Wynn 2012 Year of the Dragon

In case you every had any doubt that I absolutely LOVE dragons, here's a recently tweeted photo from my friend, Claire, who is in Vegas right now celebrating her sister-in-law's birthday.  Lucky!


I adore this photo!

2012-Year of the Dragon display at Wynn

When I grow up I want to be like Claire!

(I have corrected the photo label and title - this photo was taken at Wynn, not at Bellagio like I believed at first.  Either way, it's a fantastic photo that I'm stealing for myself!)

Link to article: Chuck Jones Experience opening Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Circus Circus

There's a new attraction coming to the Las Vegas Strip this week.


This Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Chuck Jones Experience will be opening at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino.  For anyone over the age of 40 - and that definitely includes me - Chuck Jones is a bit of a childhood hero.  He created many of the iconic Looney Toons characters that are still very much loved by my generation (that would be Generation X, in case you've forgotten).  I still watch Looney Toons cartoons to this day, because they're much better than the NEW generation of cartoons.


The attraction will cost $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 5 through 17, military, seniors ages 65 and older and students.  Discounts for Nevada residents are also available.  I'm hoping that this attraction will soon be available at a discount through Tix4Tonite retailers, because that would make it even more attractive and affordable to the average Vegas visitor.


A brief write up of the event was posted on VegasInc.  Here is a link to the article:


What's up, Doc?

Link to article: 20 New Things in Downtown Las Vegas

My friend Dewey found a great blog entry from Pulse of Vegas that lists some new things to do downtown, as well as some changes that are currently going on there.


Downtown goodies


I have been downtown twice in all my trips to Las Vegas, and I think it's certainly a different view of Vegas than you get from staying on the Strip.  All the casinos are very close together, the hotels, drinks, food and gambling are generally much cheaper, and there are tons of street performers (better than the street people on the Strip who just pose for photos - these people actually DO something, like sing, dance, or create art for you).  


Definitely worth a look to see what's going on in the heart of Sin City!

Link to article: The Best and Worst of Las Vegas - 2012 Trippies

In case you wonder what other people think are the "best" and "worst" hotels, bars, restaurants, buffets, shows...the list goes on and on...I am providing a link to the 2012 Las Vegas Trippies, as voted on by readers of the Vegas Tripping site (www.vegastripping.com).  In addition to the Reader's Choice Awards, the same awards are voted on by the editors of Vegas Tripping for their own take on the "best" and "worst" of everything Las Vegas has to offer.


2012 Trippies


I can't say I agree with all the choices.  We all have our own opinions, of course, but I always wonder what the readers are thinking when they pick some of the places they do.  It boggles the mind...


Once again, the LasVegas4Ever (LV4E) message board was nominated in 2 categories - Best Website and Best Community - but didn't win either one.  For a small message board, the nominations alone are great recognition, and Bonnie was thrilled when she found out her site was nominated two years in a row.  Congratulations again to Bonnie for her great leadership!  Here's to the past four years of great information sharing and new friends made, with the hope of many more years and more friendships to come.  Salud!  (LV4E anniversary: January 21, 2008)

My favorite trip photos: November 20-23, 2011

Some of my favorite photos from my November 20-23, 2011 trip with Hayley.  I didn't have my nice, big Canon on this trip, so the photo quality is not quite up to par, sorry.  Still, there are some great memories here.  Hope you enjoy looking at these, too!

Bellagio Conservatory - Fall display

Bellagio Conservatory - Fall display
I like this water wheel, but they use it every year...

Planet Hollywood - the elevators on our floor.  The best part of the entire hotel. :)

I annoyed Hayley by taking her photo everywhere.
This was while we were waiting for our HUGE sandwiches at Carnegie Deli in The Mirage.

Hayley's sandwich - the "Club Dear".
Yes, it's almost 8 inches tall, and she ate the whole thing.

Waiting for LOVE at The Mirage, outside the Revolution lounge.

Trying to text on my "simple" phone, LOL!

Bellagio tree - my favorite photo of the trip!

I love seeing multiple wilds!

My crappy $5 art from the Art-O-Matic machine outside
The Wicked Spoon buffet at The Cosmopolitan.

Hayley "photo-bombing" me at Palazzo

The Christmas tree at The Venetian - I would've loved to see it lit up!

Mandalay Bay light fixture

Mandalay Bay light fixture - side view

Lobster roll from Lobster ME @ The Miracle Miles Shops - YUM!

Calling grandma from the patio at Mon Ami Gabi, Paris Hotel

Christmas trees at Crystals in City Center

"Lady Gaga", Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace

"Janet Jackson", Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace

"Britney Spears", Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace

The curtain call, Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace

A nice bonus round on Wizard of Oz 'Over the Rainbow' slots before leaving for the airport.

A second bonus round - time to cash out and head home!

Christmas tree in the lobby at Planet Hollywood - it appeared magically between breakfast and our ride to the airport.

Heading home.  Until next time...

Bodies: The Exhibition - a review

Located on the Atrium Level of the Luxor Hotel and Casino, Bodies: The Exhibition was added to our November 2011 Vegas trip when Hayley and I were unable to obtain tickets to Carrot Top (too young - her, not me) and Tournament of Kings at Excalibur (sold out).


I was quite surprised by this exhibit - in a good way.  I thought it might be a bit gruesome and a little over-the-top, but each of the displays was presented in a very clinical, educational way, and it was very informative for me, personally.


According to their official website, www.bodiestheexhibition.com, over 200 bodies are on display, creating informative and thought-provoking exhibits with tons of details.  There are several rooms throughout the exhibit, and they displays cover the nine human systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and circulatory.  


I was surprised at how much time Hayley and I spent inside the exhibit.  She is currently enrolled in an Anatomy class, and I think it was much more explanatory than anything in a textbook could ever be.  For instance, you can SAY that the human gastrointestinal tract is over 30 feet long, but to actually SEE it is...surprising, to say the least.  And to SEE how many blood vessels there are in ANY part of the body? Also very surprising.


The displays are all done very tastefully, and special polymer blends have been used to preserve the bodies eternally for the exhibits.  They even have a doctor on hand at the end of the exhibit to answer any questions you may have and to let you touch (yes, TOUCH!) an actual human heart or hand that has been preserved.  That was pretty cool, but we still couldn't resist the urge to go and WASH OUR HANDS repeatedly after we were done, even though they gave us Purell to cleanse our hands after we touched things.  There's something about touching another person's dead body - even when well-preserved - that was a bit odd.


The room with the reproductive system displays is included with the digestive system, but they have a secluded, separate room containing preserved fetuses that can be bypassed if you choose to do so.  I noted that the only people who did so while we were in there was the couple with two young children.  It was not as sad as I thought it might be, and there was nothing to offend anyone. See it if you like, and bypass it if you don't.


Also be aware that there are displays in each room that show cancers, strokes, heart attacks and various other ailments and the effects these have on the physical body.  As expected, the lung cancer display was particularly eye-opening to me, and after seeing it I am certainly glad I've never picked up a cigarette in my life.


Among the big, eye-opening discoveries I personally made was the size of a man's bladder versus a woman's - it is nearly 5 times as large!  No wonder women have to pee so much!  I'm just saying that now I have a frame of reference when it comes to the urinary processes for both sexes.


Seeing a display like this "in person" definitely gives you a sense of your own humanity, and Hayley was quite impressed with it.  It could be the fact that she wants to become a doctor, but she was genuinely intrigued by some of the bodies and made a point to do a bit of Google searching to find out even more information while we were in the cab on the way back to our hotel.


I rate this exhibit a perfect 10.  It contains educational, well thought out displays that are presented in a very tasteful, informative and completely inoffensive way.  There is nothing over-the-top, there are professionals on hand to assist with any questions you may have, and it is a first-class presentation that should be required for all Anatomy students, at the very least.  Go and see it if you can, and learn a little something about yourself.


Tickets for the exhibit are $34.00+tax each, or they can be purchased at the Tix4Tonite half price booths same day.  In addition, you can also find coupons for $5-$10 off in the 24/7 Las Vegas Magazine (in your hotel room or in cabs) to cut the cost.  The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily, including holidays.  No photos are allowed inside the exhibit, so leave your camera behind.

Seven great bars and meeting places on the Vegas Strip - with no cover charges

If you like to sit down and have a drink - and don't mind paying for it - there are some great places on the Las Vegas Strip that allow you to do just that.  Mix in some great people-watching opportunities (don't forget your camera!) and you have a great afternoon/evening diversion.  Here are six great places to meet and drink on the Strip where no cover charge is required.


