I agree with you Tom. The ones who abhore it the most I don't think have ever been, and if they have, they've not ventured far. As far as rednecks, it would be easy to categorize them by what they wear,etc. I'll go further for you folks:<BR><BR>A redneck is someone who is NOT well-traveled, narrow-minded, biased against anything they think is "right", and so outspoken they often show their ignorance by simply opening their mouths. Hitting a nerve w/ anyone?

Tell me what is wonderful about Vegas. That ole heart throb Wayne Newton? Elvis impersonators--and my god people actually want "Elvis" to marry them? Now there is tasteful! Does the Bellagio just bowl you over? Why? Are you the same people who rant about tasteless excesses elsewhere? Can you overlook those kids on the sidewalks pushing pamphlets on you at all hours of the day and night? Vegas has one thing going for it: two great Cirque shows. <BR><BR>It's a carnival. Some love it; some hate it and are depressed by what they see. I happen to think it is tacky and tasteless. Gambling bores me to tears. I couldn't spend two minutes at it. Are all-you-can-eat buffets a gastronomic experience par excellence? <BR><BR>Those who detest everything Vegas stands for are certainly as entitled to express their opinions here as the rest of you. What do you care if we hate it, if we see it in the light we do? Does that somehow diminish your pleasure in it? Are you so insecure in your own self worth that it shakes you to have others disagree with your assessment of a place? Does it make you wonder about yourself and how others perceive you? Is that why it bothers you? Why would someone who has never been to Vegas claim to have found it trashy? Just to spoil your fun? No. <BR><BR>I've been. I've been once and I'll even go back again. Why? It's the airport of choice if you want to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in this country--you know, canyons, hoodoos, streams running through stands of cottonwood, that sort of thing. Talk about a thrilling experience; try hiking Angel's Landing in your leisure time, clinging to chains through the upper portions. See if you have the stuff to make it up there. Discover the pleasure of testing your physical stamina. Have you the guts to make it around the narrow ledges? Are you physically and mentally capable of completing this hike? Try hiking into Wall Street, a slot canyon where a lone Douglas fir reaches a couple hundred feet through the slot to daylight above, or try hiking a riverbed into the Narrows, ferns dripping from the walls above you, using that leisure time you just wasted inside a smoky casino, mindlessly tossing money down the drain. People who boast about having made it to Vegas 3 times in one year absolutely leave me slack jawed. To me, you see, that is one very, very sad, wasted life. <BR><BR>Just my opinion, but one that is every bit as valid as yours.<BR>

I get it. Let's all pretend that we listen to classical music, act like we know our wines, vacation at "acceptable" places, and drive the most expensive SUV we can afford, AND live in the right neighborhood. Indeed, those people need not bother with Vegas. Hmm. Imagine that... pretentious people who can't stand artifice. Interesting.

ss-I DO listen to classical music,drive a German sports car,does that equal an SUV? and live in the right neighborhood.<BR><BR>I also go to Las Vegas.What in the world is your point?

Hahaha! Good job x, you got the Yahoos fighting among themselves. Too many smoke filled nights boys, O2 starved brain cells.

Look at the "Places You Would Return/One Time Only" thread, the closest thing here to an unbiased poll. 226 posts, Las Vegas mentioned 44 times: 33 never go backs (even some "once was too manys") vs 11 want to go backs. 3 to 1 against Vegas. Far more telling, look at the other cities liked or disliked any time Vegas is mentioned. There's a trend. Read it and weep.

Why are you people fussing about LV - hey, go or dont go. Instead of whining back and forth, call up somebody and have a conversation. Or send them a card. Just do something productive. Spread some joy and love and a few kisses, but spread something besides this.

Yep, Nope, it doesn't strike a chord. I'm very well-traveled and guess what, I wouldn't go to Vegas if you paid my flight, put me up at the Bellagio and gave me gambling money. It's got to be the tackiest place on earth. I hate gambling, neon, trashy people (and let's be clear about this one, I don't mean poor people, I mean trashy people, there is a huge difference), all you can eat buffets, endless concrete, smoke, etc, etc, etc. See, not everyone loves Vegas!

so what,who cares?

