Top 10 Reasons to Go to Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

It's been a while since I've done a post like this, and I thought it would be fun, especially as my next trip to the Strip looms.

Here are my top 10 reasons to visit Sin City:
10. Free parking. That's right, I said parking. As in "free parking" in garages on the Strip and outskirts, and inexpensive (sometimes comped) parking in garages downtown. You can even get free valet service, but I usually skip this because I can park where I want when I want without waiting for someone to retrieve my car, and I don't have to tip anyone if I park myself.

9. Free shows. The fountains at Bellagio are probably the best and certainly the most famous, but there are tons of other things you can see for free when you take a break from the slots and tables. Like the volcano at the Mirage, or the lions at MGM Grand, or the Fremont Street Experience. All good stuff that doesn't cost you a dime.

8. Top notch entertainment. Cirque du Soleil - need I say more? Great shows, like Ka and The Beatles Love are worth seeing more than once. Add comedy, the best and hippest bands, magic and other types of acts, and you can see whey Vegas is a popular destination for shows.

7. Cool pools and pool parties. I'm a little past the age curve for pool parties, and I worry that they are getting too crowded for the pool management teams to handle, but they are also plenty fun in moderation. As for me, I enjoy a good swim in the morning after an evening of gambling and rum-based drinks in a smoky casino. MGM's pool complex is pretty outstanding, and the last time I was at the Flamingo, the water was refreshing if not downright cold. Good times. I've never been to the Mandalay Bay pool complex, but surfboards and sandy beaches sound pretty cool to me.

6. Clubs. Yeah, I'm a little old for these, too. But there's nothing better than getting dressed up and hitting the dance floor (or at least the bar next to the dance floor).

5. Restaurants. You can find everything from a nice, clean, inexpensive diner to a five-diamond exclusive experience. If you like to eat, Vegas is a great destination.

4.Rum and Coke. My favorite cocktail at the tables. Some say "don't ask for well drinks at the tables because they water them down too much." Don't care. Just keep bringing them. After a while, the cocktail waitress just knows the deal. She'll look at me and say "Rum and Coke?" Yup. Rum and Coke.

3. Craps. Sometimes, I just throw my money on the table and say "thanks, that was fun" and walk away. However, if I can hit at least one point (or, more likely, if someone else at the table can hit a point), life is much more exciting. A full craps table in Vegas is one of the best times you can have with your clothes on.

2. Blackjack. My other favorite game, and a staple when I'm in Vegas. Sometimes it seems like you haven't won a hand in hours, and then all of a sudden you get on a winning streak. If you can hang at a crowded blackjack table for a while, you can really have a good time.

1. Escape. Life is serious. We spend a lot of time working, taking care of responsibilities, cutting the grass, helping neighbors and family, driving the kids to soccer practice, and so on. Life is short. Vegas is fun. When I'm there, I don't worry about anything, and I can really cut loose and have a good time. I'm prepared so that when I go, I don't have to guess how much money I can lose or how much I can spend. It's all taken care of ahead of time so that when I'm there, it's just fun.

I hope you have a chance to go to Vegas soon. Escape for a little while so that when you come back, you are refreshed and can handle everything else in your life a little easier.

These are my top 10. What are yours?

Viva,
Mike