Lunch at Giada in The Cromwell, Las Vegas

I last left off in my Travel Tuesday posts with a little pretend trip to Europe in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip after my tour of the South End of the Strip and breakfast at Della’s Kitchen. Also here in this middle area of Las Vegas Boulevard was my favorite meal during my long weekend when I was here in Las Vegas: a lunch at Giada in The Cromwell.

You can tell she thought about every detail of the experience, even starting with the bottom of the escalators that take you to the second floor where the restaurant is located, to the long reception hostess area where you check in and see arranged shelves as if you were in someone’s home. Naturally some of those shelves include some Giada branded products and cookbooks.
The downstairs area where the escalators where take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The downstairs area where the escalators where take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The escalators take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The escalators take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located

There are some cushioned seats and a PHOTO BOOTH in that waiting area. The photo booth is FREE, so take some photos if you are waiting! You can upload the photo booth strip directly to Facebook and Twitter or print them directly to photo strips as keepsakes.
The Photo Booth in the waiting area of the Giada - it's free, you should stop in before and after your meal The Photo Booth in the waiting area of the Giada - it's free, you should stop in before and after your meal

This is Food Network star Giada de Laurentiis’ first restaurant and the interior is large with big window views and terrace that look out across the street to the Bellagio fountains. Despite the size, at the same time it evokes a feeling like you are inside her home, with the same feel as the interiors she films her shows. It’s posh yet warm and homey.

And, very branded, from the G on the seats to the Giada on the placemats and more. The round light fixtures read one of her most famous quotes, which is an answer to how she eats so much great food and stays slim: “I eat a little bit of Everything and not a lot of Anything”.

When you first walk in, you can take a look at the big open kitchen. After you are seated, you might consider coming back to peer at the antipasti plates like I did.
A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas

I was there for lunch. The complimentary bread service includes fresh Lemon Thyme flatbread fresh from that big wood oven you saw when you were walking in. It is served with pesto instead of butter – healthier and yet even tastier! I think at dinner the bread basket is filled out further with doughy thick focaccia and parmesan breadsticks.
Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto

Many years ago, it was Giada who first taught me about burrata – I had never seen or heard of it while living in Chicago. As an homage to that, I ordered the Burrata with balsamic salt, olive oil, and microgreens.

OMG it was amazing. I’ve had burrata before, but the freshness of the burrata here combined with the simple but excellent oil and a touch of salt and those microgreens was the best way I’ve ever had burrata, ever.
Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the Burrata with balsamic salt and the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the Burrata with balsamic salt

The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters. I was impressed with how even this cocktail was so strongly branded…
The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters The G Cocktail, Lemon Thyme flatbread (served with pesto) and Burrata with balsamic salt.

For my lunch entree, I was tempted by the wood fired pizzas and pastas (one of the pastas is the Pasta of the Day, which changes daily), but ultimately picked out of of the half dozen sandwich options, the Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce (or salad, but I went with the zucchini fries as my side, you get a choice of either). My rationale is the day I had this lunch, I was leaving on a plane that evening and I knew I could take the other half of this plate with me on the plane as my dinner. The prosciutto is optional so you could keep it vegetarian.
Lunch Menu at Giada in the Cromwell Las Vegas, Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce Lunch Menu at Giada in the Cromwell Las Vegas, Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce

Dessert was a Chef’s Choice Assortment of sorbet and gelato, one of which was an incredible toasted banana pine nut gelato.
Dessert of an assortment of Sorbet and gelato at Giada in the Cromwell, Las Vegas Dessert of an assortment of Sorbet and gelato at Giada in the Cromwell, Las Vegas

I was thrilled when I later opened my doggy bag with the other half of that grilled cheese and found an autographed photo of Giada in the bag too! Notice the check presentation too (along with the doggy bag and placemat). Even the paper towels for drying hands in the restroom was not missed in terms of detail.
Giada branding details with the doggy bag, check presentation, even the placemat at the table at Giada in The Cromwell, Las Vegas Giada branding details with the doggy bag, autographed photo that came with the doggy back, a paper towel from the restroom for drying hands, and photo strip from the complimentary photo booth in the waiting area

I was here for lunch, but could imagine with the views of the Bellagio fountain shows in the evening this restaurant could get super busy in the evening, so you want to try to make reservations (they are also on Opentable). The portions at this restaurant are reasonable, unlike most of Vegas so keep that in mind. The dishes are very flavorful, but they are at the same prices you would find anywhere on Las Vegas Boulevard for this class of restaurant, so you are paying for the high quality ingredients.

