Vegas Favorites

Having been to Vegas more than a few times, I've compiled a list of my favorite spots. Let's start with where to stay. This last time we stayed at Vdara and I loved it. One of my issues with Vegas is that I get tired of dealing with crowds everywhere I go. Vdara was orginially built as condos, so it doesn't have a casino which pretty much solves that problem. The rooms also come with kitchenettes which are great for pre-drinks and snacks.

If you've never been to Vegas though, you should get the full experience of staying in a casino. I've had great stays at the Monte Carlo, MGM Grand and the Flamingo.

Once I've rolled out of bed and recovered from the night before (usually around 2pm), it's time to shop (or lie by the pool if it's open). On my way, I like to stop at the boozy lemonade stand. It's just down the steps on the way to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. You can't miss it.

After picking up a drink, it's time for a little uninhibited shopping. Kate Spade recently opened up in Caesar's Palace and Topshop and Topman have opened just up the road at the Fashion Show mall. If you're up for shopping off the strip, the Premium Outlets and Town Centre outdoor mall are both good choices.

Shopping tends to work up an appetite, so here are a couple of my favorite restaurants. Pink Taco at the Hard Rock Casino is one of my favorite lunch spots. I'm sure it's not the best or most authentic Mexican food you can get in Vegas, but it's good and it's got a great atmosphere. If you're able to get a spot on the patio at Todd English's Olives in the Bellagio, you'll not only have amazing food (the giant bread basket and olive tapenade they bring is worth the trip alone), but an incredible view of the fountains.

For more upscale dinners, I have to say the meals I've had at Bouchon at The Venetian and Sage at Aria have been some of the best of my life.

We had the tasting menu at Sage and every course left a previously loud and rowdy table speechless. It was so good, in fact, that I didn't take a picture of a single thing we ate. Oops!

Bouchon is also at the top of the list. From the atmosphere- a table in the courtyard made us feel like we had escaped Vegas- to the service and the food. Everything is spot on. And the warm brownie dessert with peanut butter iced cream and frozen banana? Don't even get me started.

There are so many great things to see and eat in Vegas, I'm sure I've only skimmed the surface, but these are my faves and I hope you'll check them out next time you visit Sin City.