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Well, this was new to me on my quest for birthday treats in Las Vegas. I had left The Wynn Hotel and was walking down the Las Vegas Strip to see what was new and exciting on a Saturday afternoon. I turned into the pedestrian walkway of The LINQ Promenade from the Las Vegas Strip and was met with a plethora of food, drink and fun options. If you have one of “those” friends (i.e. me) who can never decide what they want to eat, drink or do in Las Vegas, this is the place to bring them to because they will find something. If they don’t, disown them now because they will never be happy! The LINQ Promenade is a wonderful new addition to the Las Vegas Strip as it allows folks to be outside rather than stuck inside the various casinos and shopping malls. The curation of food, fun, shopping is actually so good it will be hard to pick only one place to eat, drink, enjoy.



For years, I’ve heard of the lure of the Los Angeles In & Out Burger visit to/from the airport. For locals, it was a must have when returning to the city. I missed out on my Los Angeles visit oh so many years ago so on my trip out West, I finally had the opportunity to see what all the noise was about. Was this really the best burger in the U.S.? Better than the New York Shake Shack allegiance? You be the judge! The menu is limited, the pricing quite low and the service quick.


Another Los Angeles favorite. How many stories had I read about the 24/7 cupcake ATM machine by Sprinkles so you can buy a bit of sugar after the bakery had closed? The red velvet cupcake is only one of many flavors of cupcakes. Sold in regular size and mini, the options are overwhelming to just pick one so on my first visit – I went mini cupcake so I could try three flavors and see how they stacked up against my many East Coast cupcake bakeries.


If you’ve visited London and the London Eye then you have an idea of what the ride on The High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas will be like. Higher than both London and Singapore’s observation wheels but otherwise similar. A slow moving capsule which holds up to 40 guests in each of the 28 capsules, revolves once around in 30 minutes and provides you a birds-eye view of the surrounding area (weather dependent). In Las Vegas’ case, the ride can be tricked out with private hire capsules, catered food and drink and even yoga classes as the capsule goes up, around and down. The prices vary by time of day and event. There is an open bar happy hour option, a weekly chocolate tasting experience and many other events to choose from. It’s definitely something that everyone can enjoy (except those afraid of heights!). Book online to ensure your preferred time and avoid the lines.


Fancy a night of bowling with friends with live music in the background and food/drink service at one of the 32 lanes? Brooklyn Bowl is the place to go. Not a bowler? Enjoy the live music and six bars in the venue. Great for groups of friends who want to have fun.

Keen to step into a virtual reality (as if Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip wasn’t already an alternative universe), then get ready at VR Experiences. With four scenarios to choose from, you can easily live out a fantasy. Screaming Skydive or Human Flight Simulator for the adventurous. House of Horrors for those who enjoy scary things and Soaring Superhero for those who want to fly over Las Vegas (cape not included).
FlyLINQ Zip lines, the ten side by side zip lines – are you dare devil enough to race a friend or two (or nine?). These should be similiar to the ziplines at the Freemont Experience in downtown Las Vegas.


Love beer? Love beer in cans? Try one of many beers in cans at ameriCAN Beer & Cocktail Bar. This is sure to create conversation as you discover a plethora of beer from all 50 U.S. States. Get your camera ready for these Instagram photos of your beer can as you travel the states through the local beers. Don’t worry if not a beer fan, there is a cocktail list.
O’Shea’s Pub – A bit of Ireland in Las Vegas – who doesn’t love an Irish Pub?
Yard House – classic American favorites served with over 160 beers on tap. Yes, 160 beers which will require even the most dedicated beer drinker a few return visits to sample them all.
This is LAS VEGAS so of course there is something to celebrate every day at the LINQ Promenade – from Mardi Gras, to Chinese New Year, Easter and Christmas to name a few. When the sun goes down the entertainment heats up in the courtyard and in the various venues plus the neon signs are all shining bright!
I was really impressed with this new food and entertainment area on the Las Vegas Strip that Caesar’s has created along with the hip(?) young vibe of the LINQ Hotel. If you stay at the hotel, everything is right outside your door. For those not staying so central, it is easy to walk to the LINQ Promenade and taxis/Ubers will drop you off in the back of the venue near the High Roller entrance. The only downside is that you have one stomach and can’t realistically try everything during your stay so divide and conquer with friends so you can taste a bit of everything. Go forth and enjoy this new attraction in Las Vegas!