For me, service was very friendly and smooth where the dishes came out quickly for me and the others around me. We were checked on but left alone to enjoy the atmosphere with no pressure like we were in a friend’s living room in her oh, million dollar mansion in Los Angeles. When I’m back in town, whenever that is, I would definitely return and try Giada Las Vegas again.

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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Las Vegas – Middle of the Las Vegas Strip aka a Fake Trip to Europe

I consider the area with the Bellagio, Paris, Caesar’s Palace, Venetian and the Wynn to be the middle of the Las Vegas strip. In a previous post, I covered starting by Mandalay Bay and walking up to New York New York after a breakfast at Della’s Kitchen. That leaves us now walking past the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino where I always mention The Pub (“Food You Can’t Forget, Drinks You Can’t Remember” “Eat Like a King, Drink Like the Village Idiot”) as an option for visitors looking for a big beer menu.
Monte Carlo in Las Vegas Monte Carlo in Las Vegas The Pub in the shopping mall area by Monte Carlo- Food You Can't Forget, Drinks You Can't Remember The Pub in the shopping mall area by Monte Carlo- Food You Can't Forget, Drinks You Can't Remember The Pub in the shopping mall area by Monte Carlo- Food You Can't Forget, Drinks You Can't Remember

You can even get some beer tasting flights here at The Pub, particularly one of local beers from Sin City Brewing and Tenaya Creek Brewery. Sin City Brewing also has some small beer bars in a few locations on the Strip, or you can try it here with many other beers from other breweries. Of course in Las Vegas, I can come through with some local beer options for you! Their beers also show up on some of the beer menus at various places all over the Strip, so if you in the mood for a beer check out the list and see if a local beer might be available.
Tenaya Creek Brewery Calico Brown Ale

You can to walk through the Crystals, where there is a stop you can also make at Aria (or ride on through the monorail from Monte Carlo, through Crystals, to Bellagio). I happened to have spent quite a bit of time there in the Crystal Shops so I’m going to save that as a separate post. Instead, I’m going to point out that at this point, starting with Monte Carlo, and the rest of the casinos I’m about to cover, you are about to be transported from North America (as represented by MGM Grand and New York New York) or the faux historical themed Excalibur and Luxor. The trio of Bellagio. Paris, Caeser’s Palace and Venetian is essentially your fake trip to Europe you can go on while visiting Las Vegas. Let’s follow that theme… so onto from Monte Carlo and Monaco to the capital of France, that city of lights Paris!

I always enjoy visiting Paris Hotel and Casino. I’ve never actually been to France, so I can’t say how good it is as at representing France or Paris, but I’ll take what I can.
My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
At Paris, the most obvious attraction is the Eiffel Tower. You can buy tickets to go up this half scale replica, but I like to recommend dining al fresco at Mon Ami Gabi (it’s the red awning you see in part of one of my photos). They are open from breakfast to dinner, including having a kids menu and gluten-free and vegetarian options so perfect for everyone at a better value than everyone going up the tower. Instead, pretend to be eating on the streets of Paris with a glass of French wine from their cart and pate or escargot, or a bananas foster crepe. My friend from Urban Bliss Life visited and had a great meal here – check out her photos as well as other recommendations here mid-strip!
My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
If it’s too busy or too chilly for you to eat al fresco, go inside the casino as they have a few cafes in an area that mimics sidewalks in Paris and you can grab crepes from Le Creperie, or baguettes and croissants at JJ’s Boulangerie or Cafe Belle or Le Café Ile St Louis. If you feel like lounging and a drink, there’s a champagne bar with dueling pianos in the evening. Besides the obvious chance to gamble, these are the highlights I think of visiting Paris Casino, and visit both during the day to see the detail and at night to see the City of Lights effect.
My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas My pretend little trip to France thanks to Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas

Ready to continue on to another part of Europe? How about the glamour of Caesar’s Palace and the height of the Greek and Roman empire time period just across the street?
Exterior of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Exterior of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Exterior of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Fountains just outside Caesars Palace Fountains just outside Caesars Palace Fountains just outside Caesars Palace Fountains just outside Caesars Palace

Some of the best shopping (well, for me, window shopping) is here in the Forum Shops and a huge 3 story H&M. At the end of the mall by where the Cheesecake Factory is, the statues at the fountain come to life telling the story of the Fall of Atlantis with animatronics and fire for a free 10 minute show (you should come early in order to find a good spot to stand) that plays every hour on the hour at 11 AM – 11 PM and is totally family-friendly. And free. There’s also a large aquarium here with feedings twice a day. If you have kids that are tweens or under, this could be a fun surprise. For more details on those activities fellow blogger Meagan as some info at her post Mommy Travels Caesers Palace Forum Shops
Caesar's Palace The Forum Shops area, Exterior fountain Caesar's Palace The Forum Shops area, Exterior fountain Inside Caeser's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas Inside Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

Besides the various headliner concerts shows and other events that also are held at Caesar’s, you might also consider visiting the newly redesigned Bacchanal Buffet that features more than 500 items and is rumored to be one of the new best buffets at Vegas. I didn’t have the room during my short stay to eat there, but I was fascinated how they have kiosks by the entrance where you can input your party size and print out a ticket so you know when to return to queue up – a bit of a combination of a FastPass at theme parks, but for a buffet.

You can also actually get into Rao’s here, unlike the Italian original iconic outpost in New York, and there are also restaurants by famous chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay, and there’s a Nobu here too. Similar to my previous post on the South end of the strip where I highlighted a lot of food options at Mandalay Bay, when it comes to the middle of the strip if you are a foodie there are a lot of options at Caesar’s.

Now that you’ve seen all the gold and marble of the ostentatious Caesar’s, let’s up the luxury with a trip to Italy via the Bellagio. Let’s get this out of the way – the famous fountain shows play every 15 minutes starting at 8 PM to midnight everyday, but also during the day every 30 minutes starting at 3 PM on weekdays and at noon on weekends and holidays. There’s more than 2 dozen songs with routines that the fountains might play, and you never know what they will run. I’ve already seen them at night so I didn’t take any photos this visit, but you can see even during the daytime the fountains can be mesmerizing to watch.
The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio The fountains of the Bellagio

The other famous attraction at the Bellagio are the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which are updated with new themes every few months. The website has the various seasonal themes and dates for when they change the themes.Similar to the fountains, they are free to visit, and probably take about 10-15 minutes to walk through. The gardens are open 24 hours every day of the week. Here are some examples of how the garden appeared for the Autumn Harvest theme in Fall 2014.
Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme.
Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme. Details inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Autumn Harvest 2014 theme.

The last photos are showing the floral arrangement modeled after Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork Red Tree, Yellow Sky of 1952.

Another reason to go inside the Bellagio? There’s also the obligatory admiration and selfie with the Dale Chihuly created Fiori di Como glass sculpture in the Bellagio lobby. You can also see some great sculptures of the human form in the gallery of The Art of Richard MacDonald by the O theater lobby
obligatory admiration of the Dale Chihuly created Fiori di Como glass sculpture in the Bellagio lobby in Las Vegas obligatory admiration of the Dale Chihuly created Fiori di Como glass sculpture in the Bellagio lobby in Las Vegas

Mee!
obligatory admiration and selfie with the Dale Chihuly created Fiori di Como glass sculpture in the Bellagio lobby

But, that’s not the only reason you should visit. Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio happens to also be the home of the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). The fountain of liquid chocolate includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, over 500 feet of stainless steel piping, with 2 tons of chocolate at a rate of 120 quarters per minute rising up 27 vertical feet. And it’s free to see!
Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio and the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). Includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, and free to see inside the Bellagio Las Vegas Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio and the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). Includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, and free to see inside the Bellagio Las Vegas Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio and the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). Includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, and free to see inside the Bellagio Las Vegas Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio and the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). Includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, and free to see inside the Bellagio Las Vegas Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the Bellagio and the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain (as listed in the Guinness World Records). Includes white, medium and dark confectionary grade chocolate, and free to see inside the Bellagio Las Vegas

To complete your trip to Italy, go back across the street and walk inside the Venetian with its “canals of Venice” inside. The wandering and window shopping and people watching are free – the food, drinks, and buying things of course are priced individually. 🙂
Exterior of the Venetian at the Las Vegas

Have you ever done a “trip to Europe” in Vegas, and if so which “European casino stop” is your favorite? If you haven’t been, which one do you think interests you the most?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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Las Vegas – South End of Strip

For Travel Tuesday, I wanted to start a short series highlighting some Las Vegas hotels and casino resorts and what they have to offer. If you’ve never been to Vegas before, I hope to provide an overview of the personalities of each of the famous names you will see glittering at you on the famous Las Vegas strips.