#7 - Parasol Up/Parasol Down at Wynn - This bar is actually on two levels: the lower level affords great views of the Lake of Dreams just outside the huge, two-story windows, and the upper level offers great people-watching opportunities while the guests, gamblers and various other members of humanity make their way from the valet to the registration desk, through the casino, or attempt to find the exit to the Strip.  Parasol Down, on the lower level, has more tables and open seating.  Parasol Up, on the casino level, has smaller, intimate tables partially surrounded by curtains, and a walk-up bar included within the curtained area.  I have been unable to find a listing for their hours of operation, but they are open every day of the week until at least 9 p.m.  Drink prices average about $6-$15 each.

We're going in!

#6 - Napoleon's at Paris - A fairly large bar located on the walkway between Paris and Bally's, near the Paris buffet and shops.  Napoleon's features nightly entertainment starting at 5:00 p.m., and they also have dueling piano performers that begin at 9:00 p.m. nightly.  This bar does have a Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m., and they include free sandwiches with the purchase of a beverage from the bar during that time.  Drinks average $6-$12.  Seating in the main bar area is made up of settees and couches, along with small tables and comfy chairs.  It can get pretty loud in the bar during performances, so you might want to sit away from the stage if you're hoping to carry on a conversation without shouting.  In addition to the main bar area, there is also a separate room called "Napoleon's Retreat", which is a cigar room with comfortable seating for about 20-25 people and doors that close off from the main bar area for a bit of quiet, and there is absolutely no cigar smell in the room, which was surprising to me.  Napoleon's opens at 5:00 p.m. daily and is open until 1:00 a.m. on weekdays, 2:00 a.m. on weekends.


#5 - The Piano Bar at Harrah's - Located just off of Carnaval Court right inside of the Harrah's casino, The Piano Bar is loud and rowdy after 9:00 p.m., when the dueling piano performances start.  With seating either at the bar or at one of the many tables in the room, there is space for lots of people, and it can get very crowded.  Some enjoy getting their drinks and standing just outside the bar area along the railing, so they can enjoy the entertainment without having to jostle for a seat inside.  Audience participation is encouraged during both the karaoke performances starting at 6:00 p.m. and the dueling piano act at 9:00 p.m.  Prepare to submit your song requests and feel free to tip generously.  Drink prices average about $6-$14, and the bar is open from 5:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. nightly.


#4 - Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace - While this is not a "bar" per se, it is a great place to sit and people-watch along the Strip.  Beer and cocktails are available, and they have a full menu, too, so breakfast, lunch or dinner can be had while you watch the world go by.  Check out their food and drink lunch/dinner menu here: http://www.caesarspalace.com/images/non_image_assets/Serendipity_Menu_10_04_10.pdf
The Frrrrrrozen Hot Chocolate has been called a "must have", and there are lots of options available for any taste.  While there is no cover charge, expect to pay a little more for your beer or mixed drinks here, as this is a very popular New York transplant.  Hours of operation:  8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., Friday-Saturday.

Blow Pop Martini

Hubba Bubba Martini

#3 - Sugar Factory at Paris - This bar/restaurant was opened on the site of the old Paris fountain (which was sadly lost but has since been forgiven) and is more than just a place to buy a $25 lollipop with a bejewelled handle.  There is a large gift shop, a chocolate bar, a restaurant with a patio and an upstairs club area all included at this location.  The small patio offers views of the Bellagio fountains, and it is kept warm by portable heaters in the winter and kept cool by misters along the railing in the summer.  Their specialty at Sugar Factory are the "candy drinks", named after some of your favorite childhood things like the Blow Pop Martini, the Hubba Bubba Martini, and a Root Beer Float (alcoholic, not for kids) are included.  Drinks at the bar range from $14-$20 on average, but they are very good.  The chocolate bar offers chocolate fondue served on heated counter tops with fruits and nuts for dipping.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reasonable prices to boot.  There are two other Sugar Factory locations in Las Vegas, but they are mainly retail shops.  The other locations are in The Mirage (just inside the entrance directly across from Harrah's) and in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood (on the right-hand side, just up from PBR Rock Bar).  Hours of operation for the bar and restaurant vary.


#2 - Carnaval Court at Harrah's - I think this open, outdoor bar area is one of the best places to sit and people-watch in Vegas.  It is surrounded on three sides by Harrah's, Ghiradelli's Chocolate and the Imperial Palace.  Cheap food and drinks are located at vendors just outside the main seating area, and there is a bar 'inside' with "Bevertainers" performing at random times during the afternoon and evening.  This place can get very noisy, but it is open air and covered by a huge tent, so you are able to move away from the stage area if it gets too loud.  Be aware that people will dance in front of the stage, and some may attempt to dance on the tops of tables and the bar, too, but Security will quickly get them down.  Because of its openness to the elements, it can get very chilly in the Winter and very warm and toasty in the summer, even with the misters around the perimeter, so dress and plan accordingly.  There are nightly performances by local bands, including the favorite 70's tribute band "Wonder Boogie", who put on a great show with their 'fros and bell-bottom pants.  Carnaval Court is open daily from about 1:00 p.m., depending on the band performing and/or day of the week and closing at about midnight or 12:30 a.m., although some have said the performances go on much longer than that.

A view of The Chandelier Bar from the casino floor, looking up to levels 2 and 3.

#1 - The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan - The newest hotel on the Strip offers a great meeting place, on three levels.  Located between City Center and Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan is a jewel in the middle of the Strip, and this bar has a great ambiance and upscale look and feel.  The Chandelier Bar offers open seating along the main walkway on the casino level, or more private and intimate seating on the second or third levels accessible by the elevator or escalators.  This open-sided bar has lots of room to meet, greet, people-watch and take some great photos, too.  Drink prices start at $6 and go up.  No food or snack items are available.  Once again, I was unable to find the actual hours of operation for The Chandelier Bar, but I have seen it open as late as 11:30 p.m. while walking through the casino.


Enjoy your time in Vegas!

Twitter added!

Just got a Twitter account, all because of Claire.  Man, she is PUSHY!  (That's a joke, son.)


You can follow me here: @HayleysMom1021


I will be attempting to tweet from Vegas during my March trip.  This should be interesting, especially if I've had a few Bailey's and hot chocolates!

My Las Vegas Resolutions for 2012

I've been thinking about my New Year's Resolutions again.


Not just for the year 2012, but for the LAS VEGAS traveling year, which is more achievable for me than regular resolutions, trust me.


I try to give myself new things to do and see in Las Vegas for each trip so I can "expand my horizons"...and have something interesting for folks to read about!


Here are my Las Vegas New Year's Resolutions for 2012:


1) Eat at the Wynn Country Club's Jazz Brunch Buffet.  This one should be fairly easy to achieve, since I have a March trip coming up and I've already booked a reservation for the Wynn Country Club on Sunday morning.  (Mom, if you're reading this...surprise!  And happy birthday.)  After hearing the reviews about it being comparable to the Jasmine Brunch Buffet at Bellagio, I was determined to put this at the top of my list.  And it is.  Oh, I'm looking forward to that meal.


2)  See two new shows this year.  I've seen The Beatles' LOVE by Cirque du Soliel four times now, and I think it's time to see something else.  That's not to say I won't go back and see LOVE again at some point in the future, but I need to change things up.  I have ideas in mind, too.


3)  Try three new restaurants.  New to ME, that is.  It's all about broadening my horizons this year.  I love Mon Ami Gabi, but I want to try something different and see how well I like it.


4) Stay at one new hotel.  This one might be a little harder to do.  I have the March trip planned like I mentioned above, but I don't have anything planned beyond that.  I already have my hotel booked for this trip, too, and I'm not likely to change it for my mom and I.  This one is definitely up in the air.


5)  Go off-Strip.  Well, this one is easy enough, if I decide to do it.  There are great casinos and other attractions off-Strip, but my trips are usually either short or with a minor in tow, and neither of those things don't lend themselves to jaunts off-Strip.


6)  Take more trip photos and videos.  I've gotten away from taking as many photos on certain trips because I've seen it all (well, a lot of it, anyway).  What I really need to do is try to take new photos with a different perspective...or just different lighting.  There are a few photos I regret NOT getting during my November trip, and I'll try to be more aware and just DO IT.  I think they'd make a great photo essay.


So, only six Las Vegas resolutions for the year.  That's not too many, and very achievable.  If I get them all done, I'll be sure to treat myself to a nice Bailey's and hot chocolate on my next trip!

Review: Divas Las Vegas at Imperial Palace

The curtain call:
(L-R, front) - Cher, Britney Spears, 2 male dancers, Tina Turner, Bette Midler
(L-R, stage riser) - Diana Ross, male dancer, Madonna/Celine Dion diva in his street clothes, Frank as Joan Rivers, Janet Jackson, male dancer, Liza Minnelli

It's been awhile since I've seen a new, truly "Vegas" show; one where the entertainers are unique to Vegas, and anywhere else might be met by the shake of a head or a dismissive thought.  Giving Hayley the option to see something very "Vegas-y" during our November trip led her to select Divas Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace.

We picked up our tickets for the 10:00 p.m. show at the Imperial Palace box office at around 8:30 p.m.  I ordered the tickets on Goldstar.com for $42 each the night before we left, which is about half the advertised price of $98 for their VIP seating.  I saw a discounted ticket offer in "Las Vegas 24/7" magazine, and I also had a 2-for-1 ticket offer in the Planet Hollywood coupons I received at check-in, so there are plenty of options for discounted tickets available if you take the time to look for them.  Our VIP tickets were assigned to table 13, seats 3 and 4, which were right next to the stage according to the seating chart we saw at the box office.  This could be interesting.  

Divas Las Vegas has a giant, scary Tina Turner performer who comes out to greet the audience while they're waiting in line before the show.  I started to worry a little bit about what we were going to see because he/she was very BIG, but I shouldn’t have worried at all – giant Tina Turner was the scariest part of the experience…aside from the scary-looking Whitney Houston/Diana Ross, but that’s a whole ‘nother story, given how both currently look in real life.

Once you're seated in the showroom, waitresses come around to take drink orders, but they have a hard time getting everyone's order filled and delivered before the show begins.  I think having them walking around during the performances is a bit distracting.  Drink prices are posted on the table, but be warned:  a small, $5 glass of soda is a high price to pay for a non-alcoholic drink at any show.  Also, if the seats at the front tables aren't filled a few minutes before showtime, you might find yourself bumped up to VIP seating, because Frank likes to see people next to the stage at every performance.

Divas was a really good show, full of lots of songs, innuendo and catty banter.  Frank Marino as Joan Rivers might not as spot-on as he once was (or so I've heard), but he sure has some fabulous outfits!  After his opening “monologue”, Frank makes about 15 total costume changes in between each performer's songs.  His constant comments about his makeup, sex life and the male backup dancers is humorous, but I don't know if I'd enjoy it over and over again.  I can't imagine coming up with new jokes about the same old stuff for too long.

One of Frank's/Joan's many outfits

Even though the signs at the box office say no one under age 14 allowed, I saw a couple of smaller kids (like 6-7 years old) being seated, and it was NOT a PG show!  That was a bit of a surprise, especially after Hayley and I were turned away from Carrot Top’s show the day before for her being under 18.  There is a lot of sexual innuendo and colorful language by Frank/Joan throughout the show, so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with children under 15 myself.  It would absolutely make a great show for a group of ladies to attend together, and I saw several straight couples - young and old - who were thoroughly enjoying themselves, as well.

I was happy to hear that photos are actually ENCOURAGED during the show, and I did my best to take lots of them.  I didn’t use my flash, though, because I didn’t want to blind anyone on the stage or in the audience.  It is the only show on the Strip - besides Terry Fator - where you are told that taking photos is absolutely fine and encouraged.

A little Rhythm Nation, anyone?

Aside from Frank, who only appears as Joan Rivers, each performer appears as two divas during the course of the show.  I can’t remember every single one of them, but in my opinion the best were Madonna, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Cher.  Diana Ross was the scariest looking diva close-up - he/she shook hands with Hayley and I, and his/her face and eyelashes were...frightening, to say the least.  The Britney Spears/Lady Gaga performer, Derek, was scary only because he looked very much like the REAL Britney!  I remember him appearing on “America’s Got Talent” a couple of years ago, and when they cut him from the show, he said it was okay because he was going to Vegas to perform.  Well, here he is!  Hayley said it’s wrong for a Britney Spears drag queen to look better in a bikini than she does.  I have to agree with her on that point.

Britney Spears.  Wow!

Seriously, it's just wrong to look that good.

I don't know where he's hiding it...

Scary Diana doesn't look too bad far away...

I really admire Frank Marino’s dedication to his work.  He’s been appearing as Joan Rivers for 26 years now, and he is very involved in the Make a Wish Foundation, which is an awesome charity to begin with and a great way to give back to the community.  Proceeds from the sale of his programs, t-shirts and Joan Rivers fans go to Make a Wish.  Every diva should do that!