There are only a few hotel resorts that I’ve stayed at where I didn’t need to (or want to) leave. The Wynn Hotel Las Vegas is a new addition to my list. I stayed for three nights and didn’t get a chance to enjoy all of the hotel amenities but the ones that I did reminded me that you can go to Las Vegas and never leave the property to have an incredible experience. With so much choice in Las Vegas, finding the right fit for you does take a bit of trial and error as well as understanding what’s important to your vacation. For me, I wanted smaller boutique feel of luxury, lots of food options and a comfortable room with a view.
I arrived the main entrance but was directed to return my Hertz rental to the garage and had to drive there (hard to find on level 1 of self parking, take a ticket, park in numbered spot and no assistance with bags). Once I dropped off my keys to the Hertz desk inside the hotel, I walked across the casino floor to the other side of the building (front entrance) where there are two large reception rooms – one is check-in, the other for check-out. I was quickly directed and welcomed to check in. The check-in experience was a bit clunky as the staff member wasn’t able to answer my queries about yoga classes or the dreaded “resort fees” so I waited while she called and researched. I would have preferred her to research and call me in my room but I waited instead for her to come back with “yoga is an additional $30 for the class at Encore and is not included in the resort fee”. With answers I didn’t like, I left to find my room which involved walking the length of the casino floor with my bags to the elevator banks in the back. There is a guard checking hotel keys for access to the elevators. Note: the concierge is located in this area to assist guests.
As I walked down the hallway which was decorated in a grey color scheme, I was excited to see my room and hoping it was just like the online photos of The Wynn Las Vegas as promised. It’s hard to classify a room of over 500 sq. ft. as “standard” as most “standard” hotel rooms in the U.S. are 300 sq. ft. When I opened the door to the room, it felt so much larger than I imagined or expected from the website photos. I had a seating area with sofa and ottoman next to the desk as well as a table with two chairs in front of the ceiling to floor windows overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
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The big screen television was set against the wall and could be pulled out to view from the seating area or swiveled toward the bed. Below the television were drawers and an (expensive) minibar controlled by sensors (never touch these things because you could quickly purchase an item just by picking it up!).
The bed which faced the floor to ceiling windows was an oasis of comfort after my long day of driving from Zion National Lodge & Park. Falling into bed made me think of not moving further than dialing room service for the next three days, however, Las Vegas was outside as well as a few favorite Las Vegas desserts (cookies, cake and chocolates) to indulge in so I had to leave at some point.


Next to the bed was room control on both a screen and on buttons in the wall. I could open and close the curtains from bed, set the lighting, room temperature and also put the “do not disturb” light outside. Again, why leave bed?

The bathroom had both a shower and luxurious tub along with two sinks, a vanity and separate toilet room. The vanity had a built in television if you really need to keep up with the Kardashians or Stock Market while shaving or putting makeup on. The hair dryer was easily found and the scale easily ignored because I was on a sugar mission for my birthday visit. Plush robes were in the hallway closet.



Housekeeping was friendly and I asked for slippers and mentioned I liked the smell of the soap. She returned with both men and women’s slippers to ask my size (men’s) and a bag full of soap. I requested that the room not be fully cleaned each day only needing new towels and the bed made. My request was honored. I tipped housekeeping daily as the staff often changes.


The only annoyance in room was the light from the room phone on the desk. I couldn’t figure out how to shut the blue light off and neither could the housekeeper so I covered it with a book each night to black out the light in the room.
Let’s start with one word – Pancakes! That was my theme and bulk of my breakfast calories at two restaurants – Le Jardin (located in the hallway to Encore hotel) and Terrace Pointe Cafe across from the Wynn Buffet (long crazy lines). The pancakes may be the best I’ve ever had – the fluffy thick pancakes were perfection and I ate every bite happily knowing (hoping) I’d walk off most of the calories that day.

For lunch and dinner, I kept it simple, considering I had been at Red Mountain Report for a wellness vacation eating healthy, at the Charlie’s Sport Bar & Grill, with grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and avocado as I watched the plethora of sports on the televisions around the restaurant. On my birthday, I indulged in a sea salted caramel brownie which was worth the time in the gym.


A favorite spot was the intimate wine bar of La Cave. I visited twice – one night for chocolate dessert and a glass of red. I returned for the short rib, truffle fries and a glass of Barolo. The service at the bar was good, however, when I sat solo at a table, my server was nowhere to be found until my expensive glass of Barolo was empty, then he was quick to ask if I wanted to reorder “um, not with you!” Solo diners should stick to the bar seating based on my experience.

