Las Vegas is an internationally renowned resort city known primarily for gambling, shopping, fine dining and nightlife, and is the financial and cultural center of southern Nevada. “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” is famous for its mega casino-hotels and associated entertainment. Thanks to its warm, dry climate and endless activities to fit any budget, Las Vegas is the perfect destination for a fall getaway.
Each major hotel on the strip provides its own casino, pools, restaurants, bars, and theater, which offer endless options for fun. Catch some of the biggest names in entertainment at a show or head to the old strip on Fremont Street for a glimpse into the city’s history.
Getting here:
Drive – 12.5 hours south
Fly – Catch a cheap, two-hour direct flight with Allegiant, which offers deals if you book a hotel too.
Stay: Aria Resort and Hotel
A breath of fresh air from the bustle of the strip, Aria Resort and Casino takes pride in simplistic, open space that welcomes guests with tranquility. The resort’s two towers contain 4,004 guest rooms and suites, 16 restaurants, 10 bars and nightclubs, and an 1,800-seat theater that hosts “Zarkana,” by Cirque du Soleil.
The Aria is the largest hotel in the world to have earned LEED Gold certification for its smart rooms, which automatically adjust curtains, turn off unused electronics, and regulate the temperature when a guest enters or leaves the room. Aria’s attention to detail, genial staff, and eloquent design make it the perfect place to rest during your getaway.
Tip: Booking dinner and a show through the hotel will get you special offers such as half price tickets.
Dining: Holstein’s
Holstein’s serves burgers with a funky, homegrown attitude. The menu features specialty burgers, house-made sausage, new takes on traditional American snacks, as well as a wide variety of alcoholic milkshakes. The most notable burger in this joint is called “The Gold Standard,” a dry-aged beef sirloin burger with smoked bacon, aged goat cheddar, tomato confit, arugula, and garlic-chive aioli.
Check out: Neon Museum
Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is dedicated to preserving Las Vegas’ iconic neon signs and is home to a two-acre outdoor exhibition called the “Boneyard,” showcasing more than 150 historic signs. Call ahead – since access is only granted on a guided tour – and take a trip through the strip’s glitzy and glamorous history.
