NY 2010 @ Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Commonly referred to as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” it is situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert landscape. The city has giant mega-casino hotels, decorated with lavish care and attention to detail to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. The casinos have names that evoke romance and mystery—Luxor Hotel and Casino, The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, and the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Others evoke popular worldwide destinations, such as: New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, and The Venetian. There is an abundance of shows and many of the larger casinos now include high-end shopping areas with designer stores.

Opportunities to gamble are found in most places in the Las Vegas metro area, as well as McCarran airport and small supermarkets. However, please be advised that it is state law that all gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Las Vegas is also the wedding capital of the world. Both parties must have valid ID and the cost is $55 per couple. The Las Vegas Wedding Bureau is open from 9 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, including holidays. No waiting period is required.

Vegas has some of the best climbing in America. Red Rock Canyon is located on the western edge of the Las Vegas city limits and features hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes. Climbing is possible year-round, though spring and fall tend to be most comfortable.

When most people imagine Las Vegas, the first thing that comes to mind is The Strip—the four mile stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard with all the famous casinos and hotels. Bordered by Mandalay Bay in the south and the Stratosphere in the north, visitors can enjoy 30+ casinos which are attractions in themselves. Fabulous shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment can all be found here. Pick up the latest designer bag in the boutiques at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace Hotel Casino. Or peruse the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian Resort & Casino. Watch the dancing Fountains at Bellagio, or take in an imported Broadway show. Attempts have been made to make The Strip more pedestrian-friendly by adding footbridges, free shuttles, cable-pulled trams, and the Las Vegas Monorail (frequency and rates vary).

A tribute to Roman opulence, Caesars Palace specializes in providing entertainment and pampering services fit for the gods. It is located on the Strip, approximately four miles north of McCarren International Airport. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace offer some of the best shopping in world.The property's amenities include the new Qua Baths and Spa, a luxurious retreat with an array of unique treatments and services, including Roman Baths. The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis features four pools and two whirlpools. The 129,000-square-foot casino offers slot machines, table games, poker, keno, and a race and sports book. The Coliseum at Caesars Palace is a 4,000-seat stadium is now home to Bette Midler starting February 2008, Elton John's The Red Piano, and other events. Two onsite shopping venues hold more than 120 stores. The property also features a wedding chapel, a beauty salon, 24-hour room service, tour assistance, golfing arrangements, dry cleaning and laundry services, and a business center.Dining includes 808, Augustus Cafe, Bradley Ogden, Nero's, the Cafe Lago Buffet, the Cypress Street Marketplace, Sea Harbour, Hyakumi, the Mesa Grill, Rao's, and the Restaurant Guy Savoy. Payard Patisserie & Bistro, a joint venture between Caesers Palace and world-famous Pastry Chef Francois Payard, opened in November of 2007. Nightlife options include several bars and lounges. Pure nightclub offers a new standard in Las Vegas nightlife, with Strip views and two stories of decadence.All Classic rooms feature high-speed Internet access (fee applies), voicemail, safes, hairdryers, climate control, Nintendo games (fee applies). The Augustus Tower rooms offer a new definition of luxury with flat-panel TVs in the bed and bath areas.

A visual water symphony choreographed to music provides an unforgettable welcome to the Bellagio Hotel Casino. The water jets span more than 1000 feet and can shoot up to 250 feet in the air while seeming to dance to choreographed lights and romantic classical music. It is a spectacular sight and one worth taking the time to view while strolling along the boulevard. Be sure to bring a camera as this is one of Vegas's best attractions; not to mention, it is also free! Every 30 minutes until 7p, after which shows are every 15 minutes.

Is it Paris, or Las Vegas? Paris Las Vegas, of course. Ride to the peak of the 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower in the glass elevators. At the observation deck on top, you will behold a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip from 540 feet up. The 11th-floor Eiffel Tower Restaurant is formal dining at its finest; reservations are necessary. Tickets available at the Tower.

This is a wonderful spot at the MGM Grand to spend an hour or two gazing at the lions and cubs in their multi-level, state-of-the-art showcase and natural habitat. These pampered cats are housed off-site and rotated every few hours, so you get to see a variety of the 30 or so MGM lions. Admission is free, but you will have a "photo opportunity" for pictures of you with the lions. There's also a gift shop, with lots of fun toys, stuffed animals and clothing. A portion of the proceeds goes to organizations dedicated to the preservation of lions.

Hoover Dam was built during the Depression and completed in 1935. Hoover Dam is a multipurpose reclamation project on the Colorado River, controlling floods, storing water for irrigation and providing generation of hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife habitat. This world-renowned structure has been rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. For the Discovery Tour, the age limits are adults (17-61 years), seniors (62+) juniors (7-16 years), US Military (adults & seniors) and children (0-6 years). The Powerplant Tour is wheelchair accessible, however, the Dam tour is not.

The Grand Canyon draws more than 10 million visitors a year. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this amazing landscape awes and inspires. A mile in depth and more than 250 miles long, the Colorado River winds through its vast corridors. Drive or ride the Grand Canyon Railway as an alternative to getting there. Park amenities include both rustic and upscale lodging. Fine dining is available at the four-star dining room of the El Tovar. Admission is around USD20 per car.

Presenting a Vegas spin on the upscale culture of Venice, the Venetian is located on the Strip and features a Grand Canal complete with gondola rides, a 120,000 square-foot casino, elegant accommodations, and is approximately four miles from McCarran International Airport.Located on the site of the historic Las Vegas Sands and connected to the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the Venetian's signature feature is its quarter-mile Grand Canal, a waterway by piazzas and shops on which guests may partake in gondola rides. Performers entertain guests along the Grand Canal's cobblestone walkways. The Grand Canal Shoppes include 80 international boutiques and name-brand outlets. The hotel's casino offers table games, a semi-private high-limit salon, slot and video poker machines, and a luxury race and sports lounge. Live entertainment includes Broadway shows such as the Blue Man Group, the Phantom of the Opera, and Wayne Brady. The Venetian is also home to Madame Tussaud's wax museum, housing replicas of celebrities. Canyon Ranch SpaClub is a 69,000 square-foot, two-level wellness and fitness facility offering massage therapies, beauty treatments, a beauty salon, acupuncture, a fitness center, whirlpools, saunas, a 40-foot indoor rock-climbing wall, fitness classes, and a cafe. The five-acre pool deck atop the fourth level of the Venetian tower has three pools, one whirlpool, ten cabanas for rent, cocktail service, and a central bar.

TI is home to non-stop action, entertainment, gaming, dining, and amenities in the heart of the Strip.Live entertainment includes the Sirens of TI show, an action-packed adventure with pirates and tempting sirens. This free show is nightly at 7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30 (weather permitting). Mystere by Cirque du Soeil, this must see show features unique costumes and intriguing performances. The onsite casino features a poker room, table games, a high-roller lounge, slot machines, and a sports book. WET, the Spa at TI, features massage therapies, wraps, facials, and beauty treatments. The pool area features an outdoor swimming pool, a 50-person whirlpool, sun loungers, a pool deck bar with live entertainment, cabana rentals, and a VIP loft. TI Pool and Cabanas will be open from 9:00am to 7:00pm during the month of April and 8:00am to 7:00pm in May. In addition, now through September, poolside entertainment will feature DJ The Mike Kleid Show on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00pm to 7:00pm featuring a mix of top 40, reggae, and party music.Dining options include the Social House Restaurant, the Steakhouse, Isla, Kahunaville, Canter's Delicatessen, the Buffet, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Ben & Jerry's, and the Coffee Shop.Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access (fees apply), pillow-top Elite SensaTIonal Beds, rich dark wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Strip and the surrounding mountain ranges. Fashionable nightlife arrives at Treasure Island with Christian Audigier The Nightclub. With rock-n-roll and glam-inspired fashion at its core, Christian Audigier The Nightclub blends the world of design and nightlife into a room accentuated with original oversized tattoo artwork, VIP tables overlooking the dance floor and an unrivaled outdoor deck. Come shine in the spotlight of fashionable nightlife while listening to an eclectic mix of music from rock to progressive house.

This restaurant is well known for a variety of fresh seafood and outstanding steaks cooked to perfection. The frites are absolutely addictive. Choose to sit inside or relax outside on a beautiful day; the decor makes you feel you are in a Parisian bistro. There are excellent choices on the menu - Cold Appetizers, Hot Appetizers, Gabi's Classics etc as well as the wine list. Don't miss the amazing desserts like the Creme Brulee and the Bananas Foster Crepe. Food is reasonably priced with generous servings.

Spectacular red sandstone makes this a scenic desert wonder. This State Park has been a Nevada landmark since the 1930s and is home to many desert animals. On the cave walls you will see Indian petroglyphs, still remarkably preserved after hundreds of years of erosion from dust and wind. The drive is just over 50-miles northwest of Las Vegas and at sunset produces a memorable photographic opportunity. Check with the visitor center for details of the park, as well as souvenirs.