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Las Vegas
Vegas First-Timers
So you've never been to Vegas. What's kept you? Never mind - no use wasting any more time trying to explain. The important thing is that you're ready for the time of your life, and there's no better place to celebrate than here. First up - people watching. It may sound mundane, but with the cross-section of visitors and celebrities who come to Vegas, it's usually primetime entertainment. And there's no better spot to partake than Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas, a French bistro right on the Strip with the bonus of being directly across the street from the famous Bellagio fountains. Another great spot to grab a bite and observe your surroundings is PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Planet Hollywood, where you can scan CityCenter, the Bellagio and the Strip all at once.
Cruising the Strip is required for any first-timer, by car or by foot, and since we're on the Strip, now's a good time to start. As you cruise, check out the signs for the Cirque du Soleil shows. There are seven permanent shows on the Strip, including the heralded "O" at Bellagio and KÀ at MGM Grand, and the people back home will expect you to see at least one of them.
There's so much to do in Vegas besides gaming, but if this is your first time in town, you almost have to play a little. Many hotels offer free lessons for novices - the Golden Nugget among them.
Hungry yet? Las Vegas used to be famous for buffets. Nowadays, you can also enjoy the culinary creations of any number of celebrity chefs; but as a first-timer, a buffet is in order. The Buffet at the Bellagio will satisfy your palate with international selections, while Cravings Buffet at the Mirage offers 11 live cooking stations. Also, don't miss one of Las Vegas' premier dining destinations, and one of New York City's most historic restaurants, the Old Homestead Steak House in Caesars Palace. But don't eat too much! Part of any first trip to Vegas should include staying out all night and eating breakfast before you head back to the room.
Looking for adventure? We've got you covered; whether you like thrills by air, land or sea. Start with the SkyJump at the Stratosphere. At 108 stories, it's the longest controlled free fall of its kind. Soon, you'll be able to experience Slotzilla - a spectacular high-flyin' attraction where you get hooked to a harness and zip line right over the crowds on Fremont Street and under the giant video canopy. Not daring enough? How about swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay?
Speaking of the room, a first-timer should consider staying at Caesars Palace. Evel Knievel. Muhammad Ali. Rain Man. This is the birthplace of many a Las Vegas legend. Who knows? It could be the birthplace of yours.
