ass & taking names no doubt! Showing them in Sin-City how NY boyz party!! I’ve always imagined Vegas as a Neon Florida minus the older people who can be replaced with hookers! (which I hear are legal!) I can only imagine with the booze in every store, (McDonald’s included lol) gambling, legalized prostitution & the best food imaginable, that for a man, it must be like he died & went to Heaven! So while your at the Pearly Gates, have a drink on me; (Inion) Eat some delicious meals & be sure to take pics for some food porn; win a ton of $$$ for us struggling artists to be jealous over!!! Then get your ass back to the Big Apple! Great post Phil as usual. 😉
Hey Inion/Mathair!
You pretty much described the craziness that is Vegas! Glad you liked my Vegas update! I have been here so many times and never get tired of the food, drinking, and gambling! Problem is, I never sleep when there. I’m worn out when I get home.
Vegas – she is a dirty whore that shows no mercy!
And Valley of Fire for when you want a break from the Strip. The discount ticket booths are every where. Look for them, people. OK, too lazy, and on my Verizon to dig, what is your job??
Hey Shelley!
Yes, been to the Valley too. Have bought show tickets from those booths. Why pay full price?
I work in the media industry – publishing and advertising. Go to shows there every year. Love it!
Vegas is fabulous! Probably the best place to party in the world:) And yes, I know it’s tacky, overpriced and over the top, but that’s what make it so awesome. Adults only, leave the kids at home (and if I ever have kids, I’m not sure, I’ll ever allow them to go (even when they’re over 21) Hope to visit Vegas later this year:)
Hey Mitzie!
Yes, Vegas is party city! The kitschiness and tackiness make it even more fun. Leave the kiddie at home for sure. I just don’t get why parents take their kids to Vegas, as there are so many other “family friendly” spots to take them. This is for adult debauchery!
Man, you are so kind! Yes, Vegas is fun… but you were fair in your criticism too. It can kinda suck. The fiance is from there, so I’ve spent a few too many weeks there and didn’t notice the cracks in the facade. But great vacation spot.
As a conventioner, how much free-time do you actually get? Hope you get to see the place.
Hey Jean!
Every city has its shiny glimmering outward appearance, and also it’s grimy dark underbelly. Vegas has a lot of both no denying that, but to me it’s one of the most fun cities to visit! I do the trade show during the day and at night I have time to enjoy the sights and sounds. Plus, I take clients out to dinners at nice places so it’s a double win!
I love Vegas. So much fun and excitement there and lots of adult titillation! I think they pump the casinos/hotels with concentrated oxygen. Who’s ever tired in Vegas?!
Hey Hazy!
I love Vegas too! If you notice there are no clocks in the casinos either. This way you lose track of time and stay up all night gambling. I have had a few all nighters there myself!
Hi Phil, how wonderful that you have visited Las Vegas… You Know wat they say:” what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, (sshhh)
Best wishes, Aquileana 😉
Hey Aquileana!
I have been there many times for biz and vacation. I love it!
What happens in Vegas for sure!
I visit Las Vegas at least once or twice a year, if not more.. It’s an amazing city that’s constantly changing, with a TON of cool things to do.
On my last trip out there, I gawked at hot girls (at Rehab), rode dune buggies in the desert, shot some assault rifles, ate until I could barely breath, and saw a bunch of shows (Absinthe, Carrot Top, etc). And that’s just the half of it!
If you haven’t been, now’s the time to go out and visit, before the temperatures creep into the 100s. 🙂
Hey CJ!
I also am there 2-3X a year on biz. Sometimes for a vacation. Love Vegas! It’s a fun city. Done a lot of those same things!
Been there in Jan and April when the weather is great, and in the 100 degree summer. Can’t wait to go back in June!