Viva Las Vegas: An Unforgettable 4 Days and 3 Nights Adventure

 

I've been to Las Vegas three times now, and each trip has been a blast. However, my last visit left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. We did a lot of walking but only managed to squeeze in a few activities. This time, my boyfriend and I decided to create an itinerary to help us plan our days while still leaving room for spontaneity and discovering new sights, food, and experiences.

 Day 1: Las Vegas Arrival: Luxe Stays, Playful Escapades, and Scorpion Shots

Arrival in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is 3 hours ahead of our time zone, which means we'd have more time in the day but also be a little tired in the evenings. We opted for a flight departing at 11 am EST, arriving at 3 pm PST. This timing was perfect, giving us enough sleep and plenty of time on our first day in the city.  

As soon as we arrived in Vegas, we didn't waste any time. We had pre-booked transportation through Booking.com, which was much easier and cheaper than Lyft or Uber. We stayed at the Trump Hotel, a 5-star Hilton-owned property located on Fashion Show Drive, across from the Wynn and the Encore. Let me tell you, the Trump Hotel is absolutely beautiful. As soon as you walk in, the hotel smells fragrant, and the lobby is large, grand, and looks modern yet classy—exactly what you'd expect from a 5-star hotel. 

Our room was even more impressive. It featured a king bed, two large built-in wardrobes, a couch, and a kitchenette complete with a spacious mini-fridge, a small stovetop, a coffee maker, and even free water—definitely a rarity in most Vegas hotels. The bathroom was also grand, with his and her sinks, a separate room for the toilet, a glass walk-in shower, and an extra-large jacuzzi tub.

After admiring our home away from home, we went to the Aria Resort for our dinner reservation at Din Tai Fung, an upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in dumplings and noodles. Din Tai Fung makes their noodles and dumplings in-house, and you can see the chefs making noodles as you walk in. 

So we decided to share their vegan spicy wonton dumplings. I went for the vegan spicy noodles, while my boyfriend chose the beef noodle soup. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. Even though I'm not usually a fan of extra spicy food, the spice level was just right and well-balanced. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about his soup. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, Din Tai Fung is definitely worth a visit.

After dinner, we headed to Play Playground at the Luxor, a fun interactive game spot with oversized games. You might remember some games from your childhood but with a twist. Play is great for kids and adults who are kids at heart. After 5 pm, it becomes an adults-only playground. 

We spent around two hours there, but if you go, I recommend getting there before 9 PM as it gets pretty crowded and the lines for games can get quite long. I did not realize it until we were leaving, but you earn points based on gameplay and you can redeem for prizes. We redeemed our points for a small sticker, which made me laugh because of its size.

A Night to Remember at Nacho Daddy

After collecting our small sticker prize, we headed to the Miracle Mile Shops, home to the famous Nacho Daddy restaurant. The Luxor is located on the south end of the Strip, while Nacho Daddy is towards the middle. The walk took us about 20 minutes, and I wouldn’t recommend walking due to the distance.

Nacho Daddy is renowned for its world-famous scorpion shot challenge. While I opted out, my boyfriend enthusiastically took on the challenge. The shot is served with Cenote Tequila, a lime, and a rim of half tajin and half salt. According to him, tajin is a must. Plus, you get to keep the Nacho Daddy shot glass it’s served in. 

Initially, he was nervous about the scorpion in the shot, understandably. He even asked the bartender if it was better to swallow it whole or chew it. The bartender recommended swallowing it whole, so he took the advice and downed the shot in one go. He said the tequila was smooth, the scorpion went down easily, and trying something so unique was the highlight of his year – and it’s only April.

As for me, I was thrilled with Nacho Daddy’s extensive vegan options. I wanted dessert and ordered the vegan chocolate cake. It was rich, decadent, moist, and fluffy – absolutely delicious! Whether you're vegan or not, I highly recommend giving it a try.

