A few of my favorite "free" things to see and do

When it comes to my personal list of favorite things to see and do in Vegas, a lot of them happen to be free. Yes, I love to gamble, I love to try new and exciting places to eat, and I love to see shows of all kinds, but some of the best things to do are totally FREE.

Sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time to see or do some of these things, but they are definitely worth the time it takes to add them to your Vegas schedule. A few of these favorites are "must do" things for every one of my Vegas trips because I enjoy them so much. They are just fun and entertaining, and they can keep you from spending way too much money gambling or shopping if you're on a tight budget (or your funds are just running low).

Bellagio fountain show - The dancing fountains of Bellagio's Strip-side lake are breath-taking and traffic-stopping at the same time. Beginning at approximately 3 p.m., the water "dances" to popular songs, old show tunes, and classic compositions on an hourly- or half-hourly basis (the schedule changes for holidays). At dusk, the shows are more frequent, beginning every 15 minutes and ending somewhere around midnight. People have been moved to tears by the fountains, and you can bet that people who know what they're waiting for will find a place along the railing just before each show begins, so get there with time to spare if you'd like a front row view.

Bellagio conservatory - To the rear and right of the casino floor (use the entrance on the left side of the Bellagio when facing the building to take a more direct route). Beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees and miscellaneous items are combined into unbelievable displays and objets d' art that must be seen to be believed. This is an indoor, glass-covered conservatory, and it is open to the public every day and night. Please note that there are a few days during the year when the exhibit is closed to change the display for a new season or celebration, and the dates vary each year.

Mirage volcano - The volcano has been newly renovated and, like the Bellagio fountains, has been known to stop traffic on the Strip when it erupts. Currently the volcano is set to erupt every hour on the hour beginning at 8 p.m. (dusk) and ending at midnight, weather permitting. The eruptions are set to a drum beat and musical score, and last for several minutes. If you don't want to stand in a crowd, view it from across the Strip in front of The Venetian. You can also get better photos and videos of the eruption from there.

Big Elvis - Performing at Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon, Pete Vallee IS "Big Elvis". This man once weighed close to half a ton, but he has been working hard to lose weight the old-fashioned way for the past couple of years. To date he has decreased to almost half his biggest size. Close your eyes when he performs and you will think that Elvis has not left the building quite yet. An assistant takes song requests before each show begins, and audience participation is encouraged. Due to his immense popularity, the seats in the lounge area fill up fast - be prepared to stand if you're not there early. If you just want to listen, take a seat at a nearby slot machine or at the bar to hear this man's fantastic voice. Performances are currently scheduled for 3:00, 5:00, and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and last approximately 45 minutes each. Stay after the show for photos and autographs with the man himself; he encourages it! His website is http://www.bigelvis.biz/ if you'd like more information.

Carnaval Court at Harrah's - Live bands perform on the outdoor stage daily and nightly, until approximately 3:00 a.m. This is the only outside bar on the Las Vegas Strip, and you DO have to pay for drinks from the bar if you don't bring them with you. The "flair" bartenders are fun to watch; they are high-energy and very entertaining and have been featured on several Travel Channel shows. While the area is very comfortable in the spring and fall, the summer months can be very warm, even with the misters around the perimeter. You can also enjoy the performances from the nearby Ghiradelli's Ice Cream Shop if you'd like - just sit right outside the door and catch the air conditioning while you enjoy some ice cream AND a performance.

MGM Grand Lion Habitat - This is an indoor habitat that is glassed in on all sides and is accessible from the MGM Grand casino floor. From the Strip, it is slightly to the right of the casino floor as you pass the large Centrifuge Bar area. The lions are "up and active" at many different times during the day. All the lions in the habitat are direct descendants of the original MGM movie lions, and factoids about the lions and their lives can be learned from the trainers who are constantly in the exhibit with them. They are rotated from their nearby ranch home every 4-6 hours and are given a bath and a blow-dry before they are brought to the hotel. You can also get your photo taken with a real lion cub (when available) for a fee, but the viewing is free. Open 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. daily.

Souvenir photo at Imperial Palace - You can get your picture taken with an Elvis impersonator, a showgirl, and a beautiful classic car from the Imperial Palace Classic Auto Collection - right on the Strip! And it's free - no strings attached. Pick up your photo at the slot club desk in the back of the Imperial Palace Casino.

Cabaret entertainment at Paris Las Vegas - Live nightly performances at Le Cabaret near the registration desk. You can purchase cocktails while sitting at tables in Le Cabaret, or you can just enjoy the performances and music and get your drinks for free from the cocktail waitresses while gambling at the nearby slot machines. Times and performers vary.

Fremont Street Experience - Self-proclaimed home of "the world's biggest street party", this 5-block area of downtown Las Vegas hosts a nightly performance lineup that is free, ever-changing, and easily accessible on foot from any of the downtown hotels. From 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. nightly, the downtown casinos dim their lights at the top of each hour while a different light and music show plays out on the canopy over Fremont Street. No vehicles are allowed onto Fremont Street under the canopy, so the area directly under the light show is safe and protected from the elements, as well. Street performers and stage bands entertain the crowds when the light shows are not on, and there is a constant stream of diversions for visitors. Unlike the Strip, the downtown casinos are close together and easy to navigate, so the setting is a lot more intimate and relaxed.

September 11th tribute at New York, NY - This tribute was originally added by tourists shortly after the September 11th attacks as a way to pay their respects to those who lost their lives that day, but was changed to a permanent display by the New York, NY hotel and casino. Tribute items left behind by police officers, firefighters, and other tourists from around the world have been permanently placed at the base of the Statue of Liberty in a granite monument. The display includes t-shirts, hats, patches, poems, and other items signed by people from around the world. Quotes from celebrities and everyday John Does alike are included on plaques at the site. The tribute area is accented by background music that makes you feel very patriotic.

These are not the only free things to see and do in Vegas by any means, but they're things that I enjoy doing - and will certainly do again.