As the Entertainment Capital of the world, Las Vegas continuously adds new shows, attractions, and events to its already impressive repertoire. For those traveling the strip, whether for a vacation or a staycation, it can be challenging to decide which of these shows and experiences to include in your Vegas plans. While the amount of attractions and events to see and do can be overwhelming, the good news is that Vegas has something for everyone!
We recently had the opportunity to catch the latest show to hit Las Vegas, Bat Out of Hell-The Musical and we highly recommend adding this show to your list. Originating in London, the award-winning production has landed at Paris Hotel and Casino and is the only musical on the Las Vegas Strip. Featuring the iconic songs of, you guessed it, Meat Loaf, the amazing talent of this cast will blow you away with their vocal abilities and choreography.
Amongst the energy of the music and dancing, is an incredible storyline, described as a “Rocky-Horror, Romeo-and-Juliet celebration.” The show has performances nightly Tuesday through Sunday, and more information can be found on their website, www.batoutofhellvegas.com
For those who enjoy an immersive educational experience, Vegas has you covered! Next door to Paris, visitors can find two unique attractions in the lower level of Bally’s Hotel and Casino (which is currently transitioning to Horse Shoe).
Both managed by Imagine Exhibitions, visitors can get tickets to experience both Real Bodies and National Geographic’s Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary. Rarely Seen is an immersive experience where guests can view a collection of rare photographs, set to sound and light on a self-guided tour.
Real Bodies is just that, real human bodies! This educational experience provides guests with the opportunity to explore both anatomy and humanity. Imagine Exhibitions has also just opened another new exhibit, Discovering King Tut’s Tomb, at Luxor Hotel and Casino. For more information, check out their website www.imagineexhibitions.com
If you’re looking for something entertaining to do between shows and immersive experiences, head on over to Topgolf, located next to MGM Grand. While Topgolf exists in other cities, the Las Vegas location has of course upped the ante. Topgolf Las Vegas is the only location with four levels, the top two being 21+ and it also is home to a Guinness Book of World Records driver.
That’s right, the worlds’ longest driver can be found displayed on the wall there! Actor Anthony Anderson even attempted to take a few swings with it! Top Golf is not only for the golf pros, but for groups of family and friends who enjoy some friendly competition while enjoying drinks, food and even watching sporting events. It is a must-visit experience while in Las Vegas and is fun for all ages! For more information on Topgolf Las Vegas visit their website www.topgolf.com
They say nothing is free, but that’s not necessarily the case in Las Vegas. There are tons of fun freebies on the Strip and here are some of our favorites. Starting right in the center of the strip, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is home to two of them. The Bellagio Fountains are an iconic part of the city and cannot be missed. Choreographed to music, with lights added into the mix at night, this spectacular show performs to packed crowds multiple times daily. Inside of the property is the Bellagio Conservatory. This is not your average flower garden! It takes approximately seven days to change from one theme to the next and there are five themes per year.
The Wynn Hotel and Casino also has a flower garden and a choreographed fountain show on a smaller scale. It is also home to the Lake of Dreams, an amazing free show. The Lake of Dreams is a forty-foot-tall waterfall that comes to life with lights, music and holographics.
Next door to the Wynn, is the Venetian, which is home to the Grand Canal Shops. While the shops themselves are not free, walking through the area is. Guests visiting the Grand Canal Shops will find themselves in an indoor Venice. From watching the gondola rides to witnessing statues come to life, this is truly a magical place.
Just across Las Vegas Boulevard is the iconic Mirage Volcano. Now there are rumors that the volcano’s time on the Strip is coming to an end, due to the plans for a guitar-shaped hotel tower once Hard Rock Casino takes over. When this will happen is yet to be determined, so be sure to add this Vegas classic to your list before it’s gone.
The next freebie is located at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. The Flamingo Habitat is home to a flock of Chilean Flamingos, as well as other waterfowl. Visitors to the Habitat can also see koi and turtles swimming in the ponds.
Lastly, you cannot take a trip to Vegas without visiting the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. The city of Las Vegas has done a great job providing parking in the area, but it still is a very busy area. Regardless of the time of day, there always seems to be a crowd, so pack your patience! For more information on these fabulous Las Vegas freebies check out this video.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM
