LAS VEGAS/ANTELOPE CANYON

OVERVIEW

• When: 13 June – 16 June, 2024
• Where (accommodations): Wynn Las Vegas
• Transportation: JetBlue flight from Boston (BOS) to Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
• Sights/attractions: Lower Antelope Canyon tour (booked through Viator, Jupiter Legend Corporation), Neon Museum, Adele Residency at the Colosseum, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, The Vegas Strip (The Venetian, Paris Las Vegas, Bellagio Fountain show), The Mob Museum
• Food/drinks: NoMad Library Restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi, Sadelle’s (Bellagio), The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery Delilah (Wynn)

Both Sean and I have been to Las Vegas on separate occasions many years ago. My trip was back in 2002, when I traveled across the USA with one of my best friends and the Lithuanian (ex)boyfriend. The three of us worked long summer hours at the hotel in Hampton Beach, NH and, before going back to Lithuania, we wanted to explore America. Visas were hard to come by, we did not know if we’ll ever return to the USA, so we wanted to cover as much ground as possible. Once the owner of the hotel heard our plan, he was slightly shocked. We did not have much driving experience and were still very new to this country. So Jeff (that was the owner’s name) came with us! Not only did he travel together, he actually drove us for the entire three weeks. Now that I think about it, it was a crazy adventure! Las Vegas was one of the many stops we made while driving coast to coast and it was very different back then.

Sean was in Vegas in 2012, so a bit more recent, but still over a decade ago.

“Sin City” was not the place I ever cared to go back to to be completely honest. I remembered it being kind of trashy, and associated it with drunk bachelorette parties and gambling. Well, here I am to tell you that it’s not JUST that (although that part I am sure still exists).

Our “grown up” version of Vegas involves a day trip to Antelope Canyon, two museums, a few great restaurants and the most important – Adele’s performance at the Cesar’s Palace! When Sean had a chance to get the tickets for my birthday we initially hesitated. They were expensive and we did not plan to travel anywhere in June. But Adele’s Residency in Las Vegas ends this year (in fact we went to her last show before October), so to miss out on the opportunity to see such an amazing singer would be a lifelong regret. Tickets were sold out in minutes and we could barely believe we were part of the lucky ones. We are going to Vegas, Baby!

WYNN LAS VEGAS

There are countless accommodation options in Vegas. It fact, it was hard to decide where to stay for the three nights that we were there (we arrived Thursday evening and left Sunday late at night, red-eye flight back to Boson on Monday morning).

A lot of the hotels are on The Vegas Strip, but we preferred to be in a bit quieter area. Wynn Las Vegas had great reviews, so that’s what we picked. Apart from being on the pricier side, we were overall happy with our stay.

Large, comfortable room, bathtub, view of the Treasure Island and a ginormous pool. Tons of shops and several restaurants. Of course there is a casino and a beautiful, esthetically eye pleasing atmosphere. You could certainly arrive to Vegas, never leave this place and still be happy. Oh, and their spa is claimed to be one of the best too, but we did not get to try it. Massages were nearly $300+ each without a tip, and we chose to spend our money exploring instead.

We definitely found time to enjoy the pool though. With over 100F temperatures, a hotel with a nice place to cool off is certainly a MUST.

If I had one suggestion- the pool should open earlier than 9am. By this time the sun is already scorching hot, but the rules were strict- nobody was allowed into the pool area until exactly 9.00. It was actually a line of people waiting for the door to open and then a fast pace race towards the shaded seats began. The only chairs with actual umbrellas were paid ones ($100pp during the weekends), so the goal was to pick a seat that’s somewhat protected from the sun under the trees. We got lucky both days and neither of us returned with a sunburn.

LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON

This canyon has been on my bucket list for quite some time, but getting to Page, Arizona is not an easy trek from Boston. When I was searching for things to do in Vegas for our upcoming weekend, Viator daytrip came up- Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with a pick up from the hotel! Since we did not rent a car, nor did we wish to drive for 5 hours, booking an excursion seemed like the way to go.

We landed around 9pm on a Thursday, Adele’s concert was Saturday evening, so the only full day for excursion was the morning after our arrival-Friday. I suppose being jet lagged and still waking up on East Coast time, 5.20am start of the day was not so bad. The driver picked us up at 6am and after a short ride dropped us off at a meeting point, where we waited for the big bus that will transport us to see the natural beauty. We had a group of around 30 people and various ages- from kids to an 85 yr old grandma (yes, she did the canyon walk in 100F degree day!). The bus stopped a couple of times for a quick bathroom break and by noon we reached Navajo Nation. I have to say, the ride of 5 hours did not seem that long. Scenery across the three states that we crossed (Nevada, Utah and Arizona) was spectacular, and the guide (Jimmy Vegas) had many interesting facts and stories, which made the time go by faster.

