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Note: This is the fourth in a series of blogs leading up to the Miss USA 2011 competition on June 19 at Planet Hollywood. In this entry, we're highlighting contestants from Southern states, and slowly worked our way up the East Coast a bit.

The contestants for Miss USA are used to answering questions, so we threw some Vegas-related Qs their way. Here are some selected answers:

MISS ALABAMA USA: MADELINE MITCHELL

Q: What are you most excited about seeing and doing in Las Vegas?
A: I'm most excited about the amazing shopping.

Q: If you had to pick five things to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Vegas, what would they be?
A: Swimsuit, oversized sunglasses, my favorite dress, skinny jeans and a sparkly top.

Q: What's the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: You can sleep when you get home!

MISS GEORGIA USA: KAYLIN REQUE

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Q: What's the best pool in Vegas?
A: Tao Beach.

Q: What's the one thing in Vegas you can't miss?
A: The scenery. I suggest taking a few laps on the Las Vegas Strip to see the people, the buildings and lights at night.

MISS FLORIDA USA: LISSETTE GARCIA

Q: Who would be your dream date in Vegas?
A: Brad Pitt and George Clooney ... and with the rest of the Ocean's Eleven cast!

Q: What's the most unique experience you've had in LasVegas?
A: In 2004, my mom came to Las Vegas to get married by Elvis. I arranged all the wedding events and we had dinner at the Top of the World in the Stratosphere.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?
A: My favorite restaurant is American Fish in ARIA. I love eating seafood, and with Michael Mina restaurants, you can never go wrong.

MISS SOUTH CAROLINA USA: COURTNEY HOPE TURNER

Q: What's the first thing you want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: I want to watch the Bellagio's water show!

Q: What's the one thing in Las Vegas you can't miss?
A: The Luxor, especially if you admire Egyptian culture.

Q: What's the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and bring plenty of sunscreen.

MISS NORTH CAROLINA USA: BRITTANY LEIGH YORK

Q: Who's your favorite Vegas icon?
A: Frank Sinatra is a classic Vegas icon. I absolutely love the era that he represents.

Q: Who would be your dream date for a night out in Vegas?
A: Paul Walker! Fast cars, big blue eyes, and an awesome smile ... who could ask for more?

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: The amenities at ARIA seem phenomenal; I could definitely see myself living there!

MISS VIRGINIA: NIKKI POTEET

Q: What is the first thing you want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: It's a long flight from Virginia, so after I stretch my legs I want to see the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign!

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: I have in mind a 1950s showgirl costume, with lots of sparkle and glitz, and a feathered headdress 4 feet tall. Pretty sure that outfit would not be Richmond, Va., appropriate!

Q: What would be your dream date for a night out in Vegas?
A: First, I would want to go to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and race a Lamborghini. Then, to celebrate my victory over my date, I would like to enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating. Then, to finish off the evening, I would find the highest point that I can go to, possibly at the top of the Eiffel Tower restaurant, and enjoy my view of the bustling nightlife.

MISS PENNSYLVANIA USA: AMBER-JOI WATKINS

Q: What is the first thing you want to do want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: Visit one of the amazing spas so I can relax before the competition starts. The locals tell me I should try the Encore spa.

Q: If you had only one night in Vegas, which nightclub would you choose?
A: XS at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, I always have a great time there.

Q: What's the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: Meet new people, ask the locals for advice and do as much as you can. There is something for EVERYONE in Vegas.

MISS WEST VIRGINIA USA: WHITNEY VEACH

Q: What are you most excited about seeing and doing in Las Vegas?
A: The Vegas Strip and all of the lights. I can't wait!

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: That fully sequined mini dress that has been sitting in my closet since I bought it.

Q: What are your must-see shows in Vegas?
A: Peepshow. I love Holly Madison.

All Miss USA contestants surveyed are over 21 years of age.
Images courtesy of Miss Universe Organization

Please, not another pair of socks. Or a snakeskin-made anything. What Dad really wants is a memory -- so show him your appreciation with a trip to Vegas for Father's Day (then tag along ... you know, just to make sure he has a good time and all that. If you have some fun in the process, well -- bonus!)

Start with a relaxing round on the links. Las Vegas has more than 55 championship golf courses crafted by some of the game's greats, such as Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer.

Then, help Dad update his wardrobe with some stylish threads. You'll find everything you need to get Dad decked out in Las Vegas' amazing shopping centers.

Once he's dressed to kill, it's time to fuel up. First, dinner -- most Dad love to eat, and Las Vegas has some of the most decorated restaurants anywhere on the globe. Treat him to a memorable steak dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons, or Cut by Wolfgang Puck at The Palazzo. If he's a seafood lover, American Fish by Michael Mina at ARIA Resort has dishes ranging from Copper River salmon to Great Lakes walleye, or treat him to fresh steamers, shrimp, lobster, crab, clam chowder and calamari at the Oyster Bar at Harrah's.

Finally, treat Dad to any of Las Vegas' unbeatable shows and you've got the perfect Father's Day gift -- a Las Vegas excursion that he'll think about fondly all year long.

Note: This is the third in a series of blogs leading up to the Miss USA 2011 competition on June 19 at Planet Hollywood. In this entry, we're highlighting contestants from states surrounding the Great Lakes and nearby, and we'll also slide down South a little, too.

 The contestants for Miss USA are used to answering questions, so we threw some Vegas-related Qs their way. Here are some selected answers:

MISS MINNESOTA USA: BRITTANY LEE THELEMANN

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: I love to shop at Caesars Palace. It is so beautiful and cool down there.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?
A: I've had an amazing steak dinner at the Charlie Palmer steak house (at Four Seasons).

Q: What's the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: Try it all! Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to travel up and down the Las Vegas Strip. There is so much to see and do!

MISS IOWA USA: REBECCA GOLDSMITH

Q: What are you most excited about seeing and doing in Las Vegas?
A: I 'm really, really looking forward to taking a dip in the hottest pools Las Vegas has to offer!

Q: If you had to pick five things to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Vegas, what would they be?
A: A swimsuit, a little black dress, a sequin purse, heels and slippers for the day after!

Q: What's the one thing in Las Vegas you can't miss?
A: I just have to see a drive-thru wedding!

MISS ILLINOIS USA: ANGELA SPARROW

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: I can't wait to wear all of my short beaded cocktail dresses.

Q: Who would be your dream date for a night out in Vegas?
A: My dream date for a night out in Vegas would be Holly Madison.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?
A: My favorite restaurant so far has been Switch (at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas) because of the atmosphere.

MISS WISCONSIN USA: SHALETTA PORTERFIELD

Q: Who's your favorite Vegas icon?
A: My favorite Vegas icon is Elvis Presley because he "shakes" things up!

Q: If you had only one night in Vegas, which nightclub would you choose?
A: I would go to Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: If I could live in any resort, I would choose the Venetian.

MISS MICHIGAN USA: CHANNING PIERCE

Q: What is the first thing you want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: Take a lot of pictures!

Q: What are your must-see shows in Vegas?
A: The Beatles' "LOVE" (at The Mirage) and Celine Dion (at Caesars Palace).

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: All the resorts offer such amazing amenities and experiences! I guess I would have to choose Planet Hollywood!

MISS OHIO USA: ASHLEY NICOLE CALDWELL

Q: What are you most excited about seeing and doing in Las Vegas?
A: The city lights and competing for Miss USA!

Q: If you had to pick five things to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Vegas, what would they be?
A: Camera, extra-strength Tylenol, a dress to impress, cool shades, swimsuit.

Q: If you had only night in Vegas, which nightclub would you choose?
A: I have been told to check out the clubs at the Palms.

MISS KENTUCKY USA: KIA BEN-ET HAMPTON

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: My favorite place to shop is definitely Town Square Las Vegas and also the Fashion Show Mall.

Q: What is the first thing you want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: The first thing I want to do is sightsee! I went to Vegas once for five days and it wasn't enough time. I want to re-do everything I did the first time plus more.

Q: Who would be your dream date for a night out in Vegas?
A: My dream date would definitely be with Elton John! I know he is in Las Vegas a lot and he is an icon of mine.

MISS TENNESSEE USA: ASHLEY ELIZABETH DURHAM

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. I enjoy the beautiful Venice street scene design with a canal that runs through the center of the shopping area!

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: Anything I may think is a little "too much" anywhere else is probably perfect for Vegas! The more sequins or feathers, the better!

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: Wynn Las Vegas. It is considered one of the finest hotels in the world!

All Miss USA contestants surveyed are over 21 years of age.
Images courtesy of Miss Universe Organization.

Please note: Lion King at Mandalay Bay has since closed. 

 The contestants for Miss USA are used to answering questions, so we threw some Vegas-related Qs their way. Here are some selected answers:

MISS UTAH USA: JAMIE LYNN CRANDALL

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: Fashion Show Mall.

Q: What's the best pool in Vegas?
A: Tao Beach.

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: I'd love to live at the Wynn, The Cosmopolitan or ARIA.

MISS NORTH DAKOTA USA: BRANDI LYNN SCHOENBERG

Q: What's your favorite Vegas icon?
A: The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign is probably the most recognizable thing in Vegas.

