A Magic Formula for Visiting Las Vegas (View the full article at TraciTravels.com )

Thoughts for Contrarians I do realize that not everyone that reads my article on TraciTravel.com will think my magic formula is so magical. Food may Free travel info, not be that important to you. And, kitsch might give you goose bumps. I get it. I love kitsch too. Some of my favorite places from one traveler to visit could vie for title of kitsch capital. My first trip to Las Vegas (in my mid 20s) was filled with camp and frippery. And I to another. loved it. But 20 years later, my visits look quite different. I enjoy a different pace. And I’m willing and able to splurge on a few select entertainments.

But if you’re one of those hyperactive types that wants to see it all and do it all, here’s a list of highlights. Highlights . Not everything, ok? The list moves from the south end of the strip, going north toward downtown.

Hotel Shows (in the hotel) Worth Restaurants/Bars (in the Hotel Features or Other Attractions of Note Mentioning hotel) Worth Mentioning

Mandalay Bay Michael Jackson One (Cirque, $70+) Mix Lounge (quiet bar w/views) Shark Reef Aquarium ($18) House of Blues Music Hall Light (nightclub w/special effects)

Luxor $75 deal to see Chris Angel (magic) $57 to see Bodies Exhibition, Titanic Artifact Exhibit, and one other attraction and Jabbawockeez (urban dance and at a nearby hotel (or $32 each for separate tickets) special effects) shows

Excalibur Tournament of Kings (dinner jousting show, $60+)

Tropicana The New Illusions ($60+) Impressive pool complex ($10 for non-guests) Laugh Factory ($35+)

MGM Grand Ka (Cirque, $70+) Culinary powerhouse hotel with CSI Experience ($28) Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club ($45+) restaurants from Joel Robuchon Vintage derby game in casino Breacher’s Madhouse (variety, $75+) (chef of the century), Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio, and Emeril Also check out db Brasserie

New York, New York Zumanity (Cirque, $70+) Big Apple roller coaster ($14) Hershey’s Chocolate World

Monte Carlo Blue Man Group ($65+, or $99 for Blue Man Group + Zumanity at NY NY)

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Hotel Shows (in the hotel) Worth Restaurants/Bars (in the Hotel Features or Other Attractions of Note Mentioning hotel) Worth Mentioning

Mandarin Oriental Elegantly decorated Tea Lounge (with great views)

Planet Hollywood Jeff Dunham comedy ($70+) The are attached and house “V—The Ultimate Variety Murray the Celebrity Magician ($35) Show” ($29+) Sin City Comedy & Burlesque ($42+)

Cosmopolitan Impressive collection of 13 Lucky Cat modern art exhibit eateries, including China Poblano, Comme Ca, Estario Milos, and the genre-breaking Rose.Rabit.Lie

Aria Zarkana Cirque show ($100+) Sage Dale Chihuly glass shop Julian Serrano

Vdara All-suite, non-gaming, non-smoking, pet-friendly hotel

Paris Jersey Boys ($53+) Mon Ami Gabi cafe Napoleon’s Lounge Dueling Pianos Anthony Cools (R-rated hypnotist, $49+ ) Eiffel Tower Restaurant (pricey but perfect view of fountain show)

Bellagio O (Cirque, $+) Michael Mina Fountain show (outside) Le Cirque Lobby houses a Chihuly installation, Japanese sculptures, and a conservatory

Bally’s Jubilee (showgirls, $60+) 50 Shades, The Parody ($70+) Paranormal (mentalist, $45+) Tribute Country Superstars ($60+)

Flamingo Donnie & Marie ($105+) Wildlife habitat near pool area with exotic birds, fish and turtles Olivia Newton John ($80+) Legends (tribute, $50+) X Burlesque ($62)

Caesar’s Palace Absinthe (variety, $100+) Restaurant Guy Savoy Forum Shops, including free animatronics show Assorted headliner shows including Paynard Patisserie & Bistro Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mariah Spago Carey, Celine Dion, and Jerry Seinfeld Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill (prices vary)

LINQ Poloroid Fotobar Auto Collections ($12) Haute Doggery High Roller (, $25+) Hash House a Go Go Koto (quirky and gag gifts) Brooklyn Bowl (bowling, nightlife, and gourmet food combined)

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Hotel Shows (in the hotel) Worth Restaurants/Bars (in the Hotel Features or Other Attractions of Note Mentioning hotel) Worth Mentioning

Mirage Love (Cirque Beatles tribute, $60+) Volcano in front of hotel erupts every 30 minutes Terry Fator (comedy, $60+) Tropical lobby with giant fish tank near front desk Boyz II Men ($40+) Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat ($20) Aces of Comedy (prices vary)

Venetian Rock of Ages (tribute, $75+) More than 25 eateries, including Gondola rides ($20) The Motown Show ($75+) restaurants by celebrity chefs like Streetmosphere—free, live entertainment inside the at Mario Batali and Buddy Valadro St. Mark’s Square

Treasure Island Mystere (Cirque, $70+) Island Heat @ Kahunaville (dinner show, $60+)

Wynn Le Reve (Cirque-like show, $75+) Bartolotta Ristorante de Mare Spectacular lobby Have a drink at Parasol Down or desert at Lakeside at night to see the Lake of Dreams holographic show (every 30 minutes) over a 40’ waterfall

Riviera Comedy Club ($30) ABC gift shop Wild Illusions ($40) Pinball Hall of Fame

Circus Circus Free 10-minute circus acts every 30 minutes Midway games (pay to play); Adventuredome (rides, $30)

Stratosphere Top of the World Restaurant Observation deck ($10, free for guests) Fellini’s Ristorante Sky Jump and other thrill rides atop the tower (prices vary) Roxy’s Diner

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