Guide to a Sober Las Vegas Vacation

During the cold February months when there was little to look forward to other than layers of long johns and bad traffic, Dale and I planned a little get away. Dale's graduation, and our First Anniversary gave a good excuse for us to have our first trip "just because we wanted to," and we planned and dreamed for months for our trip to Vegas!

Dale and I asked our good friends and neighbors, the Nowlings, to go with us, and booked rooms at the Sahara Hotel. Now, whenever I told people I was going to Las Vegas for the weekend, they gave me this look--like a disappointed (but lenient) parent, or a mischievous "I know what you're up to" teenager--and I was completely shocked each time they responded that way. Yes, there are plenty of intensely stupid things to do in that town, but there is more to do in a beautiful city than engage in illicit activities. In defense of that statement, I have assembled this itinerary and picture story of the clean--and mostly free--fun we had, and invite any others to do the same!

(Note: all * marked activities were FREE!!)

Roller Coasters at NYNY

M&M World *

MGM Lion Habitat *

Mandalay Bay Shark Reef and Aquarium

Cheesecake Factory

Landscape Art Galleries *

Bellagio Fountains *

Shopping at Caesar's Palace *

Performances at the top of the Circus Circus Tent *

A stop at the Picture Booth to collect a row of silly faces

Travel to the top of the Eiffel Tower replica (50% size) in Paris, Las Vegas

      --An example of the view from up top

Peruse the Bellagio Gardens *

Walk through the Venetian shops and outdoor fountains *

Hang out by the pool in the good weather *

A Las Vegas buffet at Texas Station

Walk through Downtown Las Vegas at Freemont Street *(getting a little bit of spirit from the local Gay Rights Demonstration)

 --Notice the show on the world's largest Movie Screen (very appropriately playing Queen in honor of the ensuing demonstration.)

Explore the Stratosphere* (we decided against going on the roller coasters on top because two of our party claimed a fear of heights)

Parouse the Luxor and take pictures next to the weird statues in front *

Watch the Mirage Volcano erupt *

And then go home.  Don't spend more than 3 days there if you don't have family in town.