There are a ton of destinations that are paramount to visit for a traveler in his/her/their twenties. Without question, Las Vegas, Nevada is one such place. It doesn’t matter if you hate gambling. It’s of little consequence if you don’t like partying until the sun comes up. As a young vagabond, You. Must. Lose. Your. Vegas Virginity. EVERYONE says so.
At twenty-three years old, I hardly had to be brow-beaten into swiping my credit card and booking the trip. I had seen “The Hangover.” I had listened to Katy Perry’s song about “Waking Up in Vegas.” I had an affinity for face glitter, vodka, and all-nighters. Therefore, I was ready to take on this city with gusto with my best friend, Amanda.
Here’s a recap of what it was like to be a “Vegas virgin” in my early twenties.
So, Did I Party Like a Rock Star as a Vegas Virgin?
Nah. I really didn’t. My best friend and I quickly realized that on one’s first trip to Las Vegas, you can sightsee all day or you can party all night, but you simply cannot do both. Really, you have to choose which type of adventure you’d like to have.
In my early twenties I partied a lot. To a fault actually. But, the brevity and random nature of life was never lost on me. Who knew if I would ever get back to Las Vegas and when? Knowing that I had NYC as my playground in which to ‘party’ back home, I didn’t feel the need to go buck wild in Sin City.
For the most part, we were in bed at a civil time each night mainly because we were exhausted from waking up with the sun every morning to explore the city. We did visit two nightclubs in Las Vegas after being made to feel that they were “all the rage” by promoters. And with the promise of no entrance fees and expedited entry, we figured, why not swing by?
In one instance, we had to meander through several floors to get to the rooftop nightclub, a place where we were two of FIVE people – I’ll tell you “why not to swing by.” While the views were spectacular, the ‘scene’ was nowhere near intriguing enough to justify the pain my feet were in from cramming them into heels and walking a great distance to get to the rooftop. My best friend and I, upon being disappointed, quickly agreed that our forays into the dance club scene in the desert were a bust.
However, we were excited about the prospect of one type of wild experience…the infamous Las Vegas Day Club and Pool Party scene. What a better way to unwind in the gorgeous Nevada sun and desert heat than lounging by the pool, listening to blasting music, and sipping frozen drinks? So as not to be redundant, I have an entire post on those experiences right here!
Where I Did Party…A Little.
Chandelier Bar:
Located in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, the Chandelier Bar is dripping with sexy elegance. There are three levels to the lounge, and the area where were sat down for a quick drink was the main bar section which is quite literally located inside of what appears as a giant, shimmering, beaded chandelier. The whole ornate fixture is reminiscent of a gigantic sculpture that could be featured at Art Basel in Miami.
When placing our drink orders we were given the option to try a drink which included a “special flower” on top, known as a Szechuan Button. Our mixologist told us that “what it does to the tongue is a secret.” I had no doubt in my mind that we would end up roofied, but that evidently (and thankfully) wasn’t the case.
The “special flower” wound up leaving a tingling feeling on the tongue before sending the mouth straight into numbness. I won’t lie, a great deal of me was hoping that we would be thrown into a hallucinogenic high. Evidently, not this time. I totally get that the idea behind, “not knowing what this buzz button will do” is supposed to be alluring and sexy. However, I don’t know how ‘sexy’ you’ll feel after your entire mouth goes numb. (Just think back to how desirable you felt while getting a root canal, and you’ll catch my drift.)
Rhum Bar:
Sitting at the Rhum Bar beneath the tall palm trees and feeling the dry, Nevada heat warming my skin was the moment in which I realized, “holy shit…I’m on the west coast…in VEGAS!”
The Rhum Bar is a rather stylish lounge, which feels equal parts exclusive and backyard hang out. I especially liked hanging out here not only because the drinks were gorgeous and delicious, but because there was a cigar menu. It was quite relaxing to lounge on the wicker furniture and people-watch while a little buzzed and smoking on a stogie.
