Category Archives: Las Vegas

Photo Friday: pretty yellow flowers at the Henderson Bird Preserve

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Henderson, Nevada

I’m sure that there are people out there who absolutely love the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. They probably wake up early, arriving at the park before the desert heat sets in. Armed with their field guides and binoculars, they are able to see and identify a vast array of feathered wonders.

However, we did not have such a successful trip to the preserve.

We went in the heat of the afternoon, despite the fact that the preserve opens quite early. That was our first mistake. We hadn’t walked far before our daughter started complaining about being hot and tired. And to be quite honest, we don’t know much about birds. But hey, we wanted to give it a try and explore someplace new. It might not have been our most exciting outing in Las Vegas, but I’m glad we went even for a short time.

My favorite part of the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve was the collection of beautiful trees draped in yellow flowers that met us at the entrance.

To see photos from other travelers, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby and check out Photo Friday.

Helicoptering Over Southern Nevada

Seven days ago, we lifted off on our first helicopter ride. I’m still having trouble describing the experience, except to say that it was insanely beautiful and nerve-wracking. It was nothing like riding in an airplane. It felt like we were so small and vulnerable up there in the little four-seat helicopter.

helicopter ride near Red Rock

there's the Strip!

over Hoover Dam

Our shadow

just to prove I was there...

Flying in a helicopter is one of my bucket list goals. I was surprised to look back at a post from January 2012 and see that I can cross off several items from my “before I turn 35″ list: I’ve traveled to British Columbia, published travel stories at places other than this blog, and have done a pretty good job of pursuing my 50-states goal.

Maybe this means it’s time to start formulating my post-35 bucket list…

How to Have an Awesome Day at Springs Preserve

Springs Preserve

Ask any Vegas local about family-friendly activities, and Springs Preserve is likely to be one of the first places they mention. With garden trails, a unique playground, desert animals, and history exhibits, the park goes above and beyond to teach kids about Southern Nevada.

Thinking of adding Springs Preserve to your Las Vegas itinerary? Here are a few tips to help make your visit as fun as possible.

Visit in the Afternoon

Obviously, this isn’t the best option during the summer, however spring and fall are perfect seasons for an afternoon visit. From what I’ve observed, Springs Preserve seems to be most crowded in the morning. By early afternoon, most of the families with young kids have headed home for nap time and the park seems much less busy. (We also noticed this during our last trip to Disneyland. Lines for the rides seemed significantly shorter during the afternoon as opposed to mid- to late-morning.

Try the Cafe

If you’re at the preserve around midday, consider trying the Springs Cafe for lunch. Run by the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, the food here goes beyond the standard kid-friendly fare (truffle pizza, anyone?). Take a look at their current menu before you go to see if the cafe offers options that will work for your family.

Find the Flash Flood

We normally don’t seek out flash floods, but in the case of Springs Preserve, you’ll want to find the rushing water of this dramatic exhibit. Housed in the Origen Museum, the flash flood room does an excellent job of demonstrating just how powerful and dangerous this natural phenomenon can be.

Flash flood exhibit at Springs Preserve

Don’t Forget the Discounts

When you purchase your tickets, remember that Springs Preserve offers military and Nevada resident discounts. If either or these apply to you, don’t forget to bring your military i.d., Nevada driver’s license, or other proof that you qualify. This is a great way to save money on your visit to the park.

If you have any additional Springs Preserve tips you’d like to share, feel free to leave a comment. Happy trails!

Review: Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana

Combine tight-rope walkers, acrobats, and jugglers with some unusual Cirque du Soleil imagery (for instance, a baby singing “Welcome to my funeral”), and there you have it: Cirque’s newest Las Vegas production, Zarkana.

Before you roll your eyes at the rather enigmatic plot or the invented Cirque du Soleil language that is supplemented by only a handful of English phrases, let me assure you: this show is amazing. There was not a single moment when my attention drifted away from the performance. Even my daughter was awe-struck by the beautiful theater, unique music, and high-flying performers.

Is it weird? Yes. But isn’t that part of the joy of Cirque du Soleil?

I don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone…and if you really want to know the details of the show, you can take a look other online reviews and read a play-by-play of Zarkana. However, I will say that you should look forward to the following highlights:

The clowns that entertain the audience between scenes were hilarious. Of all the performers, I think the two male clowns and their pint-sized, yet bossy, counterpart made the biggest impression on my daughter. Fart jokes, a cracking whip, and a skateboard…what child (or adult) wouldn’t be amused?