Q: If you had only one night in Vegas, which nightclub would you choose?
A: Why stop at one? I'd try to go to as many as I could!

Q: What would be your date for a night out in Vegas?
A: I would want it to be a total surprise, but it should include a helicopter ride at night to see the whole city lit up from above.

MISS SOUTH DAKOTA USA: CHANDRA RAE BURNHAM

Q: If you had to pick five things to pack in your suitcase for a trip to Vegas, what would they be?
A: I would have to pack a fabulous swimsuit for all the amazing pool parties in Vegas, amazing dresses for clubbing, tickets to a one-of-a-kind Vegas show, a great pair of walking shoes so I can cruise up and down the Strip, and a big fat wallet so I have something to put all my winnings in on my way home.

Q: What are your must-see shows in Vegas?
A: Any Cirque du Soleil show and The Lion King.

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: I would enjoy living at The Venetian.

MISS NEBRASKA USA: HALEY JO HEROLD

Q: Who's your favorite Las Vegas icon?
A: Frank Sinatra.

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: A fascinator headpiece.

Q: What is the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: Wear comfortable shoes!

MISS OKLAHOMA USA: KAITLYN SMITH

Q: What are you most excited about seeing and doing in Las Vegas?
A: I am most excited about just spending two weeks in Vegas and enjoying the whole atmosphere. Vegas is electrifying!

Q: Who's your favorite Vegas icon?
A: My current favorite Vegas icon is Garth Brooks! He's from Oklahoma.

Q: If you had only one night in Vegas, which nightclub would you choose?
A: XS at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is a must visit!

MISS TEXAS USA: ANA CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ

Q: What might you wear in Vegas that you wouldn't wear back home?
A: I'd rock an Elvis outfit if I had one.

Q: What's the most unique experience you've had in Las Vegas?
A: My first time in Vegas, I was able to experience a "Vegas wedding." My family and I had an amazing time.

Q: What's the one thing in Las Vegas you can't miss?
A: If you can't make it to the real Eiffel Tower in Paris, not a problem, because there's one in Vegas (at Paris Las Vegas), and it is beautiful.

MISS MISSOURI USA: HOPE DRISKILL

Q: Who would be your dream date for a night out in Vegas?
A: My dream date would be bringing all of my friends to Vegas for shopping, sun and a girls' night out!

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?
A: All of the buffets.

Q: What are your must-see shows in Vegas?
A: Elton John and Peepshow.

MISS LOUISIANA USA: PAGE PENNOCK

Q: Who's your favorite Vegas icon?
A: My favorite Las Vegas icon is Celine Dion. I am so excited she is back in Vegas and will definitely see her show while I am in Vegas.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Las Vegas?
A: My favorite restaurant in Las Vegas is the hot dog restaurant right down the street from Planet Hollywood called Pink's. They have the best hot dogs ever!

Q: What is the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Las Vegas?
A: The best advice to give to a first-timer in Las Vegas is to definitely take a gondola ride at The Venetian and watch the water show at Bellagio. They are both unforgettable experiences.

MISS HAWAII USA: ANGELA BYRD

Q: What is the first thing you want to do when you get off the plane in Vegas?
A: Besides thanking the pilot for bringing the plane safely to Vegas, I want to experience what everyone has told me to be one of the best qualities about Vegas: the great food! Vegas, ready or not, here I come!

Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?
A: I look forward to checking out the great shopping at the Fashion Outlets! Williams-Sonoma Marketplace, Vogue Italia and Vanity Fair will be the first stores I run to! If I can find a Pottery Barn, this will complete my shopping list!

Q: If you could live at any Las Vegas resort, which one would you choose?
A: I would live at The Cosmopolitan if I had a choice to choose any Las Vegas resort to live at. The style, sophistication, interior and exterior design, (Marquee) Dayclub pool and their spa describes my personality and what I am comfortable with.

All Miss USA contestants surveyed are over 21 years of age.
Images courtesy of Miss Universe Organization.

Summer bargains are everywhere you look, and Las Vegas has no shortage of spots to get your shop on.  When it comes to shopping, Las Vegas has become one of the premium, world-class shopping destinations in the U.S.

Designers such as Harry Winston, Manolo Blahnik, Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana now populate the Strip at Fashion Show, The Forum Shops at Caesars, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and Via Bellagio.

In addition to high-end shopping, Las Vegas offers several outlet shopping centers featuring designer names for bargain prices, such as Las Vegas Premium Outlets - North (downtown) and Las Vegas Premium Outlets - South (near Mandalay Bay), and the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas in Primm.