To all of you Vegas bashers - I could care less if you like Vegas or hate it. It does irritate me, though, when you misrepresent it, just plain lie about it, or mistakenly think that you are superior because you do not like it. You don't like it, don't go.

For those who don't like Vegas, great. You are entitled to your opinion. I don't expect everyone to enjoy the same things I do and frankly, I think the difference of opinion about a location helps to keep the price of a room and airfare a bit lower for the rest of us.<BR><BR>Just curious though why some of the Vegas detractors/supporters seem to take it personally that others do not share their opinion? If you are looking for validation of your self-esteem, an internet message board is the wrong place to look. <BR><BR>However, for those detractos, it seems pretty narrow-minded, based on one visit, to assume that one must be low-class and uneducated if they enjoy Vegas.

Been to vegas 7 times in the last 30 years so have seen a lot of changes. When I was younger, I liked it a lot more. Last time I went ( 2 years ago )I stayed at the Bellagio, went to "O" and Mystere but other than those shows, just didn't like Vegas as I use to. Maybe it's that the novelty has worn off even though they have made a lot of changes to the place. When I first started going to Vegas, I saw Buddy Hackett, Johnny Carson, Charo, Shecky Green, Steve & Edie, Sammy, Wayne Newton, Anthony Newly, Olivia Newton John, Jan Murray, Tim Conway, and many others and the shows had a certain excitment. Even though "O" was incredible some of the old magic was gone. Probably just has to do with me getting older and little more jaded.

I think the original question was how many times have you been or would like to go to Vegas......If you didn't like it your answer should be once and I wouldn't go back....simple.....<BR><BR>I go to Vegas once a year, and I go for the nightlife, the shows and a little gambling. I am family person with 2 kids and this is the one time my hubby and I are just people again we leave the kids at Gramdma's for a few days and just hang out. I do agree with the fact that alot of people bring the kids and I think Vegas is for adults, when I take the kids on a vacation we go to Disney I would never bring them to Vegas.....BUT that is just my opinion .

I go three times a year, been doing it for 20 years. There is no other city on the planet like Vegas. My wife hates the place so I have to go without her. Darn !<BR>I love the tackiness for what it is, gee, who'd take that stuff seriously anyhow ? Maybe that's why I like Vegas, it's like a big joke on the human race.

Love vegas!!! Would go more often if I could afford it! vegas is not cheesy like some people think. Vegas is fun, lively & entertaining... You don't know what your missing. It's an adult Disney World.

I've been to Vegas about 7 times, and love it more each time. It's such a great get away from everyday life. It can be luxurious, down to earth or maybe a little cheesy. That's what Vegas is, a playground for adults. I do agree,it is no place for kids. I just go and enjoy the weather, sites and entertainment. No it's not full of culture, but it's fun just to go once in awhile and do what ever you find fun.

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!

I agree with several of the most recent previous posters: Vegas is a great get-away from your regular life. The flight was almost too long for me, coming from Tampa, so I look to NYC for long weekends. But if the opportunity ever presents itself to go for another week, I would jump at the chance. Though, I will add that when I am choosing a vacation destination for my husband & I, Vegas is not on the list. Is it possible to not "love it" OR "hate it"? If so, that's where I fit in. Its been over a year since I went my first & only time, and I expect at least another year before I'll manage to get back. BUT... I would love to go again... all the decadance and non-stop noise just fascinates me.... even more so than Times Square....

Well I'm one of those who finds Vegas to be a fun spot to go...as a matter of fact, I'm taking my son and daughter-in-law there in 2004 to have their vows renewed my "Elvis"...I have a post out there about who is the "best Elvis" if anyone would like to seriously respond to it..thanks...

I leave for my 4th trip to Vegas this year alone on Sunday. Staying at Bellagio this time and pumped!!!! I stay in nicer hotels and have a grand old time!!!!! You want tacky and lots of Bubbas wearing socks with their Sandals take a cruise. Vegas is and has been for some 10 years now pretty dang upscale and most people just don't know how to do the research to get the expeirience they want. I have made some Vegas mistakes myself. Anyway you get what you pay for. If you want to only spend $39 a night and stay a Circus Circus you will see the tacky sick side of Vegas. Bump it up a notch and stay at Venetian or Bellagio and you will see the newer nicer Vegas.