After enjoying cake and scorpion shots, we strolled around the Planet Hollywood Resort and the Paris Hotel. By this point, it was 11 PM PST on Thursday night, and many shops and restaurants were closed. I was surprised we managed to stay out that long, considering it was 2 AM EST, our usual time zone. Feeling the fatigue, we decided to call it a night and took a Lyft back to our hotel.

Day 2: A Vegas Adventure Filled with Food, Fun, and Laughter

A Relaxed Morning with Breakfast from Black & Blue Diner

Still tired from our activity-packed day, we got a slow start the next morning. Instead of going out for breakfast, we ordered via UberEATS from Black & Blue Diner. This place is perfect for us because it offers both vegan and non-vegan breakfast and lunch options. 

My boyfriend ordered the steak and eggs with toast, while I ordered the Jackpot Breakfast, which included Just Egg, French toast, home fries, and Impossible sausage. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, so we couldn't finish everything, but we had delicious leftovers for later.

Navigating Unexpected Weather and Enjoying Resorts World

For the past couple of weeks, I had been monitoring the weather, and Las Vegas had been enjoying beautiful, sunny 90°F days. However, just a few days before our trip, I learned it was supposed to rain, and the temperature would dip down to the 50s—yikes! Fortunately, we were prepared, but it was still disappointing to deal with rain and cold in the desert.

We headed to Resorts World and grabbed some drinks at the Famous Food Court. I had a Brown Sugar Boba Tea from Tiger Sugar, while my boyfriend tried a local Vegas IPA from the Famous Food Center Bar's beer wall. This self-pour, automated beer system offers a rotating selection of beers from around the world, as well as cocktails and wines on tap.

Off we went to explore more of what Resorts World has to offer. We stumbled upon Aubi & Ramsa, a charming 21+ ice cream and sorbet shop that uses all-natural ingredients and incorporates alcohol into their creations.

We ordered the Tequila Passion Fruit Margarita Sorbet and the Champagne Strawberries and Rosé Sorbet made with Veuve. Both sorbets were absolutely delicious and tasted incredibly fresh. The passion fruit flavors in the Margarita Sorbet were vibrant and natural, not artificial at all. The Strawberry and Rosé Sorbet was equally delightful, with visible strawberry seeds and a perfect balance of sweetness. Both treats were packed with delectable flavors and provided a unique and refreshing experience.

Bar Hopping in the Arts District

From Resorts World, we took a Lyft to the Arts District, located between the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Vegas. We spent a good chunk of time bar hopping, visiting Servehzah Bottle Shop and Tap Room, Stray Pirate - Tropical Cocktails & Effects, and Velveteen Rabbit.

Servehzah has the vibe of a classic local bar, featuring a laid-back atmosphere with an industrial yet quaint design. With 24 draft selections, a variety of cans and bottles from around the world, and a limited selection of spirits, there's something for everyone. I enjoyed an Ace Pineapple Cider while my boyfriend enjoyed a local IPA.

Stray Pirate is just as its name implies: a dark, sunken ship-themed bar with dog pirates, hence the "stray" in Stray Pirates. One of the highlights was the restroom, adorned with sophisticated dog pirate portraits on the walls, which I found absolutely adorable.

The Stray Pirate offers a full menu of unique and original tropical cocktails, each rated with skull and crossbones to indicate their strength. The more skulls and crossbones, the stronger the drink. I daringly ordered a Painkiller, which had a 5-skull-and-crossbones rating—the strongest on the menu. It was incredibly strong, and I was tipsy after just that one drink.

 

Velveteen Rabbit is an artsy boutique bar with a charming vintage feel. Although I decided to stick with water to avoid getting completely drunk, the bartenders were very friendly. According to another patron, you can't go wrong with any of their handcrafted cocktail options.

Stay Tuned Burgers: A Hidden Gem at Hard Hat Lounge

As the rain cleared and the weather steadied, we embarked on a 13-minute walk from Velveteen Rabbit. With hunger gnawing at our stomachs, we stumbled upon Stay Tuned Burgers, located within one of Las Vegas's oldest bars, the Hard Hat Lounge—a true dive bar just a stone's throw from the Vegas Strip.

