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We all know the slogan: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." But there's another side to this desert oasis; brought to you from those who insist that it's now a family resort destination. The decision is yours, but one thing is true: Vegas is not what it used to be and it's no longer just for gamblers. No place outdoes this city when it comes to shows and spectacles. Famous chefs lend their names to dozens of inspirational, grand restaurants in the area, raising the bar for haute cuisine everywhere. The newer hotels offer fine accommodations and spas rivaling all others, with a personal touch of Americana. That means a wide range of treatments, packages and a great gym to help keep that figure. Shopping also reaches new heights in Vegas. The themed "malls" here are another show, with only the finest upscale shops from around the world. From the finest in service and amenities, we guarantee that this won't be your last visit.
NEW ! Tickets to shows, sporting events and more!
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The Museum of the American Cocktail
3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Desert Passage Mall)
www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org
Only Vegas would think of having a museum dedicated to cocktails. If you can pull yourself away from poker, consider stopping by to check out the museum that pays tribute to this American invention.
The Guinness World of Records Museum
2780 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Tel. 702.792.0640
The Guinness World of Records Museum offers a collection of the "wacky, weird, and wonderful." Visitors will be amazed at the vast collection and exhibits about World Record breakers, ranging from World's Tallest Man to World's Largest Collection of Refrigerator Magnets to the World's Longest Fingernails. The museum is a collection of record-breaking exhibits inspired by the Guinness Book of World Records, created by Sir Hugh Beaver in 1951. The book was invented as a way to settle drunken arguments in pubs where patrons had consumed too much Guinness. Hopefully, you will learn some facts here to settle your own disputes over useless trivia.
Imperial Palace Auto Collection
3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Tel. 702.794.3174
More than 200 antique, classic, and special interest automobiles located in a plush, gallery-like setting on the 5th floor of the Imperial Palace hotel's parking facility.
King Tutankhamun's Tomb & Museum
3900 Las Vegas Blvd South
The Luxor
Tel. 702.262.4555
An authentic reproduction of King Tutankhamun's tomb. The measurements of each of the rooms are exactly as the original. The treasures inside were reproduced by artisans using the same gold leaf and linens, precious pigments, tools and original 3,300 year old methods, and each is meticulously positioned according to the records maintained by the Carter expedition. Housing hundreds of reproductions, including the world-famous guardian statues, King Tut's sarcophagus, and an array of statues, vases, beds, baskets and pottery, the museum is the next best thing to hopping a plane to Cairo.
Las Vegas Art Museum
9600 W. Sahara Ave
Tel. 702-360-8000
www.lasvegasartmuseum.org
This museum prides itself on its monthly and permanent showings by artists of national and international recognition. The museum aims to show modern art at an international level. Future exhibits include Frank Gehry’s Design Plans for the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer’s Institute. Check out the website for current exhibits before you go.
Las Vegas Historic Museum
3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Tel. 702.739.5444
www.lasvegasartmuseum.org
When you lose your cash at the blackjack table, take a break at the newest addition to the Tropicana Resort & Casino--Las Vegas Historic Museum. The exhibit allows customers to take a peek into Las Vegas’ seedy underbelly of gaming, mobsters, entertainers and the brothels of Nevada. Must be 18 or older.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
900 Las Vegas Blvd North
Tel. 702.384.DINO
www.lvnhm.org
Features animated dinosaurs, Southern Nevada's plant and animal life, international wildlife room, shark exhibit with live sharks, children's hands-on exploration room, and gift shop. Now open, a new floor to the Museum featuring exhibits about the African Savanna and African Rainforest.
Liberace Museum
1775 E. Tropicana Ave
Tel. 702-798-5595
www.liberace.org
The museum displays automobiles, pianos, wardrobe, the world's largest rhinestone and memorabilia of the flamboyant entertainer. Donations benefit the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts.
Alize at the Top of the Palms
The Palms
4321 W. Flamingo Road
Tel. 702.951.7000
Andre Rochat’s vintage French restaurant at the top of the Palms manages to be romantic and infinite all at once. Perhaps it’s the charming, unparalleled menu choices, linked with the soaring view from floor-to-ceiling windows. Or maybe the attention to detail in classic appetizers like French imported escargots de Bourgogne in garlic herb butter, contrasted with the vast choices from the 1,250-label wine cellar. Whatever the reason, Alize is deliberate and well thought out: Both rarities in the chaos of Las Vegas. Try the pepper-crusted filet mignon with cognac cream sauce. You’ll be tempted to book your next vacation in Paris.
Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare
Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.770.3305
This is a great duplication of the perfect Italian seafood dining tradition. Sit alongside the lagoon and enjoy fresh fish flown in daily from Europe. Try the gilthead sea bream.
Restaurant Guy Savoy
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.731.7286
www.caesarspalace.com
Yes, it is another Michelin-starred chef in Las Vegas. Though you may be surprised you don’t have to go to Paris to get some of the world’s best French food, you’ll be grateful this Guy is in Vegas. The artichoke soup with black truffles is rich yet delicate, while the roasted veal chops au jus are impeccable.
Bouchon
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.414.6200
Thomas Keller's Bouchon is the first Las Vegas restaurant to win four Epicurean Awards in one year and rightfully so. Keller knows how to bring the best out of top-quality ingredients with wonderful French bistro cuisine. Enjoy culinary delights and immaculate service while dining in a Belle Époque atmosphere, designed by the talented designer, Adam Tihany.
