So I was taken away from my studio table last weekend on a mystery trip with my husband to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary. He had put "Camping" on our calendar. But I knew he wanted to stay married, and camping in the coldness of March would not be my idea of an "ideal" getaway. He is a jokester and the perfect secret keeper, which drives me a little crazy (and he knows it), but I know it's good for me to be surprised sometimes. I knew we were flying somewhere possibly warmer, but that was it. And so it turned out to be our 3rd trip to Vegas and it had been 10 years since our last trip. Enjoyed staying at the Trump Hotel, which caters to the refined business traveler. It's located across from Fashion Show Mall and is a short walk from the strip. A non-casino hotel, so that makes it even more relaxing and quiet. The gold windows reflect heat and add 10 degrees we were told, which was nice by the pool on the 22nd floor. Chandeliers fill the lobby and the scent of green mango eminates from the vents filling the entry with the smell of fresh flowers.
Even if you've never been to Vegas and are not a big gambler, there are so many things to see and do. Apart from the warm weather to catch up on pool time, the shopping, dining and entertainment is amazing. The hotels are some of the most beautiful in the world. You could spend a day just walking through them and taking in the breathtaking decorations and ammenities. Many of them have their own malls inside with moving statues (Caesars Palace) or waterfalls and 4' butterflies in the gardens (Wynn). There are also many free attractions to see as you wander. Bellagio has a water fountain show and Treasure Island has a dancing/singing pirate show a few times per day. There are roller coasters and arcades for kids at New York New York and Stratosphere, an erupting volcano at Mirage. If you can't quite make it to the real Paris or Italy,you can stay at Paris in Vegas or ride a gondola at the Venetian - (We also saw our favorite show here in an exquisite theatre-Phantom of the Opera!)
You can see sharks at Mandalay Bay and Dolphins at the Mirage. You can see Elvis in his own show or at Madame Tussauds wax museum. This city never sleeps, so spend your money wisely, bring your high fashion, but also your walking shoes-you'll be doing a lot of it. Oh...and thanks for the memories honey. Here's to the next 20 years!
