We spent last week in Sin City. That’s right, a family trip to Las Vegas. The Caveman was working there and the kiddos are out of school so we all tagged along. Is it weird to drag kids to Las Vegas? Maybe, but I’ll tell you right now, we had loads of fun and didn’t miss the casino action one bit.
What do you do in Las Vegas besides gamble?
Swim: We stayed at the Palazzo Hotel and lounged our way around 7 fabulous pools. With record, triple-digit temperatures, the pool was definitely the place to be.
Workout/Run: While I’ve enjoyed crack of dawn runs on the Vegas strip before, it was far too hot, even overnight, to entertain the thought of any outdoor running. The Palazzo and Venetian Hotels had beautiful workout facilities with plenty of treadmills to get my run on, so run I did.
Grand Canyon: This was the coolest of cool. The Caveman arranged a helicopter flight over to the Grand Canyon. I’d never been on a helicopter before or to the Grand Canyon so double firsts for me. Not only did we fly over the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and more, but we landed IN the Grand Canyon AND had lunch there, complete with a champagne toast. I can’t begin to express how awesome this experience was.
Hoover Dam: We didn’t visit the Dam this time around but if you haven’t been, it’s well worth seeing. We did get an amazing aerial view of it from the chopper.
Shows: Because the Caveman was working most of the week and had dinner engagements, the girls and I hit up the last-minute box office and scored tickets to Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group. Bam!
Stealth shot of Thing 2 who loathes being photographed
Food! If you can dream it, you can eat it in Las Vegas. SO many great restaurants to go around. We loved the Grand Lux Cafe for breakfast and Tao and Sushisamba for dinner. It seems as though every Food Network star has a restaurant here, including Giada, Emeril, Mario Batali and more. Let’s not forget In N Out Burger either. We’d never forget about that.
We found a Sprinkles Cupcakes as well as Carlo’s (Cake Boss fame) Bake Shop. All amazing, and why I need to run MORE. Lucky me will be returning to Vegas in November for RocknRoll Vegas. Will I see you there?
What are some of your fave things to do in Las Vegas? Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Ridden in a helicopter?
Your Grand Canyon adventure was just too epic. Oh, I’d love to have that experience! I’ve stood in wonder at the top (at one of the viewing spots) but have not had the opportunity the venture down inside….
Sounds like a great trip! How amazing to fly to the Grand Canyon like that. I don’t really gamble either but Ive managed to find things to do in Vegas. When I was there it wasn’t warm enough for the pool but we were able to do lots of walking around and also got to see Billy Joel in concert.
The Grand Canyon trip sounds so cool! I have been up in a helicopter one time, it is quite the experience! I love your running helicopter shot! Only you! 🙂 The pools in Vegas provide the best people watching, I could sit out there for hours!
That helicopter adventure sounds so amazing! I’m going in July for Blogfest and hopefully again for Rock ‘n’ Roll in November. I hope to finally meet you!
The heat doesn’t faze me because it’s pretty much the same as here, but it has been way too hot for much of anything outdoors.
That helicopter tour is the bomb! Your husband wins the husband contest for sure. When Lisa and I went to LV, we stayed at the Palazzo and it was amazing. We didn’t gamble either unless you count the penny slots. Lol!
Looks like you had an awesome time in Vegas! I would love to do that helicopter ride. your photos were so pretty!
Oh the food in Vegas is amazing! I basically ate my way through Vegas when I was there last year for the half marathon, lol
Before my tennis friends decided to vacation in Fla, we used to go to Vegas every fall.
We did not gamble.
The Flamingo used to have courts and a tennis pro.
We would see some shows, eat good food and go hiking – Bryce, Red Rock, Zion, Great Canyon – such beautiful places.
I wish I was a runner then.
But I will get to run there in Nov!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon and almost did a helicopter tour but backed out because I did not want to pay the money. I did regret it later.
Looks like you all had a fabulous time! Isn’t Cirque du Soleil the best?
That’s where we stay too and I concur the gym and spa are pretty amazing as is the pool. I have not done the grand canyon helicopter tour but I am certainly adding that to my list for next time. Looks like a fun family time
What a fabulous trip with the family! Your helicopter adventure makes me even more excited for the helicopter ride we have booked for our Hawaii trip! I’ve never been in one and am quite anxious about it. Those views you captured were amazing! It’s been 25 years since I’ve been to Vegas …long overdue!
My family would have mini vacation in Vegas when I was a kid. My parents don’t really gamble, and I’m not planning on it when I’m there in November. I think there is plenty to do without gambling. The one place I do want to go to is Margaritaville at the Flamingo.
I don’t gamble either, but as you know, I love Vegas (although I will not be there in Nov — I’ve already done that half. Twice).
You forgot the shopping. 🙂 That and the food and two of my fav things about Vegas! And if you have a car, there’s some really good hiking, too. I’ve actually eaten at the restaurants you mentioned — although I didn’t know about the Sprinkles.
The very first time we went to Vegas was a business trip for me. Well, it was my first time, not Mr. Judy’s. So I insisted we go to the Grand Canyon. Which we did. That is a looooong bus trip, lemme tell you.
Lunch at the bottom of it sounds absolutely amazing!
Good to know there’s other things to do besides gamble! I’m not much of a gambler. I do like to do slot machines once in a while, but I’m definitely not into wasting a bunch of money and that seems to be what happens when I gamble lol.
You’re right there’s plenty to do. We saw Margaritaville but did not partake. Maybe in November!
Grand Canyon by helicopter sounds amazing! I’m not much of a gambler either – it’s great that Vegas offers so much more! What a fun family trip!
One day I’d love to visit Vegas – hopefully I’ll still be running by then. If not, there’s always the slots I suppose, haha!