jspence

So, my mother is going to a conference in Las Vegas in June. I am going to accompany her for the trip. I am trying to figure out fun and relaxing things to do during the day while she is in meetings. We are staying at the Bellagio. We are going to the Grand Canyon for 1 day.

I have just had a hard time with this because it seems that there are so many things to do.

I am looking for some creative things that extend beyond the typical "touristy" things.

Any ideas?

Ryan

Unless it involves body painting at one of the "entertainment establishments", I'm not sure creative (in the artistic sense of the word) is much of a consideration for the typical visitor to Vegas. Bellagio and Wynn both have decent, though fairly small art museums.

If you're into the outdoors and rock climbing, you might look into something at the Red Rock Canyon conservation area.

jlm_mi

When you say "relaxing" I think either hanging out by the pool with a good book, sitting in a lounge listening to music, or having a spa treatment, but I'm guessing those don't suit your tastes as you want something beyond the typical touristy things. So, can you expand a bit on what you consider "relaxing", or what you might have in mind? Maybe some things you've done and enjoyed at other places would be a good starting point. Even if Vegas doesn't offer those things, it will give us more insight into your likes and tastes.

Also, you say that you're having a hard time because there are so many things to do, which indicates you've probably researched some of what is available. What things have appealed to you, even if it's too many to fit into the time you have?

FainaAgain

here is a good post about being alone in Vegas

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34642619

westie

The Bellagio art gallery's current exhibit is the photographs of Ansel Adams. Also in Bellagio I highly recommend the Conservatory for the seasonal flower dislay. At night go to the Fontana lounge and request a patio table to enjoy the fountains.

A little further afield are the various shops in Caesar's Forum Shops or at Aladdin's Desert Passage.

In the evening take mom to Cafe Ba-BA-Reeba in Fashion Show Mall and enjoy tapas. There is a happy M-F between 4-7PM with $3 tapas and 1/2 priced Sangria served at the bar.

Take the car and head out to Lake Las Vegas and browse in the various lakeside shops.

Here is a link to a whole list of free attractions. I am sure something will appeal to you:

http://www.vegas4locals.com/free.html

jspence

So, to expand on "creative" and "relaxing"...

I guess for the "creative", I mean unique...are there special pools? museums? restaurants? day trips? that would allow time away from shopping and casinos

For "relaxing"...I like the pool with a book idea. Any more thoughts on this?

Thanks for the ideas on restaurants and specific shopping areas!

schoong324

I hope you are flying to the Grand Canyon.If you guys plan to drive there
for a day trip, you are in for one very
long day with no time to sight-see.
Here are a few sort of unusual things
to do off the "strip".
1.Indoor Skydiving at FLYAWAY
2.the original car that Bonnie & Clyde
were captured (gunned down) in at
Whiskey Pete's in Primm Valley
3.the Atomic Testing Museum
The Venetian has a great Art Museum
and if you are really brave take the
thrill of a lifetime ride on the
Stratosphere! Don't forget it's going to
be blazing hot in Vegas in June.
If the Bellagio has pool side cabanas (like Mandalay Bay)reserve one
RIGHT NOW. The ones at M.Bay mist you
with cool water, have chilled towels,
stocked fridges, TV, and waiters at
your beck and call.

tracys2cents

Caesar's is next door & it's forum mall is a great window-shopping afternoon, lots of good spots to eat here & plenty of other solo diners.

The Auto Collection at Imperial Palace, a short walk from Bellagio, is surprisingly impressive. The display changes but we got lucky once & saw cars of JFK, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis & the Popemobile. Print a free pass off their website, take it to the promotions center first floor & then go upstairs to the museum for an hour or so.

If you're a good walker, just heading from hotel to hotel to check out the decor/themes and people watching can fill quite a bit of time.

You could hop on a tour bus to Hoover Dam...it's interesting to see but also a nice tour out through more residential areas surrounding Vegas and you'd see a bit of desert which you won't see on the strip.

lightfoot

Wow, there was a single guy going to Vegas in the Solo Traveler section.....check him out!

jspence

Has anyone had a positive experience in flying to the Grand Canyon? A preferred vendor?

If we decided to just go to the Hoover Dam, how far is that bus ride?

I love the neat ideas --Bonnie and Clyde car, etc.

Does anyone know about the Bellagio pool(s)?

Thanks

TheWeasel

Depending on traffic, you can drive to the Hoover Dam in an hour. I would suggest renting a car to do that, rather than a bus. It will probably be cheaper, and gives you the option of setting your own pace, going other places, etc.

schoong324

I agree that renting a car
WITH GOOD AIR CONDITIONING would be
the preferred method of getting to
Hoover Dam. We drove it in about
45 min and we don't speed (much).