Stay Tuned Burgers specializes in burgers with only four items on the menu, and to my delight, they had a vegan burger option. My boyfriend ordered a double burger, while I opted for a single vegan burger, and we shared a side of crispy tater tots. My boyfriend can be hard to please when it comes to burgers, but he declared it was

hands down the best burger he has ever had — hands down. The burger was simple, dressed only with onions, cheese, pickles, and their secret sauce. It was smoky, juicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Without a doubt, Stay Tuned Burgers served up the most delicious meal we had in Vegas. I'm already counting down the days until I can savor another bite.

A Night of Laughter at the Comedy Cellar

Stuffed and happy, it was time to head over to the Comedy Cellar at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Everyone says you have to see a show in Vegas, so why not a comedy show? With VIP tickets in hand, we scored front-row seats and were treated to the luxury of having a server, ensuring our drinks flowed seamlessly throughout the night.

The lineup was stellar:

• Mark Cohen (from Louie, The Sarah Silverman Program, Comedy Central)
• Dean Edwards (from SNL, Spider-Man, Goyband, New Wave)
• Jenny Zigrino (from HBO, Comedy Central, Netflix)
• Aminah Imani (from Inside Amy Schumer, Flatbush Misdemeanors, Up Early Tonight, Comedy Central)
• Vargus Mason (from Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed)

Their performances were nothing short of comedic brilliance, leaving the audience in stitches with their quick wit and unforgettable punchlines. I laughed until my sides hurt. It felt like witnessing a slice of comedy history, knowing that comedic legends like Dave Chappelle, Nikki Glaser, Louis C.K., and Kevin Hart had graced the same stage at the Comedy Cellar.

It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable night in Vegas.

Day 3: Culinary Adventures and Nightclub Excursions in Vegas 

Indulging in Brunch Bliss at Terrace Point Cafe

Today the weather is beautiful with a high of 85°F and I couldn't wait to dive into brunch at my all-time favorite spot, Terrace Point Cafe, nestled within the vibrant Wynn Resort. With its tantalizing array of vegan and non-vegan options, it's a haven for both my cravings and dietary preferences.

Here's a pro tip: Secure your reservation online ahead of time to skip the wait. Trust me, the allure of Terrace Point Cafe can draw quite the crowd! And if luck is on your side, snag a table outside for a delightful view of the Wynn's picturesque poolside scene.

For our brunch feast, we both ordered the popular Huevos Rancheros Skillet. Picture this: eggs, tostada, peppers, onions, chorizo, Cotija cheese, country potatoes, sour cream, spicy chile de árbol, and avocado salsa. My twist? A vegan rendition featuring Just Egg, Impossible sausage, and no cheese or sour cream. It was my second rendezvous with this delectable dish, and it certainly didn't disappoint. 

Gambling and Exploring the Vegas Strip

After brunch, we decided to indulge in some light gambling—after all, it's Vegas! We tried our luck on a slot machine at the Wynn, leaving $20 lighter but high on excitement. Wandering off, we enjoyed the vibrant sights and sounds of the Vegas Strip.

Our adventure led us to The Venetian Resort, where we visited Chapel, an eclectic hat store. Chapel is my favorite spot, brimming with a wide variety of fun and unique hats. Though I didn't buy anything this time around, as I was traveling with just a personal item, browsing through their collection was still a delightful experience. 

Discovering Sweet Surprises at "I Love Sugar"

Continuing our adventure, we ventured into the Linq Hotel. It was our first time inside, so we figured, why not? The real highlight came when we stumbled outside to the Linq Promenade and saw a vibrant sign that read "I Love Sugar," a candy store brimming with excitement and color. Feeling like kids in a candy store, we eagerly made our way upstairs to the Candy Martini Bar, famous for its Giant Smoking Martini. 

