First Time in Vegas

[protodelorean]

I'm going to be in Vegas this week for a software conference (Autodesk University). First time in Vegas. Not so interested in gambling and happily married (and intend to stay that way). Suggestions for must-see stuff?

Thanks,

[ccurzio]

Tour through all of the big hotels on the strip, even if you only spend a half hour in each. They're all worth seeing. Then head over to old downtown and see some of the classic hotels. Maybe do some zip lining.

How long will you be there?

[protodelorean]

I get in Monday around noon and leave Thursday afternoon.

[jmpdmc]

If you like eating, the buffet at the Rio is amazing.



Jeff

[Citizen]

You won't be there long enough to see everything, you'll have to come back.

See the dancing water at the Bellagio (better at night, free, can be seen from the street). See the O-Show, if it is still playing (expensive and you'll need advanced reservations).

Much, much more.

Lots of good buffets, most hotels have them, and you don't have to be staying there.

Thomas

...

[SoCalDMC12]

The Imperial Palace is kind of a dive, but they have a good car collection there. "Nine" at the Palms casino serves up a great steak (though on the pricy side).

[Shep]

See the dancing water at the Bellagio (better at night, free, can be seen from the street).Seconded. I did exactly this when I was there about a decade ago, and it was a spectacular sight. I'm sure it's only improved since then, but it's very convenient being able to see it from the street, and walking to other hotels when you're done.

I also recall going from there to Treasure Island, and seeing a staged pirate ship battle, also viewable outdoors. Called Sirens of Treasure Island (http://www.treasureisland.com/shows/sirens_of_ti.php), in case you're interested. Back then, it was quite well done, but it appears in the decade since, they've replaced most (if not all) of the pirates with wenches. So much for childhood fantasies... :frown:

[pezzonovante88]

Honestly, the hotels themselves are pretty impressive to tour. All the stores, shopping, and misc. sites are enough to take up your time. Also, there are some awesome cars and places to look at cars. You could rent a Lamborghini and drive through the desert or you could visit this place: http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/gun-rentals. Or take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Maybe get a massage and visit some amazing restaurants. TONS of stuff to do in Vegas other than gambling and screwing hookers!
Ps. I'm literally watching Leaving Las Vegas as I'm typing this!

[DMCVegas]

Vegas isn't all about sex and gambling. It is a part of it, but it isn't everything.

You ask what to do, and the answer really is where to start. What kind of stuff you're interested in will get you off and running.

Bellagio fountains are nice, yes. Especially for the first timer out there. And on that same list will be the generic attractions like the Las Vegas Sign, the Stratosphere Tower, Fremont Street Experience, and generally just cruising up and down the strip at least once to get a lay of the land.

Intermediate attractions will be things like shooting fully automatic weapons at the Gun Store, touring Hoover Dam, zip lining Downtown, Ethel M's chocolate factory, etc.

Your more advanced attractions depending upon your personal interests will stretch between the Atomic Testing Museum, Bonnie Springs Ranch (if you like wild west stuff), The Erotic Heritage Museum (if that's your thing), and other attractions and museums around town.

Food? Gotcha covered.

First off stay the hell away from the buffet over @ the Rio. It's gone to crap since the 1990's, especially when you figure in the price. Although that doesn't apply to Rio's separate Seafood buffet. Now THAT is amazing! If you insist upon going, or you just want to eat to excess, Harrah's does have their 24 hour buffet pass that includes Rio as well as their other properties.

But, if you want a good buffet, you gotta go to Studio B @ the M Resort. The food is great and the buffet also includes beer and wine!

You looking for a steakhouse? Here's a good start. (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/nov/15/10-best-steakhouses-las-vegas-2012/) Why The Golden Steer and Fogo de Chao aren't mentioned, I'll never know. But you can't go wrong with either of those two.

And we still haven't talked Pizza, Delicatessen, Italian, Mexican, French, or even Chinese food!

I miss Vegas dearly. There is good reason that we're moving back permanently. :(

[protodelorean]

Thanks guys! This is quite a list. Vegas has been on my list of places to visit. This conference has just gotten me there before I was able to get there on my own. With the conference event I doubt I'll be able to get to the things that require more than walking. (I'll be staying at MGM) I'll definitely be converting these posts into a to-do list though.

Thanks!

[Jim D]

The shows are really good and can be pricy but there are places that you can purchase tickets for about half price for that day. There used to be a huge Coke bottle landmark and at the base was a place to buy the discounted tickets. I'm also told that the cab drivers can get you a good deal. Have fun!

