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???
Strip Burger and those pickle fries are the best! I'll be there next week! I look forward to your San Diego pictures.
Posted by: Kathy | August 11, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Hi there! I have been to Vegas several times and you have highlighted my very favorite things: the LOVE show, the shopping, Mon Ami Gabi for breakfast, the lobby and conservatory in the Bellagio. You've got me in the mood for another trip...glad you had fun!
Posted by: Hayley | August 11, 2011 at 12:42 PM
My Mum went to Vegas a couple of years a go - she stayed at Bellagio and raved about Cirque du Soleil too (though I think she may have skipped the gelato...)
Posted by: Ali | August 12, 2011 at 03:42 AM
Looks wonderful! I am going to Vegas in October, can't wait! We are staying at the Monte Carlo, I wonder if it's nearby.... at any rate, we might be able to sneak in a trip to the Hoover Dam while we're out that way
Posted by: Natasha Burns | August 12, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Favorite Cirque show is Ka. Absolutely stunning. A little more risque show but amazing, Crazy Horse Paris, classic parisian burlesque. Mgm also has a 16 player race horse quarter machine. So vintage, classic las vegas. Love it. Freemont street has street performers at night and the largest tv screen in the world which does a fancy light show every half hour? or something like that. And the golden nugget hotel has one of the most amazing pools with a giant shark tank right in the middle complete with a water slide that shoots right through it. Phew. There's just way too much to see and do in Las Vegas. OH and if you have a little extra time there is an AMAZING Titanic exhibit in the luxor. I think it has 4 years left there unless they decide to extend it but it should not be missed.
Posted by: Lisa | August 31, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I absolutely LOVE Las Vegas! I'm a sucker for the buffets and any place that sells pretty sweets!
I recently discovered Wicked Spoon buffet (in the Cosmopolitan resort in City Center). You must go! Gelato, macarons, fudge and cute presentation! I also go to Serendipity in front of Ceasers. Jean Philip (I think that's what it's called) in Bellagio and there's one in Aria too that sells cute chocolates. The one in Bellagio sells delicious pastries and gelato.
There's a ton of great places in Vegas!
Posted by: Zel | September 02, 2011 at 05:35 AM