What to do in Las Vegas for a weekend?

[knave]

Me and six of my budies may have an opportunity to go.

I'm pretty sure we could figure it out...but interesting ideas are welcome.

[Dartful Dodger]

Wait 2 hours for a $25 Black Jack table that will change to a $50 dollar table 5 minutes after you sit down at it.

Unless you like standing around and crowds, Vegas is a horrible place to go on a weekend, save your money and time and go somewhere else.

The old strip is the only place you can go to avoid the masses, but there is a reason the masses avoid the old strip.

[one2three]

How to Blow a weekend in Vegas:

10:00pm - Blow into town.
10:15pm - Do a few lines of Blow.
10:45pm - Get a Blow job from a hooker.
11:00pm - Get pissed at the hooker for overcharging and Blow a fuse.
11:10pm - Go down and Blow your wad at the tables.
11:10 to 3:00am - Drink too much and Blow chunks on some dudes shoes.
3:01am - Receive a Blow to the head from said dude.
3:25am - Get stoped by the police and Blow a .28 Blood alcohol level.
3:30am - Friends promise cops they'll take you directly to the room.
3:35am - Blow off cops and head to the strip club.
3:50am - Hit the A.T.M. and drain the checking account.
3:55 to 4:30am Blow the remainder of your cash on lap dance after lap dance.
4:45am - Get kicked out of the club after telling the stripper her teqnique Blows.
5:00am - Stumble back to the room, pass out on the bathroom floor.
8:30am - Wake up in a pool of vomit and seriously consider blowing your head off.

Repeat as required.





Or you could just have take in a show and see the sights.

[CCM]

The old strip is actually a pretty popular and crowded spot these days.  With the Fremont Street experience, it brings a ton of people to the old casinos, Binions, Golden Nugget, etc...

http://www.vegasexperience.com/indexflash.html

Fremont Street is actually worth checking out.

There is plenty to do in Vegas even if you Don't gamble, there are tons of shows, entertainment, shopping, etc...

If you want to check out a show, you can't beat any of the Cirque De Soleil shows  I think there are 4 of them in Vegas now.  The only problem with the shows is that they aren't cheap, probably an average of $100.

If you are looking for some cheaper gambling on the strip, check out some of the older places like the Tropicana (if they haven't already blown it up), the Excalibur, Bally's, etc... 

Of course there are some superb strip clubs as well, Cheetahs, Jaguars, and more. 

I've actually found most of the cab drivers in Vegas to be friendly and a great source for the current hot spots.

You'll have a great time no matter what you do, I love Vegas!

[vertygo]

Well if you are at all geeky like me, the Star Trek Experience is awesome. I'd recommend just the Klingon one tho, the borg one is good, but to go to both gets pricey.

Also:
In and Out Burger - so amazingly good, and heck Christian scribblings on the milkshakes!
Outlet Stores - one set downtown about 7 minutes north of the strip (to the west, just follow that highway that runs paralell to the strip but it just west).. the other set you go down the strip to the south, past the airport another 2 blocks. KBToys Outlet, all the clothing stores, shoe stores, and hardware stuff for CHEAP.

Kill someone and live the real life CSI:Las Vegas episode you've always dreamed of.*

Cheers!


*this is a joke, please don't kill anyone.

[somunny]

Wait 2 hours for a $25 Black Jack table that will change to a $50 dollar table 5 minutes after you sit down at it.

Unless you like standing around and crowds, Vegas is a horrible place to go on a weekend, save your money and time and go somewhere else.

The old strip is the only place you can go to avoid the masses, but there is a reason the masses avoid the old strip.

By "the old strip" are you referring to downtown?  That area is crawling with people, too.  However, that's where the cheap gambling can still be had.  If you really want to avoid the crowds, go twenty years ago. 

Not sure if anyone has recommended the Pinball Hall of Fame yet, but it's pretty cool if you're into that sort of thing.  Not exactly what you'd expect but still fun.

[vertygo]

Ya I did..

Where is the Pinball Hall of Fame ? Sounds pretty cool ? Oh, google is MY friend..

http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

[boykster]

Lots to do in Vegas, many already mentioned.  yep, old Vegas is worth a trip - go in the evening but not too late to see the light show, and you might as well do some gambling at the old gambling halls where you can actually find cheap slots and reasonably priced table games.

If you're into gentlemens clubs, there are a ton, and for a group of 6, call ahead to the Spearmint Rhino and tell them you're a bachelor party and they'll send over a car to pick you up.  Expect to spend a bit of $$ though  

The ST experience is cool, during the day the Shelby museum is cool too.  Oh, and don't forget to go to the pinball hall of fame / museum

http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

There are plenty of shows to see, and several free ones.  TI does a sidewalk show every evening, and the fountains at the Bellagio are pretty cool.  Its fun to wander around the insane decadence of the ultra expensive casino hotels (Wynn and Bellagio) and if you're into cars, check out the Wynn Penske Ferrari Maserati dealership at the Wynn Hotel

http://www.penskewynn.com/

They've got a big showroom and you can wander around...

Its not a trip to Vegas without a ride on the NYNY roller coaster, and last trip there my wife and I took the elevator up to the top of the eiffel tower in Paris...fun and a great way to get a good view of the whole strip.  If you're into nightlife, there are a TON of clubs/bars and things don't get started until late.  Expect to eat dinner late, and arrive at clubs no earlier than 10pm for there to be any action.  My fav clubs are Rum Jungle, House of Blues, Ghost Bar, Tao, and LAX.  There are TONS more, too many to have gone to them all....

Have fun!

[DrumAnBass]

Kill someone and live the real life CSI:Las Vegas episode you've always dreamed of.*

Cheers!

*this is a joke, please don't kill anyone.

[Hoopz]

Watch Very Bad Things before you go.  Your numbers are slightly higher than the group of guys in the movie so it may take longer for things in your group to get resolved.   

http://imdb.com/title/tt0124198/


I agree with everything posted here.  I'd also throw in try a great restaurant.  Emeril's at the MGM is good (Emerils Fish House I think).  There are amazing places to eat so check it out.   Didnt get to the Pinball museum though. 

Going Sunday - Wednesday is much cheaper especially at some hotels.  If that's an option for you guys, check out the Excalibur or another older hotel like that.  $39 a night or so.

[Dartful Dodger]

I forgot about this place Austins Steakhouse.   A friend read that it was the best steak place in Vegas, so we decided to go to it.  It's in one of those casinos that looks like a pit.(and the casino is) but the food was incredible, probably the best the pan-seared rib eye I've had outside of Texas.  Even better than some inside of Texas.



If you're going to this place and you have a Nevada conceal carry permit, I'd highly recommend you be carrying.

[Hoopz]

If you're going to this place and you have a Nevada conceal carry permit, I'd highly recommend you be carrying.

Sounds like a great place!  Take pictures and post em when you go.   

[boykster]

It seems that Vegas is yet another polarizing topic on this board.  I've had very nice stays in Vegas - wonderful suite at MGM Grand, incredible strip view suite at THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay, nice room at Mandalay Bay, and an very nice suite at the Venetian.  Plenty of seating, plasma tv's in teh rooms, etc.  Nearly every casino (on the strip at least) now has a non-smoking section, and frankly in those areas you rarely have to wait to get a seat at a table game.

Yes, I agree, the days of the cheap food and incredible bargains are gone.  Big corporations have taken over and the scale has increased by a HUGE scale, so has the cost.  But, if you're willing to spend a reasonable amount of money - frankly no more than you would in LA, Seattle, NYC, or San Fran, you can have an incredible meal at one of the many 4 star restaurants.  If you like sushi/sashimi, I highly Nobu @ the Hard Rock cafe...spendy but WELL worth it.  If raw fish isn't your deal, get the Yakimono....mmm

[somunny]

I think you'll have as much fun as you want to have.  If you go there with some friends or your girlfriend or wife and set out to have a good time, you'll probably do just that.  If you go there with the idea that everything sucks, well...  Are you familiar with the phrase "self-fulfilling prophecy"?

Hell, I went with my wife *and* kids.  Didn't drink or gamble and we still had a good time.

[vertygo]

I agree... you do have to be prepared to spend alot. We always stay in a suite at the Luxor after staying at some cheaper places and not liking them. It's a tourist city, of course it'll be expensive.

Now San Fran.. that's a city I can jump on the trash wagon about..

