Las Vegas 2008

The first time I visited Las Vegas was just after New Years' 2002. My main reason for going was not to gamble; it was to see Cher at the MGM Grand on her Farewell Tour. I find myself once again heading to Vegas in May 2008 to see Cher's concert stage return this time at the Caesar's Palace Colluseum. Since I will be spending 3 days 4 nights there I wanted to check and see what else was happening about town. What I found as astonishing. Within that short period of time, I printed out 149 pages of shows, tours and exhibits to see - and that's just in downtown Vegas alone. New York City may be dubbed as the city that never sleeps but Vegas never rests and is breathing down N.Y.'s throat as one of the most exciting cities in the U.S. There can be no doubt however that Vegas is the one and only original gambling town. Stepping off the plane at the airport, the first thing you see in the terminal is not a vending machine but rather a slot machine. They're everywhere. In convenience stores on the local street corner, gas stations, every place you look. That's just one of Vegas' major appeals. Then there are the world class casinos and stage shows. Another great note for me anyway, TV's number one show "C.S.I. - Crime Scene Investigation," is based on Sin City. Occasionally there is actual filming that goes on so watch out for the yellow and black crime scene tape.

Not all the shows in Vegas are high priced. The same can be said for the hotels. Of course if you plan on staying on the Vegas strip, you will be paying a higher price for luxury and convenience of location. If you don't mind driving a couple of miles there are plenty of hotels off the strip that are more affordable. Among the hotels on the Vegas strip are some of the most elegant and luxurious you will find not only in the U.S. but the world. I'm only going to highlight the top three most recognizable and popular resorts. Caesars Palace celebrates the greatness of Rome on an 85 acre spread that is breathtaking, and that's just the hotel itself. The hotel hosts 3348 rooms within its five towers - Roman, Forum, Centurion, Palace and Augustus. The casino itself seems to stretch for miles and the entertainment line-up in the Colosseum boasts the most popular artists of the past 4 decades. The revolving artist roster includes Elton John, Bette Midler and now the newly signed Cher. As an added incentive are the nightclubs Pure and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge. For those looking to get some sun there are four Roman-style pools and two Jacuzzis. During the summer and springs months the hotel features Venus Pool Club. There is also a health club, spa, more than 160 shops and restaurants, convention rooms and a wedding chapel. After all as they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

The Bellagio in itself is a wonder to see. The fountains in front are the welcome mat for all visitors. The nightly water show is one of the most popular attractions on the strip. Better yet, this is one of those free shows. It is also the only North American resort to host two Five-Diamond award-winning restaurants: Picasso and Le Cirque. Spa Bellagio includes 65,000 square feet of pure indulgence. Cirque Du Soleil's "O" is another highlight in regards to the shows that available to see. Included also at this resort: Health club, five pools and four Jacuzzis in a Mediterranean-style setting. The nightclubs include The Bank and Caramel. Ten Specialty shops are located in Via Bellagio within the hotel. There is also Regali, Giardini, Querlain, d.Fine, Chihuly, Tesorini, Judith Lieber, Cirque du Soleil, Tutto, and Essentials. There are also convention rooms and a wedding chapel. After all, what's a Vegas resort without a wedding chapel?

The MGM Grand is a true icon of Las Vegas. It is a city within a city located at the south end of the strip. Its mighty 45-foot-tall, 100,000 pound bronze lion is perched on a 25-foot pedestal as it surveys its territory. The largest bronze statue in the U.S. the lion is surrounded by a landscape of water fountains lush greens and LED screens. There are 5,000 rooms in four 30-story towers. Included in the amenities in the resort are world class top shows, nightclub Studio 54 and the ultra chic lounge, Tabu, the 1,000 foot long river at the 27,000 square-foot pool complex, gourmet restaurants include Emeril's New Orleans Fish House and Wolfgang Pucks Bar & Grill, among others. Plus and a real live lion habitat. The casino is a whopping 171,500-square-foot. Every game you can think of is included as well as race and sports book. For those television buffs there is also CBS Television City Research Center, and for those looking to say, "I do." The Forever Grand Wedding Chapel.

