Vegas: What Happens Here, Only Happens Here

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LAS VEGAS (Spanish): THE MEADOWS

What happens here, only happens here…

Vegas’ slogan isn’t the only major change in Sin City!

In January 2020 when its Chamber of Commerce revealed the new branding, I’m sure ‘Vegas in pandemic’ was far from their marketing strategy!

In a Daily Mail article,  Nevada historian Michael Green explained, “What happens here, only happens here; would appeal to people looking for services they can’t find anywhere else.”

Upon my arrival (almost a year later), the backdrop at McCarran Intl was my first clue.

If you haven’t visited a post-pandemic Vegas, then it may be just as new for you!

Sin City

June 1st, 2021, is when the salaciously famous city is set to fully re-open.

Some day I hope to see a Vegas unmasked.

The biggest surprise for me was the “meadows” clearly visible around the city.

Somehow, I had always missed them among the famously photographed metropolis.

I stayed at the Westgate Resorts where temperature checks were required for entry.

It would be days before the machine recognized my face. I mostly did it manually with security.

I saw a show once that said many facial recognition devices had a hard time recognizing Black faces.

I’m not sure how true that is but I did witness another machine recognizing a Black customer.

I can’t remember if he had a lighter complexion. Maybe it was me.

It could be that I didn’t stand close enough!

Plexiglass also made its debut on some casino floors.

One thing you don’t need to purchase in Vegas is a mask.

Hotels had free dispensers conveniently placed throughout their properties.

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What Happens in Vegas…

Vegas was supposed to be a summer birthday trip. Instead, it ended up being a winter getaway.

Average highs was mid 40’s and lows in the 30’s. It wasn’t too harsh on my Caribbean/Florida blood.

All the cute shorts and spaghetti straps were traded in for hoodies and boots. Although I did manage a “freak em dress-ish” cowl neck sweater dress (pictured above).  

I had been planning a trip to Vegas for a while and had my whole itinerary planned out. COVID came and changed everything!

For one, I’m thankful for health. Secondly, I got to do the majority on my list.

My biggest disappointment was not getting to see Boys II Men live. Shows have yet to resume in Vegas as of publishing.

I was also looking forward to visiting Antelope Canyon which was Plan A for my trip to Arizona.

They remain closed and have yet to announce an opening date.

#SOLODOLO: Queen Bee Takes Vegas

One huge positive of this trip was that I got to do it alone! It was my only solo trip of 2020.

I was accompanied on the July, November, and December trips.

Vegas.com is highly recommended to compare costs with other travel sites.

I was able to get a steal on a 4 nights air and hotel package ($376 including resort fees). Of course, traveling during the pandemic helped.

The site can be used to check for air, hotel, shows and attractions.

The time zone difference from Miami kicked my butt.

I had to tire myself out and fall asleep according to the eastern time zone since I’m an early riser.

This was the only way I could get something close to a full night’s rest.

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Gritz Cafe was a FB travel group recommendation. I ordered TOGO since dine-in required reservation (didn’t know mom and pops followed this rule).

I had to wait outside for my food.

It took over an hour. When I went inside to request a refund, it was magically “fresh out of the kitchen”.

I wish I could say the food made up for the wait!

Hell…

As an avid watcher/fan of the show, I was so looking forward to dining at Hell’s Kitchen. I made the required reservations through Open Table.

It was difficult navigating through Ceasar’s Palace (had to ask several staff members for directions) and I ended up arriving a little late.

The service was great but I was not a fan of the risotto. The lobster was flavorful but rubbery.

The drink recommended by the waiter was not to my liking.

The mac and cheese is bomb though.

I asked for bread to go along with it. I figured that would at least fill me up but they don’t serve bread (go figure)!

If you want to dine just for bragging rights…I won’t judge you!

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Culinary Capital?

If you haven’t been to Vegas, most hotels have their own malls on site. They’re like a one-stop-shop of dining, shopping, and entertainment.

You don’t have to leave the strip to eat at In N Out Burger (there’s one at The Linq Promenade).

I happened to be driving and stopped at an off-strip location.

For one, I expected more of a variety on the menu. Or even more toppings on my sandwich.

I think it’s an overrated, lower-level Checker’s. The burgers are plain and the fries too skinny.

Felt like I was chewing on air. I tried stuffing my mouth for that “fries” feeling but it didn’t work.

They put me in the mind of bland Wendy’s burgers but at least there you can add bacon for flavor.

The sauce reminded me of thousand island salad dressing.

On top of that, the service was extremely slow considering the restaurant was empty and only offering takeout.

Gordon Ramsay has described Vegas as the culinary capital of the world.

As a foodie, I accept the challenge and hope to agree with him as I explore more restaurants!

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Lost Wages…

Thankfully there was a Cracker Barrel near the strip.

I order the same thing each time I go and can only vouch for their pancake breakfast/salads. But it was reassuring to know they’re there as a backup.

I went to Yard House at The Linq and even my usual whiskey black pepper wings were a disappointment. I munched on sweet potato fries for comfort!

