my spouse and I went there in 1998. <BR><BR>We are not gamblers. We had to get away from light and noise after 2 days solid. Hoover damb was a great escape. It is about 45 minutes drive. If they still give the hard hat tour, take it. They may not due to security. <BR><BR>We did see an awsome George Carlin show while there.

go to valley of fire, red rock canyon, mt. charleston (30 mi. out of vegas),hoover damn, california (only 3 hrs away)...

We saw George Carlin also, at Bally's. It was very funny!

Rent a car and head to Zion National Park - Not only will you see one of our natural wonders of the world, but on the way, you'll experience an incredible drive through the mountains of Northwest Arizona.<BR><BR>The trip is about 3-1/2 hours each way. You can have lunch right outside the park - just stay away from the Bramble Bush Cafe.<BR><BR>An even better suggestion - After touring Zion, proceed on to Bryce and stay over night at Rosie's - a great motel with pretty good dinner and breakfast offerings. <BR><BR>Bryce and Zion are completely different and yet both incredibly beautiful. You need to check the park hours and if the roads are open in the winter - this may not be the right time to visit.

I second the Valley of Fire. It's incredible!! I also second another poster's comment about taking a guided tour by Adventure Tours. Their Grand Canyon West tour is fascinating (you visit the top of the canyon then drive down the only road in the canyon down to the river). It's a long day but well worth it. Their tour to Valley of Fire takes you off roading through some very wild desert that you won't see from your own car. Have fun no matter what you decide!

I just want to thank Mr. Bitterpants for an amusing way to waste time while I'm stuck here at work. I think the next time we hit Vegas, I'll try some of those suggestions out!

Dear S.<BR>Seriously this is the order I would try you decide which one based on your likes:<BR>1. Hoover Dam- if you're into engineering.<BR>2. Valley of Fire- if you're into weird rocks with carvings on them.<BR>3. Red Rock Canyon- if you're into red rocks and wild donkeys.<BR>These are all easy day trips. My favorite was Valley of Fire, but others might find it boring. Everything is relative.

Death Valley was a favorite for us. An easy, but full daytrip. Fascinating for those intrigued by the desert. Love Vegas, but you appreciate it more with a getaway break or two.

<BR>If you want to leave town, the tour of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam is easy to do and interesting. I've also done Grand Canyon in a day but it is a HAUL.<BR><BR>I think you should stay in Las Vegas. The Venetian has a museum, MGM you can test audience an upcoming pilot or future television show, the Bellagio has an incredible spa, go to a show (&quot;O&quot; - the water version of Cirque de Soleil at the Bellagio is SPECTACULAR), while you may hate Theme hotels, it is an interesting walk down the strip .. such as seeing the commemorative display that firemen and policemen have left in memory of the 9-11 heroes outside the NY NY hotel.

to the top ONLY FOR Dr. Bitterpants' best of Vegas 30 things...

30 things are too funny!<BR><BR>to... the... top!