During the daytime, I like having a decadent breakfast in Vegas and then taking a walk outside in the sunshine down the strip. Even though I’ve been to Las Vegas a few times already, I still like gazing at all the ostentatious architecture outside and admiring the ornate decor inside the casinos. Also, it’s a great way to exercise for all the eating I inevitably partake in here, and it’s fun people watching (I don’t particularly like gambling that much). For this particular trip that I’m writing about, I happened to have been staying at the south end of the strip, where the golden buildings of Mandalay Bay and the Delano are located.
Shiny gold of the Mandalay Bay and Delano A look at Luxor and Mandalay Bay from the Convention Center

Mandalay Bay is famously known for their beach. That’s right – sand, wave pools, cabanas, even beach concerts. If you come from late spring to mid autumn, and are a guest at Mandalay Bay, you should definitely visit the acres of sand and water here that are reminiscent of being in the Caribbean. Since I came in November, the Mandalay Beach was closed, but I had other options to choose from. Along with the water theme there is the Mandalay Shark Reef Aquarium to visit.

Inside Mandalay Bay is also the home to House of Blues offering a range of live music every day. In the evenings, you should consider checking out The Foundation Room, which used to be a members only club but now is open to the public as a steakhouse and a lounge with quite a view from the deck up at at the top of Mandalay Bay.
Selfie with the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas View from the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas View from the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas View from the Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

Inside the connecting hotel The Delano is the Cirque Du Soleil Michael Jackson One, and you can take a gander at some Michael Jackson memorabilia even if you don’t have a ticket to the show. In the restaurant row between the Mandalay Bay and The Delano you can find restaurants such as Aureole with its 4 story wine tower with “wine angels” that ascend and descend with ropes to retrieve wine bottles for all to see, Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar that has a huge burger menu that satisfies all diets (even vegan and vegetarian), and the Red Square Restaurant and Lounge with its literally cool Ice Bar with lots of vodka and caviar and other Russian bites and sips (check out their happy hour and Siberian nachos with caviar).
Selfie with The Delano in the background in Las Vegas Michael Jackson memorabilia inside the Delano Michael Jackson memorabilia inside the Delano

You can walk easily outside, take the complimentary monorail, or walk through a covered walkway/mall area between Mandalay Bay and that famous black pyramid of a casino, The Luxor. During the daytime, check out the Pharaoh in front of the pyramid and the Luxor Obelisk – it’s said that the shape of the pyramid and the obelisk are probably inspired by sunrise and sunset phenomenon. And, at night, when the beam of light from the top of the pyramid to the sky is unmistakable, think about it symbolizes zodiacal light or the sun pillar.
A bit of the Mandalay Bay, Delano, and Luxor whiel walking on the Las Vegas strip A look at the Delano and Luxor from the Convention Center Admiring the daytime view of the pyramid casino of the Luxor on the Las Vegas strip Admiring the daytime view of the pyramid casino of the Luxor on the Las Vegas strip Admiring the daytime view of the pyramid casino of the Luxor on the Las Vegas strip The Luxor and me in Las Vegas Admiring the daytime view of Luxor on the Las Vegas strip Admiring the daytime view of Luxor on the Las Vegas strip

A little bit of the inside of the Luxor
Inside the lobby inside the Luxor Inside the lobby inside the Luxor What is the lighted message telling me on this obelisk inside the Luxor? I have no idea

If you like dance choreography and modern music, and/or Backstreet Boys and N’Sync/boy bands but without the singing and more dancing, you might enjoy the Jaberwockeez show here. Also here at Luxor is magician Criss Angel. On the more museum front, there are exhibits on Bodies and Titanic.
 Not enough time to see the Jaberwockeez, but I enjoyed watching their promotional video dance choreography

The last stop on the covered walkway and monorail connections between Mandalay Bay and the Luxor is to Excalibur. Similar to Luxor, Excalibur seems more family and value oriented than many casinos on the strip. In particular, Excalibur has a games section (Fun Dungeon) with arcade games, midway games, etc. and there’s a dinner show with royalty and jousting at Tournament of Kings. The other draw here is the fact that you may see a lot of groups of women here, especially bachelorette parties, because Excalibur is also the host to The Thunder From Down Under male revue show.
The outside of Excalibur in Las Vegas. The outside of Excalibur in Las Vegas. The outside of Excalibur in Las Vegas. The outside of Excalibur in Las Vegas.