Unique shopping experiences abound in Vegas. Town Square Las Vegas is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment venue located on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard with more than 150 retail stores, 12 restaurants, a park and a movie theater.  And recently opened, Tivoli Village offers outdoor dining and shopping for guests staying near Red Rock Resort, Suncoast, and the JW Marriott Resort.

Crystals at CityCenter is a 500,000-square-foot retail and dining district that features unique-to-the-market retailers like Tom Ford, Mikimoto, Assouline, Kiton and Paul Smith. For a more casual retail experience, cross over to Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops for dozens of stores, restaurants, and live entertainment at the popular V Theater.

So whether it's high-end luxury or affordable trends, you'll find something for everyone in Las Vegas.  Book your trip now and begin your summer shopping spree!

Springtime weather is perfect for checking out some of Las Vegas' open-air malls and shopping districts.

Tivoli Village opens April 28 in the northwest area of Summerlin, with an array of exciting shops, restaurants, beauty and fitness services and live events. Right down the street, Boca Park also offers a variety of fashion shops, restaurant and retail stores.

On the Strip, you'll also love shopping at Town Square, a 1.5-million-square-foot outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center.

The District at Green Valley Ranch is a mix of restaurants, specialty shops, office space and luxury lofts in a festive, open-air environment. Visitors can stroll the streets, browse through more than 40 stores, or stop at one of the bars or restaurants.

Get out and get your shop on, all while enjoying the fabulous spring weather in Las Vegas.

This weekend, 10 lucky couples will do what many others have done before -- get engaged in Las Vegas -- but it's never been done quite like this.  

At 10:10 a.m. this Sunday, 10/10/10, the 10 couples that were selected out of more than 200 that entered to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event will get engaged simultaneously in front of The Trevi Fountain inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Flamingo Las Vegas headliner Donny Osmond, who has been married for more than 30 years, will emcee the event and prompt the couples to start their path to matrimony. Then Osmond will escort the couples to Tiffany & Co. inside the Forum Shops for a ring consultation and special champagne toast. The couples will be treated like high-rollers all weekend for the all-expenses-paid weekend, which includes a two-night stay at Caesars Palace, a post-proposal dinner at The Palms and more celebrating at PURE nightclub.

How will you spend 10/10/10? Make your plans for an unforgettable day in Las Vegas! To see everything that's happening this weekend and every weekend in the world's most exciting destination, check out http://www.lasvegas.com/.

The eyes of the world will be on the beautiful city of Las Vegas, but this time, not for its glittering lights and spectacular skyline.  Catch a glimpse of the country's most stunning, talented, and admired women as they compete for the title of Miss USA on May 16 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino!

The stage is set for another exciting beauty competition which began it's long-held tradition in 1952.  From evening gowns to swimsuits, women compete for a chance to promote their chosen charities and become crowned the next Miss USA.  Come cheer on your hometown contestant (or cheer for Ms. Nevada), then enjoy the excitement that Las Vegas has to offer.  It's a weekend of fun culminating with the crowning of a new winner. 

Explore Planet Hollywood for more excitement and enjoy shopping at the newly renovated Miracle Mile Shops, then head across The Strip and find your own pageant gown at the mega-shopping district of Crystals at CityCenter.  Do you have what it takes to walk the stage in a swimsuit in front of millions of television viewers worldwide?  Maybe just a leisurely stroll around the resort pool?  Check out the latest ultra-pools and pool parties that Vegas hosts each week and catch an A-list outdoor concert.

After a day in the sun, plan for a night out on the town.  Start downtown at Fremont Street where dinner at Hugo's Cellar inside the Four Queens Hotel will set you back a couple of decades, to the classic days of Vegas.  The North part of the Strip is elegance at its finest, as you stroll along the Wynn Esplanade and enjoy its hidden lake and towering waterfalls.  When your feet get tired, enjoy a peaceful gondola ride inside the Venetian waterways as a gondolier serenades you.

An evening in Vegas isn't complete without a trip to the dance floor.  With more than 60 nightclubs and lounges across the city, there's a club for everyone.  For country music fans, the Revolver Saloon at Santa Fe Station and Gilley's Country Saloon at Treasure Island will keep you line-dancing all night long.  House music fans check out the legendary Paul Oakenfold at The Palms Rain Nightclub on Saturdays, or catch DJ's spinning the latest hit-makers at PURE, LAX, XS, TRYST and Drai's Afterhours.

Book your pageant weekend today on LasVegas.com, where you can check the best rates and availability online and then book direct with your favorite hotel.  This weekend, the winner is you!