Masks and Fun Required
There is more to Vegas than many think and I was on a mission to see as much as possible. We've all heard the term, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", but I personally think it's time to be okay with having fun and experiencing all the great things this town has to offer And telling everyone about it. Don't get me wrong, I budget for a little slot play and a fun beverage or two whenever I visit. But, deep down, in the city's soul you can see impressive immersive art, experience extreme shopping, and enjoy downright excellent hospitality.
I just visited Las Vegas for the first time in about two years with my husband and it is alive and open! There were a lot of people there and we all wore masks indoors. After a while you just get used to it.
Our itinerary:
Friday Night Dinner at Superfrico (Superfrico)- One of the most memorable nights I have had in a long time. There's no shortage of fascinating fun characters and great food here. We had an amazing night full of unexpected extras. This is not your grandma's Italian restaurant. Be ready to be dazzled and enjoy some great live DJ music, and who knows, you might get a cute little balloon. I definitely suggest making a reservation; even with one, we had a wait.
Saturday Morning Breakfast at Bouchon. (Bouchon by Thomas Keller | French Restaurant Las Vegas (venetianlasvegas.com) A posh restaurant with bright, tall windows that probably open to the pool in a bit warmer months or later in the day. Our brunch was not your standard eggs and bacon. I had an amazing salmon salad, with a hearty piece of salmon cooked perfectly. The salad had a light dressing, and I enjoyed every bite.
After breakfast we jetted over to Area 15. (AREA15 | Immersive Entertainment & Events Complex in Vegas) We spent several hours here immersing ourselves in various activities. Our suggestion is to plan for a few things and grab lunch at The Beast by Todd English in between. We started first at Meow Wolf's Omega Mart then had lunch and shopped a little and attended the Van Gogh Immersive 30-minute exhibit.
This is not the only Van Gogh Immersive
experience in Vegas so we checked out both!
The second one we visited was at the Crystal Shops was better in our opinion. It was pricier but I was able to find a discount code online. We booked the VIP option which included a poster for each of us and two seat cushions. I don't think it's worth the extra money unless you really feel that some booking flexibility would be good. Keep in mind you have to make changes 24 hours prior to your scheduled session.
The Omega Mart, another immersive experience, was amazing! We are already planning another trip with our adult kiddos. The younger folks would probably like it too. There are slides and it's just a new experience that honestly is difficult to explain!
Watch a short video recap of Omega Mart here!
I booked everything in advance and allowed for travel time. Keep in mind they do limit the numbers in each experience.
Dinner on Saturday was at Gordon Ramsay's Steak. It was a good experience. The service was really special, but the restaurant's décor and design were underwhelming. In comparison to the excitement of Superfrico this was a very calm dinner. We would have liked the ambiance to be a bit more suited to the high end experience we expected.
The pricing was very high and the food quality was on the better side but didn't quite blow us away. Those who love Gordon, it's a must to check out. But now that I have, I don't need to go back.
Sunday morning we headed over to the Fremont Street area and started with brunch at The Park on Fremont. A crazy little restaurant with eclectic décor and a fun garden. We really enjoyed this spot and ended up chatting with the manager after our meal. Really a great spot if you are into the crazy décor and interesting menu. My husband had a burger and was raving about it!
Sunday afternoon we hung out on Fremont Street and explored some of the casinos. We popped into the newest, Circa, it was very clean and I couldn't help but notice one of the longest bars I've ever seen right inside the entrance.
Dinner on Sunday was at Oscar's at the Plaza casino. The restaurant showcased Fremont Street perfectly with all seats situated so there's a view right out the huge windows onto Fremont Street. We had a great server, and the food was delicious. The prices weren't too outrageous, we definitely felt the mob vibe of the spot but was clean and very well kept.
After dinner we headed over to the Neon Museum. We tried to hop in a taxi and they said it was too close, so we ended up walking. The walk was not that long but we felt that the area wasn't well suited for tourists so I recommend taking an Uber. Book the tour prior to your trip and noting that the guided tour is worth the few extra dollars but arrive on time. Our group started without us, and we were just a minute late.
We had stayed at the Venetian and really loved the large room with sitting area. But I only splurge on this type of accommodation if you plan to spend some time in the room. We hadn't utilized the second TV or the couch the entire stay.
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