Viva Visual Las Vegas!
I am not a big gambler, AT ALL, but I am a sucker for bright lights, neon, and sights. Vegas is a visual buffet!
Here are the top 5 places I had to SEE while visiting Sin City
1. Freemont Street
Did you spend time on the strip and wonder where all the adorable wedding chapels were? I did. On Freemont Street, I enjoyed the sight of nostalgic neon signs with the sound of vintage gambling machines. I love the strip for all its hotels, but Freemont Street is where the photographer in me gets giddy just by looking up. I have more photographs of vintage signs than I can count and a few new ones to boot. Don’t feel pressured to visit the vintage Vegas sign yard (where they get a little antsy about anyone who wants to take a camera)…there are plenty signs on Freemont and they’re lit up!
2. Akhob, by James Turrell
Pictured above is the Turrell art located in the upstairs mall and it’s a great warm up for Akhob, which is private and by appointment only. I called about two months in advance to make an appointment. Fear not, if you didn’t make an appointment you can still call the day of and see if there are any no-shows. We showed to the Louis Vuitton store at our appointment time on the dot and the staff person in the store led us on a short tour showcasing other art in the retail space as well as divulging a bit of history. I enjoyed learning about the designers roots because I did not know too much about Louis Vuitton before our visit. After the store tour, we were taken to a dimly lit room, told no photos or phone, asked to wear shoe covers, sign a release, and then keep our noise level to a minimum as we explored Akhob. Our small group walked around the instillation for maybe 15 minutes or so. Experiencing Akhob is something that even the existing photos on Google cannot convey; it is truly a surreal feeling walking around in what appears to be an endless horizon. It tickles your brain. It’s one of Turrell’s more immersive, full experiences. Cost:Free
3. Stratosphere View & 107 Sky Lounge
See the entire valley with the strip and all! This is THE BEST place to watch a sunset in Las Vegas, hands down. Come during happy hour, grab a few drinks and follow up with a view. Don’t quote me, but I think if you go to the bar the view is free vs. paying for a viewing ticket. We figured we’d rather buy a few drinks at happy hour and get the view “for free” vs. just paying for a viewing ticket. The bar offers great service and during happy hour they do 1/2 off appetizers. Cost: a few drinks/bites or $25 for a ticket
4. The Bellagio
While I recommend all of the hotel lobbies because each one is unique and over the top, the Bellagio has “Fiori di Como” AND an entire area dedicated to offering guests an indoor visual immersive experience which changes themes depending on when you visit. When I was there during a layover, the entire experience was sea themed- I loved it! The inner mermaid in me was pleased!
5. 0 by Cirque Du Soleil
For this last one I don’t have a collection of photographs, but I cannot say enough good things about this show and all of it’s captivating elements. The theme is water…and dreams. It leaves nothing to be visually desired and is the most stunning shows Vegas has to offer. It’s a little pricey and for good seats we spent roughly $200+ per ticket. But again, if you love all things visual–this is something you do not want to miss.
And there you have it. 5 things I loved SEEING in Vegas! Vegas is more than unlimited crab legs and roulette; Vegas is a feast for the eyes and creative soul! Now go!
