Vegas: The Easy Way
Vegas has two options. Go hard or go easy.
The most infamous town in the Mojave Desert attracts debauchery and decadence in every form. But did you know that some of the most surreal and natural landscapes are just fifty minutes from the strip?
It’s unanimously agreed that there are just so many ways to do Vegas. From Bachelorette party, to work conventions, or spa vacation; Las Vegas provides. Aside from the usual hoopla of gambling and nightlife, here is my perfect 3 day itinerary that will keep you out of trouble. No hangovers and no regrets!
Where to Stay:
I had a mountain room view at the Cosmopolitan which peaked my hiking interest while in town. The mountains are so close and the desert is strikingly serene. The balcony space is well worth the upgrade and you can enjoy the water fountain show from the comfort of your room, and the gorgeous mountain range.
As I was enjoying the fresh air from my balcony suite, I compiled a short list of outdoor adventures within an hour drive from the strip.
Hiking Trails:
From Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon to Lake Mead, here are some worthy trails that I’ve managed to check off my list each time I visit Las Vegas.
- Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
- Anniversary Narrows Trail
- Ice Box Canyon Trail
- Big Falls trail
- Cathedral Rock Trail
If you’re down for getting outside into nature, but aren’t exactly feeling long distance hikes into the heat of the day, then I hands down recommend driving through The Valley of Fire State Park.
1. Valley of Fire State Park
Soft red sand, carved out arches, petrified wood and ancient rock paintings are amongst the natural features abundant in this state park. Honestly it is my favorite Vegas attraction!
Just fifty miles from the Las Vegas strip, The Valley of Fire spans 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec Sandstone with antiquated markings dating back 2,000 years. The Basketmaker culture of the pre-Ancestral Puebloans once dwelled here, and remnants of their lives are still visible today with open archeological sites and artifacts in the visitor center.
Every angle of this park is truly breathtaking. The landscape changes dramatically once you enter the valley and there is an immediate sense of arriving on another planet. Behold! Planet Earth. Plan to spend a few hours here taking in the sights from the road and conquering a few of the smaller trails.
Most of the trails are short distance and easily walkable so it shouldn’t be too difficult convincing your friends to leave the strip for an afternoon hike. I promise, it’s worth it.
Entrance is $15 per vehicle and it is much less crowded during the week.
Here are my top five sights to see while in Valley of Fire State Park:
- Petroglyph Canyon Trail
- Pastel Canyon Trail
- Windstone Arch
- Atlatl Rock
- Mouse Tank Road
After returning from a day of adventuring, get a table reservation at someplace hearty. Carbohydrates in the form of pasta were calling my name.
Where to Eat:
1. Scarpetta
The Italian ritual of, “fare la scarpetta” describes a gesture that represents savoring all that is on the plate by mopping up the sauce with the table bread and indulging down to the very last bite. Mmm, oh yea!
Skip the calamari appetizer and enjoy the fresh breads brought to the table instead. Order the Beet Insalata and the Lamb Tagliatelle with Brussel Sprouts for a savory and fulfilling culinary experience.
2. “Secret Pizza”
Also located inside the Cosmopolitan without a name or signage, this pizza joint is supposedly “secret” and easily passable if you’re not looking for it. Take a left down the hallway just passed Scarpetta for late night slices and pies. I made my own with ricotta, garlic and sausage, and it defiantly hit the spot!
3. Craig’s Vegan Ice cream
The newest hotel and casino on the strip, Resorts World offers a night market style food court with dumplings, noodle dishes and Korean BBQ. The restaurants inside of Resorts World range from Mongolian, Chinese, Latina and Japanese cuisine. For a sweet tooth carving, visit Craigs Vegan Ice Cream on the ground floor of the shopping area offering cashew based ice creams. And yes, dumplings and ice cream do go together!
4. Sushi Roku
For Sushi I recommend Roku which is located inside Caesars Palace amongst the Athenian ladies, a historical replica of the temple of Athena. Sushi Roku is a contemporary Japanese dining restaurant offering some of the best sushi in town. Where else can you have a little bit of Greece with Japan?? Vegas Baby.
Order the Wagyu Beef Gyoza, Blue Fin Tuna Sashimi and the White Lotus Roll for a fresh and savory dining experience.
Spa:
1. Sahra Hammam & Spa
After sleeping in, compliments of black-out curtains and extra pillows, I made my way downstairs to the Spa. Wavy Sandstone walls and beaded water curtain chandeliers line the entrance to Sahra Hammam & Spa. Earthy and cave-like, the Spa at the Cosmopolitan feels like sacred ground beneath the chaos.
Arrive early before your massage to relax in the tea lounge and utilize the wet spa features; sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cool mist showers. I received an 80 minute Lomi Lomi Massage with aromatherapy which combined the perfect amount of pressure and technique.
Activities:
1. Freemont Street
Where else can you see a Stevie Nicks cover band amongst a 3D virtual Star Trek odyssey? The Freemont Street experience in downtown Las Vegas has an offbeat party vibe that it reminiscent of Bangla Road (Phuket Thailand) meets French Quarter (New Orleans). Home to the world’s largest digital display, the Viva Vision Light Shows are free and occur nightly.
I purchased roses made out of stripped palm branches from a street artisan before heading to the D Hotel & Casino for some Lord of the Rings slot machines.
Park in the Garage Mahal to get the party started and enter through Circa Casino before walking Freemont Street. Don’t miss The Vegas Vickie’s Lounge inside the Circa Casino for comfy velvet chairs and unique bourbon cocktails with views of the iconic neon cowgirl.
2. The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum has iconic vintage Vegas signs from a bygone era. Both impressive during the day and at night, strolling through the neon graveyard is definitely worth it for great photos.
3. Tea Room at the Waldorf
The Tea Room at the Waldorf is elegant and grand, perfect for a ladies lunch. Sitting on the 23rd floor, enjoy some of the world’s finest teas, champagne and scones.
Go the easy route, no regrets..
There a plenty of things to do that don’t involve loosing your money and nursing hangovers in Las Vegas. This is why I feel that I can return to Vegas, again and again. Moderately of course!
Viva Las Vegas!
