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     They all come from different states, but this week, the contestants in the 2012 Miss America Pageant have one thing in common -- Las Vegas.

     The participants in this year's pageant got a chance to experience Vegas this week before a new Miss America is crowned this Saturday night at Planet Hollywood. We asked some of them about the host city:

   MISS CALIFORNIA, NOELLE FREEMAN

   Q: Where do you love to shop in Vegas?

   A: The Forum Shops at Caesars are always the first stop when shopping in Las Vegas!
   There is so much to see and buy, I could spend an entire day there! Love the huge staircase too!

MISS CONNECTICUT, MORGAN AMARONE

Q: What's your favorite Las Vegas restaurant, or the one you want to try the most?

A: You can't beat any of the restaurants in Las Vegas, but Nobu (at the Hard Rock Hotel) takes the cake!

   MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASHLEY BOALCH 

   Q: What luxury spa would you like to spend a day enjoying in Vegas?

   A: I have read that the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas has one of the most amazing spa 
   treatments in the world. Experiencing the Luminescence Massage and Body Treatment,
   which entails a Swedish massage, revitalizing body scrub and Pearl Powder, is definitely on my must-do list!

MISS HAWAII, LAUREN CHEAPE

Q: What's your favorite Las Vegas restaurant, or the one you want to try the most?

A: Hash House A Go-Go (Imperial Palace, Plaza, M Resort). After seeing it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, I just had to try it. It has a unique combination of foods and huge portion sizes.

   MISS KANSAS, CARISSA KELLEY

   Q: What luxury spa would you like to spend a day enjoying in
   Las Vegas?

   A: Canyon Ranch Spa at The Venetian.

MISS LOUISIANA, HOPE ANDERSON

Q: If you could live at any resort in Las Vegas, which would you choose?

A: The ARIA at CityCenter. It's smack dab in the center of everything and the architecture and open layout make it a perfect place to relax and people-watch. The restaurants are incredible, it has a fabulous mall and you're minutes from everywhere else.

   MISS MISSISSIPPI, MARY MARGARET ROARK

   Q: What would you do if your talent led to a headlining show in Las Vegas on the first
   night your name appeared on the marquee?

   A: Faint! Then take a picture. Then rock it out on stage!

MISS MONTANA, VERONIKA OHLINGER

Q: What is the best advice you can give to a first-timer in Vegas?

A: Take in as much as you possibly can! There are tons of shows, shopping areas, restaurants, and even more activities to experience. Do some research online and figure out which of these attractions appeal the most to you and make sure you put them on the top of your list!

   MISS NEVADA, ALANA LEE

   Q: What's the one thing in Las Vegas you can't miss?

   A: No trip to Las Vegas is complete without seeing the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio.
   They have become a Las Vegas staple through exposure on television and in
   numerous films. It's a wholesome activity that's sure to impress!

MISS OKLAHOMA, BETTY THOMPSON

Q: What would you do if your talent led to a headlining show in Las Vegas on the first night your name appeared on the marquee?

A: If I was on the marquee for a headlining show in Las Vegas, I would definitely want a picture in front of it with as many of my friends and family as possible!

   MISS SOUTH CAROLINA, BREE BOYCE

   Q: What Vegas performer do you think you are most like and why?

   A: Terry Fator! I love his impersonations and comedic style. I definitely feel that with my
   celebrity impersonations and humor, we are most alike! I love to make people laugh and it
   is evident he does as well.

MISS VERMONT, KATIE LEVASSEUR

Q: If you could only bring three things on a trip to Vegas, what would they be and why?

A: My Burt's Bees lip balm for the desert air, my camera to document the incredible experience and my best friend to share the experience with!

   MISS VIRGINIA, ELIZABETH CROT

   Q: What Vegas performer do you think you are most like and why?

   A: I'd like to think Elton John (at Caesars Palace), because I can sing in multiple
   genres.

MISS WASHINGTON, BRITTNEY HENRY

Q: What luxury spa would you like to spend a day enjoying in Vegas?

A: Green Valley Ranch spa. I've been before and it was a great experience!