Vegas Baby!!

In October, I headed to Vegas with my best friend, Nicole and her mother. Nicole's mom had a work trip out there and we decided to tag along. Ya know, for moral support. I have some great recommendations for you guys!

It was a unique trip because it was Nicole's first time flying and first time to go to Vegas. I love traveling with people who have never been places as it gives me a unique perspective and helps me know what to advise clients. I let Nicole have the window seat on this one.

We stayed at Planet Hollywood. Previously, when in Vegas we had stayed at the Monte Carlo. You're welcome for the blast from the past. Monte Carlo is now The Park at MGM. They were mid upgrade when we were staying there and I wanted to go check it out to see the finished product but forgot about it while we were there. I do prefer the location of Planet Hollywood over The Park at MGM. Being cl0se to shopping and the Bellagio fountains added to the trip.

The casino at Planet Hollywood is plenty big enough and eat options are varied. The Miracle Mile shops was a great place to shop and we all scored some sweet deals on Christmas presents there. Our room was spacious and the bathroom was massive. The room had a decent view, comfortable beds (maybe a little too comfortable as every time we sat down on them we wound up taking a nap. No lie.), a sitting area with a couch and small table and chairs.

We did all the touristy stuff. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical gardens never fails to impress. It was autumn so you can understand the theme. They had massive pumpkins on display throughout the design, some weighing up to 920 pounds!

When you are somewhere new, trying local foods and restaurants is essential. So we ventured out. First we tried Gordon Ramsey's burger place. Y'all! I cannot tell you how bad it was. We were pretty hungry as it was not long after we landed. We had a hummus appetizer, burger and fries. The hummus was the best part. The burgers were pitiful. My husband, Terry, has made better burger at home than we had there. I do not recommend! It is a pretty cool space though.

The highlight of the trip, though was a food tour through the older part of Las Vegas. There are some amazing food options down there and Lip Smacking Tours has the hook up! They presented us with 3 stops and man they were phenomenal.

The first stop was Carson Kitchen. The crispy chicken skin was to die for! I have to take hubby back to Vegas just for these. They were by far my fave but everything was great.

Yes that is caviar on their "devil's egg"! It was unique and a cool presentation. Their outdoor courtyard area is so cute. It is part of the repurposed mid-century John E Carson Hotel. And good news, locals! There is an Atlanta location too!

Next we sampled at Therapy. The Chicken and Red Velvet Waffle Sliders were...interesting. Again it is a really unique presentation but I am not sure it works. The chicken meatballs were good. No one in our group cared for the Devils on Horseback.

Our last stop was 7th & Carson. Absolutely everything served here goes through their brick oven. Everything was absolutely delicious. I can't even name a favorite. The braised short rib on the gnocchi was so tender. Who doesn't love pasties?!

Throughout the walking tour restaurants, the guide gave us so much knowledge about the area and the revitalization nearby. They are super awesome. Let me connect you with them on your next trip to Vegas.