Chippendales:
I’m giving no details here other than to say that we DID go and had a blast! It was a largely gimmicky, funny, experience. For more details…sign up for my Patreon, HA!
Did I Win Big?
Perhaps no activity is more synonymous with Las Vegas than gambling. I’m sorry to disappoint, but that doesn’t happen to be one of my vices of choice (one of the few vices that I don’t enjoy, to be honest). I like the idea of shaking the dice in my hand and throwing them as I’m shouting “COME ON, SNAKE EYES” while wearing an evening gown, but I have no idea what any of that actually means.
However, you need almost no knowledge to pull the long, shiny, chrome arm of a Vegas slot machine.
While I did have an uncle who won thousands of dollars on the slots during a layover in Vegas, I was fully aware that in the most usual cases, the slot machines were places where folks went to pass time and lose money. At our hotel, I non-nonchalantly dropped some money into one slot that looked promising. A dollar here, a quarter there, it was chump change, really.
Therefore, imagine my shock when I dropped some pocket change into a slot machine and won…TEN WHOLE DOLLARS! When I saw the amount, I finally understood what the hype and thrill for actual gamblers might be. If I could win ten bucks, maybe I could even win fifteen! Or who knows? Maybe even twenty!
I quickly called my husband (then boyfriend) sneakily because I didn’t know if I was allowed to use my phone in the casino. I told him only that I was winning big and that I didn’t know if I should walk away while I was ahead. His family must have overheard the conversation.
When I revealed how I was in near possession of a crisp Hamilton after only spending some coins, everyone in his vicinity laughed at me. Like, I could literally hear it from the other side of the phone. My husband advised me to “walk away while I still was up” and so I did.
Even though it was a matter of luck I’M STILL SUPER PROUD THAT I GOT A TEN DOLLAR BILL for literally doing nothing.
So, yeah. For that reason, I highly recommend gambling when in Vegas.
Did I Eat Big?
Bacchanal Buffet – Caesar’s Palace
The Bacchanal Buffet at the Caesar’s Palace resort is SUCH an iconic institution that you have the option of having your photo taken professionally before entering. The price for “all you can eat” is relatively expensive for a buffet. But I promise, the offerings at this eatery go beyond any “serve yourself” type venue that you can possibly imagine.
Eating at the Bacchanal Buffet is literally an event in and of itself. I sincerely mean that. You can get all dressed up, eat until you literally feel like you might die, and then go back to your room to watch movies.
We couldn’t move after our meal here. It took just about an hour to muster the strength to finally get up from our seats and leave; I’m quite surprised that we didn’t have to be rolled out like Violet in Willy Wonka. The options for food are seemingly endless, and it can be difficult not to get absolutely crazy with the amount of fare you put on your plate. I can (ashamedly) say that I filled my two full sized plates a total of six times each. I don’t think I’ve ever lost the weight that I gained from eating here.
Prime rib. Lamb chops. Street style tacos. Dim Sum. It’s all there for the taking. The seafood is especially noteworthy, and the crab legs and crab claws are extremely popular.
If you have the willpower, I suggest doing a once around when you first arrive. You can get a sense of what you might like to eat, and then go back to fill your plate purposefully. Otherwise you’ll quickly load your dish, and wind up shoving crawfish and crème brûlée down your pants and inside of your bra to make room because you will guaranteed not have enough hands to carry all the food you want.
Border Grill – Mandalay Bay
Our meal at Border Grill threw me a curveball. I really did not at all expect this Mexican food spot near a convention center to be great, or even good, but… holy shit. Border Grill goes down as one of the best Mexican food meals I’ve ever had, and I’ve enjoyed this style of cuisine in Texas, California, and even freaking Mexico.
The place is a true gem as I think most people stop in out of desperation and wind up loving the place without expecting to (you can search the reviews for yourself.) The plantain empanadas with the cheese, sour cream, and salsa oozing out are the perfect “drunk food” to accompany the potent sangria. If plantains are your thing, you’d most likely enjoy the Yucatan pork entree, which includes not only plantains but also pork slow-roasted in banana leaves with orange, cinnamon, pickled onions, rice, beans, and guacamole.
