West Coast Virgins - Day 6 - Las Vegas

[georgemac]

17th March 2015 – Las Vegas, Shopping, Sightseeing and Zarkana

Estimated Distance Driven Today 15 Miles
Estimated Distance Driven On Trip 830 Miles

Our first full day in Vegas. We were awake earlier than expected, just after 6, both having been awake for a while earlier in the night. Anyway caught up with news, emails etc, and then down to Starbucks, and concierge to book tickets for Zarkana tonight, buy 1 full price and get second for $30, $205 for 2 stalls tickets.
Picked up car fron valet, tipped $5.
We then headed off to the south premium outlets, driving down the strip. Noticed the fuel was cheaper here than in California, 2.90 compared to 3.50 and $20 filled the car.
We got some nice things in Tommy Hilfiger, mainly for our grandson, couple of things including toys from Disney store, and couple more things from Ralph Lauren, but found the rest disappointing in terms of choice and price in comparison to Florida. My wife especially thought this in Michael Kors as she searched for bags for her and a friend.
We then looked for Saks off 5th, but it said moved 1 mile North so we drove up to the other shopping area. Saks was also poor in comparison with Florida, but my wife picked up a couple of baby things. We also went into a large health food store, mainly for milk for our tea and coffee, but picked up some fruit, beer and water too for the large Vdara fridge.
Headed back to hotel and dropped off our shopping and headed over to Aria for the lunch buffet at 2 pm. Had to wait in line around 15 mins, buffet was fine, similar to Florida, but nothing to write home about, but good value at $52 for two, including soft drinks and coffee. I tipped 15%. One server accidentally spilled our soft drink, and never brought a replacement until we asked, and another was grumpy when my wife asked for milk for her tea. I forgot about the area where they cooked any pasta dish you requested – but there was tons of choice.
We then headed out, and watched the Bellagio fountains. The seat man from yesterday was not there, but his seat was, all covered up.
We then headed over to Caesars Palace, and I can only say wow, very impressive. Their casino was also the busiest we had seen. We never got round all the shops, but my wife was in Michael Kors again looking at bags, and one she had been looking at in outlet, but the latest style of the same bag was same price as outlet. An assistant also told us the conceirge token book gave 20% discount. Concierge was too busy to ask, but Internet search showed voucher that could be exchanged. I could not print it but put it on my phone, it was from the Vegas Locals website but could be used by tourists. Think we will be back to Caesars as Cheesecake Factory is there.
Back to hotel just before 5.30 and 1 HR to freshen up and change for Zarkana. Left hotel at 6.30 and walked over to Aria.
I never thought I'd enjoy cirque de soleil, but we both loved it, and my heart was in my mouth a few times. Some of the show we had seen very similar things on Britain’s got talent, but it was great. Was also a charity show, all proceeds going to One Drop. Really really enjoyed it.

We then walked through Monte Carlo, and then NYNY, where fair party ongoing for St Patrick's day, with live band outside who were good.

Headed back to hotel around 10 after a busy day.

[georgemac]

Photobucket links removed - will try and update later

[Pussycat Doll]

Sounds like a great day, shame your wife didn't find a bag. Pussycat

[abiknox]

Great day again! I would love to see all the Cirque shows, we did Ka this time & it was amazing.

[Cloverlady]

Another busy day.
You sound like you know your way round Vegas - have to say, I don't know where to even START thinking about being there. It seems so confusing and, jus,t big.
Much more research required!

Buffet sounded good, I'm sure our 2 teens will want at least one buffet whilst we are there

[georgemac]

First time in Vegas - did not know my way around at all! I did a very minor amount of research about Vegas.

The buffet is extremely good value - not sure we picked the best one.