With my insatiable sweet tooth, choosing a drink was no easy feat. After much deliberation, we

settled on The Big Bang Theory—a larger-than-life martini concocted with Evan Williams Whiskey, Grape Liquor, Strawberry Schnapps, Blackberry Monin, and rimmed with frosting and Nerds candy. We chose to substitute the whiskey with tequila for our own twist.

When the server arrived, she presented a giant martini glass filled with dry ice. As she poured the cocktail, it began to smoke and bubble like a witch's brew. The spectacle was both spectacular and fun, and we were encouraged to capture the moment on our phones. 

So, what did I think of The Big Bang Theory? It was absolutely delicious, sweet like candy, of course. The drink truly tasted like grape Nerds candy but with a grown-up twist. The tequila substitute blended perfectly with the candy-like flavors, creating a delightful and shareable drink for the two of us, it is giant after all. 

Unhurried and enjoying the sweet atmosphere, we decided to explore the menu further and order more drinks. Initially, we only planned on two shots, but the bartender convinced us to go for a mix-and-match trio for just $5 more. We chose the Peanut Butter Jackpot for him—a peanut butter-inspired shot, Pop It Like It's Hot for me—a bubblegum-like shot served with Pucker Powder dip and a Blow Pop, and a seasonal Cinco de Mayo shot for us to share—a watermelon flavor with tajin around the rim and a Mexican candy lollipop on the side. The shots were quite generous, so we sipped them like cocktails. By the end of our sweet adventure, we were definitely feeling good and happy, perfectly 

content in our sugary haven. 

Exploring the Vegas Strip

Our journey along the strip continued and walking down its bustling streets proved to be an adventure in itself. Venturing farther down the strip was particularly exciting for us, as we had never explored this far before. It was a refreshing change of pace to immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy and interact with the sights and sounds along the way.

While I wouldn't necessarily recommend walking from one end of the strip to the other in one go, hotel hopping provided us with small breaks and the opportunity to soak up some much-needed air conditioning. Each hotel offered its own unique charm, providing a welcome sight during our journey.

A Taste of Vegas Luck and Rooftop Revelry

Eventually, we found ourselves back at the Paris Hotel, eager to try our luck at gambling once more. We spent about an hour at the slots, enjoying the thrill of the game. Despite our best efforts, luck wasn't on our side this time, and we left without hitting the jackpot. But as they say, it's all part of the Vegas experience!

Seeking a change of scenery, we ventured outside the Paris Hotel to Beer Park. The name hardly does justice to this rooftop gem, offering breathtaking views of the glittering strip. As we ascended the stairs, we were captivated by the panoramic views around us.

Beer Park boasts an extensive drink menu, offering everything from draft and bottled beers to specialty craft cocktails and wine on tap. There's even a selection of non-alcoholic options for those looking to stay sober.

We settled in at the outdoor bar, hoping to soak in the scenery. It seemed everyone else had the same idea, but after a brief wait, we managed to snag two seats. My boyfriend wasted no time ordering a locally brewed Hazy IPA, Lovelady—Love Juice, while I ventured into the bartender's recommendation: In the Zone, crafted with Ketel One Botanicals Cumber Mint, Owen's Cumber Mint Soda, and Lime.

Discovering Hidden Menu at the Chandelier Bar

Venturing across the street to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, we were greeted by its unmistakable chic ambiance. Our destination: the renowned Chandelier Bar—a stunning three-level lounge known for its exquisite craft cocktails. During our last visit to Vegas, we only explored the first level and sampled drinks from the regular menu. This time, we sought out the semi-hidden second-floor lounge and indulged in a secret menu cocktail: The Verbena Drink.

As we ordered this mysterious concoction, we had no inkling of the flavors it held. All we knew was that it came garnished with a verbena flower, promising a unique sensory experience. Following the bartender's recommendation, we took a few sips of the cocktail before chewing the flower, allowing its essence to envelop our palates.