If you love a spicier taste, try the vampiro shrimp taco. It’s a red chile cheese tortilla stuffed with spicy cabbage slaw, chorizo, guac, and ancho-crusted shrimp. Border Grill also has the standard mix of quesadillas, tortas, and other entrees ranging from classic to creative.
Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge
I cannot imagine not having dined at the Peppermill Restaurant. It’s essentially a diner that’s open twenty four hours a day. What makes it atypical is that captures both the gaudiness and elegance of “Old Vegas.” The Peppermill was the first place that we visited right after a six-hour plane ride. Its roaring fire pits and gown-clad waitresses really helped us to jump right into the eccentric and electric feeling of Las Vegas.
I loved that our private table had a gorgeous, roaring fire — right in the middle of our seating area. It served as a cozy amenity as we relaxed beneath the pink and red twinkling lights above us. The neon colors and casual strip-club-meets-night-lounge vibe swept us off to a different time period entirely. The ambiance was as if Frank Sinatra was desperate for money in the 1980s and opened up a joint with Madonna at a time where hot pink was all the rage.
The food isn’t imaginative, but it’s GOOD… and greasy. I was still new to traveling at this point, and very intimidated by being in Vegas, six hours from home. The casual mix of alcohol, oily chicken fingers, and fried carbs at the Peppermill cured my homesickness in a snap.
I’m looking forward to getting back to this place and I hope it never closes. It’s garish, but somehow, not kitschy in the least. It sincerely works in a most wonderful way!
Did I Explore Off the Path?
No. I didn’t. But, I love doing the “tourist thing” when I visit a new place! Here’s the ON the beaten path things that we did.
VooDoo Zip-line:
The VooDoo zip-line is a thrill seeking attraction featured at the Rio hotel. The tandem line allows you to sit next to a friend and cruise through the air starting at the rooftop of the Rio and ending at another rooftop. You’ll dangle 500 feet in the air and move at over thirty miles an hour (which sounds fast but is a very relaxed pace.) The chairs are completely open air, and there is not cage or anything of that nature around you, just the wind in your hair and fear in your face! My heart was in my throat the entire time that we were flying high and fast and I vividly remember white knuckling Amanda’s hand the entire time.
However, I do have to say that the sight of the Vegas skyline from our seats was breathtaking. As gorgeous as our view was, I do remember that there was a thought of “haha, this is nice, I hope it ends soon while I still have my limbs intact.” A bonus to the ride is that you’re sitting comfortably, and not laying down or in some awkward position. Even though we were comfortably seated, the feeling of flying so high in the air is FOR SURE exhilarating!
However, I must say, the actual nerve-wracking component of the experience is all of the mini steps in between reluctantly agreeing to do the zip-line and finally getting to the platform. There’s a lot of paper work and safety protocols as you work your way up to the top of the Rio hotel by stairs and elevator. If you can manage to keep your cool and not back out once you realize how high up you are getting, the experience is well worth the pangs of fear!
Gondola Venetian Hotel
As two women of Italian nationality traveling to Sin City, it was an absolute obligation that we partake in a so-called “gondola” cruise at the Venetian hotel.
Yeah, it’s obviously true that you’re not really at Venice. However, the Venetian hotel is a work of art and the canals both inside and outside of the resort are an undoubtedly impressive feature of the place. We cruised along the crystal clear water while our “gondolier” asked us questions about where we were from, gave us suggestions on what to do, and serenaded us in grand fashion (if only a tad bit embarrassing as Amanda and I are NOT lovers). It was remarkable to watch our gondolier operate the small waterways with such precision and grace. He was a wonderful guide and brightened our day. The three of us shared a lot of laughs.