Mix
The Hotel at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard
Tel. 702.632.9500
Dine high in the sky atop a perfect combination of culinary art, cutting-edge interior design and astounding views of the Las Vegas Strip. Delight in contemporary and classic French and American dishes with global accents, as well as signature dishes from Alain Ducasse’s restaurants in Paris and Monte Carlo. A magnificent 24-foot chandelier of 15,000 hand-blown glass spheres suffuses the atmosphere with a warm glow.
Picasso
The Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.693.7111
Featured in the 2001 film “Ocean's Eleven,” this Triple A Five-Diamond restaurant features the culinary artwork of famed chef Julian Serrano, which competes with $50 million worth of original Picassos on the walls. Picasso spent much of his life in Spain and the south of France, and Serrano’s cuisine draws inspiration from these regions. Surrender to dishes like warm lobster salad with mangoes, langoustine pulled live from a tank, medallions of fallow deer, or sautéed foie gras with Madeira sauce. Squab breast and truffle-crusted lamb are also favorites. Two prix fixe menus are offered nightly.
Joel Robuchon at the Mansion
MGM Grand Hotel
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South
(Tropicana Ave.)
Tel. 702.891.7925
This acclaimed French chef has come to Vegas. His 16 course, $295 tasting menu will not leave you hungry; though it may leave you too full to hit the gaming tables afterwards. Some of the entrees include Brittany lobster beneath a melting saffron wafer and a confit of lamb with semolina couscous. The venue, reminiscent of a 1930's Parisian mansion, balances the menu perfectly.
They’re all here: every high-end shop, department store and designer. Shopping here is more exciting, more entertaining and there’s simply more of it, so here are a few highlights:
Desert Passage
At the Aladdin
3663 Las Vegas Blvd South
Tel. 702.866.0710
Stroll through a Moroccan bazaar, complete with a thunderstorm arriving promptly every half hour and a painted sky that changes gradually from morning to night.
Forum Shops
Caesars Palace
3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.893.4800
Rumored to be the most lucrative shopping mall in the country, its 560,000 square feet features the Tourneau Time Dome, the largest watch store in the country. At Baccarat, pick up a $320 pair of crystal dice. You won’t find them anywhere else.
The Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas
32100 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.874.1400
This bargain-hunter’s paradise is just a 30-minute drive from the strip. You’ll find merchandise from Neiman Marcus, BCBG and Cole Haan for 50 to 60 percent less. The Outlets are well worth the trip.
Grand Canal Shoppes
The Venetian
3377 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.414.4500
Singing gondoliers spirit you down a winding canal while street performers entertain land-based shoppers. You’ll be forgiven if you think you’re in Venice.
Wynn Esplanade
3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.770.7000
Before going in, stop by the Penske-Wynn Ferrari-Maserati dealership at the other end of the grand circular drive. New Ferraris start at about $200,000, but sadly, the last time we checked, they were sold out. Hey, it’s still a great place to window shop.
NEW ! Tickets to shows, sporting events and more!
Now classictravel.com offers its members the convenience of booking their theater, sports and other events with us -- directly online. Book tickets here!
Going to Vegas
www.goingtovegas.com
Tips, Vegas weather, shuttle information and links are all on this site.
McCarran International Airport
www.mccarran.com
Take the elevator from Terminal C to the basement to workout at their 24 Hour Fitness (702.261.3971). The day use fee is $10. Guests must leave their bags at the front desk for security reasons. Arrivals and departures, plus entertainment and shopping options at the coolest airport in the country.
Convention Listing
www.pcap.com/lvconv.htm
You don’t want to know all the conventions going on at one time – family reunions, too. It’s mind-boggling.
Las Vegas Show Guide
www.lasvegastickets.com
Search for tickets by event or venue…and not all of them involve someone dressed as Elvis.
Though nearly every casino in Vegas offers fabulous nightlife, you want to go beyond what the casinos offer (and they offer a lot) here are a few suggestions:
Tao
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South (Venetian)
Tel. 702.388.8338
www.taolasvegas.com
The 42,000 square foot restaurant and nightclub complex is one of the highest grossing in the US and for great reason. Linger among statues of Buddha, Shiva and other Hindu gods and goddesses. Tao was modeled after the successful New York club of the same name and “Sex and the City” fame. Skip the crowds and rent one of eight private skyboxes overlooking the club and enjoy the splendor of your own espresso machine, mini bar, and banquette.
Empire Ballroom
3765 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Tel. 702.737.7376
This place originally opened years ago as Club Utopia. Now completely remodeled, it’s a great after-hours club and music hall and is quickly becoming one of the hottest Las Vegas nightlife destinations. If you enjoy rock bands, live concerts, and an “off the hook” after hours spot, then this is the spot for you. Sin City’s most adored DJs spin the best in progressive house music until 10 am. Empire Ballroom is equipped with 5 bars, a back VIP lounge with separate entry, a main stage, outdoor patio and upper VIP level with cabanas and a balcony.
Ice
200 East Harmon Avenue
Tel. 702.699.9888
www.icelasvegas.com
ICE Las Vegas is a multi-million dollar ultra-lounge offering six different microenvironments to indulge your senses. There’s a 4,000 square foot Brazilian walnut dance floor paired with the largest Funktion One sound installation in the country and the only Kryogenifex Fog system in Las Vegas. They also offer bottle-service tables, five full-service bars and a full-service kitchen. ICE Las Vegas presents an in-house performance art troupe of contortionists, go-go dancers, prop builders and magicians nightly. Dance to internationally renowned DJs and enjoy the excellent service and scenery.
Pure at Caesar's Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd., S
Tel. 702.731.7873
The 36000-square-foot Pure nightclub is like three clubs in one. With an unparalleled view of the Las Vegas Strip, itsymbolizes a new standard in Pure Las Vegas nightlife.
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