I give this show a 7 out of 10 rating because I don't really care for the table seating and the waitress distractions, but it's a good, solid show.  It's not as flashy as a production show like Cirque du Soleil's "LOVE", or quite as entertaining as Terry Fator's extremely talented self makes his one-man show, but it's a great way to spend an evening at a decent price.


Tickets are available at Goldstar.com and the Imperial Palace box office, but can also be found on other websites.  Again, VIP seating is not necessary if you don't want to be "up close and personal", or if you'd like to take a chance and see if you get bumped up to better seats.

Restaurant Review: LobsterME at Planet Hollywood

That's all it is: a storefront.

My mouth is watering, and all I did was download a photo!

I tried this restaurant - really not much more than a fast-food storefront in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood - based on two reviews from friends of mine from the LV4E message board.


Fact #1:  I love lobster.  Absolutely LOVE it! I love it in a Bubba-from-Forrest Gump kind of way: lobster rolls, lobster salad, fried lobster, baked lobster, lobster and clarified butter, lobster mac and cheese...you get the idea.


Fact #2:  Lobster can be very expensive, especially if you order it at a higher-end restaurant where there are no dollar signs on the menus and things like "truffle oil" and "foam"are regular parts of the dishes' descriptions.


LobsterME is really a fast-food restaurant of sorts, offering a specialized, limited menu and serving items on plastic plates with sides of fries and a Coke, among other things.


But...the lobster is fresh and fantastic.


According to the little menu/advertising card they put in my "to go" bag, all their lobster comes from the Atlantic Ocean and is shipped in daily.  Their two specialty items are the Lobster Rolls and "The Lobsicle" - a fried lobster tail on a stick.  Everything looked delicious.  My mouth was watering as I eeny-meeny-miney-moe'd my choices over and over again.  I really couldn't decide, especially when I looked at their photos.


I ended up ordering the lobster roll because I have developed a weakness for them after having a particularly delicious serving at Holsteins (in The Cosmopolitan) last Spring, but let me tell you I had a hard time choosing my poison.  Lobster mac and cheese?  Lobster GRILLED cheese?  Oh, my...


LobsterME's lobster rolls are served in two sizes: large (1.25 pound lobster meat) or extra large (2 pound lobster meat). They advertise that the rolls are served in the classic "Maine style"; there are no 'additions' to their simple, delicious sauce.  There is no celery or lettuce added, but they are lightly dressed with a bit of mayonnaise, butter, lemon and spices.  They are served on a lightly toasted, split-top roll that has been brushed with a bit of melted butter.  It was still very warm when I sat down to eat with Hayley (she got food from somewhere else - not a lobster fan, my child). The seasoned fries are almost an afterthought, but they are very good and slightly crispy.  De-LISH!  I didn't leave a single bite of anything on my plate.


It cost me $19.95+tax for my lobster roll meal, and I think it was worth every penny.  I'm looking forward to going back again, but I think I'm going to have to flip a coin and decide between the Lobster Mac and Cheese or the Lobster Grilled Cheese.  That might be lobster heaven!  The only think I don't think I'd try on their menu is...lobster ice cream.  I have to draw the line somewhere.


I give it a 9 out of 10, but only because I feel Holstein's lobster roll is still my favorite more for the atmosphere and choices of sides available.  I might change my mind after my next LobsterME adventure!


Check out their website at http://lobsterme.com/

MGM Lion Exhibit closing January 31, 2012

If you've waited a long time to see the MGM lions, your time is almost up.


The MGM lion exhibit on the main floor of the MGM Hotel and Casino is closing for good on January 31, 2012.  As progress goes, MGM decided it was time for a change from the family-friendly lions, and a new club will be opening in its place.


I decided to post one of my favorite lion photos from the exhibit for an "Awwww..." moment:

Shhh...they're sleeping!

Link to trip report: Kodi Dog and Tom's 3-week adventure (Sept.-Oct. 2011)

Yet another fantastically written report by a LV4E member!


Kodi Dog and Tom's trip report


My friend, "Kodidog" and her husband, Tom, embarked on a 3-week adventure in Las Vegas this past Fall.  It turned out to be a budget trip for them, but they made it work very well.


K's writing style and great sense of humor make this a fantastic read, but be warned - like me, she is a very wordy person, and her 3-week trip report should be enjoyed with a nice beverage...and perhaps a snack.


Thanks for letting me share it, Kodi!