Volcano Show
OK, it’s not like I ever thought that I was looking at a real volcano when I watched “Volcano Las Vegas” at The Mirage hotel. However, I did get lost in the performance and found it to be pretty spectacular. It’s really exciting to watch the volcano begin to first light up.
In the beginning, the “volcano” begins smoking and glowing at the top and the degree of light increases steadily — I was surprised that this part actually takes quite a while…a very long while. However, it builds anticipation as then, after waiting, more of the “volcano” begins to glow orange and red with “lava.” Until FINALLY, A TORRENT OF FAKE LAVA AND HOT WATER ERUPT FROM THE TOP and everyone in the crowd screams. That last part is actually really fun.
In addition to the giant volcano erupting with all the force of a flame thrower, the hairy part comes into play when smaller valves surrounding the volcano begin shooting out flames as well. The fact that I could feel the heat from the fireballs erupting was impressive, if only a little unsettling. I ran my fingers against my eyebrows several times to make sure that they were still there. This slight anxiety compounded with the increasing tempo of drum music had me entranced.
Bellagio Water Show
This is another free and somewhat obligatory performance that takes place on the Las Vegas strip. My best friend and travel companion was more than excited to see the famous Bellagio Water Show. After all, it truly is rather spectacular. The water spout base spans a thousand feet and the water that they release can shoot over four hundred feet into the air! But, was this enough to “wow” Amanda? Find out here.
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil
This was absolutely the best Cirque du Soleil show that I have ever seen. Its theme was largely sex and the beauty of the human body. (I added that second phrase to make this section look academic.)
Picture all of the exceptional talent of the already amazing Cirque performance, and then factor into the equation that the majority of the artists were wearing thongs, topless, or bikini-clad throughout their acts.
Groping, bondage, sensual kissing, grinding, dry humping, a simulated orgy at the end with audience participation… It was all there to feast the eyes on. Meanwhile, we sipped on frozen azure drinks from the adjacent bar, appropriately named “blue balls.” Talk about losing your Vegas virginity…
Despite the fact that I think this performance deserves to be available forever, Vegas felt differently. It closed its doors amidst the COVID19 pandemic. HOWEVER, here is a scene from the absolutely incredible fishbowl scene of the show! Thanks Cirque for putting it on the internet for all to enjoy. While I’ve probably painted the show as some raunchy, wasteland, performance — it was largely sensual, beautiful, and artistic.
Hotel Hopping
The really cool thing about much of Las Vegas is that the attractions are the hotels themselves. Each one boasts a unique offering of restaurants, entertainment, and attractions which (typically) correlate to the larger theme of the hotel.
As a New York City resident, it was especially fun to check out the New York New York hotel to critique its authenticity. Certain touches such as the “Nine Fine Irishmen Pub” and the “Brooklyn Bridge” were remarkable. I felt homesick a lot on this trip. Walking around the hotel really did relieve some of the ache in my heart for the east coast! I so applaud the attention to detail within the resort. Wandering through the “streets” of Manhattan inside of the hotel was only a touch kitschy. Really, it was more impressive than anything.
After Losing My Vegas Virginity, Will I Return?
I would without a doubt return to Las Vegas. My one-week trip there has been making sudden appearances in my memory as of late. I get lost in recollection when I settle in and think about all of the comical and incredible experiences that I had during my time there.
There is so much that exists within Sin City that I want to explore. It’s one of those places that you can keep returning to due to the sheer number of places to eat, shows to watch, and attractions to experience. I’ve been on a Frank Sinatra kick lately. So, I would probably like to research in order to write an article on “Old Vegas” and former “Rat Pack” haunts if they still exist.
I think I would also spend more time at the hotels on the strip and take in the details of what really makes each one unique. As a Vegas virgin, I was only able to do this in a very superficial way. But, that’s because I was so overwhelmed (in a good way) by how much each hotel had to offer.
Amanda and I are now wives and mothers, but a “moms” vacation to Sin City may be in the works for 2022…who knows!
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