I thought one of the more visually stunning scenes involved spinning hula hoops and unique costumes. The scene seemed rather brief. Or maybe it was just that I didn’t want it to end.

And how could I not mention the tight-roper walkers and a ball of fire?

Zarkana with Kids?

We took our five-year-old daughter to see Zarkana, unsure about what to expect. She had recently attended Wicked and was enthralled, so we decided she had reached a maturity level that would allow her enjoy a Cirque du Soleil performance. Of course, every child is different, but Zarkana seems appropriate for kids who are:

Over age 5 (children under 5 are not allowed in the theater),
Not easily scared by loud noises…or creepy eight-armed babies,
Capable of sitting through a 90 minute, intermission-less performance.

There are a few scenes that might concern some parents. There are fart jokes and a comical scene involving a red bra. A snake scene might cause some children to flinch. Oh, and we can’t forget that eight-armed baby. In the end, only a child’s parents can make the decision about what is appropriate and what isn’t. If you have specific questions about the show, please feel free to ask me by leaving a comment.

Have you seen Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana? What did you think?

Note: We paid for our own tickets, and I was not compensated for writing this review. All opinions are my own. Ticket information and age-appropriateness should be verified by calling the Zarkana box office.

Five reasons why we love Spago

E. at Spago. Las Vegas

That looks like a happy customer to me!

Going out to eat on the Strip as a family can be a little nerve-wracking. This is Las Vegas after all. Just to get to the restaurant, you have to ask your kid to hide their eyes while the billboard truck advertising all sorts of inappropriate activity drives by. Then there’s the walk through the casino to the restaurant during which you need to remind your child that no, those aren’t video games for kids. After you’ve made it that far, you still have to fend off skeptical glances from other diners who assume you’re from out-of-town and wonder why on earth you’ve brought your child to Sin City.

But this cloud does have a silver lining. Las Vegas is a fabulous culinary city with endless foodie-approved options. And many of those options are appropriate for families.

Last weekend, we tried Spago for the first time. Not sure what to expect in terms of kid-friendliness, we opted to go to lunch instead of dinner. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed our food. Here are five reasons why we’ll be going back:

1. Kids menu: Spago does have a kids menu, and they offer crayons and a coloring page for their younger guests. Our table was also covered in white paper, which made an awesome canvas for five-year-old E. to decorate while we waited for our food.

2. Ice cream sundae: Speaking of the kids menu, I was impressed by the kids ice cream sundae. The vanilla ice cream was surprisingly good, and I could tell that the chocolate sauce was the real-deal, not something that came out of a plastic bottle. I love it when restaurant don’t short-change kids. They deserve the same high-quality ingredients that the grown-ups get to enjoy!

3. “Outdoor” seating: Spago is located inside the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. Although the restaurant is fully-enclosed, the mall area does have a “sky” and many interesting fountains. At Spago, you can sit in the dining room, or you can opt for the cafe area that is closer to the pedestrian thoroughfare that runs through the shopping area. From our seat, we could do some serious people-watching and we had a great view of the huge Trevi Fountain. It was also a great place to sit since there is more background noise in this part of the restaurant, so I didn’t have to remind E. a thousand times to please use her inside voice.

4. Good food for the grown-ups: My husband and I ordered pizza, and it was great! The prosciutto pizza was topped with mission figs, micro arugula, and aged balsamic. I loved the sweetness provided by the figs. And of course, you can never go wrong with prosciutto! The baby arugala provided just a little bitterness and texture. It was a great pizza, and I would definitely order it again.

5. Convenient location: Those of you who have been to Las Vegas know that the walk from the parking garage to your destination of choice can be rather long with a child. The labyrinthine design of many casinos can be difficult to navigate sometimes. However, the Forum Shops are located a short walk from the parking garage, and you won’t have much trouble spotting Spago once you’ve entered the Ancient Roman-themed shopping area. This is also a great jumping-off point for further exploring on the Strip if you chose to do something after your meal.

For another restaurant option in the Forum Shops, read this post from RockStarMom Las Vegas: Max Brenner | Food.

Happy Hour Drinks and Snacks at T-Bones Chophouse

Nightlife in Las Vegas can be a little overwhelming, especially for people like my husband and me who would rather have a quiet drink and some good food rather than go to one of the more…how shall I say this?…over-the-top(less) clubs and bars that fill Sin City. However, we recently discovered T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge, which is just our speed.