One disappointment was the café cookies and desserts at the Drugstore Cafe which weren’t as fabulous as the restaurant choices – sure they had lots of cake but I wanted a simple brownie or chocolate chip cookie and neither was to be found. I would need to venture The Las Vegas Strip for the best cookies and cake in Las Vegas to satisfy my sweet tooth.
A positive feature at all restaurants in The Wynn & Encore Hotels is the availability of both vegan and vegetarian menus at each outlet (just ask).
Prior to arrival, I emailed the concierge for suggestions in the city for sweets as well as entertainment events and unique Las Vegas experiences for my solo birthday visit. The replies were quick and informative with offers to pre-book a dolphin encounter, yoga in the High Roller Ferris wheel, Exotic Car test drives, concerts on or off property, etc. My situation changed prior to arrival so I wasn’t able to take advantage of the unique options suggested due to cost. I was going to pre-order a custom birthday cake for myself but had to pass on it. I had hoped that the concierge would note on my reservation to send a welcome cupcake as that would have been special treat and extra service but sadly, nothing was sent or done for my birthday. So I attempted to find time to enjoy the indulgent Edible Flower Pot Chocolate Mousse Cake which she suggested but sadly, I wasn’t able to find time or room in my stomach for that indulgence.

In Las Vegas, the hotels have addressed Uber in a unique way by giving Uber its own area to pick up and drop off. This often means walking to a different entrance/exit to book pick-up and drop off. At The Wynn, Uber gets the side entrance. I learned this when I exited the front door main entrance and followed the taxi signs to an actual taxi. I was too lazy to trek to the Uber entrance as I needed to be at The Neon Museum on time. My Uber experience in Vegas was mixed (one easy and one new driver who at 70 years old was new to Uber driving for two weeks and couldn’t find me for pickup and didn’t know my hotel destination, the Aria) as was the cab experience (use a credit card pay $3 extra, try to use cash and the driver didn’t have change). So just note each has their own areas at the hotel and each is hit/miss. I prefer to walk where I can in Las Vegas.

I’m not much of a gambler anymore and having just lost my job prior to leaving for my Las Vegas trip, I wasn’t keen to spend too much money. I signed up for the Wynn card (no sign up bonus or free cash play) and found a penny machine (dumb name because the minimum bet was 50 or 75 cents per spin). I had some fun with the video gaming machines and even ended up in bonus rounds eventually losing my spending money but keeping entertained.

La Reve is the award winning show at the Wynn Hotel but I wasn’t in the mood for water, fire and acrobatics so I opted to see Harry Connick Jr. instead during my stay. I’m not a fan per se but knew that his New Orleans jazz and American songbook would be interesting option and fun. I booked the cheap seat on the second level ($95) and was surprised when I arrived that I was offered an upgrade as there were Orchestra seats that were empty. So I moved from my 2nd level aisle to a middle seat in the ninth row in the Orchestra with Harry Connick’s family in front of me and his team next to me and behind me. I guess Harry was allotted x number of seats and had given some back. His supermodel wife, her children and parents were directly in front of me for Harry’s opening night. It was the perfect seat to enjoy the show.


I really loved The Wynn Hotel as it was small enough to allow me to easily walk around and get outside quickly. So while there is more than enough to keep you inside the hotel, going outside is quite easy to enjoy other restaurants and entertainment options along the Las Vegas Strip. I didn’t get to visit the Wynn Spa, pools or gym although I did do a walk by and each looked great. The outdoor golf course, the only green space you see when flying above the city, is said to be quite wonderful to play. Just like its rooms, the Wynn Hotel is not standard by any measure, it is definitely above and beyond my expectations for a luxury experience in Las Vegas. Those pancakes and wine bar alone are worth booking a room! But overall, it was the feeling of modern luxury and just a touch more that made The Wynn Hotel a winner for me.
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It was bright sunny day in Las Vegas and I was taking a tour through the history of the city in the faded glow of the infamous neon signs that recalled a story of Las Vegas so long ago. With a collection of signs dating back to the 1930’s to modern day, I imagined a different time. Back when the Rat Pack and the Mob (Bugsy Siegel) ruled the city – a time made glamourous and violent on television and in movies. Each of the neon signs in the neon boneyard, part of the Neon Museum, tell a story of a legendary casino, restaurant, hotel or business in Las Vegas. Each one is a work of art with yards of tubing, neon bulbs and unique craftsmanship. Many signs are in disarray from the desert elements as seen during the tour of the outdoor spaces. Nine signs have been restored and are now installed throughout the city as public art. A few other signs have been restored and are aglow at night on the tour while others (i.e. Hard Rock Guitar) are waiting for your help to restore them to their original beauty.
The Neon Museum is located further down the Strip so I had to take a cab from the Wynn Hotel (about $10). When the cab arrived at the museum entrance, I already felt a bit of a throwback to an earlier time in motel history as I entered the restored lobby of the former La Concha motel. The building hosts the front desk, a gift shop and bathrooms (accessed outside). The one hour tours are led by a guide and on my tour, we were led by a Las Vegas local and former district attorney. Neon Museum tours are offered every 20 minutes all day and into the night. The night time tours get to see a few illuminated signs.
Tip: Book online in advance as the tours are small and sell out quickly.


The more than 200 signs located outside are arranged in a J shaped sand filled walking path. The guide told us that it is a one-time walking tour so take photos while he talks as we wouldn’t have an opportunity to go back (usually due to the crowds and tour behind). Since it was a quiet day we did linger a bit longer to allow a few of us (me and a UK photographer) to take more photos. The tour group was small with ten visitors which was a good size to hear the guide talk about the history of the signs.

The cursive “in Love” sign is a favorite for couples and those who get married at the Neon Museum. There was a wedding during my tour visit – the ceremony has it’s own location at the musuem.

The Aladdin Hotel was famous for Elvis Presley’s wedding to Priscilla in 1967. This is the iconic Aladdin lamp, sadly you can’t get close to rub it for a wish as it’s behind a few other signs, plus no touching is a rule on the tour.

Binion’s Horseshoe Casino had a few signs on its facade. One of those with interlocking H’s sits in the side yard behind a fence waiting to be restored in order to move to the tourist area. It contained eight miles of neon and 30,000 light bulbs when it was installed in 1961.

The tour started with the casino signs and I was struggling to remember any of these casinos as most seemed to be before my time. I did notice the $ in the Sassy Sally’s sign which was a subliminal message about money but I never heard of Sassy Sally’s casino.


Before the mega casino and hotels, Las Vegas had a plethora of motels in the desert. The hotel and motel signs welcome you at the end of the casino signs as you turn a corner. Taking a cue from it’s desert location is the Yucca Motel and its interesting sign you can’t miss!

The Desert Rose sign was faded and the bright blue, white and red sign has now been restored.

In a small roundabout on the left after the hotels/motels is a section for signs from Las Vegas businesses. One local favorite was designed by the owner’s young daughter – this happy dancing shirt was perched above the Steiner Cleaners shop.

What is surprising about the signs is the sheer size up close, an example is the guy playing pool. He is massive and made of metal and neon. I’m sure he looked small when perched in his original location.

Don’t forget the wedding business and various restaurants in Las Vegas – there’s so many of each and these are a few neon signs in the Neon Museum collection. I wonder how many weddings started with a steak dinner, trip to the wedding chapel and then a honeymoon at the local motel?



The larger neon signs seem to get much of the notice but there are smaller signs, symbols and props that complete the neon sign vision. Here are a few smaller touches to look for on your visit.



The cost to restore a signs can be quite a significant investment so the non-profit relies on donations. Currently, they are raising money to restore the iconic Hard Rock Guitar, estimated to cost $350,000 for restoration and maintenance), you can donate to the neon sign restoration to see it light up again. A few other restored neon signs have been completed (Desert Rose above and Liberace sign below)
The Liberace (don’t know who he is? He was a Las Vegas icon) signature sign was restored to acknowledge the famous entertainer and is now behind partition to protect it.

The Stardust sign, once the tallest sign in the world in 1968 is a highlight as the tour ends its time in the collection of signs.


In the North Gallery area (a common area viewable from the start and end points of the tour) are a plethora of signs that the guide will point out to explain. You can spend a bit more time in this area pre/post tour. You can also look back at the starting point of the tour.


All tours end in the gift shop and the Neon Museum gift shop has a good selection of souvenirs, books about Las Vegas and Neon signs and snacks. The prices were reasonable and support the work of the non-profit museum.

The museum has restored nine signs and installed them as public art throughout the city. A nighttime tour of these signs is offered by the museum. If you venture to the Freemont Street Experience (frankly not my favorite spot) you can see other neon signs such as Binion’s and the 4 Queens Casino as well as many new neon signs in the area.

Look to take photos of each letter of your name and then create your own artwork at home. Note that if you have a “Z” like me, you’ll need to improvise a sideways “N”.


This was a lovely tour that I’d highly recommend you take time out of your Las Vegas schedule to visit. You should also book online in advance as the small tour size sells out quickly especially for more popular times and the photo walks. For me, I was super excited to learn more about the signs history, the colorful characters behind the signs and the museum’s efforts to preserve the history of Las Vegas through its neon signs.


I fell in love with the Bouchon Bakery in New York City’s Rockefeller Center year ago so when I discovered the Las Vegas location I went in search of bakery goodness. Hidden behind the escalators at the Palazzo, it took a bit of time to find this kiosk (never underestimate the determination of one in search of a cookie) and since my (first) visit was after dinner, they were out of chocolate chip cookies so I bought the prepacked shortbread cookies to hold me over until my morning visit.



Note: If you keep your receipt from the Bouchon Bakery, you get a discount at the French Café, Bouchon Bistro upstairs (definitely a bonus! reservations required)
With two locations (in the Palazzo shops (upstairs) and the LINQ Promenade near the High Roller ferris wheel), the Honolulu Cookie Company is now a new favorite in the premium shortbread cookies arena. Since I was new to the cookie company, I got to have fun and try all the flavors at their sample tasting area. Their tasting conversion to buyer has to be at or near 100% because the pineapple shaped shortbread melts in your mouth. With individually wrapped cookies, you can create your own mix of cookies or buy one of many premade gifts. The real question is “will you share?”



When the cupcake craze was at its most frenzied, the Sprinkles cupcake machine in Los Angeles was all over the news. An ATM for cupcakes is a fabulous idea for sugar obsessed folks like me who crave cupcakes at times when most bakeries are sold out or closed for the day. So when I saw the Sprinkles shop in the LINQ Promenade by the High Roller ferris wheel, I just had to stop to collect cupcakes (it was my birthday weekend after all).

The choice of full sized cupcakes was overwhelming so because I wanted a few flavors so I picked three mini cupcakes to get a taste of what has made Sprinkles Cupcakes so popular in California. As cupcakes, the flavors were good, the icing was ok. Based on this tasting, I’m probably not a return visitor to Sprinkles as there are better options in Las Vegas in my opinion.

The most instagrammed place is The Sugar Factory in Las Vegas. I stopped by the Fashion Show Shop across from The Wynn Hotel (there’s another one in the Miracle Mile Shops at the other end of The Strip) see what all the fuss was about and was met with a phone book thick menu similar to the Cheesecake Factory menu except for the massive goblet drinks, sharable desserts and rainbow colored buns with the sliders.

I would have stayed but the goblet bowl was $50 which is insane for a 60 oz. drink made with a bowl full of ice. The menu doesn’t list drink prices for the goblets and the bartender acted like $50 is a good price when I balked at the ridiculous price. I didn’t need to experience this nor Instagram it – the duck is cute as is the old fashioned candy store shop but I’d rather spend $50 on a steak upstairs at The Capital Grille.

The Sugar Factory is an American chain restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches and entrees in otherwise normal price ranges. This restaurant is in tourist heavy locations and a celebrity favorite for the Instagram crowds. There were many families and groups enjoying large portions during my visit. The best part of the restaurant is the candy shop with classic favorites (pixie sticks, candy buttons) and new favorites to scoop into your bag.


Jean Philippe Patisserie has been my go to dessert for years. The plethora of sweet treats is just overwhelming to pick just one! On this visit, I stayed simple (if there is such a thing for Jean Philippe) with a blueberry cupcake. Purple seemed a festive birthday treat sans the candle(s). For the worlds largest chocolate fountain, visit the Bellagio Hotel location.


The pancakes were a massive winner at Le Jardin (some may say they qualify as a sweet treat).

My bithday weekend goal was to try the famous edible flower pot dessert as my birthday cake. Unfortunately, this flower pot serves four people in its rich chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and chocolate cake goodness and try as I might, I couldn’t find a time to be hungry enough to even start on one slice and save the rest for later. At $17 this cake was a great deal if shared by four people. In person, it was bigger than I imagined. I really tried to fit this cake in as it was my birthday and I wanted a special treat. Next visit to The Wynn, this is my first stop – cake and wine!


After my slight detox of all things gluten during my wellness vacation at Red Mountain Resort, I went crazy for sugar (and gluten) with the phrase “but it’s my birthday” when I arrived in Las Vegas at The Wynn. In the end, on my actual birthday, I only had one dessert at my late lunch – the Sea Salted Caramel Ice Cream Chocolate Fudge Brownie at The Wynn sports bar/restaurant. After my weekend of Las Vegas Desserts, I came home happy, slightly fatter and definitely older.

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