For my birthday this year I planned two getaways – the first being a splashy weekend in Vegas, which I have always want to do for a birthday (it happened so early because it coincided with the Ed Sheeran concert – so I decided to make a whole early birthday weekend out of it).
A short hop from SLC (45 min flight!) meant I immediately put together some plans for our arrival to Sin City. Our first stop was the Linq High Roller Ferris Wheel for a happy half hour 550 ft over the Vegas strip. A gentle way to ease into Vegas and take in the sites. I was worried with my fear of heights and Ferris Wheels in general it would be overwhelming, but surprisingly, it did not feel high up even leaning against the railing close to the glass. You could really see the illumination of The Strip and the new Sphere in full effect. The Happy Half Hour ticket is also a great deal – for the full rotation of the wheel it is all you can drink. After, we had a reservation at Beauty and Essex where the star of dinner was the cute dessert ferris wheel sampler, which we actually had before dinner. You’ll definitely drop some $$$$ here but the food was incredible and served as shareable family style (Lobster Bao Buns, Mexican Street Corn Ravioli, Broccolini & 38oz Tomahawk Ribeye).
Saturday we met up with my bf’s cousin for brunch and then spent a few hours getting lost at MeowWolf Omega Mart – which is definitely a MUST. I think even with the nearly 2 hours we wandered around we barely covered everything. But we did find the Datamosh bar which served delicious themed drinks.
The Ed Sheeran concert (aka the main event) was later in the evening at the new Allegiant Stadium. This was a disaster. We arrived right before doors opening but..they didn’t open. It was around 103F with no shade, no water, and no clue as to when we’d get to go inside. People were dropping like flies with the crowds screaming for medics and demanding to be let inside. I helped an older couple – the husband and I keeping his wife standing until we found her a wheelchair, where she immediately fainted from heat exhaustion. Another young girl collapsed and was carried inside where I helped keep her stable until EMTs arrived. After all of this..about 20 mins to being there, having scarfed down some less than decent stadium food, overpriced water, and a very overpriced cocktail…the news the entire show was CANCELED (rescheduled to Oct 28) was announced over Instagram.
Making the best of it, we wandered to Mandalay Bay for the Shark Encounter, then cooled off at the Minus 5 Ice Bar and concluded the night with an obligatory obnoxious Yard Drink (50 oz!).
Sunday was a chill last day. Met up with my friend off the strip at Honey Salt for bottomless mimosas and amazing food. Did some gambling at the machines – won some, lost some. Ate dinner at Gordon Ramsey’s Hells Kitchen which was so worth it. I did the tasting menu (Seared Scallops, Beef Wellington, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with the Wine Pairing, bf had the Lobster Risotto, Filet Mignon and Apple Cheesecake). We then made out way to Maverick Helicopters for an evening helicopter tour over the strip. First time flying in a helicopter and it was so fun! We finished the night with of course a Cirque Du Soleil show – the new Mad Apple (replaced from Zumanity) at the New York New York Hotel – a New York-inspired show of acrobatics, music, dance, magic, and comedy.. A perfect way to end a fun Birthday Weekend in Las Vegas.
Food/Drink Stops: Gordon Ramsey’s Hells Kitchen (5★)($$$$), Beauty & Essex (5★)($$$$), Minus 5 Ice Bar (Linq) (5★) ($$$), Purple Zebra Yard Bar (5★) ($$$), Datamosh Bar (5★) ($$$), Honey Salt (5★) ($$$), High Roller (5★) ($$$), Margaritaville Las Vegas (3★) ($$), Dominique Ansel Cookie Shot Vending Machine (3★) ($), Sprinkles Vending Machine (4★) ($), Mad Apple Bar (5★) ($$), Cookie Dough Lightful (2★) ($), Flights Las Vegas (3★) ($$), Diegos Farm (3★) ($)
Places to Stay: Downtown Grand Las Vegas ($$)
Tours: Maverick Helicopter Vegas Strip Tours
Points of Interest: Maverick Helicopter Tours (★), Linq High Roller (★), MeowWolf Omega Mart (★), Cirque Du Soleil Bad Apple (★), Las Vegas Strip, Mirage Shark Encounter (★), Canal Shops at the Venetian, Miracle Mile Shops, Minus 5 Ice Bars
Want to See: Freemont Street, Premium Outlets, Lost Spirits Distillery, The Sphere
The Peace Traveler 