Little Vegas Traditions

I've got a several little things I do as part of my Vegas trip routine just out of habit. What are yours?

Mine: 1. play "Come Fly with Me" by Sintra as the flight to Vegas begins

2. go get OJ at a casino bar in the morning while playing a little video poker to start most days (only time I play VP)

3. Dress up with friends for one night of the trip (otherwise I'm in shorts and a t for the whole trip)...nothing too fancy, but usually a suit and dress shirt (no tie). I guess its a nod to the old days.

Those are the three things I will always do. I also used to always try to see a new casino each trip but that's getting tougher now. Would have to be off strip/away from downtown. Got any traditions or habits?

 

I always talk about buying a cowboy hat, think about it, research them online, select the one i want.

never buy one once i get there, not in the mood anymore, until of course mext trip.

 

I get a coffee mug from a casino or a show each time I go. I've been using my Beatles mug for the last 4 years.

 

i always hit up the Bonanza gift shop (down by SLS) i had read it was bought by MGM and was going to close.
Still there as far as i know. It's a store full of crap! (and i love it)

 

The first night we arrive we have a hamburger and french fries for dinner. Nothing better than a good burger and fries.

 

Actually, one of the first things i do once i check into the Hotel i'm staying at (i usually get in town around 2pm then i'll tip the baggage person to hold my bags until i officially check in at 4pm) is walk across the street to Bellagio, then pick a spot about 3/4 of the way up from the Lake with a view of Paris, PHO, Caesars, Bally's, etc and wait till the first fountain show comes on at 3 with the Star Spangled Banner.
IMO, this spot is the best to see, hear, and feel Vegas.

 

When I go with friends I search out the most raunchy flier the porn slapper have and hide it in one of my married friends suitcase. Sometimes I write notes on it with dollar amounts. One time I noted the same amount as one of his ATM withdrawals and his wife found it. I still giggle about it tp this day.

 

I have a few:
- my day always starts late - usually around lunch.
- drink at the bar with VP (deuces wild)
- one evening at the mall- usually the fashion mall
- one dinner at the Blossom or Lemongrass at Aria
- one breakfast - in-room dining
- walking the entire strip - Mandalay Bay to Wynn-Encore (atleast one way)

 

I always try to find the newest slot machine or one of my old favorites and start my trip off with a few bucks in it. But only after I've checked in.

 

DuPar's Pancakes.

 

...as the Camry turns right into the airport, and I'm just past the intersection that goes to the economy lot, I play the ZZ Top rendition of 'Viva Las Vegas'...to the wife's chagrin, it's usually at volume sufficient to drown out the planes. But I like it.

 

I get two tall boys of Bud in the Gift Shop to drink in the room.

 

Nachos at Diablo's the first night.

The two of us never come close to finishing one order of these puppies. They're huge!

 

Mon Ami Gabi at least once for a meal.

 

It looks like we think alike. First stop is the ABC store after checking into PHO to get some Bud's for the room.

Mark

 

First night is always Mon Ami...table in the patio doorway so I can see up and down the Strip. We look around, say a quiet prayer of thanks for the blessing of being there, living well and in good health.

 

Always a stop at the Gamblers General Store.

 

. playing a slot machine before ever going to the room even if the room is ready - NO EXCEPTIONS to the rule
. throwing a coin or two into any fountain/body of water when passing by
. visiting Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory/Botanical gardens every visit no matter where we stay
. dinner at Le Cirque and, more recently a new tradition of breakfast at Bouchon at least once a year
. seeing LOVE once a year since it opened in 2006

 

1. When I can finally see the Vegas lights on the I-15 I start playing Viva Las Vegas - it's on an endless loop for the last 15 minutes or so of the drive, if it's not a solo trip whoever is along for the ride gets a kick out of it.... and yes, the Elvis version (is there any other??!?!)
2. 24 oz Heineken from the convenience shop to drink on the way up to the room
3. Coffee at about 5AM on my first full day while playing craps at Excalibur
4. Lox and Bagels at America in NYNY after the craps session (my goal for that craps session is to win enough to have a free breakfast, I've done it a few times)
5. Gamble at El Cortez at least once per trip
6. Oysters and seafood risotto at the Oyster Bar at Harrahs (this is a new tradition, about 4 trips old)

 

~play Calvin Harris' "Vegas" while packing to leave
~breakfast at the Henry
~snatch up all the pens and matches that I can from casinos
~increasingly fruitless search for the Twilight Zone machine
~1 meal at WP at Crystals

SOON!