[somunny]

Hell, I went with my wife *and* kids.  Didn't drink or gamble and we still had a good time.

I agree 100% with your previous statements.  It's difficult to not have a good time with six friends, IMO.

I'm curious, though, what did you do with your wife and kids?  My wife and I occasionally joke about going back, but neither of us is interested in gambling or $100/ticket shows.

And we've already seen Hoover Dam. 

Well, we got a lot of stink-eye looks from the hipsters staying at our hotel (Planet Hollywood).  We did have our 6 mo. old with us, as well but it wasn't like I was at the Blackjack table with her on my hip!

My wife and daughter went to see Phantom and my son, duaghter and I went to the Classic Gaming Expo.  The baby got left out of those festivities so we took turns watching her at the hotel.  Kids or no kids, sometimes you just gotta get away.

Anyway, it's neat to see a childs reaction to the strip lit up at night. 

[ark_ader]

Cruise around the old casinos looking for arcades.  With your trusty sterno notepad jot down any interesting finds and their location and report back here. 

Keep your money in your pocket - don't gamble the new casinos and some old ones have the new machines that cost 25c to $5 a pop. 1c machines are a joke. 

Then head out to Hoover Dam and take the tour.  Make sure you see the red X on the floor from the jumpers.  Cross the bridge at the Dam and visit Arizona for 5 minutes.  You can say you have been there.

Get a car and see the Super Bowl.   

Check out Lake Mead, go fishing.  Pan for some lose change with a "I'm broke and I need 25c for the  arcade machines" sign and see how much you get.   

Cross over to Red Rock and do some hiking, watchout for the wild burrows (they bite) and check out Bonny Springs and the wild west show (if its on).

Crash at the Palace Station on Sahara (where OJ  up and got caught) the rooms are cheap - just don't expect anything fantastic.

Check out the strip, pretend to play nickel machines and get free beer.   

Check out Pinball Museum at Pecos and Tropicana - take the bus and about $20 in quarters - they have a working Funhouse!!!

Buy some arcade parts from Happs (near the airport) and then visit Billiards N More across the street and sell them some.

That sounds like a better trip.   

[jcroach]

Buy some arcade parts from Happs (near the airport) and then visit Billiards N More across the street and sell them some.

I'll be in Vegas in the spring too for a conference. Thanks to everyone for the advice.  Does Happs sell direct to the consumer from their Vegas location?

[ChadTower]

best the pan-seared rib eye I've had outside of Texas.  Even better than some inside of Texas.

I need to go to Texas again someday just for some steaks.  I hated, hated, hated Texas when I went there as a kid but as an adult, if I just flew in, ate a few 64oz steaks, and flew out again, it may be worth it.

And maybe to North Carolina for some BBQ on the way.

[CheffoJeffo]

By "the old strip" are you referring to downtown?  That area is crawling with people, too.  However, that's where the cheap gambling can still be had.  If you really want to avoid the crowds, go twenty years ago. 

Not sure if anyone has recommended the Pinball Hall of Fame yet, but it's pretty cool if you're into that sort of thing.  Not exactly what you'd expect but still fun.

I think I agree with all of this ... my first trip to Vegas was a date I took (the now) Mrs. Cheffo on (and, yep, it was nearly 20 years ago ... ugh). It ended up that her boss (who is an old friend of mine) was going the same weekend with her husband. Absolutely the best trip to Vegas I have had.

Only sad spot was that I have not been since the PHOF has been up and running.

[Level42]

How to Blow a weekend in Vegas:

10:00pm - Blow into town.
10:15pm - Do a few lines of Blow.
10:45pm - Get a Blow job from a hooker.
11:00pm - Get pissed at the hooker for overcharging and Blow a fuse.
11:10pm - Go down and Blow your wad at the tables.
11:10 to 3:00am - Drink too much and Blow chunks on some dudes shoes.
3:01am - Receive a Blow to the head from said dude.
3:25am - Get stoped by the police and Blow a .28 Blood alcohol level.
3:30am - Friends promise cops they'll take you directly to the room.
3:35am - Blow off cops and head to the strip club.
3:50am - Hit the A.T.M. and drain the checking account.
3:55 to 4:30am Blow the remainder of your cash on lap dance after lap dance.
4:45am - Get kicked out of the club after telling the stripper her teqnique Blows.
5:00am - Stumble back to the room, pass out on the bathroom floor.
8:30am - Wake up in a pool of vomit and seriously consider blowing your head off.

