Waking Up in Vegas
Ryan and I left for the Charlotte airport just after lunchtime yesterday and arrived in Las Vegas a little before 6 p.m. thanks to a three-hour time difference that worked in our favor. We won’t be here for long, but we’re planning to make the most of the next few days!
But let’s back up a bit to cover some not-so-important things.
First, my new travel pants.
(Pants: Amazon / Sweater: Amazon / Crossbody Bag: Marc Jacobs — but old / Sneakers: Madewell / Suitcase: Samsonite / Black Puff Carryon: Target)
Let’s just say these will be replacing leggings and joggers as my go-to travel pants! They’re comfier than leggings and can be worn high-waisted (and they’re legitimately high waisted, for any friends out there who also have a long torso), or you can fold the waistband down. I swear they feel like pajama pants but look more pulled together, especially in the black color. Big fan!
Panera
Second, I had no idea grabbing Panera at the airport before our flight would feel like such a treat but it’s been waaay too long since Ryan and I traveled solo and eating Panera in the quiet of terminal A was a fantastic way to kick off our trip.
Also, Charlotte friends, is terminal A not like hitting the jackpot at the Charlotte airport? It’s updated and new and almost always deserted. Basically it’s the polar opposite of terminal E.
First Night
Since our flight was close to five hours, I spent half of it working and half of it watching the Barbie movie which I never had the chance to see before. Once we arrived in Vegas, we took an Uber to our hotel, dropped off our things and headed out to explore! We walked along the strip and meandered in and out of the shops and hotels before grabbing a late dinner at SushiSamba which was wonderful!
We’re here in part for Ryan’s work (okay, so that’s the main reason Ryan is here), but we decided to take advantage of his work travel and bought me a ticket to accompany him so we can see U2 in concert at the Sphere tonight! I cannot wait!!
We’re also hoping to sneak in some nice dinners and quality time together when Ryan has some free moments. Selfishly, I’m also beyond psyched for some quiet solo time while Ryan works because, as I am sure every mom out there with young kids can attest, solo chill time alone is hard to come by and a huge gift. Sign me up for THAT. If you have any Las Vegas recommendations we can do very last minute, let us know! We didn’t plan much beyond the U2 concert and are just excited to explore and have some time together.
Thank You, Mom!
We owe the biggest thank you to my mom for watching our boys and allowing this trip to happen. Chase, Ryder and Rhett were beyond psyched for Mae time which made it a little easier to say goodbye to our dude crew.
Ryan and I were both up before 4 a.m. Las Vegas time this morning (the three-hour time difference is a treat) and we’re now waiting for the gym — and basically anything else — to open so we can get our first full day in Vegas started. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
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A few recommendations from a former Las Vegas local…
Bellagio is my absolute favorite hotel … the conservatory and gardens is a must see….
Mon Ami Gabi at Paris hotel .. great for lunch/dinner
Fremont street a must see ….take a Uber.. walking past the stratosphere hotel on strip is a little dicey
Enjoy
I scrolled down to comment as well that you must go walk around the Bellagio. I was there for a week in the fall and we went three times. I for sure can’t say that about other hotels. The Bellagio is simply stunning. The Chihuly. The Conservatory. The crepes – get a savory crepe at the little spot around the corner from the Conservatory. It is worth it.
(I didn’t love Fremont Street but I think I’m in the minority there. It was just sad to me.)
Thank you for this rec!!! I love Chihuly’s work and thought the inside of the Bellagio was stunning!!!
Have a great time in Las Vegas! Glad you went to SushiSamba already – that’s a great spot!! Another dinner recommendation is Giada’s. EggSlut for a quick breakfast. MilkBar for sweets (also nice to bring home to the boys and your mom). You could check out a spa during the day. A lot of the spas offer a day pass where you can enjoy the facilities, even if you don’t have a service (but of course you could also get a service!). The Neon Sign museum is a cool place to visit and if you do, you can also check out Fremont Street (old Las Vegas). That area is pretty neat and you’ll recognize locations from lots of famous movies. Also, do you like Beatles music? If so, the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil is fantastic and you should be able to get last minute tickets.
My cousin lives in Vegas so I’ve been a few times! If you have the time/interest, I have a couple of blog posts about our past Las Vegas trips here: https://candietravels.com/2017/02/10/las-vegas-hikes-food-and-family/ and https://candietravels.com/2019/08/27/las-vegas-with-a-toddler/
Thank you thank you!!! Ryan said EggSlut is great as well from a past trip so that’s on our breakfast spot list! So appreciate your recommendations!!!
Just coming back to comment again because I took a minute to read both of your blog posts — now your second one makes me wish we had the boys here, too! Ha! I didn’t realize there were so many kid-friendly activities, but our boys would love everything you listed in that post!
I know the dolphins at the Mirage closed about a year ago, but pretty sure everything else is still open. You’ll just have to go back with your boys some time! Glad I could help with a few suggestions. Enjoy!
Woohoo!! We were just in Vegas for my husbands work trip too!
If you’re a fan of the royals the Princess Diana/Royals exhibit in the Aria is a must see! Also, in the Aria is Salt and Ivy an amazing breakfast/lunch spot!
Black Tap burger bar for a milkshake is 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ramsey’s kitchen is amazing!! I still talk about the meal we had a year ago! We went to Hell’s Kitchen this year and it didn’t even come close to Ramsey’s!
Just wandering around too is always fun!! Have the best time seeing U2!
Gamble drink and leave all responsibilities behind. Letting loose is fun every once and awhile!
Welcome to Vegas! Yay for a little you time and Hubby time! These are all great recs for on strip activities tho as a local I would recommend getting off strip if you can. My faves are the Arts District (thrift shops, fun eats and drinks) and the stunning Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive (and hikes if you have time). You’ll need to sign up for a reservation time:: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177
Enjoy your time in Vegas!
If Cirque de Soleil still has a show there GO! We saw their Big Baby show in Vegas last fall and were mesmerized.
I was just in Vegas for a work trip too and the Sphere BLEW MY MIND. Enjoy! We saw Postcards from Earth, not U2, but it was amazing.
At 4 am everyone is up in Vegas! Go wander!
I love the Encore and Wynn hotels and my recommendation is to visit the rooftop at the Strat for a drink and view at night, and see the Awakening at the Encore. The show content is whatever, but the dancing and puppets and production value is incredible! The guy who did the Lion King broadway did the puppets for the show and they are so creative and large scale.
Someone else mentioned the Aria, which is gorgeous. The Bellagio fountains are worth seeing. Visit a pool if it’s warm enough! Enjoy! Vegas is honestly awesome and everything is further than it appears haha.
If you’re at the roofing convention stop by Garrdal and say hi to my friend Ken …. that’s much only suggestion aside from AVOID ANY AND ALL BUFFETS
I second the “avoid the buffet” comment. You pay a high price for low quality food.
If you like dim sum, Din Tai Fung is a can’t miss. I could eat their Xiao Long Bao, Shao Mai, and String Beans with garlic for every meal for the rest of my life and not be sad about it!
What does Ryan do for work that he travels to these cool places?
Valley of Fire State Park is beautiful if you are looking to mix in some nature! Enjoy your trip. 😊
I was there last month for work. I recommend the Irish Pub in NYNY, the Paradox Museum, and Minus 5 Ice Bar!