[DMCVegas]

World of Coca Cola is still there. If you love coke stuff, they've got a ton for sale. The best part about that place is that they have a large sampler you can order with about 14 different flavors of soda from around the world. Not every one tastes good, but it's a helluva lot of fun. It used to be a 4 story attraction with a museum that took up the top 2 floors, but that part has long since closed down. Still worth a visit though, especially with M&Ms world next door, and Gameworks downstairs.

Speaking of games, if you're a gamer there are a couple of awesome things to see...

Pinball Hall of Fame Museum. (http://www.pinballmuseum.org) A mind-blowing collection of vintage and rare pinball machines that are ALL available for play.

If you want to party with other gamers, your best bet is to head downtown to Insert coins. (http://www.insertcoinslv.com)

There are still a TON of things not mentioned, but here's a great resource for you: http://www.vegas.com/

As for cabbies, yeah, be careful about them. Some times when you ask them to take you places, it's because they're getting kick-backs. You also need to be very watchful of two things from them:

Do NOT let them take you the long way around via the Airport Tunnel.
As soon as you stop at your destination, make sure they cut the meter off!


The list of things to do truly does go on and on. But as a tourist, there are a few key things that you should realize before going to Vegas:

UNLESS YOU'RE IN A CROSSWALK OR A CONTROLLED CROSSWALK WITH A WALK SIGN, OR ARE ON THE SIDEWALK, NEVADA DRIVERS ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY!
Jaywalking is illegal, and if you get hit by a car the driver could even sue YOU for damage to their vehicle! I know that California along with other states are different, but remember, you're not at home.

PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL!
If you really want to have sex, just drive over the hill outside of Clark County. There are legal brothels where the women are inspected weekly, and you don't have to worry about catching anything or getting arrested. All you'll find in Vegas are muggers and pickpockets that they'll send directly to your room, or Clip Joints that will take your cash & credit cards, and then beat you. Take the time to drive, see some nice sights, and stay safe if you really want that kind of party.

IF SOMEONE APPROACHES YOU AND SAYS, "EXCUSE ME, CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION?", JUST IGNORE THEM AND KEEP GOING!
These are salesmen pitching everything from no-name cosmetics to time shares. Now unless you want to go to a sales pitch and survive some high-pressure sales in order to get some free show tickets, avoid these parasites like the plague.

DON'T BE A DOUCHE BAG!
I know, we all know: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" The idea behind that is to come out of your humdrum shell and try something new so that you can have fun! It does NOT mean you've got permission to be a rude asshole to everyone because you never have to see them again. Be nice and you'll be amazed at how much better the service and overall experience is.

[jackb]

Three words: Penn and Teller.

[Ron]

There are legal brothels where the women are inspected weekly, and you don't have to worry about catching anything or getting arrested.I have to ask....Depending on the particular "problem", what about when she comes into contact herself right before the test? Some things would not show...or, say she tests on Monday and works all week then you come along on Friday, at the end of a weeks work?

[ccurzio]

PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL!
If you really want to have sex, just drive over the hill outside of Clark County. There are legal brothels where the women are inspected weekly, and you don't have to worry about catching anything or getting arrested. All you'll find in Vegas are muggers and pickpockets that they'll send directly to your room, or Clip Joints that will take your cash & credit cards, and then beat you. Take the time to drive, see some nice sights, and stay safe if you really want that kind of party.

I'm pretty sure that since the dude is "happily married and intends to stay that way", this blob wasn't really necessary. :)

[thirdmanj]

World of Coca Cola is still there. If you love coke stuff, they've got a ton for sale. The best part about that place is that they have a large sampler you can order with about 14 different flavors of soda from around the world. Not every one tastes good, but it's a helluva lot of fun. It used to be a 4 story attraction with a museum that took up the top 2 floors, but that part has long since closed down. Still worth a visit though, especially with M&Ms world next door, and Gameworks downstairs.

Speaking of games, if you're a gamer there are a couple of awesome things to see...

Pinball Hall of Fame Museum. (http://www.pinballmuseum.org) A mind-blowing collection of vintage and rare pinball machines that are ALL available for play.

If you want to party with other gamers, your best bet is to head downtown to Insert coins. (http://www.insertcoinslv.com)

There are still a TON of things not mentioned, but here's a great resource for you: http://www.vegas.com/

As for cabbies, yeah, be careful about them. Some times when you ask them to take you places, it's because they're getting kick-backs. You also need to be very watchful of two things from them:

Do NOT let them take you the long way around via the Airport Tunnel.
As soon as you stop at your destination, make sure they cut the meter off!


