Bargains, Activities Beckon

My first stop was the Eiffel Tower, where I oohed and aahed over views from the observation deck 50 stories above ground. Next I wandered among splashing fountains and graceful statues reminiscent of ancient Rome. Then came a gentle canal ride as a gondolier serenaded his passengers in Italian. Finally, I decided, it was time for lunch.

 This truncated ‘round-the-world tour was not the result of magical time travel. I was in Las Vegas, where touches of other cities and countries, present and past, are among the wealth of wonders that awaits visitors.

While Vegas is known primarily as a gambling Mecca, I was there for everything else it has to offer, and what a full menu there is.

To begin, one could spend days experiencing “The Strip” — the four-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard where most of the largest hotels are located. Many properties a list of things to see and do, some free and others reasonably priced, that can fill several days of non-stop activity.

The Eiffel Tower that soars above the scene is a half-size replica of the Paris original. My Roman sojourn took place at Caesar’s Palace hotel, where Julius himself might feel at home. The gondola ride actually took place in the lobby of the Venetian Hotel.

The hotels compete to outdo their neighbors in terms of sheer drama. In front of Treasure Island, where I stayed, I watched a band of lovely temptresses aboard a sailing ship engage in a heated battle with a pirate vessel, which sank before the fascinated audience. Music, sword fights, firing canons and a human-size talking parrot are among features of this free extravaganza, which is played out four times each evening.

Other megahotels offer their own inducements to attract people to stop by, come in and, they hope, visit their casino. A corner of the Bellagio’s lobby is transformed into a botanical garden complete with an oversize waterwheel, talking tree and extensive floral displays that change with the season. Nearby is a Gallery of Fine Art where works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are displayed.

Do you enjoy visiting zoos? The Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand provides as close-up encounters with the King of the Jungle as you’re likely to experience anywhere.

I spent an hour and could have stayed longer at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay While sharks are the major attraction at the only predator-based aquarium in North America, gold crocodile, endangered Komodo Dragons and schools of colorful Caribbean reef fish are among other inhabitants.
Both land and sea life also awaits visitors to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Retreat at The Mirage. Outside pools are home to several dolphins, and an underwater viewing area offers opportunities to admire those endearing creatures at close range.

In the land section of the Garden leopards, white and snow tigers, and white and tawny lions prowl in habitats that are enhanced with trees, climbing rocks and waterfalls.

After dark, Las Vegas earns its reputation as “Entertainment Capital of the World.” On any night, world-class performers like Tom Jones, Elton John, Jerry Seinfeld, David Copperfield, and Donny and Marie Osmond appear on stage.

A nod to nostalgia directed me to “The Rat Pack is Back,” which recaptures the time when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis, Jr., the stages, and nightclubs, of the city. Realistic impersonators sing, dance and banter, and “Marilyn Monroe” adds to the fun with a show-stopping appearance.

Some days were spent exploring nearby attractions that beckon visitors away from the Strip. The Springs Preserve is but a short drive away, but very far in terms of setting and story. One exhibit depicts the geological and biological formation and history of the Mojave Desert. Another illustrates how animal and plant life adapt to the harsh, barren environment. A video and other displays describe construction of Hoover Dam, which may be visited on day-trips from Las Vegas.

Outside, an eight-acre botanical garden and over two miles of gentle hiking trails provide opportunities to explore various desert environments and view native plant, animal and bird life that have moved in.

For a very different aspect of the area’s history, I signed up for a half-day Pink Jeep Tour to Eldorado Canyon and the oldest and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada . The trip included explorations of roads and ravines inaccessible to most vehicles, but it was the Techatticup Mine that has the most fascinating story to tell.

After being located in 1861, it produced millions of dollars in gold ore as miners used picks and shovels to dig three miles of tunnels, working by candlelight. A guide pointed out traces of candle wax still stuck to rock walls and remnants of precious metal glistening in the candlelight. She also related exciting stories of times when gunfights over gold and women transformed the canyon into a rowdy place that even lawmen refused to enter.
Nature preserves and mining lore may not be the main temptations that have transformed Las Vegas into a city that never sleeps. However, they’re among countless attractions that offer alternatives for those seeking respite from the slot machines and gaming tables, or for whom those pursuits hold no appeal at all.

If you go
The economic downturn has spurred a rush of special discounts that allow just about anyone to live like a “high roller.” How often can you book a room for $79 at an AAA-rated four-diamond resort hotel? While prices vary, that bargain was offered recently at Treasure Island, and it’s typical of those at other hotels as well that can stretch your travel budget. For more information, call 800-944-7444 or visit treasureisland.com.

When it comes to dining, the famous low-cost “Las Vegas buffet” still lives, most often off the Strip. That can mean breakfast for less than $6, and dinners costing $8.95 for prime rib, $9.99 for steak and shrimp scampi, and $12.99 for crab leg buffet.

To splurge on a more memorable meal, you can’t do better than the Brand Steakhouse in the Monte Carlo Resort. A perfectly grilled oversize steak was more than adequate for two. For more information call 800-311-8999 or visit montecarlo.com.

Another special treat was dinner at Twin Creeks in the Silverton Hotel. It draws a loyal following of locals attracted by the magnificent presentations, impeccable service and, of course, food. Twin Creeks Classics, beginning at $17, include prime rib and other entrees accompanied by salad and two side dishes. For more information call 866-946-4373 or visit silvertoncasino.com.

For more information about Las Vegas, including the budget-stretching discounts now available, call 877-847-4858 or visit visitlasvegas.com.

Victor Block is an established, award-winning travel journalist whose work has appeared in a variety of major outlets for over a quarter-century. His specialties include off-beat travel, overseas destinations and seniors travel. He augments basic information with an introduction to the people, culture and essence of places he visits. He currently focuses on newspaper travel features. He is based in Washington, D.C., and can be reached at shayphred@aol.com.

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