You may also want to check out these other top rate resorts: The Excalibur, Hard Rock Hotel Casino, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York New York (with its own Statue Of Liberty and rollercoaster that will surely take your breath away, literally) The Palms (located just off the strip) Paris Las Vegas, complete with its own Eiffel Tower, Planet Hollywood, Stratosphere (the tallest tower on the strip - it also boasts a revolving restaurant and killer roller coaster) The Venetian, complete with gondola rides, and the Wynn Las Vegas. There are no less than 100 hotels and resorts located in the Vegas area. You can check Lasvegas.com for a full listing, availability, packages, and shows, everything you need to know about Vegas. Also, each resort has its own web site so you can get a closer more personal look.

The variety of shows in Vegas is second to none. There is truly something for everyone whether you're eight or eighty. Since there are so many shows to see I'm just going to spotlight a few that may peak your interest. The nationally acclaimed and controversial "Bodies...The Exhibition," can be experienced inside the Tropicana Hotel and Casino for a fee. If the attraction never made it to your town this is one stop on your Vegas trail you don't want to miss. For those who would love to experience the night air the "Fountains at Bellagio Review," take place every night running on the half hour beginning at 3:00 P.M. until midnight. To get the full spectacular effect seeing the show in the evening is preferred. Just off the strip is the "Freemont Street Experience." It is located in downtown Las Vegas. Free live entertainment, party atmosphere and the Viva Vision canopy and light show is really quite the crowd pleaser. Imagine canopy towers 90 feet above the ground and spans the length of five football fields. Mix in a 555,000-watt sound system more than 12 million LED modules and you've got a Northern lights effect in the middle of the desert.

The MGM Grand Lion Habitat, located directly inside the casino itself allows tourists and locals the opportunity to see the wild beasts up close and personal. Keep in mind that there are particular hours of operation for this exhibit. The lions have to sleep sometime. Along the same line is the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. The facility was originally opened in 1990 by famed magicians Siegfried & Roy. Paris Las Vegas hosts one of the ultimate romantic experiences with The Eiffel Tower. If you want to catch a glimpse of Vegas like no other the tower stands 50 stories high. The observation deck stands at 460 feet allowing patrons to view the entire valley. Another extremely romantic setting is undoubtedly the Gondola Ride at the Venetian Resort and Casino. Indoor gondolas make their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes and cafes located inside the hotel. Outdoor rides wind through the streets of Italy with spectacular views and sparkling cool calm waters. If you're not afraid of heights (which I am, thanks for asking) the Stratosphere Tower erupts into the sky with an astounding 1,141-foot-tall needle into the clouds. The outdoor observation deck rests a mere 869 feet high with a 360-view of the city. It is the tallest deck of its kind in the country.

If you're intrigued by celebrities, and who isn't, you have to visit Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction. I had a great time in the exhibit. Located inside the Venetian Hotel and Casino you will get a chance to see your favorite famous people up close and personal. Well, maybe not but it's a lot of fun. You can take photos with the likes of Elvis, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few. There is also a fee for this exhibit but it's worth it. Come back home from Vegas with photos taken with your favorite stars. You'll be the talk of the neighborhood for months. They're that lifelike.

There is a show for every taste in Vegas. Whether you're into comedy, karaoke, musical theater, Cirque du Soleil, tribute shows or popular music you're bound to find something worthwhile and interesting to see. Some of the most popular shows are: The Blue Man Group whom appears at the Venetian. It is certain you won't see another group or show like this one. The Cirque du Soleil shows appear at various resorts: Zumanity, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil (New York New York Hotel and Casino). This is one show that is not for everyone. It has an adult theme and takes a bold look at human sexuality. So if you're expecting a family friendly show this is not the one for you. Mystere Cirque du Soleil (Treasure Island) is a celebration of life. Its carnival atmosphere, complete with clowns whom interact with the audience add to the fun of the evening. Every dynamic of acrobatic skill is represented. Cirque's latest endeavor and possibly most anticipated is Love (The Beatles) at the Mirage. If you're a mop top fan (of which I am) this is the MUST SEE show on the strip. Set to the wondrous music of The Beatles, remastered by Sir George Martin himself, the multi level staging, costumes and thunderous sound system will take any music lover to another level. No one has ever done it as well as The Beatles. Cirque captured their magic perfectly. KA Cirque du Soleil (MGM Grand) is a 90-minute extravaganza that tells the story of two Imperial Twins (a female and male) who become separated during a siege of their Far Eastern palace. The technology of the show is amazement in itself. Floating stages that appear and disappear, morph into a beach, a mountain, a battleground or a palace, it is a spectacle for the eyes. O Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio) combines the elements of air, water and fire. 85 acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers perform above and in a 1.5 million gallon pool.

The more adult themed shows appeal not only to men but women as well. For the ladies there is The Chippendales show (Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino). Thunder from Down Under (Excalibur) consists of the hottest men from the land down under (Australia). American Storm is a new hot male revue playing at the Stratosphere. For the gentleman traveler there is a wide variety of shows filled with beautiful Vegas showgirls. Fantasy (Luxor) is a topless revue that's just a whole lot of fun. X Burlesque (Flamingo) is just what the name implies. Sexy choreography, interesting props and six beautiful women make one unforgettable charged show. And who could forget the wonder of the 'Drag' shows. Las Vegas has two of the best in the country. An Evening At La Cage (Riveria) has been playing for 22 years. It is the classic La Cage show filled with sparkle, sequins and jewels. Lucky Cheng's Drag Cabaret (Planet Hollywood) is all camp. Bring your sense of humor to this show and leave your inhibitions at the door.

The Great White Way better known as Broadway has also touched down and resides in Vegas. Monty Python's Spamalot (originally starring the multi-talented Tim Curry) is an exceptionally funny show. Only Python could pull this one off. You'll be laughing from start to finish (Wynn Las Vegas). Mamma Mia! (Mandalay Bay) showcases the music and good feeling of the pop group Abba. This is a high-energy performance filled with wonderful dance numbers and the songs you remember and love. Admit it, you sing to these songs in your car when they play on the radio.

For those travelers looking for laughs (especially if you've gambled away and lost your cash) there are some great comedy acts not to be missed. Penn & Teller (Rio) are one of the most popular headliners on the strip. Combining magic and comedy this is a win win across the board. Roseanne Barr: Domestic Goddess Live (Sahara) brings back to the live comedy stage one of the greatest comedians of our generation. Brass, broad and completely honest, Roseanne has always told it the way it is. Her headlining show is exactly that and more. Carrot Top (Luxor), Louie Anderson: Larger than Life (Excalibur) are as different as night and day, both hysterically funny however. There is also the comedy troupe Second City (Flamingo), the Improv (Harrah's), LA Comedy Club (Palace Station) and Rita Rudner (Harrah's).

Of course Vegas wouldn't be Vegas without some of the biggest musical acts in the world. Joining Cher on the strip are such notable legends as Elton John, Bette Midler (all three rotate at Caesars Palace throughout the year), R&B superstar Toni Braxton (Flamingo), legendary Tom Jones (MGM Grand) and Barry Manilow in Manilow: Music And Passion (Las Vegas Hilton). Check out LasVegas.com or the various resorts for show schedules.

Finally are the tribute shows. They're almost as good (maybe even sometimes better) than seeing the real thing. If you're into pop there is the Purple Reign show (Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino) a tribute to the one and only Prince. A Neil Diamond Tribute Starring Jay White (Riviera) makes an evening unforgettable. Bring on the sing-along Sweet Caroline. It is one of the few tribute shows actually endorsed by Neil Diamond himself. Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was... (Riviera) Streisand and Sinatra take the stage together only here for one amazing show. The king of Las Vegas is remembered in A Musical Tribute To Liberace With Wes Winters (Liberace Museum - this is another attraction that has to be seen), The Four Lads From Liverpool - The Beatles (Four Queens), and The Rat Pack Is Back (Plaza).

As you can read there is so much more to do in Vegas besides gambling. For the outside adventurer there are also helicopter rides and tours of Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. I've only touched on a fraction of events and shows going on the four days I'm going to be in Vegas in May. It's hard to believe so much can be going on within a single stretch of road better known as the Vegas strip. No matter how you slice it, it's going to be blast.