The list of things to do truly does go on and on. But as a tourist, there are a few key things that you should realize before going to Vegas:

UNLESS YOU'RE IN A CROSSWALK OR A CONTROLLED CROSSWALK WITH A WALK SIGN, OR ARE ON THE SIDEWALK, NEVADA DRIVERS ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY!
Jaywalking is illegal, and if you get hit by a car the driver could even sue YOU for damage to their vehicle! I know that California along with other states are different, but remember, you're not at home.

PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL!
If you really want to have sex, just drive over the hill outside of Clark County. There are legal brothels where the women are inspected weekly, and you don't have to worry about catching anything or getting arrested. All you'll find in Vegas are muggers and pickpockets that they'll send directly to your room, or Clip Joints that will take your cash & credit cards, and then beat you. Take the time to drive, see some nice sights, and stay safe if you really want that kind of party.

IF SOMEONE APPROACHES YOU AND SAYS, "EXCUSE ME, CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION?", JUST IGNORE THEM AND KEEP GOING!
These are salesmen pitching everything from no-name cosmetics to time shares. Now unless you want to go to a sales pitch and survive some high-pressure sales in order to get some free show tickets, avoid these parasites like the plague.

DON'T BE A DOUCHE BAG!
I know, we all know: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" The idea behind that is to come out of your humdrum shell and try something new so that you can have fun! It does NOT mean you've got permission to be a rude asshole to everyone because you never have to see them again. Be nice and you'll be amazed at how much better the service and overall experience is.

For he has so written... :worship: :worship:

[Shep]

IF SOMEONE APPROACHES YOU AND SAYS, "EXCUSE ME, CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION?", JUST IGNORE THEM AND KEEP GOING!
These are salesmen pitching everything from no-name cosmetics to time shares. Now unless you want to go to a sales pitch and survive some high-pressure sales in order to get some free show tickets, avoid these parasites like the plague.To add to this one: I've seen this in New York as a common entrance to pickpocketing. While you're talking to someone, you pay less attention to the subtle sensations a good pickpocket thief creates (don't even go there guys :tongue: ), and thus are less liable to notice that someone has just stolen your wallet. I'd imagine Vegas is just as bad (if not worse) than New York in terms of pickpocketing due to the mass collection of casinos there. I personally do this 100% of the time I have a wallet on me, but I feel this is a key point to avoid pickpocketing:

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WALLET IN YOUR FRONT POCKET!

Doing this means anyone trying to pickpocket you either comes up with an empty wallet, or has to reach around front and really fiddle with the wallet in your pocket to get it out, not to mention it's much easier felt and seen than if you put it in your back pocket.

[Dangermouse]

Wait! You don't recommend using a "mug me, I'm a tourist, fanny pack"?

:)

[Delorean Industries]

Vegas in a nut shell:

First night on the strip. Unstoppable:

15044

Waking up next morning at 7 am after day light savings ready to do it again:
15045

7:22 am. Finding a two for one Mojito breakfast special:
15046

8:17am Face plant in hotel room.

15047


Normal Vegas experience. Pick pockets? EH not so much. Annoying little men with mustaches clicking hooker cards at you from every direction. Plentiful.

[SIMid]

Excellent thread! I'll be going during xmas for the first time as well. :)

[SoCalDMC12]

Oh, isn't Caroll Sheby's company/museum there as well?

[DMCVegas]

I'm pretty sure that since the dude is "happily married and intends to stay that way", this blob wasn't really necessary. :)

No doubt he'll be faithful. But from my experience with tourists there is always one knucklehead in the group that insists upon getting laid and becomes a pain-in-the-ass to everyone else in the process. Knowing stuff like this is a great deterrent for them.




I have to ask....Depending on the particular "problem", what about when she comes into contact herself right before the test? Some things would not show...or, say she tests on Monday and works all week then you come along on Friday, at the end of a weeks work?

A prostitute isn't the same as a street hooker. First off their independent contractors, and have to be licensed to work. This results in a couple of things... If these places don't like the looks of you, they won't even let you in. Since the women are independent contractors, they are not forced to take on any clients that they don't wish to. They don't work, they don't get paid, unlike how pimps treat women. As licensed contractors, not only are they tested weekly, but they are trained to perform required medical examinations of all clients before their physical interactions. If a client fails the exam or even looks suspicious, they are declined service. The workers fail their STD tests, they don't work, and in the entire history of Nevada, they've only ever had one instance of HIV contracted by a worker.

And yes that was all ambiguous because they do have male prostitutes now for women.




I'd imagine Vegas is just as bad (if not worse) than New York in terms of pickpocketing due to the mass collection of casinos there.

Vegas is actually pretty safe. It's not 100% foolproof, but much safer. Scammers of all varieties always get caught. Casinos are of course private properties, so you can be ejected. When someone is caught on property, they are "Trespassed" and banned from the property (and possibly sister properties as well). They are also photographed. Metro (the local police) does a good job of circulating alerts to hotels that hang wanted posters everywhere. Most of the facial recognition technology employed by the Government was also developed in Vegas as well. Newer casinos have "choke points" where everyone is forced to walk through with eye-level cameras that photograph everyone. If a familiar face pops up, the system triggers an alert to security, and they'll discreetly find that person and detain them for police so they can be arrested. This is why most of the action and scams went outside onto the sidewalk, but the city has since enacted ordinances that have given them even more power to crackdown on people. Vegas can be a difficult place to make a shady living for most people.




Oh, isn't Caroll Sheby's company/museum there as well?

Yup. It's up on the north side of town right up I-15. If you go there at the right time, you can get some amazing photo opprotunities where outback they'll have an acre of brand new GT500s just sitting there waiting for transport. It's like those DMC factory photos where you realize you'll never see this many of this particular car gathered together again. GM and Chrysler also love to test their cars up around there and in the Valley of Fire as well, so it's not uncommon to see some disguised prototypes whizzing by you.

Speaking if which, of you get the time, Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon are also some natural wonders that are awesome to see.




Excellent thread! I'll be going during xmas for the first time as well. :)

Hope you speak Maradian/Cantonese/Vietnamese/Korean. Xmas is slow for Westerners, but since in the east they don't celebrate the same holidays, a ton of Asian concerts are held in Vegas at that time. Most of the signs out front will also become bi to trilingual at that time.




Wait! You don't recommend using a "mug me, I'm a tourist, fanny pack"?

:)

There are other options:

http://thesatchelpages.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hangover-218x300.jpg

[Dangermouse]

Last year, there was a DeLorean staged outside Binions casino on Fremont street, supposedly. Whether it was a short- or long-term promotion is not known.

If you happen to be passing.

[Ron]

A prostitute isn't the same as a street hooker. First off their independent contractors, and have to be licensed to work. This results in a couple of things... If these places don't like the looks of you, they won't even let you in. Since the women are independent contractors, they are not forced to take on any clients that they don't wish to. They don't work, they don't get paid, unlike how pimps treat women. As licensed contractors, not only are they tested weekly, but they are trained to perform required medical examinations of all clients before their physical interactions. If a client fails the exam or even looks suspicious, they are declined service. The workers fail their STD tests, they don't work, and in the entire history of Nevada, they've only ever had one instance of HIV contracted by a worker.

And yes that was all ambiguous because they do have male prostitutes now for women.
What I get out of the above is that a client must rely on the pro's opinion of how a client looks between tests...and those of their clients'....and all of their partners'..., etc.

If you are only going to address HIV and its official history (not the question ;-), "What happens in Vegas, ...:devil:

[DMCVegas]

What I get out of the above is that a client must rely on the pro's opinion of how a client looks between tests...and those of their clients'....and all of their partners'..., etc.

If you are only going to address HIV and its official history (not the question ;-), "What happens in Vegas, ...:devil:

Like the Indian clerk @ 7-11 once told me when I was reading his magazines instead of buying them, "Life is full of chances, we are always to be taking them."

If you do insist upon playing Russian Roulette with your dick, the odds are better over the hill. Had a lot of tourists ask me these questions over the years...

As a bonus, where is the most popular spot that cab drivers take tourists?

Answer: the grocery store. The price of a single bottle if water @ The Wynn will net you 2-3 cases from Walmart. The sundries and liquor are much cheaper at for people to buy elsewhere, and boy do they ever! Which of course is why when conventions book rooms, the hotels have food and beverage minimums that each guest must meet...

[Shep]

Vegas is actually pretty safe. It's not 100% foolproof, but much safer. Scammers of all varieties always get caught. Casinos are of course private properties, so you can be ejected. When someone is caught on property, they are "Trespassed" and banned from the property (and possibly sister properties as well). They are also photographed. Metro (the local police) does a good job of circulating alerts to hotels that hang wanted posters everywhere. Most of the facial recognition technology employed by the Government was also developed in Vegas as well. Newer casinos have "choke points" where everyone is forced to walk through with eye-level cameras that photograph everyone. If a familiar face pops up, the system triggers an alert to security, and they'll discreetly find that person and detain them for police so they can be arrested. This is why most of the action and scams went outside onto the sidewalk, but the city has since enacted ordinances that have given them even more power to crackdown on people. Vegas can be a difficult place to make a shady living for most people.Not really what I was saying, but good info nonetheless. :thumbup:

[Ron]

Answer: the grocery store. The price of a single bottle if water @ The Wynn will net you 2-3 cases from Walmart. The sundries and liquor are much cheaper at for people to buy elsewhere, and boy do they ever! Which of course is why when conventions book rooms, the hotels have food and beverage minimums that each guest must meet...Sounds like THE place to get screwed...


