Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, Nevada

LAS VEGAS ROCKS! (Red Rocks) When friends and family asked me how long it is has been since I visited Las Vegas, I gave them a rough estimate. 15 years? They stressed how much Las Vegas has changed and that I would not recognize the Strip. How could I NOT recognize the strip, it stands out and goes for miles and the night lights are enough to light a small city! (low energy bulbs of course). However, they were right. There are so many more 5 star hotels, famed attractions and top restaurants then when I was there the last time. Jet Blue offers ongoing direct and very comfortable flights out of JFK to Las Vegas. For example, the new Wynn hotel is now paired with the even newer Encore hotel. As its name would imply, Encore mirrors the outside look of the Wynn. It is part of Steve Wynn’s signature hotel group. Encore displays the ultimate in luxury, style and beauty. The classic Mirage hotel along the Las Vegas strip, has recently revived their famous outdoor Volcano Show, with a lot more fire and show for the money (it’s free!) Couples who share this experience are sure to “feel the passion from the flames.” The Mirage also plays host to the unique Beatles LOVE show. Even if you only know a few Beatles songs, you will truly enjoy this Cirque Du Soleil masterpiece. Set to a full range of Beatles music, and filled with human acrobatics and costumed dance, Beatles LOVE is a must see while visiting Las Vegas! Off the strip Is there anything to do OFF the strip in Las Vegas you may ask? Spas? Nature? Sports? Aboslutely! You can visit Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, NV or Red Rock Spa Resort in Summerlin, NV. Both resorts are part of the Station Hotels Group and each is within a half hour of the famous strip. Both hotels have their own casinos and eclectic restaurants. Red Rock Resort is truly breathtaking. For those who do not wish to gamble, there is so much else to do at this 3 year young resort. You won’t miss the slots. However, if slots are your thing, be sure to hit the “Gold Fish” machine. This musical PENNY machine will entertain you for hours without emptying your pocketbook! Red Rock also has its own movie theater and 24 bowling alley. For casual dining you have the food court or the Grand Café and the Feast Buffet. For more elegant dining, T-Bones is your choice. A nouveau steakhouse, T-Bones also serves baby green salads, jumbo sautéed shrimp and much more. The waitress will make you a mean Stoli vodka “elite” drink. Try it with a twist or a juice, or else you will look as dizzy as I did, after just one (or was it half of one?) I was lucky enough to dine there as part of a couple. It is a very romantic restaurant. Red Rock offers extensive conference amenities and plays host to conferences on a regular basis. The nationally recognized Rubie’s Costume Company, held their annual costumes conference here at this time. What a perfect place Las Vegas is to have a “costumes” conference. “All the world’s a stage” in Las Vegas, according to Marc of Havin’ a Party, located back in Brooklyn, NY. If you need MORE pampering and relaxation, then be sure to head to Red Rock’s full service holistic spa. Replete with a wide variety of spa treatments such as classic facials and full body massages, the Spa at Red Rock will spoil you and your senses. The Spa at Red Rock uses all natural products and their well-trained staff will educate you on the products and cleansing methods which are best suited for you. Beyond the spa is a brand new top of the line gym. You will never wait for a treadmill or miss out on pilates style exercises during your workout. They have numerous zen styled, palm tree lined outdoor pools. The spa themed guest rooms at Red Rock are nothing short of spectacular. The trick here is to see how long you can stay in the bubble bath while watching your favorite musical performances on the flat screens above your tub. Appropriately named, Red Rock Resort and Spa is situated within miles of Red Rock Canyon. A natural wonder, the canyons are native to the southwest region of the United States and more specifically to this particular region, in Las Vegas. They offer regular hiking and riding trails. If snowboarding and skiing is your thing, you want to visit Mt. Charleston, in Las Vegas. Did I say skiing and snowboarding in LAS VEGAS? Yes! So, whether you visit Vegas for the gambling, the nightlife, the scenery or just to reunite with friends and family and to fall in love, it is all there for you in Las Vegas, Nevada!