A Whirlwind Start to Our Vegas Adventure

Our Western adventure began with a whirlwind start. At 6:30 AM, our daughter-in-law, Amber, picked us up and whisked us away to Richmond International Airport. A quick, efficient flight on Breeze Airways later, we touched down in the vibrant city of Las Vegas.

A Smooth Start

Cool Tip #1 fellow travelers: Breeze Airways offers non-stop flights to Vegas on specific days, making it a convenient choice. We opted for their "Nicer" package, which included extra legroom and in-flight Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Arriving in Vegas

Upon landing, we picked up our AVIS rental car. The rental car center was packed at about noon on a Sunday, so I spotted a sign that says VIP's this way and quickly pulled out the phone and signed up to be a VIP for free (Cool Tip #2), which allowed us to bypass the line and head straight out to get our car through a much less stressed-out group. With the car in hand, we headed straight to Walmart to stock up on essentials. A quick lunch at Chickpeas Mediterranean Restaurant, a gem we discovered through Google Maps, fueled us for the day ahead. (Cool Tip #3): It is good to spend as much as possible to search for options around your destination so that you have options for dining. It eliminates a lot of the stress of the decision of where to get some decent food while traveling.

Checking In and Planning the Day

We checked into the Hilton Grand Vacations Club, as a part of a 4-day/3-night package. While we had a tour scheduled for the next day, we couldn't resist the allure of the Strip.

An Unforgettable Night

Our first night was a whirlwind of excitement. We started with the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil: Mystère show at Treasure Island. The acrobatic feats and stunning visuals were simply breathtaking. (Cool Tip #4): The parking deck behind Treasure Island is free and open 24/7!

After the show, we stumbled upon Gilley's, a lively honky-tonk bar. The infectious energy and great music pulled us in, and we spent the next hour or so swing dancing and soaking in the atmosphere.

Our first glimpse of the Las Vegas Strip was magical. The dazzling lights, iconic casinos, and bustling energy were overwhelming. We wandered through Caesar's Palace, marveling at the opulent decor, unfortunately the famous Fountains of Bellagio were not in operation due to the Formula 1 race construction that was in progress. By midnight, exhausted but exhilarated after being up for almost 24 hours, we called it a night.

Our first night in Vegas was a perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and pure fun. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

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