J/K

[Jonathan]

Sorry, late to the game here... Not sure if Steve already has an agenda, considering he would have arrived there yesterday.

Like other's said, some of the free stuff to go see just walking around is neat:

- Belagio water fountain, Treasure Island pirate show, go see the lions at the MGM Grand, across the street at New York New York is a a pretty extensive mall/food court type thing and right at one entrance is a magic shop where you can watch them do some pretty cool tricks (and hope you buy their trick from them!)

I thought seeing Luxor inside and out was worth the walk up that way (or take the tram that goes from Mandalay Bay past Luxor and the castle one on the corner then over to NY NY).

Heck, people watching alone cane be pretty fun!

I checked on the website and it closed, but the Hilton used to have the Star Trek Experience ride that was good. Not sure if there is something now in it's place?

The only other thing I didn't see a big mention of was going out to the Hoover Dam. Not sure if you are getting a rental car, but it is only about 30-40 minute drive from the strip. You can take the "dam tour". I thought it was pretty impressive, especially looking at the enormity of the engineering accomplishment.

I've been there a couple time for the national pool tournaments, not to mention my sister was living there at one point. Have fun!!

150941509315098150961509715095

[SIMid]

Hope you speak Maradian/Cantonese/Vietnamese/Korean. Xmas is slow for Westerners, but since in the east they don't celebrate the same holidays, a ton of Asian concerts are held in Vegas at that time. Most of the signs out front will also become bi to trilingual at that time.



I can actually speak Cantonese, but can't read and write. Not into Asian concerts, so looks like the Gun Shop is on the cards then. :)

[Ozzie]

Also, consider that the Hoover Dam is only a short drive away.
They have several tours daily, that go into and inside the inner workings of it.

EDIT: Sorry, just saw Jonathan mentioned it; so, take this then as a second recommendation. : )

[protodelorean]

OK. First I want to thank everyone for the suggestions above. Unfortunately the conference kept us busy for essentially 12 hours a day so free time wasn't what I had hoped. I did get to walk most of the strip and through the hotels. Very cool. Saw the fountains at Ballagio. Very nice. Checked out the Coke and M&M's stores. (M&M;s has a recent Kyle Bush NASCAR on the third floor if anyone's interested.) The sucky part was the week I was there was the week of the NASCAR Year End Awards Banquet. I saw nothing while I was there, but A I'm in the cab to head to the airport, directly across the street from the MGM (my hotel) were all the haulers unloading the cars for the tour down the strip that afternoon. : (

Overall, no problems. The guys that are constantly snapping the business cards with the naked chicks are annoying, but no threat. And I understand why they do it, but when you have to go up a two story set of stairs, across a bridge, and down a two-story flight of stairs just to cross the street was annoying, but I lived.

Bottom line. I had a good time. There's MUCH more to do there. I WILL go back (not work trip) and do more.

Thanks again guys!

[GS450-Junkie]

Bellagio is a must... Blue Man Group is a must.... (If it is still there??)

[Shep]

Blue Man Group is a must.... (If it is still there??)I've never seen them, but always wanted to. I did a quick Google search, and based on this page (http://www.blueman.com/tickets/las-vegas/), it appears they are in Las Vegas some of the time, but they perform in other major cities as well.

Interesting to note: most of the attractions listed in this thread are void of any language. Blue Man Group, Bellagio, Treasure Island pirate show, MGM Grand lions, etc. all can be enjoyed by those of all dialects. The Hoover Dam itself as well, however the tours are English based. (I think those tours have something for those that do not understand English though -- I would Google that one before going out there.)

[yellowmxwheels23]

I've never seen them, but always wanted to. I did a quick Google search, and based on this page (http://www.blueman.com/tickets/las-vegas/), it appears they are in Las Vegas some of the time, but they perform in other major cities as well.

Interesting to note: most of the attractions listed in this thread are void of any language. Blue Man Group, Bellagio, Treasure Island pirate show, MGM Grand lions, etc. all can be enjoyed by those of all dialects. The Hoover Dam itself as well, however the tours are English based. (I think those tours have something for those that do not understand English though -- I would Google that one before going out there.)

Its a good dam tour.

[Mike Z]

Not so interested in gambling and happily married (and intend to stay that way).

I was going to suggest the Bunny Ranch but nevermind :nono: