10 Money-Saving Meal Strategies for Vegas
For the budget Vegas vacationers, here are some strategies for eating well in Las Vegas without breaking the bank.
Solo Dining
Many people feel awkward eating alone in their home towns, and it’s no different for solo travelers. They’re afraid they’ll feel conspicuous, that people will stare at them with pity, or that waitstaff will treat them shabbily. If you think you might be uncomfortable eating alone, try these tips.
Seeing the Grand Canyon by Helicopter
If you’re looking for a day trip from Las Vegas, one of the most popular is to the Grand Canyon. The most fun way of getting there? By helicopter.
I’ll never forget my first trip to Las Vegas. When I walked off the ramp into the airport and heard the musical, electronic sound of slot machines, a huge smile crept over my face. I’d never been greeted with that sound at an airport before. Walking through the airport from my gate to baggage claim, I passed clusters of slot machines here and there and found myself in awe. This has to be the most fun airport ever! I thought. I’ve pretty much had that same reaction every trip since. There’s nothing that says “Welcome to Las Vegas” quite like the sight and sound of slot machines.
McCarran International Airport
I’m usually in too much of a hurry to get to my hotel when I land to think about lingering in the airport to play them, but on my trip home, it’s a whole other story. I mean, really, picture your typical airport experience. You get to the airport early, as is recommended, and by some miracle, you zip through security quickly. You still have an hour and 45 minutes until your flight. Now what? Read the book you brought with you? But if you read it now, what will you read on the plane?
So you wander through your terminal—slowly—in and out of each shop that’s trying to sell you last-minute souvenirs, snacks, books and magazines. That takes about 15 minutes. Now what? Maybe grab a meal at one of the restaurants, assuming you haven’t already eaten. But at McCarran International Airport, you can extend your Vegas vacation right up until the minute you board your plane by playing the slot machines.
I’ll bet you have some questions about gambling at the airport. I know I did. So let’s tackle the big ones, shall we?
Posted in Recreation Transportation by .
Jan 12
29
Dueling Piano Fun in Las Vegas
I love dueling piano bars. They’re a fun entertainment option for everyone, from groups of friends to couples to solos. It’s less expensive than a show (especially the $100+ A list shows) and can be way cheaper than spending the night gambling (and losing). It’s also a way for solo travelers to socialize and become part of a fun-loving group for a little while. I have had many a good time at dueling piano bars during my travels, including Las Vegas. Here’s how you, too, can have some dueling piano fun during your trip to Las Vegas.
Dueling pianists
What to look for in good dueling pianists
- Musical talent, obviously.
- Teams who play well off each other.
- A sense of humor.
- Teams who know how to engage the audience in a fun way, without insulting anyone’s taste in music or being too offensive. (I’ve seen this line crossed once or twice.)
- Those who aren’t too pushy for tips. There’s a difference between occasionally reminding people that tips are appreciated and being pushy about it. People are out to have a good time, they don’t want to feel like they’re being mugged every few minutes.
Posted in Shows by .
Jan 12
22
Japonais: Disappointment or Delight?
Not being much of a fan of Japanese cuisine, it took me until Restaurant Week 2011 to actually try Japonais at the Mirage. Their Restaurant Week menu had an entree of braised short ribs with pureed sweet potato that was calling my name. On this night, I showed up around 7pm (without a reservation) and was offered a seat in either the dining room or the lounge. I chose the lounge, which sounded more casual. Little did I realize how casual.
Photo Courtesy of MGM MIRAGE
I was shown to my seat: a couch in one of those cozy little seating areas meant for groups of friends. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten dinner on a couch in a public place before. I sat down and felt completely swallowed up by the couch. I couldn’t quite figure out how to look like I was comfortable sitting there having dinner by myself. I felt a little too exposed–as if I’d been expecting a group of friends and they all stood me up. Also, it was very dark in there. We all know how I feel about dark restaurants. Grr.
Posted in Restaurants by .
There are many reasons to travel to Las Vegas–the superb weather, the fine dining, the variety of Vegas night-life options, the world-class shopping, the decadent pampering you can receive at the resorts, and of course, attractions galore to keep the idle mind entertained. But there is a whole different list of reasons why you should travel to Las Vegas alone rather than with others. Here are my top 10 reasons for traveling solo to Las Vegas. Keep in mind these are MY reasons. I’m sure yours are much more X-rated. 
Posted in Las Vegas solo travel by .
It might seem a strange revelation to admit that, in all my years going to Las Vegas and admiring St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) at the Venetian, I had never actually eaten there before my last trip. I’ve been to the Square on every trip—at least once. But no, I had never eaten there before. I have no particular reason why. I wasn’t avoiding it; it just hadn’t happened. Even this time, it was not my first choice.
I had planned on dining at Delmonico Steakhouse, but when I walked past it, I saw that it was open, but completely empty but for one couple. Suddenly, it lost its appeal. So instead, I wandered down to St. Mark’s Square and read the menus of all the restaurants there. Postrio’s menu wooed me, but it was Canaletto that won me over.
St. Mark's Square, Venetian
Dining in St. Mark’s Square is really pretty cool. If you’ve not been to the Venetian before, let me describe St. Mark’s Square. It’s a replica of the Piazza San Marco in the real city of Venice. The ceiling high above is painted to look like a blue sky, with puffy white clouds floating by. The restaurants and shops have gorgeous facades with intricate architectural details, and there are streetlamps everywhere. The floor is cobblestone.
Posted in Restaurants by .
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"A Slot Machine Ate My Midlife Crisis" is 222 Pages of Dysfunctional Fun Set in Las Vegas!
To find out more, visit irenewoodbury.com -