Comfy couches and a fire/fountain contraption

Fire, water, and plenty of comfy seating

I first went to the lounge for a tweet-up prior to the 2012 Blogalicious conference. Sitting outside by the fire on one of the comfy couches, I knew I would return sometime with my husband.

Sure enough, it was only a few days later when we went to T-Bones for their happy hour (Sun-Thurs). We didn’t want a big meal, just a few snacks and a drink or two.

We started our late-afternoon inside at the bar. The bartender recommended the Peach Palmer, which was fantastic! Not too sweet and with a hint of tea flavor, this is a perfect summer or early-fall drink for those who want something light and refreshing.

The "peach palmer" at T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge

The Peach Palmer

We also ordered two items from the Happy Hour menu: beef sliders and the cheese plate.

Slider and cheese plate from T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge

Sliders and a cheese plate at T-Bones…perfect snacks to share

After devouring our food, we headed outside to the lounge area. Sitting on the couches near the fire with the beautiful Red Rock pool within easy gazing distance, we enjoyed a couple more drinks, including a Twisted Margarita. Tart with a hint of pineapple, this drink is perfect for those who want to venture beyond the traditional beverage.

Delicious drink at T-Bones

A “twisted margarita”

Overall, we had a nice time at T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge. I have a feeling we’ll be back again the next time we have an opportunity to enjoy a parent’s night out.

Photo: Aria Architecture

Aria Hotel/Casino. Las Vegas.

Aria Resort and Casino. Las Vegas, NV. (Taken by me, Sept. ’12)

Amazing architecture and larger-than-life spaces are everywhere in Las Vegas. We walked around Aria Resort and Casino last weekend, and I loved the dramatic, massive structures that surrounded us.

This week, let’s all try to notice our surroundings and appreciate what makes our particular corner of the world–whether that’s Las Vegas or elsewhere–so unique.

Our staycation at the Westin Lake Las Vegas

Westin Lake Las Vegas

The view from our room at the Westin Lake Las Vegas

To be honest, the Westin Lake Las Vegas wasn’t really on my radar until recently. Sure, I’m a certified hotel nerd who can tell you about almost every hotel in Vegas. (Wondering how much a room at the Red Rock is going for on a given night? There’s a good chance I’ve recently checked the rates and can tell you!) However, Lake Las Vegas wasn’t an area that we’d visited since moving to town in November. Besides…when it comes to Vegas hotels, the big, flashy casino/resort accomodations on the Strip often get the most attention.

Luckily, I had the opportunity to become more familiar with this hotel and the Lake Las Vegas area in general. When an invite to a media event turned into a complimentary one-night stay at the Westin, I eagerly scheduled our quick Vegas staycation and prepared myself for drinks by the pool, s’mores by the lake, and a glimpse of that strange juxtaposition of lake and desert.

Don’t expect over-the-top glitz like you’d find on the Strip. Lake Las Vegas may be a thirty-minute drive from Las Vegas Blvd, but it feels like it’s worlds away. The hotel, and the surrounding community, seem very serene. And when you’re travelling with kids to Sin City, serene can be a good thing.

Here’s the breakdown of our stay at the Westin Lake Las Vegas:

First Impressions:

I love the way the resort looks as you drive onto the property. Tall palm trees, the dark beige building against bright blue sky…it’s lovely. Once inside, we noticed the Moroccan theme, which follows guests through their entire experience.

Westin Lake Las Vegas

Beautiful and serene

And while we’re talking about first impressions, have you noticed that Westin hotels smell absolutely outstanding? How do they do it? We’ve stayed at Westin hotels several times, and that smell always reminds me of past trips and pleasant memories. (I can’t be the only person who has noticed that heavenly aroma!)

The Room:

We stayed in an alcove suite, which consisted of a sitting room with a convertable sofa and (you guessed it!) an alcove area that housed the bed and two night stands. The extra space in the alcove suite is great for families, although I wish there was more separation between the bedroom and the sitting area.

Westin Lake Las Vegas

The alcove suite

The room also had a balcony, although it was very narrow. It provided just enough room for one person to stand. This actually makes sense since this is Las Vegas; sitting on a balcony in the sweltering heat when you could be poolside would be utter madness.

balcony. Westin Lake Las Vegas

*verytinybalcony*

Overall, we were happy with the room: clean, spacious, and comfortable.

The Pools:

The Westin Lake Las Vegas offers guests two large pools and a water slide, not to mention lake activities like kayaking. The pools were clean and appeared to be well-maintained. My five-year-old daughter enjoyed the water slide, although it certainly wasn’t the fastest we’d ever been on. A man-made beach by the lake offered the perfect place for roasting marshmallows after dark, and an evening movie by the pool was a nice way to end our day.

Westin Lake Las Vegas

Fun on Lake Las Vegas

The Westin Lake Las Vegas is a good kid-friendly option for those visiting from out-of-town and for Las Vegans looking to get away for a short staycation. With its location right on the lake, this hotel offers guests more than just a comfortable bed. This is a great hotel choice for those who want a relaxing Vegas experience.

Note: I received a complimentary one night stay, but we paid for our own food and activities. All opinions are my own. I was not asked by the Westin Lake Las Vegas to write this post.

My Favorite Vegas Restaurants

Steak n shake. Las Vegas

I love food, but hate to cook, which means our family ends up eating at restaurants quite often. It’s no secret that Las Vegas has a plethora of fabulous restaurants, from casual and family-friendly to ultra-swanky. Our culinary excursions tend to be the more down-to-earth variety since we’re almost always dining out with our five-year-old daughter. But don’t let the term “family-friendly” fool you…there are plenty of great restaurants that welcome children, yet offer up excellent, imaginative food. Here are our four favorites in four different categories:

Pizza
When we’re in the mood for pizza, there’s no question where we’re heading: Dom Demarco’s. When President Obama visited Las Vegas last winter, he ordered carry-out from this pizza-and-pasta establishment. Having eaten plenty of pizza in my day, I can tell you that he made an excellent choice. Demarco’s offers both New York style pizza and deep dish pies. Our absolute favorite is the deep dish pepperoni pizza: thick, crisp crust is covered in sauce, cheese, fresh basil, and pepperoni. The deep dish pizzas are baked well-done, which makes them a hit with our family. I love how the pepperoni is nice and crispy. I’m also a big fan of the 15th Street BLT salad, which consists of butter leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and avocado in a gorgonzola dressing.

Thai
Our family loves Thai food. Yes, even our daughter. She gobbles up pad prik king the way most kids dive into a cheeseburger or chicken nuggets. When we’re in the mood for Thai food, our go-to is Archi’s. I almost always order the panang curry with tofu. In order to keep your street cred, I suggest you order your food at a spice level of at least 5 or 6 (on a scale of 1-10). Just be prepared with a tall glass of ice water!

Brunch
For Father’s Day, my daughter and I took my husband out to brunch at Mon Ami Gabi, located at the Paris Hotel and Casino. I love that this restaurant has a slightly more formal atmosphere…it’s a place where we can go in our Sunday best, which is fun. Guests who choose to sit outside on the patio will enjoy a great view of the Strip. My favorite dish at the Mon Ami Gabi brunch is the strawberry waffles. The waffles are nice and crisp, the strawberries are fresh, and the whipped cream is to die for. After brunch, you can take the elevator ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy fantastic views of the entire Strip, including the Bellagio fountains across the street.

Burgers
I know there are going to be some folks who vehemently disagree with me on this pick. Keep in my mind that my husband and I spent most of our lives in the Midwest, so our favorite burger spot is a bit of a sentimental choice. We love Steak ‘n Shake, located at South Point. Yes, this is a chain. Yes, the burgers are thin. But we love the crisp edges of the burgers, the shoestring fries, the delicious milkshakes, and the reminder that there is a little bit of home here in Las Vegas.

The best part about these restaurants? Not only do they serve delicious food, they make families feel welcome. These restaurants strike that perfect balance between the preferences of the kids and those of the parents.

What do you think? What are your favorite Vegas restaurants?

Pueblo Park: Kid-Friendly Fun in Las Vegas

Kid-friendly activities abound in Las Vegas, but what is particularly surprising is the number of lovely parks and playgrounds. One of my favorites is Pueblo Park in Summerlin, which we visited for the first time last weekend. I left wondering why I hadn’t explored this suburban oasis sooner.

Pueblo Park features large areas covered in lush green grass, somewhat of an anomaly in the Las Vegas area. It has a playground, complete with swings. (Remember when all parks had swings? Those were the days.) Visitors will also find a nice walking/biking trail that is perfect for observing the surrounding desert landscape, getting a little exercise, or just taking an after-dinner stroll.

Pueblo Park is a linear park, which runs west from Lake Mead Blvd., past Park Vista Dr., to Rampart. If you’re using a GPS, you can plug in the address 7663 Lake Mead Blvd.

For other kid-friendly Las Vegas activities, check out:

Animal Adventures on the Strip
Kid-Friendly Las Vegas Activities

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