A bridge connects Excalibur to visit New York New York Casino. The best way to admire the little New York they’ve captured here is to walk along the outside, and then go inside and take the roller coaster! Their food court area mimics the streets of New York neighborhoods.  Of course they have New York style pizza, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, a Shake Shack, all the ultimate American food.

Similar to Excalibur, New York New York also provides games for those with kids thanks to their arcade in addition to their roller coaster. There is a Hershey’s Chocolate World that includes some interactive experiences as well as of course selling all the Hersheys candy you can think of.
New York New York and that roller coaster that gives you the better tour than walking around! The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas The city inside a casino at New York New York Casino in Las Vegas Replica of the famous Brooklyn Bridge on the boardwalk of New York New York casino Replica of the famous Brooklyn Bridge on the boardwalk of New York New York casino Replica of the famous Brooklyn Bridge on the boardwalk of New York New York casino Replica of the famous Brooklyn Bridge on the boardwalk of New York New York casino Replica of the famous Brooklyn Bridge on the boardwalk of New York New York casino New York New York skyline Lady Liberty at New York New York in Las Vegas Outside of New York New York Hershey's Chocolate World at New York New York Casino Hershey's Chocolate World at New York New York Casino

Just across the street from New York New York and that Hershey’s Chocolate World is M&Ms World, if you can believe it, inside the Showcase Mall! So much chocolate and candy literally across the street from each other! At the MGM Grand  Hotel and Casino next door to Showcase Mall, competing with the previously mentioned magician show of Criss Angel is a show by David Copperfield. The Cirque do Soleil show here is the show Ka as is the famous Garden Arena for championship boxing and other events. Vaguely educational is their CSI Experience that is interactive to have visitors 12+ solve crimes and earn a CSI Diplomat certificate.

For families visiting Vegas with tweens and teens, New York New York and MGM Grand might be a good fit.
MGM Grand in Las Vegas - lion MGM Grand in Las Vegas - lion MGM Grand in Las Vegas - lion MGM Grand in Las Vegas - Ka Dragon from the Ka Cirque du Soleil show

The last big highlight of the South Strip is that about a mile south of the Mandalay Bay is where you can visit the iconic Las Vegas sign. There is a small parking lot in the middle of the street for cars to park in order to get your photo op. There is sometimes a photographer here who might offer to take your photo with your camera – whoever they are is unofficial and looking for a tip. I arrived just moments before a huge tour bus pulled up, where each small group in the bus was taking a few photos so I snuck across the street for my selfie. Don’t forget to check out the back of the sign!
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign located on the South end of the Strip The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign located on the South end of the Strip Back of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign located on the South end of the Strip The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign located on the South end of the Strip

So far, all the hotels I’ve listed so far are all part of the M Life program. So if you are the type who also likes to gamble, and are thinking of visiting these casinos, you should consider joining M Life to earn rewards at all the participating casinos, which include these and 8 more!

Next week for Travel Tuesday, I’ll share the breakfast I had before this walk, and then continue highlighting Las Vegas casinos and some eats as well on the strip as I continued my strolling on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Have you been to any of these casino resorts that I’ve mentioned so far? Do you have a favorite or preferred of this list?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

  • Las Vegas Hotels at the South End of Strip: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM Grand and what each offers in terms of feel
  • A look at some of the breakfast options at Della’s Kitchen in the Delano, including juice, Doughssant, bacon cheddar biscuits, and Pecan Raisin French Toast
  • Take a little trip to Europe with the offerings and recommendations for free stops in the Middle of the Las Vegas Strip like Paris, Caesar’s, and the Bellagio properties. Did I mention they are all free, and include the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain?
  • Photos recapping my lunch at Giada Las Vegas inside the Cromwell, including the G signature cocktail, flatbread with pesto, burrata, grilled cheese, gelato
  • Art Walking Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas, including Gallery Row with Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly to the various art in Crystals and Aria
  • The garnishes of the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB in Las Vegas are outrageous, ranging from bacon, onions rings, sliders and corn dogs to chicken wing!
  • My tour of The Wynn in Las Vegas, including details on The Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, the Conservatory, Jeff Koons sculptures, and Le Reve The Dream show
  • Lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesar’s Las Vegas of Shanghai Wave cocktail, Sichuan Dan Dan Mein Spring Noodles, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Lamb Pancakes
  • Steampunk restaurant of Rx Boiler Room by Mandalay Bay brings an opportunity for a cocktail from a crystal skull
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