Thanks for the wonderful replies; I can always count of Fodors posters for lots and lots of ideas.

We are not fans of flying...just going from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas is going to be enough in the air for us. So we are taking a "Grand-Adventures" sunset tour, a small group of 10 or less, to Grand Canyon. It's highly rated on TripAdvisor. Probably going with Dean's Outdoor Adventures for the Hoover Dam trip.

I'm writing all these other ideas in a notebook. Thanks also for the links, will check them out and get email notifications from them.

tracys2cents - The request was for must see attractions.

Drunk babes are one person's must see, the Pinball Museum might be another person's.

I can't see inside their heads, so I just lay out somethings that aren't too obvious and hadn't been said.

BTW: I've been to most of the attractions I've listed.

If you want to do something outdoors during the summer, a good choice is the Mt. Charleston area. At elevations from around 7,000 to 12,000 feet, it's very different from the desert floor -- and much cooler. If you decide to go hiking, check weather forecasts for thunderstorm activity (and for some of the higher, more exposed hikes, be off the mountain by noon so as to avoid the unexpected storm).

Some great suggestions you have received.

Loved the Bellaggio art museum when Steve Wynn had it. Once at the Bellagio - helped out with a charity for kids - and Steve gave us a personal tour - along with MC Robin Leach.

Didn't know they have a Monet exhibit there now. Would definitely go to that, and always love seeing their great Botanical Garden (changes themes 4 times a year) and the adjacent - largest chocolate fountain in the world at Jean Phillip's Patisserie. http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/jean-philippe.aspx http://www.bellagio.com/ Of course - the magnificent fountains in front are the main event.

Have wanted to get to the Mob Museum - just haven't done it yet. And loved when the Venetian had a Guggenheim display - with a number of Impressionist works - but that's gone now.

And downtown/"Old Vegas" does have some bargains/fun thing to do. Saw a magic act there - trying to remember which hotel - and he was very good/inexpensive - and they had a good prime rib dinner (complete) for under $10 - and my wife is really a prime rib lover, and I like it too (However - I would take a Rib eye steak if it's at the same price).

Ah ha: I think the good/inexpensive magic show was Mike Hammer at the 4 Queens - which reminds me: Afternoon magic shows are one of the best bargains in Vegas, and check out these places selling discount tickets: http://www.tix4tonight.com/afternoon...agic-show.html

And it was their Magnolia Veranda that had a good prime rib dinner for under $10 and if you joined their gaming club (free - just takes a couple minutes to sign up) - they gave you a $2 discount for dining or some such, which made it a better deal. Seemed like they had some repeat customers in there. Here are some other dining bargains in Vegas: http://www.vegas.com/restaurant/specials.html

Used to love to go see the Lions on display at the MGM but heard they closed it down? Just amazing to walk through the glass enclosure and see a big Lion sprawling asleep you. And the trainers in there were always playing with them - sorta scary in my book. One of the 300 lb plus females grabbed a big bone from a trainer and just crushed it with her jaws, all the time, rubbing her tale on him.

Also like the roller coaster ride at NY NY - which has a tight turn - just like pulling over the stick on a jet fighter. And you can also get a good piece of Pizza there - in the "neighborhood".

And the desert gardens at the Ethyl M chocolate factory - toward Henderson - are great - especially at night when they have the lights on. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/off...ip/ethelm.html

http://blackcanyonadventures.com/Black-Canyon/

My husband and I did this rafting tour in 2006. It was great and a lot of fun. One of the highlights of the trip. I would recommend it, not hot as they provide water. The scenery is fantasic. I am also going to LV the end of May. Not sure if I will do this rafting again but just a hoover dam trip or cruise might work this time. Have fun.

Check out Go Trek USA they do a trip which has four parks-grand canyon zion monument valley and lake powell 3 days inclusive!

Papillon or mavericks are the best helicopters they are the newest.

be sure to check out the buffet at the Wynn too-AMAZING!

have fun!

Our top things in Vegas- 1. Phantom of the Opera
2. Old Strip at night with the laser show and free concerts
3. Stratosphere late at night
4. Bellagio fountains were fantastic and wax museum good to dork around in.

Things we didnt like 1. Chocolate Factory 2. Eiffel tower

also, could have skipped the expensive buffet food not that fabulous as some of the reviews suggest.... just go for an expensive regular restaurant instead.

and hoover dam was okay but not terribly exciting plus it was hellishly hot there

I have also used Bindlestiff Tours to get around they do custom and private tours of Las Vegas by locals and as well as fabulous tours of The Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion, Bryce and tons more they are really good. Used to be called Go Trek USA
www.bindlestifftours.com

Kardashian Khaos:


Where else are you going to find a $10 keychain, a $15 notepad, a $4 standard-sized pencil, and a $4 bumpersticker all in one place??

I bought an $1 keychain in AC just for the my TR card. Bellagio fountains did not impress me at all. I guess water squirting up to loud music isnt my cup of tea.

I ran into a buxom babe who was featured on front page of an escort mag. She just happened to stop over to check out her own photos in it. Nothing new for me as I see celebs, models, etc. posing and doing whatevers in Times Square all the time.

Bellagio Fountains
Freemont Street (you must go into Binions or one of the others for a cocktail)
VooDoo Lounge or Rain for the view

Some good ideas here. We do not gamble so I was looking for what to do. Appreciate ideas of cheaper things. Would you bring your kids? We live near Eugene,Oregon where there is a non-stop flight on Allegiant to Las Vegas fairly cheap most of the time. Have been considering a long weekend in spring just to go somewhere a bit warmer and not raining. We do like to hike some, museums are good, like antiquing, older daughter likes vintage clothes, younger one loves horses. Would go see a show that we can afford?

Check the Allegiant website for shows, rental cars, tours etc.
Allegiant also flies to Phoenix/Mesa and Hawaii from Eugene now.
I used to fly from Redmond but Allegiant dropped them.
Rent a car to go see Hoover Dam, South Rim GC, Red Rocks, Valley of Fire and maybe Death Valley.

?Funny how travellingmike joined up to top a 4 month old post to shill a tour company.

More funny still is that it was FIVE months...

Or is the post seven months old? That would be even more hilarious.

HTtY