two couples goin to vegas for a week over memorial dat weekend 2000. we will be stayin at treasure island. anyone who has stayed there would appreciate feedback. also interested in side trips to grand canyon. has anyone driven from vegas to california and/or mexico? any info on vegas would be appreciated. thanx

Las Vegas to San Diego is about a 6 hour trip but fast because the road is excellent. You hit traffic around the eastern part of LA but then it get better as you go into Temecula. Vegas in spring is nice, not as hot as summer but it will be warm. The Treasure Island is in the middle of the strip so it is easy to go both ways up and down. Do not underestiamte the distances on the Strip, my friend got blisters from all the places we walked. There is a shuttle behind Bally's (a people mover) that goes a few blocks and when I was there, it was free. Take the bus up and down the strip, it runs every few minutes. The shopping mall at Ceasars is great and there is a show at the fountain every hour that is fun to watch. The Grand Canyon does not allow small planes anymore except in one area. You can take helicopter rides which are great. The bus tour is good if you have never seen the Canyon. The dam is fun because you get to go down this tiny elevator inside the dam to the bottom. They have tours all the time.

My husband and I have been to Las Vegas quite a few times. If you are going to rent a car Red Rock Canyon just outside of town is a beautiful peaceful drive. We have taken a side trip to Death Valley California and it is an all day trip of boring straight driving (I am from Michigan and used to curves hills and trees). If you do rent a car get a map and learn the back ways to casinos as the strip is nothing but bumper to bumper traffic most of the time now. Hoover dam is cool and you go through Henderson to get there. They have the Ethel M chocolate factory there and Oceanspray has a factory there both with free selfguided tours. The chocolates are the bomb. I wouldn't try to drive to the Grand Canyon, but there are many air tours offered in Las Vegas. We were luck enough to fly over on our way there last time on our commercial flight so I didn't feel the need to see again.

My husband and I are going again next month and will let you know of anything new. Hope you have fun when you go

LIla

Treasurer Island is FULL OF KIDS - especially when you will be going. You would be better off at the Mirage next door, Flamingo Hilton across the street or down the strip at the newer resorts. You can easily drive to Califoria, but remember it will be a holiday weekend and traffic will be heavy. Stick to Las Veagas and the surrouding areas-Red Rock Canyon or drive up to the mountains-have fun!

Scott -

I live in So. Cal and just wanted to put my 2 cents in.

Driving from Vegas to any So. Cal. destination is easy. However, I would say just stay in Vegas if you only have a few days.

My husband and I go to Vegas about 4-6 times a year. Usually a mix of business and fun. The above poster's adivce about distance is exactly right. Everyone looks at these huge buildings constructed in mythic proportions and thinks they are just a hop and a skip away. Usually, what looks like a 10 minute walk is more like 40. And, if it's hot, it'll feel like 80 minutes!

Since you are staying at TI, you might try the Bucaneer Bay Club for dinner one night. Went there for my birthday dinner a couple of years ago and it was great. Try to get a table next to the window with a view of the pirate ship and the strip.

Also, in regards to the room. Ask if you can get one with a view down the strip. My husband took his kids there one year for a "boys" weekend and they had a room looking all the way down Las Vegas Blvd. I wasn't there but they said it was a great view. See if they have one available.

Also for dinner, you might try Pinot Brasserie at the Venetian. Or lunch when it's cheaper. The "Hanger Steak" and frites is excellent. The meat tasted like filet, so tender. And, they served an herb sauce over it that was very flavorful.

If you like seafood, you might try the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio. It's about $25 per person but they do have all-you-can-eat lobster. They also have a World Buffet but I've found that it has gone down hill in recent years. The Rio is also home to the Voodoo Lounge. I haven't been here but my cousin tells me the view is incredible. The Rio sits off from the strip and so you can see most of it from inside the lounge.

Another good buffet for quality is the Sunday Brunch at Bellagio. Not as much variety as some cheaper buffets but excellent, fresh ingredients. About $18 per person.

I'm no expert on Vegas but have been many, many times. Please let me know if you have any other questions.