Repeat as required.





Or you could just have take in a show and see the sights.

Sounds like a game of Leisure Suite Larry !

[Zero_Hour]

Buy some arcade parts from Happs (near the airport) and then visit Billiards N More across the street and sell them some.

I'll be in Vegas in the spring too for a conference. Thanks to everyone for the advice.  Does Happs sell direct to the consumer from their Vegas location?

Been awhile since I've done it, but I did place a phone order and pick it up at their Vegas location.

Once the Super Bowl is over, things will calm down for a while in Vegas, and even weekends won't be nearly as crowded as they are in Summer or the Thanksgiving - Superbowl time frames.

For non-gambling gaming fun, Pinball Hall of Fame is really the only thing worth it in my opinion. The casino arcades just aren't what they used to be (some have even been completely removed) and Gameworks seemed a bit on the rundown side the last time I went there (year or so ago).

DO NOT go to Circus Circus unless you have the desire and supplies to re-enact a scene from Fear and Loathing. The place is pure nasty these days, and will soon be history.

Another restaurant recommendation: Mesa Grill at Ceasars. Expensive, but phenomenal food and service.

Avoid the Steakhouse at Treasure Island (can't remember the exact name but Steak is in it  ). It was almost as expensive as Mesa, and not anywhere near as good.

[ark_ader]

Buy some arcade parts from Happs (near the airport) and then visit Billiards N More across the street and sell them some.

I'll be in Vegas in the spring too for a conference. Thanks to everyone for the advice.  Does Happs sell direct to the consumer from their Vegas location?

Been awhile since I've done it, but I did place a phone order and pick it up at their Vegas location.

Once the Super Bowl is over, things will calm down for a while in Vegas, and even weekends won't be nearly as crowded as they are in Summer or the Thanksgiving - Superbowl time frames.

For non-gambling gaming fun, Pinball Hall of Fame is really the only thing worth it in my opinion. The casino arcades just aren't what they used to be (some have even been completely removed) and Gameworks seemed a bit on the rundown side the last time I went there (year or so ago).

DO NOT go to Circus Circus unless you have the desire and supplies to re-enact a scene from Fear and Loathing. The place is pure nasty these days, and will soon be history.

Another restaurant recommendation: Mesa Grill at Ceasars. Expensive, but phenomenal food and service.

Avoid the Steakhouse at Treasure Island (can't remember the exact name but Steak is in it  ). It was almost as expensive as Mesa, and not anywhere near as good.

It wasn't that long ago when they (circus circus)dumped all their arcade machines.  It really winds me up why they (circus circus) did it.  The parents play downstairs while the kids play on the machines.  Sounds smart eh?  No they rip them out and put in grab'em machines.

Yes they have the adventure dome, but its not the same.  Not like in the 90s.

No wonder that kids are strange these days.  Put em in an arcade - that will straighten them out. 

[one2three]

How to Blow a weekend in Vegas:

10:00pm - Blow into town.
10:15pm - Do a few lines of Blow.
10:45pm - Get a Blow job from a hooker.
11:00pm - Get pissed at the hooker for overcharging and Blow a fuse.
11:10pm - Go down and Blow your wad at the tables.
11:10 to 3:00am - Drink too much and Blow chunks on some dudes shoes.
3:01am - Receive a Blow to the head from said dude.
3:25am - Get stoped by the police and Blow a .28 Blood alcohol level.
3:30am - Friends promise cops they'll take you directly to the room.
3:35am - Blow off cops and head to the strip club.
3:50am - Hit the A.T.M. and drain the checking account.
3:55 to 4:30am Blow the remainder of your cash on lap dance after lap dance.
4:45am - Get kicked out of the club after telling the stripper her teqnique Blows.
5:00am - Stumble back to the room, pass out on the bathroom floor.
8:30am - Wake up in a pool of vomit and seriously consider blowing your head off.

Repeat as required.





Or you could just have take in a show and see the sights.

Sounds like a game of Leisure Suite Larry !

That must've been what happened to LSL 4 (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas)