• Home
  • About
    • About Kerri
    • Press Coverage
    • Brand Partnerships
    • Home Tours
    • Policies
      • Privacy Policy
      • Liability Policy
      • Disclosures Policy
      • Copyright Policy
      • Comment Policy
    • Contact
  • The Blog
    • Coastal Style Decorating
    • Lake House Decorating
    • Modern Cottage Style Decorating
    • Renovation, Remodelling + Building
    • Home Decor Tutorials & DIY Projects
    • Seasonal & Party Decorating
  • Subscribe (Free)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

A Pop of Pretty

  • Renovate
    • How to Choose a Front Door: Complete Guide
    • 10 Pretty Blue Front Door Colour Ideas (Paint Names)
    • Front Door Color: 10 Fabulous Front Door Colors (& their paint names!)
    • Best Front Doors for Every Home Style (Masonite)
    • Curb Appeal Tip: Use a Solid Stain
    • Craftsman Home Exterior from Builder Grade: Get the Look!
    • Best Paint Colours
      • 10 Pretty Blue Front Door Colour Ideas (Paint Names)
      • Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray: Why I Love It.
      • Benjamin Moore Silver Fox: Ideal Mid Tone Gray
      • Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue: A Gorgeous Blue Gray
      • Behr Ivory Keys: Bench Makeover
      • Behr Marquee ‘Ethereal Mood’: Teen Girl Bedroom
      • Behr Marquee Dayflower: Front Door Update
    • Quartz Countertops: Caesarstone vs Granite
    • How to White Wash Shiplap and Wood: Step by Step Tutorial
    • 10 Coastal Style Staircases that Inspire
    • 5 Things Your Modern Cottage Bathroom Needs
    • Open Shelving Kitchen Trend: Is it for you?
    • 55 Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets Ideas
    • Cement Tile Wall (Yes you can)
    • Coastal Cottage Inspiration: Planning Our New Cottage
  • Decorate
    • Interior Design + Decor Trends
      • Shelf Styling: 5 Tips for a Clean, Collected Look
      • DIY Cane Furniture (Home Decor Trends)
      • Straw Hat Wall Decor Trend (5 Inspiring Displays)
      • Open Shelving Kitchen Trend: Is it for you?
      • 55 Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets Ideas
    • Decorating Ideas By Room
      • Exteriors & Front Doors
        • Wreaths and Front Door Decor
        • How to Choose a Front Door: Complete Guide
        • Fall Porch Decor: 10 Things for a Cozy, Modern Cottage Porch
        • Best Front Doors for Every Home Style (Masonite)
        • New Craftsman Front Door from Masonite!
        • Craftsman Home Exterior from Builder Grade: Get the Look!
      • Kitchen Decorating
        • Quartz Countertops: Caesarstone vs Granite
        • Open Shelving Kitchen Trend: Is it for you?
        • 55 Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets Ideas
      • Bathroom Decorating
        • How to Paint Abstract Art (DIY Tutorial)
        • 5 Things Your Modern Cottage Bathroom Needs
        • Quartz Countertops: Caesarstone vs Granite
      • Bedroom Decorating
      • Craft Room Decorating
      • Living Rooms + Family Rooms
        • Rope Wrapped Lamp: DIY Tutorial
        • Shelf Styling: 5 Tips for a Clean, Collected Look
        • How to Paint Abstract Art (DIY Tutorial)
      • Kids Rooms Decorating
    • Home Decor Products
      • Furniture
        • Modern Windsor Chair: Recommendation
        • IKEA Assembly Tips that Save Time + Sanity
        • IKEA Vimle Sofa Review (Finnala): What To Know
        • IKEA Finnala Sofa (vs Vimle)
        • DIY Cane Furniture (Home Decor Trends)
        • IKEA Farlov Armchair: Initial Review
        • Trestle Dining Table Recommendation
      • Home Decor Accessories
        • Wall Art Ideas & DIY Wall Art
      • Coastal Home Decor Accessories
        • DIY Cane Furniture (Home Decor Trends)
        • Rope Wrapped Lamp: DIY Tutorial
        • Straw Hat Wall Decor Trend (5 Inspiring Displays)
        • IKEA Assembly Tips that Save Time + Sanity
        • Shop the Look: Our Coastal Cottage
      • Rugs
        • 10 Stylish Outdoor Rugs I Love
        • Cottage Rugs I Love
      • Lighting
        • Cottage Chandeliers (10 Pretties!)
      • Pillow Covers
      • Drapery and Curtains
        • Curtain Hack Tutorial (No Sew): Grommet Curtains to Pleated Drapes
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s Eve Party Ideas (How to Ring in 2021)
    • How to Make a DIY Photo Booth for any Occasion
    • Party Theme Ideas: Throw a Broadway Party!
    • Paint and Sip: DIY Painting Party (with Dollar Store Finds)
    • How to Make a Ribbon Wreath for Any Season
    • Christmas Decorating
      • My #1 Christmas Decorating Tip
      • Bottle Brush Trees – Where to Find
      • My Christmas Home Tours
        • Rustic Christmas Tree (How to Get That Farmhouse Look)
        • Rustic Christmas Decor Tour (Our Cottage)
        • Cozy Plaid Christmas Decor Home Tour
        • All White Christmas Decor Home Tour
        • Navy Blue Christmas Decor Home Tour
        • Winter Wonderland Christmas Decor Home Tour
        • French Inspired Christmas Decor Home Tour (Black, White & Peacock Blue)
        • Gold and White Christmas Decor Home Tour
        • Red and Turquoise Christmas Decor Home Tour
      • How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
        • How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree
        • How Much Ribbon for Christmas Tree? (+ All Things Ribbon!)
        • 3 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips That Are Crazy Simple!
        • What Goes on Christmas Tree First?
        • My Magnolia Leaf Holiday Decorating Crush
      • Christmas Tree Ideas Theme Trees
        • Cabin Themed Christmas Tree
        • North Pole Themed Christmas Tree
        • Disney Frozen DIY Themed Christmas Tree
        • Nutcracker Themed Christmas Tree (Sugar Plum Fairy)
        • Nordic Themed Christmas Tree
        • Dr. Seuss Themed Christmas Tree
      • Christmas DIY Projects
      • Christmas Entertaining
    • New Years
      • Word of the Year Printable Workbook (Free)
      • New Year’s Eve Party Ideas (How to Ring in 2021)
      • “Auld Lang Syne” New Years Printable (Happy New Year!)
    • Winter Decor
      • Cozy Lakehouse Vibe for Christmas: 5 Decor Tips
    • Valentines Day Decor
      • Free Valentine Printables (3 Fun Valentines Day Quotes!)
      • How to Make a Valentines Day Wreath
    • Spring & Easter Decor
      • How to make a Shabby Chic Easter Wreath
      • Simple No Bake Easter Cookie Recipe
      • Easter Craft Idea: Pretty Hydrangea Globes
      • Simple and Pretty Easter Decorating Ideas
      • Mossy Bunny Themed Easter Mantel
      • How to Decorate a Simple Easter Mantel
      • Three Easter Mantels {& Other Easy Easter Decorating Ideas!}
    • Summer Decor
      • Take a Coastal Cottage Summer Tour (Lake House Style)
      • Free Printable Art Summer Abstract
    • Fall Decor
      • Fall Printable Art: Life Starts All Over Again
      • Cozy Living Room for Fall (Coastal Style)
      • How to Decorate a Cozy Fall Porch
      • Fall Decor Ideas: Canadian Bloggers Home Tour
      • Canadian Bloggers Home Tours: Our Fall Home
      • Early Fall Decorating with Hydrangeas
      • Easy DIY Fall Wreath (Floral)
      • How to Decorate a Simple Fall Mantel with Neutrals
      • How to Decorate a Fall Mantel with Giant Photos
      • Fall Printable: Autumn, the year’s last loveliest smile.
    • Halloween Decor
      • Halloween Free Printable (Watercolour Bats)
      • 5 Simple Halloween Decorating Ideas
      • How to Make a DIY Halloween Ribbon Wreath
      • How to Decorate a Halloween Mantel with BOO Letters
      • How to Decorate for Halloween with Black & White Polka Dots
      • How to Decorate a Fun Halloween Front Porch
      • DIY Sock Monkey Costume Tutorial
      • No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
      • Mini Pumpkin Monster Craft
  • Create (How to)
    • How to Easily Assemble IKEA Furniture
    • How to Style a Shelf
    • How to Paint Abstract Art (DIY Tutorial)
    • How to Make a Rope-Wrapped Lamp
    • How to Make a No Sew Face Mask (from a Bandana or a Shirt)
    • How to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    • How to make a DIY Photo Booth
    • How to Make Pleated Drapes from Grommet Panels
    • How to White Wash Wood
    • How to make DIY artwork
    • How to Paint a Fabric Chair
    • How to paint wall stripes
    • How to Remove Vinyl Wall Decals
    • How to Get More Kitchen Storage
    • How to Make Fake Flowers Look Real
    • How to Tie Napkins Into Pretty Bows
    • How to make a wreath for any season
    • How to decorate around a sectional
    • How to Upgrade Your Home Exterior
    • How to Create a Lake House Vibe
    • How to Create More Curb Appeal
    • How to Decorate a Fall Porch
    • How to Paint Fabric Slipcovers
    • How to Make Personalized Christmas Ornament
    • How to Hang Greenery on a Mantel
    • How to Make a Starfish Wreath
  • Life
    • How to Make a No Sew Face Mask (from a Bandana or a Shirt)
    • Fashion
      • Shop JanieJute
    • Kids
      • Nature Walk Printable {Fun Fall Activity for Kids}
      • How to Make a Sock Monkey Costume
      • Mini Pumpkins Monster Craft for Halloween
      • No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas for Halloween
      • Big BOO Halloween Mantel
      • Kid-Friendly Halloween Mantel
      • Kid-Friendly Halloween Decorating Ideas
      • Disney Cruise Review: What We Loved (and Didn’t)
      • 10 Teacher Gift Ideas for the Holidays
      • How to travel with a toddler
      • Travel-Inspired Shared Boys Bedroom
      • How to Display Kids’ Artwork
      • How to Make a DIY Photo Booth
      • How to Throw an Art Themed Birthday Party
      • How to Throw a Broadway Themed Birthday Party
      • How to Make No Bake Easter Cookies
      • How to Make a Leprechaun Trap
    • Travel
      • Map Wall Decor: Frame Tutorial (Vintage Style)
      • How to Make a No Sew Face Mask (from a Bandana or a Shirt)
      • Disney Cruise Review: What We Loved (and Didn’t)
      • Las Vegas: The Softer Side of Sin City
      • Magical NYC at Christmas
      • Beautiful Miami (House-Peeping)
  • Free Printables
    • Halloween Free Printable (Watercolour Bats)
    • Fall Printable Art: Life Starts All Over Again
    • Free Printable Art Summer Abstract
    • “We Can Do Hard Things” – Free Printable Art
    • “This Too Shall Pass” Free Printable Art
    • Downloadable Art (Free): “Life is tough, darling. But so are you.”
    • Free Valentine Printables (3 Fun Valentines Day Quotes!)
    • Word of the Year Printable Workbook (Free)
    • “Auld Lang Syne” New Years Printable (Happy New Year!)
    • Fall Printable: Autumn, the year’s last loveliest smile.
    • Nature Walk Printable {Fun Fall Activity for Kids}
  • Shop
    • Shop My Amazon Finds
    • Shop JanieJute (My Home Decor + Fashion Brand)
    • Shop the Look: Our Coastal Cottage
    • Shop Coastal Home Decor Acessories
    • Christmas Decor Shop
Our Las Vegas Trip: Sin City’s Softer Side

Our Las Vegas Trip: Sin City’s Softer Side

24 Feb

This post was most recently updated on January 26th, 2020

In this article: I’ll tell you all about our Las Vegas trip, and what to do in Las Vegas if you’re not planning to spend all of in a casino! Can I tell you a secret? I resisted taking a Las Vegas trip for years. That’s because I believed the stereotype. I figured it was ALL gambling and wild bachelor parties. But, I was pleasantly surprised that Las Vegas has a softer side, and I can’t wait to tell you about it!

Our Las Vegas Trip: The Softer Side

I can’t be the only one who thought a Las Vegas trip would be all debauchery, right? You too? OK, I feel better now, lol. I’ll admit, a Las Vegas trip was never at the top of my list. Not that I have anything against casinos and partying, haha. But, sunny beaches are more my style. And, with 3 small kids, family trips have been more our speed.

But, that all changed when I had a chance to take a Las Vegas trip for a few days with my husband who was going there for work. And, wow, I need to tell you that my perceptions about Las Vegas were SO wrong! Of course, you can spend as much time in a casino as you want, if that’s your jam. But, there is so much more to Las Vegas!

A Letter to Las Vegas

Before I share the details of our fabulous Las Vegas trip, I think I owe Las Vegas an apology, lol. So here goes…

Dear Las Vegas,

Sorry I misjudged you. I bet you get that all the time, right? I mean, you must know what they say about you, right? They say you’re rough around the edges. They say you’re all bachelor parties ,and casinos and “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. I’m going to be completely honest. I used to think you were ALL kinds of crazy. That was, until I saw you for myself. Now I know you’re not JUST ‘that’. And, you know what, Sin City, you won me over! OK, I’ll stop now.  I know you have a reputation to uphold. But, I’m glad we finally got to meet. See you again some day.

Las Vegas trip photos Grand Canal

Where We Stayed in Las Vegas

OK, let’s start with where we stayed on our Las Vegas trip! We stayed at the Palazzo on the Las Vegas strip. The Palazzo is attached to the Venetian Hotel & Casino. Wow, we absolutely loved this hotel. It is HUGE and was designed with an Italian Renaissance theme, and you could feel this grand ambiance throughout.

Palazzo Venetian hotel

The foyer was fabulously luxurious and glam, and our room was clean and spacious. The pool area was also stunning with palm trees and huge Italian-themed urns of greenery. But, the thing I loved the most was the location. The Palazzo has a stunning shopping area called the Grand Canal.

Our Las Vegas trip - the softer side of Sin City

What to Do in Las Vegas

Shop The Grand Canal

So, are you wondering what to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, haha? Well, friends. Let me tell you about the The Grand Canal. It was my absolutely favourite part of our Las Vegas trip!

Grand Canal Las Vegas shopping

The Grand Canal is basically one of the most fabulous shopping malls you will ever see. It’s certainly not like any I’ve seen before! It was more of an experience. It is Venetian-inspired, and you literally feel like you’ve been transported to Italy, with cobblestone streets and romantic gondola rides. The ceilings are all fabulously painted like the sky, so you feel as if you are outside.

Las Vegas trip Grand Canal

I actually had to remind myself now and again that I wasn’t! With live entertainment throughout the mall, the whole experience reminded me of Disney World in many ways. But, you know what you can’t find in Disney World? Hundreds of luxury shops! Yup, this was Disney World for adults!

Michael Kors window

I could have spent days in the Grand Canal shopping area. I didn’t buy a lot because it was pricey, just like everything in Las Vegas. However, it was certainly fun to window shop, and to take in the entertainment and all the hustle and bustle!

Grand Canal Las Vegas trip
what to do in Las Vegas

Go Outlet Mall Shopping

As an outlet shopping fan, I convinced my reluctant husband to take a cab with me to the nearest outlet mall. So, we went to one just south of Mandalay Bay. But, to be honest, we only spent a couple of hours there because there was still so much we wanted to do on our Las Vegas trip. If you are into outlet shopping (and, who isn’t?), there are several Premium Outlets within a cab drive or bus ride from the hotels on the Las Vegas strip. Yay!

Visit Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

So, what else did we do on our Las Vegas trip? Well, we loved the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum which was near the Venetian and Palazzo hotels. I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But, honestly, I thought it was a complete hoot! I mean, if you can’t do something totally campy in Vegas, where ARE you going to do it, lol?

Las Vegas Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

Walk the Las Vegas Strip

We also walked the Las Vegas strip which is about 4 miles long. We started mid afternoon, and took our time popping in here and there along the way. There is so much to take in! The sidewalk seamlessly leads you into most of the famous hotels and casinos, so its fun to see all the landmarks along the way.

Las Vegas what to to

Of course, you’ll want to visit the Paris attraction on the Boulevard which has its very own Eiffel tower. We’ve been to the real one in Paris, but it was still super fun to see this half scale replica all lit up at night! There is an observation deck at the top of the tower that might be worth checking out. There is also a free light show every night with gorgeous twinkling lights.

Eiffel Tower Las Vegas

See a Fabulous Show

So what will you do at night on your Las Vegas trip with all your casino winnings, lol? Obviously, the sky’s the limit! There is so much fabulous entertainment that the hard part is choosing.

We saw the awesome musical “Rock of Ages”. I’ve been to lots of musicals, including several on Broadway in NYC, and this one was up there at the top of my list. Maybe that’s because it’s the only musical I’ve ever been to where the audience was on its feet, fist pumping to 80s rock tunes!

Las Vegas trip show

We also went to the amazing Cirque de Soleil ‘O’ show. Cirque is always playing multiple shows in Las Vegas, and I’d definitely recommend it. The entertainment in Las Vegas is always changing, so be sure to check out what’s on the marquee while you’re there.

Visit the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Another one of the highlights of our Las Vegas trip was the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Honestly, I didn’t have overly high expectations before arriving because we’ve visited more famous aquariums. And, also it’s in a hotel, so we expected a hotel experience. But, we were so wrong. Yes, it was small, which is to be expected in a hotel, but we were blown away by the beautiful and exotic aquatic displays! It was definitely a fun way to spend an hour on our Las Vegas trip.

Eat Amazing Food

OK, so who can forget the food? There are SO many options for eating out in Las Vegas and we took advantage! For our two nights out, we ate at Tao Nightclub, which is an Asian fusion restaurant with a lively and loud vibe. We loved it, but we’d eaten at Tao in NYC before, and so knew what to expect in terms of activity and noise level.

We also ate at CUT by Wolfgang Puck which is a steakhouse located in the Grand Canal (right by the Palazzo and Venetian). The meal was pricey but so delicious. For lunches and snacks, we ate mostly in the Grand Canal, but there were lots of yummy treats on every corner!

where to eat in Las Vegas

Verdict: I Loved My Las Vegas Trip!

So, the verdict is in. I loved this Las Vegas trip. Las Vegas was so much sparklier, prettier, and tastier than I had imagined. So, did I spend time in a casino? Well, of course. But, you know what? I loved all the other stuff better! So, if you’ve been hesitant about a Las Vegas trip, all I can say is GO! It’ll be such a fun few days.

Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

So, have you been to Las Vegas?  Were you as surprised as I was?  Or am I the only one who didn’t realize everything that Las Vegas has to offer?

If you’re looking for more info on what to do in Las Vegas, this is a great source.

Until next time,

K.

Share the Love

If you found this post helpful, I’d love for you to share it so others can find it too! Here’s something you can share on Pinterest:

what to do in Las Vegas

P.S. If you like to travel, you might also like my posts on NYC and Miami:

Magical NYC at Christmas-time

New York City Christmas pictures

 

House-Peeping in Miami

miami pictures

By Kerri, February 24, 2014, Filed Under: Life, Family & Travel, Travel

About Kerri

Kerri Roche is the voice behind A Pop of Pretty, a Canadian-based home decorating blog, where she shares her love of modern cottage and coastal style, from the island of Newfoundland. Kerri is a lifelong interiors lover and an avid home enthusiast. She holds an MBA and Bachelor degree in Commerce (Marketing). Her blog is a creative outlet where she loves to inspire other style seeking home lovers with design and renovation ideas, DIY home decor tutorials, and shopping tips as she decorates her suburban family home and coastal cottage - all while juggling a busy young family, including a globe-trotting husband, 3 busy kids (including twins), and two energetic dogs named Finny and Winnie.

White Christmas decor
plaid Christmas decor

Find Something Pretty

An Introduction to A Pop of Pretty

https://youtu.be/7dgsBvCOvds
« 10 Favorite Winter Products {aka A Canadian Girl’s Guide to Winter}
Home Accessories: My Decorating Kryptonite »

Hello & Welcome

Welcome! I'm Kerri. I love pretty modern cottage and coastal home decorating style. I aim to inspire style seeking home lovers to decorate with confidence, by sharing decorating ideas, shopping tips, tutorials + inspiration. Read More…

“A Pop of Pretty is packed with DIY projects and conversations about the most pertinent design issues of today (like whether you should really have a gallery wall). The writing has an easy, breezy pace.” – The Star

Find Something Pretty (Search)

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

LiketoKnowIt

Click the heart to shop my fave decor

Follow on Instagram

Follow on Instagram

Never Miss a Post

Email subscription form header
Subscribe to my (free) e-mail updates & get this gorgeous, downloadable print FREE.
Please wait...
* Check your inbox for e-mail confirmation. Once you confirm, you will receive the instructions for downloading this FREE art print!
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide
No spam, ever. Powered by FeedBlitz
Ikea Vimle Sofa Review

Disclosure: Amazon & Affiliates

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made from shopping links I provide in some blog posts.  If a blog article contains shopping links from Amazon or my other affiliate partners, it will be disclosed in the article. For more information, please see my Policies.

quartz vs granite countertops

how to white wash shiplap plank

Blog Topics

[aps-social id=”1″]

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING PRETTY?

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Terms + Conditions

Pretty Blog Topics

LOST? LET’S NAVIGATE!

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Home Tour
  • The Blog
    • Modern Cottage Style Decorating
    • Coastal Style Decorating
    • Room by Room: Renovations & Inspiration
      • Exteriors & Front Doors
      • Kitchen
      • Bathroom Decorating
      • Living Rooms and family Rooms
      • Bedroom Decorating
      • Kids Rooms
      • Craft Rooms
    • Home Decor Tutorials & DIY Projects
    • Christmas Decorating
      • Christmas Home Tours
      • Christmas Tree Ideas Theme Trees
      • How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
      • Christmas DIY Projects
      • Christmas Entertaining
    • Seasonal & Party Decorating
      • Fall Decor
      • Halloween Decor
      • New Years
      • Birthday Party Ideas
      • Spring & Easter Decor
      • Summer Decor
      • Food, Entertaining & Tablescapes
      • Seasonal Mantel Decorating
  • Subscribe (Free)

© Copyright 2012-2023, A Pop of Pretty Blog. | HOME | POLICIES | CONTACT |