Las Vegas: Hockey, Hell's Kitchen, and LOTS of Gambling

I was in dire need of a vacation and Vegas was just what the doctor ordered. Airports are some of my favorite places and I anticipate just being able to pack my carry on, probably because I know that it means fun and relaxation await me after my travels. Anyway, I was counting down the days until we were on the plane and headed for Vegas.

Gourmet dining on the airplane

I went with Clayton and my Gma, and everyone laughs when I say that, but my Gma is hip! She has been to Vegas a few times and knew all the ins and outs and what were the top priorities for the trip. We didn't quite get to absolutely everything, because well, there just isn't enough time in the day, but that just means we'll have to plan another trip ;)

The Golden Knights Watch Party

When we found out that our trip just so happened to line up with game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, it was pretty much a given that we had to be involved in the festivities. I tried to get tickets, but they were WAY out of our price range lol. We did know that Vegas was gonna do it big and that we wanted to be a part of it. Even though Clayton is rooting for the Caps, he admitted that is was awesome being around Vegas fans and experiencing their atmosphere. I bought a few Golden Knights magnets (it's kind of our thing when we travel), and Clayton got a hat...which he claims he only bought because he "likes the look of it". He knows he wants to cheer for them and I just wish he'd admit it already ;) Anyways, happy to see that the Knights won their first game and all I'm saying is that if I am in attendance, the NHL team I root for has always won. I'll take my season tickets any day now!

Hell's Kitchen

My grandmas favorite cooking show is Hell's Kitchen and she had requested long before the trip that we eat at the restaurant inspired by the show. I made reservations and surprised her a few days before we left! I'm really picky and not one for fancy food (I eat Kraft mac and cheese more often than I'd like to admit). But nonetheless, even if I didn't like anything on the menu, I was going to make sure that my Gma got to experience Hell's Kitchen. We walked in and they sat us at a VIP table close to the open kitchen. It looks exactly like the reality show and I felt incredibly out of place. I ordered a salad, Clayton had a gourmet burger, and my Gma had Beef Wellington, which was the most popular recommendation. We also had an excellent pineapple dessert, complete with dry ice...yes so extra.

The one thing that made the dining experience the ultimate for my gma was the fact that she got to meet her favorite chef. Michelle Tribble was the winner of season 17 of Hell's Kitchen and she was my Gma's favorite from day 1. Our waiter told us we could get a picture with her and speak with her when she came into work. So we did just that. My gma was so happy, I thought she would cry.

Casinos

I had only ever been to 1 casino prior to going to Vegas and it did NOT prepare me for the sights and sounds. We mostly gambled at the Stratosphere where we were staying, but we made it to several others along the strip and downtown. The Bellagio was probably the coolest one we went to. We might be a little biased because we quickly realized that the Caps were staying there, but we also loved it because we found this horse race game that we loved! We played on $20 for a long time on that game...a lot longer than most games we played. We won and lost a little while we were there. Some nights were better than others, but I guess that's the way it goes!

MJ Live

I really wanted to see the Beatles Love show, but those tickets were a bit pricey. Fortunately we got tickets to see MJ live which was performed in a theater in our hotel. It was no broadway production, but it was so much fun! We sang and danced and the Michael Jackson impersonator was really great! It made me feel like I was back at a show choir competition. Oh the nostalgia.

Fear The Walking Dead Survival

When I first began researching things to do in Vegas, the Walking Dead escape room popped up and I HAD try it! We finally made our way down to Fremont street and we got in line asap. I can say that it was well worth the money if you're a Walking Dead fan. It was part escape room, part haunted house, part shooting game! I probably wouldn't do it again because the surprise factor is gone, but I would highly suggest you check it out if you're downtown there.

Clayton and I have been in a funk the past few days, and we are chocking it up to wanting to go back to Vegas asap! There is still so much that we didn't get to do and we have a long list! I've already started trying to see when it would be possible for us to travel again! But do you guys think we should go back to Vegas or go somewhere else? Let me know!