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For Hash House a GOGO (also at The Linq), I would not recommend a hash. I should’ve gone with what I know (pancakes) but I figured why not order what they are known for.

I need way more seasoning to be able to enjoy my food.

After being late for my first reservation and denied entry, I should’ve taken that as a sign.

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Mafioso

I’m a huge Italian mafia movie fan. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my time (self-guided tour) at The Mob Museum.

I think a tour guide is necessary if only for the amount of information. I didn’t like the self-guided concept.

One employee offered to answer any questions but it was not the same.

The Use of Force simulation was rushed. I chose the exhibit mainly to be able to relate to police officers.

It’s a great idea but I felt so unprepared to make a life-changing decision.

They spent more time explaining holster precautions than preparing me to fire my weapon/de-escalate.

A part of me wanted to believe the police academy was much different!

The museum is located on Freemont St. and they have a sizable parking lot ( $7).

Freemont St. is the old Las Vegas strip.

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Show me the Money!

I walked over to the Binions casino in hopes of taking a pic with a million dollars. COVID put a stop to the experience.

I rented a car for this trip and I hate paying for parking!

Luckily, most places (The Linq and MGM Grand) were waiving the fees.

The car rental’s cost ($90.68 via Budget) came out cheaper through AAdvantage car rental. It’s advisable to check deals with your airline’s mileage partners.

One of the reasons I chose Westgate Resorts was because they always have free parking.

They’re a little off-strip (minutes away) but it’s no issue with a car.

There’s a monorail stop on-site to take you to the strip (out of service due to COVID).

Luck of the Draw…

I was appreciative of the upgraded room at check-in. My suite was spacious, elegant, clean, and comfy.

I would stay here again in a heartbeat! You don’t have to “go broke” for nice Vegas accomodations.

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The hotel used to be the International Hotel where Elvis Presley performed. They have a statue in his honor in the lobby and a nearby street is named after him.

There’s a Walgreens near the hotel and a plaza filled with souvenir stores.

I preferred The World’s Largest Souvenir Shop. they had quite the bargains on whatever you were looking for.

I found my Vegas mask at Walgreens. It was quite a hit too!  

I didn’t want to do too much walking so I drove to the MGM Grand to explore that end of the strip. This is where the M&M, Hershey, and Coca Cola stores are.

I was considering personalized M&M’s but the machine was broken.

Good thing I came on a full stomach which temporarily numbed my sweet tooth.

GPS will be your best friend if you’re driving.

The Queen Meets the King…

This is also the end of the strip with the famous Las Vegas sign. There’s a small parking lot near the sign.

An Elvis character and “photographer” were there just as I had read on reviews.

You can take your own pictures but they don’t set a tip amount.

The guy taking pictures is great at what he does! He expertly captured all types of frames and angles.

Both him and ‘Elvis’ made it a comedic and memorable experience. The only drawback is that he won’t take pictures of the opposite end of the sign.

If you miss this sign, there’s a store at The Linq where you can see a miniature version. I hear there’s one on Freemont St. also.

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The Entertainment Capital of the World

There’s a chapel close by. I stopped for pictures.

I’ve always wanted to visit one but wasn’t sure if they were open due to COVID.

Back to mid strip is where the Linq is. The Volcano at the Mirage, Bellagio Fountains and Gardens are all within walking distance.

I liked the view of the volcano from across the street near Walgreens. Some preferred to be up close and personal.

Don’t miss these free things on the strip!

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The Neon Capital of the World

The Seven Magic Mountains are about 30 minutes away from Vegas. It’s a long winding drive to those amazing rocks.

It may feel like the GPS is leading you astray, but eventually, you’ll see the giant artwork at a distance.

The best tip I received about the Magic Mountains was that your shoes will get dirty on the rocky terrain. Whatever you decide to wear, please consider your shoes.

I wore (easy to clean) faux suede green boots and they were so dusty when I left.

If you love pictures and are always seeking the perfect shot, give yourself at least 2 hours. They will breeze by!

I underestimated the time I would spend there.

I thought I would be in and out since “they’re just a  bunch of rocks”. But you will have to convince yourself that your hundreds of pictures are enough.

My inexpensive tripod wasn’t sturdy enough to stand in the dirt. Some offered to take my pictures and everyone I asked happily obliged.

I modeled to my heart’s content.

I brought different shades and tried them with various rocks. It was so much fun!

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What happens here, only happens here…

I have a few spots I missed so I definitely see Vegas in my future.

The City of Lights has captured a few heartstrings and it may be my “go-to” for a weekend getaway.

Cross Country Tip: Look at total flight travel time. I made the mistake of just looking at the times and not factoring in how long I would actually be on the plane.

Remember when Vegas was known for mostly gambling? I didn’t spend a cent on machines!

Vegas is truly the Disney World for adults! We all like different things and there is no shortage on how to make it your own!

Have you gone sinning before?

~Poof..Bee Gone

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