
We just got back from a family vacation to the West Coast. Although we were barely gone two weeks, we managed to squeeze in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles! As always, I brought along my camera so that I could capture some prettiness to bring back and show you. Our first stop was Las Vegas. Now, I know what you're thinking...Las Vegas is not exactly what comes to my mind when one thinks of pastel and pretty, but there are definitely some pretty (and yummy) places that are worth checking out. The girls were with us on this trip, so we focused on the shows, the food, the shopping, and the people watching. And let me tell you - there was plenty to watch! ;-)
To begin with, we stayed at The Bellagio. There are many excellent hotels/casinos in Vegas, but we really love this place. It is so pretty and the rooms are very posh and luxurious. Plus, they have really good toiletries in the bathrooms and that's what's really important, right? The Bellagio is known for it's famous fountains out front...

...and it's gorgeous lobby with a magnificent chandelier called Fiori di Como, designed by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly...

It is comprised of 2,000 hand-blown glass blossoms!

The lobby is also host to whimsical installations whose themes change with the seasons. This time there were live birds and hot air balloons! So magical...

But what we mostly love about the Bellagio is...the GELATO! Yes, the gelato. Worth a visit in itself...

There are a zillion dining options in Las Vegas - everything from fast food to five-star cuisine. Again, since we had the girls with us, we decided to forgo some of the more gourmet restaurants (Alize, Fleur de Lys, Bouchon, and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon) and instead went to places that were more "family friendly". We personally adore Mon Ami Gabi - a wonderful French restaurant located right across the street from The Bellagio in "Paris". The brunch is especially fabulous. Case in point, the decadent blueberry french toast!

And the girls' favorite - french bread and Nutella!

For lunch, Stripburger is a casual, fun place with terrific burgers...

...and the best PICKLE fries! You really have to trust me on this - they were absolutely delicious!

Dinner at Pink Taco (in the Hard Rock Hotel) is always a blast - excellent mexican cuisine with a very hip vibe!

We saw a few shows, but I especially recommend Cirque du Soleil's LOVE. It celebrates the music of the Beatles and the incredible costumes and dreamy sets are an experience not to be missed.

If you are visiting Vegas and have a little extra time (and a car), I also recommend taking the 25 minute drive to see the Hoover Dam.

It's educational for the kiddies and truly an engineering marvel.

Las Vegas is a very interesting place - sort of like Disneyland for gown-ups! But after a few days, I am usually ready to hit the road. And so we did.

Next stop: San Diego...
XOXO
Jessica
P.S. Where do you like to go when you are in Vegas???