The initial sip revealed citrusy notes reminiscent of lemonade, intertwined with subtle hints of spiced ginger, and a distinct flavor of a tequila base. Then came the moment of truth: as we chewed the verbena flower, a tingling sensation spread across our mouths, akin to the delightful fizz of pop rocks.  As we sipped the Verbena Drink the flavor of the cocktail remained unchanged, but the texture of the cold liquid took on a fascinating new dimension, adding an unexpected twist to each sip.

Unplanned Dining at the Linq Promenade

Amidst our excitement of sightseeing and exploring new cocktails, we accidentally skipped lunch, plunging straight into dinner. With hunger gnawing at us, we sought something quick and easy to satisfy our appetites. Yet, reaching a consensus on where to dine proved elusive.

Returning to the Linq Promenade, we decided to follow our individual cravings. I chose a sushi burrito from Jaburritos, while my boyfriend indulged in two slices of pizza and a beer from Flour & Barley - Brick Oven Pizza.

When we reconvened to savor our meals together, my boyfriend casually mentioned that his two slices and beer had set him back a whopping $40. The revelation left me stunned—proof that dining in Las Vegas doesn't come cheap.

 Last Night in Vegas: A Nightclub Misadventure

After a full day of exploration, it's our last night in Vegas, and we're not ready to call it quits just yet. We've got ourselves on the guestlist at XS Nightclub in the Encore Hotel, so it's back to the hotel to freshen up and slip into something a little snazzy.

Arriving back at the hotel, we're admittedly a bit swamped, but with a surge of energy, we head over to the Encore. Finding our way to the nightclub, we follow the signs to the guestlist entry, which is actually located in the Wynn. Even though the Wynn and the Encore are connected, it's still a bit of a trek. The guestlist gets us in for free, but not without a thorough security check. Unfortunately, my stash of hand sanitizer, a packet of Propel, and some gum are confiscated—there goes my plan to prevent my ears from popping on the airplane.

Finally cleared by security, we join the line to enter the nightclub. But, alas, we pick the wrong line. With a slow person checking names, we end up waiting for what feels like an eternity—25 minutes later, we're in.

To our surprise, the guestlist entry leads us to the nightclub outside near the pool. It's a bit chilly, but no bother, especially with the famous DJ Kygo performing tonight! But just as we're getting into the groove, an aggressive woman barges into the crowd, shoving us and elbowing me in the head—ouch! This unfortunate incident puts a damper on the experience, and we're both ready to leave.

Despite this setback, it hasn't turned me off from experiencing a Vegas nightclub again in the future. We decided to try our luck at the slots one last time before throwing in the towel and heading back to the hotel before our flight tomorrow.

Day 4: Farewell to Vegas

The dreaded day has come when you realize your vacation is over. After a whirlwind three days, it's time to head home. Our stay at the Trump Hotel was pure bliss, offering luxury and comfort with no complaints. If you're looking for a luxury hotel in Vegas, definitely check out the Trump Hotel. Check-out was a breeze, allowing us to quickly call a Lyft to the airport.

The regular TSA line was quite long, highlighting the importance of arriving early. Fortunately, with TSA Precheck, we breezed through security. As we made our way to the gate, we realized how hungry we were. On the hunt for vegan options, the only place we found in Gate B was Shake Shack, which has a vegan burger on the menu. Great, right? Not quite—the grill wasn't turned on, so I ended up with just French fries. Looks like that'll be my only meal for the 4.5-hour flight because it's time to board.

Las Vegas treated me very well and doesn't owe me a thing. I had a wonderful time with my boyfriend and am bringing home memories I will cherish forever. I'm so glad we planned our itinerary because we got to experience so much and discover even more. It may be some time before I go back to Vegas, but when I do, it'll be with great anticipation and joy.

Where to Land with Dan?

After an amazing trip to Las Vegas, I’m already thinking about my next destination. Where to Land with Dan? Should I explore the vibrant streets of New Orleans, indulge in the culinary delights of Spain, or soak up the sun on the beaches of Belize? Your suggestions are welcome as I plan my next adventure!