Page 17 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – May/June 2022

In addition to the four major attractions that we visited using the Explorer Pass, we also made a point to see the fountain show at the AAA 5-Diamond Bellagio resort. The fountains are choreographed to music and the display is different every half-hour. We enjoyed the show during the day and also at night (when the fountains are lit). The Bellagio also has a gorgeous Conservatory that changes with the seasons. While there, the display was set for the Lunar New Year with large glass flowers and a pagoda over a small indoor creek. A larger-than-life golden tiger was the focal point of this display.
The volcano show at The Mirage is presented three times every evening at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. It only lasts about five minutes but is well worth lining up and waiting for
it to start. Also synchronized to music, this display is unique and exciting.
Our days were filled with restaurant stops of all kinds, including a dinner show at the Excalibur Resort called Tournament of Kings. We did a little shopping at the M&M Store and a shop called ABC (across from the Park MGM) that had all the take-home souvenirs you might need. We walked to the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign for our obligatory photo op, but we did decide to call for a rideshare back because it was quite a bit of a walk. Tip: Things are farther apart than they appear in Las Vegas. While it is true that the Mirage is “just down the street” from the Bellagio and that you “just have to walk past Caesar’s Palace” to get there
– keep in mind the enormity of each of these resorts. The actual distance from the front door of the Bellagio to the front door of the Mirage is over a mile. Steps add up, so bring comfortable walking shoes or plan on rideshare options to cut down on steps if needed. The resorts and the displays are so enormous that they do
appear closer than they are. I do believe the best way to see everything is to walk, but give yourself time to stop, enjoy and rest.
The number of options for things to do was almost overwhelming, but we listened to the expert advice of our check-in staff for must-sees and -dos. I had a great time, even as a 50-year-old, non-gambling adult that didn’t spend any time in the nightclub scene. Tip: On top of everything there is to do along the strip and the like, Las Vegas is just 125 miles from the west rim of the Grand Canyon; less than 300 miles to either Grand Canyon Village; Sedona, Arizona; or Los Angeles; as well as just over 400 miles to Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, consider visiting some of these places while you’re out there.
To plan your Las Vegas vacation, contact your AAA Hudson Valley Travel Agent at 518-426-1000 or booktravel@aaahv.com
Angela Stott is a AAA Hudson Valley Branch Leader and expert Auto Travel Counselor.
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