We were lucky to get the seats at the front of the bus, so we chatted with Jimmy pretty much the whole time.

There are many tour companies that do tours to the Antelope Canyon. Also, there is an Upper and a Lower canyon, so before booking the trip, check to make sure that you are booking the desired one. We did not really care which part to see, because the views are similar. The famous light beams are only visible in the Upper canyon, but that also depends on the exact time of the day. Upper canyon is easier mobility wise- it’s a completely flat walk. It also tends to be more crowded. Lower Antelope canyon involves steep stairs, but apart from that it’s still not a challenging hike. 85 yr old frail grandma managed to do it, so that says a lot.

The canyon is on the Navajo land and strict rules apply while visiting. A local guide is mandatory and the time slots are enforced. Jimmy Vegas was quite stressed when people were not returning to the bus from the bathroom breaks fast enough. He told us that if we don’t get to the check-in point by our designated noon time, our group will not be able to enter the canyon. I don’t know if that is 100% true, but I am glad we got there a bit before, had lunch (provided by the tour company) and were able to see the long awaited magic.

From the parking lot to the entrance there is a bit of a walk- maybe 10-15 min- flat ground, but it was super hot and sunny. That’s where the little grandma struggled the most. She was walking super slow and the group had to wait for her. Eventually the guide called a buggy and they drove her all the way to the entrance to the canyon. We truly did not believe she would be able to do the stairs, but lo and behold, she managed the whole walk! Group was split into two, so we weren’t crowded and could take better pictures.

We had just about 1 hour inside. In a way it was a bit rushed. We were told to keep moving along, stay with the group, while at the same time trying to take it in and capture photos. Some rock formations were very cool, like the the Native American Chief head (above). The guide pointed at some, the rest you could use your own imagination. Another group was coming up on our heels, so even though spaced out, it was not a leisurely walk with stopping as much as you want.

We wished it was a bit slower paced/more time to take it all it, but all in all, it was an incredible experience. A 100% worth the 5 hour drive to see it.

As part of the tour (and because it’s near by) we were suppose to stop by the Horseshoe Bend. However, there was an active police investigation happening and the site was closed…Apparently someone drove a car past the vehicle barrier and abandoned it near the guardrail. We still drove to the entrance, but the park rangers turned us away, so we were unable to see the famous site. Tour company came up with the Plan B and stopped near the Glen River Dam overlook. It was OK, not life changing view, but that was close enough, so instead of just driving back to Las Vegas, we at least saw one more spot.

It was VERY hot and the bus left us here for 30 min to get gas. There was no need to spend half an hour for this view, so that was not very comfortable. There was another suggestion on possibly making a stop near Lake Powell, but we were ready to get back. Dry heat is easier to manage, but 107F was a bit much even for me (someone who loves heat)! We made it back to Las Vegas by 8.30pm, just in time to clean up and have dinner. A long but very rewarding day!

VEGAS MUSEUMS

It seems like Vegas and museums would be an oxymoron- who goes to the museum in a party city?! Well, ladies and gents- we do. And so should you!

THE NEON MUSEUM

I’ve heard great reviews about this place and really wanted to check it out. It’s open until midnight and there are daytime and evening admissions. We’ve not been during the day, actually we went at 11pm on Friday- after the full day excursion and dinner. Luckily the place is very well lit up and we did not get sleepy 🙂 .

I think evening (and the later, the better) is much more impressive than what it would be during the day. It’s essentially a graveyard of the famous Las Vegas neon signs, so seeing them lit up was very cool. I don’t think during the day it would be the same effect. Also, at 11pm the place was empty, so we had it all to ourselves!

It does not take long to see it all, so if you have a spare 30 min to 1 hour in Vegas, check this place out!

THE MOB MUSEUM

We did not know about this museum until the tour guide Jimmy mentioned it to us. We left our last day – Sunday- open with no set plans. After enjoying the pool and getting a late check out we decided that we’ve had enough sun, so we went for lunch and then took an Uber to The Mob Museum. I had no idea what to expect, but it surprised us both in the best way possible. Located in the 1930s restored former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, this three floor museum is immersive, interactive and very informative.

You start from the top floor and walk your way down. Definitely need time, easily could spend 2+hours to fully go through it.

It covers the history from the start of the Mob in the USA until current day’s well known criminals. There are artifacts from prisons as well as from the movie industry (car and the hazmat suit from Breaking Bad). We really enjoyed it and I’d recommend anyone visiting Vegas to explore this super detailed museum. Before we left there was one more floor to check out- all the way down, basement level – The Underground speakeasy. Making the classic drinks that were popular during Prohibition era (with a modern twist), the bar also has jazz nights and a list of cocktails with the moonshine made in their own distillery !

Now this is Vegas I did not know existed!

ADELE AT THE COLOSSEUM

The main reason why we are in Las Vegas- to see and hear Adele! For full disclosure, Sean is a bigger fan. He has multiple songs in his playlist, while I know just the most famous ones. Regardless of how big of a fan you are- Adele put on an INCREDIBLE show at the Cesar’s Palace. The venue is fairly small – only 4100 seats and we were at the third floor balcony, but the sound, her voice and all the effects were spectacular.

There was water, there was fire, Adele was funny, emotional, great at interacting with the audience.

It was absolutely incredible performance, worth every dollar we spent to see her!

We walked around Vegas after- Cesar’s Palace, The Venetian and all the way back to our hotel, still re-living the moments. What a magical night!

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

The amount of restaurants and entertainment that Vegas has to offer is beyond overwhelming. I scoured the internet and Facebook groups for suggestions on the best places to eat and even there it was too many options. With only a few days it was very hard to decide, but eventually we made some choices.

Friday evening, after our full day excursion we chose to have dinner at the NoMad Library Restaurant. I love beautiful libraries, so to have a nice meal surrounded by books seemed perfect. We quickly washed off the canyon sand and made it to a late dinner.

It was not very busy, we got a nice table overlooking the whole restaurant and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Pro tip- their whole chicken (for 2) is normally served with saffron rice. We asked to change the rice to cheesy mashed potatoes and it was delightful! It is a lot of food, we could not finish the main meal, but of course had space left for dessert. Crème brûlée with cookies and ice cream hit the spot.

After this dinner we explored Neon Museum and finally, awake for 20 hours by now, took a quick Uber to Fairmont Street. This is where the wild, old times Vegas is at! Pedestrian only street, lots of shiny screens, live music on several different stages, and even the zip line above it all!

Very busy, lots of bars and not always classy visitors, but super fun even for a short walk through. We were beyond tired from a long day at this point, so it was a quick visit, but it was a new experience for me and I am glad we had the energy to check it out.

On Saturday we lounged by the pool until late afternoon, so our breakfast was from the Caffé Al Teatro right at the Wynn resort. Lunch was by the pool and also was very good, though quite pricey.

A much needed half-day of rest, so convenience won this time.

We dressed to impress – (we are going to see Adele!) and enjoyed the drive to Bellagio. Even a fake Eiffel tower somehow looked charming this time.

Before Adele’s show we decided to stop by the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and have dinner across the street at Mon Ami Gabi– French food restaurant with the view of the Bellagio fountains.

Conservatory was very busy, but it’s beautiful. It’s pretty small area, we walked though in about 15-20 min max.

Mon Ami Gabi food was good and the view of the fountains across the street was a nice backdrop. Of course it’s not right near by, you still see and hear the traffic, but it was a very convenient location. It’s a short walk to the Cesar’s Palace, so great if you are seeing a show there. Our server was a bit snooty and had an attitude, but the food and location made up for that.

On Sunday for brunch we went back to Bellagio, Sadelle’s restaurant. They did not have any availability online and when we called a few days prior the only open option was at 8am. We decided to try the walk-in and had no issue getting a table at around 2pm. The walk- in line was about 10 min and we got seated right after.

The food was good, nothing spectacular- egg Benedict and an omelette – that’s what we had and it was satisfying, but not anything creative. Good espresso martini (ask to not put simple syrup it in, eww, why would that ever be added?!) and beautiful surroundings.

For our last dinner before the overnight flight home we went back to our hotel and enjoyed Delilah. 1950s inspired decor, live music/singing, excellent food and drinks. Absolutely perfect last meal in Vegas!

Must try is their truffle mac n cheese!

If you are staying in Wynn, make sure to stop by their Parasol Bar and check out the little show that happens from 8.30pm until 1am every half an hour. There is a terrace on the second floor overlooking the waterfall and when the show is happening, this waterfall transforms into a pretty background. We saw two different shows, they are about 3-4 min long and are quite entertaining.

CONCLUSION

What a fun, exciting, well rounded mini trip! In three days we managed to explore nature, see one of the most talented singers, learn some history, eat delicious food, and even relax by the pool. Oh, and Sean won $60 playing Black Jack, so we came out on top 🙂 ! Second time Vegas surprised me in the best way possible. So much so, that I would not mind going back again for another show and another nature trip. There are many National Parks around (Zion being one of them that I still yet to visit), so maybe we will not wait another 22 years to come back!

Same same, but different : ) . Viva las Vegas!