Red Rock Canyon – Calico Tanks Hike

Dec22

The Calico Tanks Trail in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a 2.5 mile trail full of beauty. The guide lists this as a trail with a “Moderate” rating, defined as “Uphill sections include up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain; single digit mileage; uneven terrain and some rock scrambling.” The rating board must be crazy, because at times I felt like a full fledged rock climber while working my way to the top. Don’t worry – the trip is worthy of every bit of “rock scrambling” that you must endure. 🙂

Aria

Dec22

While walking and tram riding, I found the Aria to be a beautiful subject for some photos.

Crystals – Water Art

Dec22

Another nice thing I found at The Shops At Crystals was this water art. The water levels would rise and fall as each tube had its own mini tornado going on. The colors would change intermittently to make for some fun photos.

Jean Philippe Patisserie

Dec22

Ever had the desire to see the world’s largest chocolate fountain? You can find it at Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio. They have snacks, drinks, desserts, and of course – lots of chocolate. They have cakes on display of all sorts and my favorite one was Olaf sitting in the top corner of the restaurant. I ordered a large white mocha and slurped it down on my way to my next Las Vegas destination.

SLS Las Vegas

Dec22

The SLS Las Vegas is growing on me. It was Sunday, so I was looking for a nice place to watch some football and grab a bite to eat. Enter Umami Burger. Nothing fancy, but exactly what I was looking for. Truffle Burger, Make ‘Em Manly Fries, Moroccan Gun Powder Iced Tea, and NFL Football on a super big screen were the perfect combination.

Mix Lounge

Dec21

You step off the elevator on the 64th floor and you try to maintain your cool. The views at the Mix Lounge will make you want to jump around like when you were a kid. It doesn’t help that the DJ is pumping out tunes and the dance floor with floor to ceiling windows is the first thing on your immediate right. Be cool, stroll out to the balcony, and take a few photos like this place is no big deal. Find a table with the best view of the Las Vegas Strip – there will be plenty of time for eating, drinking, and dancing like a crazy person as the night goes on. 🙂

800 Degrees

Dec21

If you are like me, and you love pizza, check out 800 Degrees in the SLS Las Vegas. You start by viewing the menu while they hand toss your pizza dough. You then select your style of pizza – for me it was Verde, a green pesto pie. Watch as they build your pizza and add the toppings you select – for me, bacon and meatball. Order a salad and a drink while the chef places your pie into the oven. By the time you pay and settle into a table, your awesome creation is ready for you to devour. Yum!

Mandalay Bay

Dec20

My nighttime destination was Mandalay Bay. I wanted to experience the nightclub called “Light”. I got there a little early, so I took a stroll around the hotel to learn more about the place.