A new slogan paves the way for more reasons to visit
Las Vegas recently launched a new slogan, “What Happens Here, Only Happens Here,” which is so spot-on because it’s something no other city can claim.
“Nowhere else can you dine at a handful of celebrity chef restaurants, see top-tier talent like Aerosmith, Shania Twain and the Vegas Golden Knights, and recharge at some of the world’s top-rated spas, all in one weekend,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
There’s always something new to see, do and eat in Las Vegas. Here are 10 of the best:
Photo courtesy of Denise Truscello/Neon Museum
Lost Vegas: Tim Burton @ The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is always a must-visit, but add Tim Burton to the mix, and the result is, to quote Beetlejuice himself, “strange and unusual.” And absolutely delightful.
The outdoor Boneyard is the perfect setting for Burton’s wildly creative art, and this exhibition celebrates the artist’s connection to Las Vegas’ historic neon signs with eye-popping, site-specific creations. Because of its popularity, its run has been extended once, but don’t wait. There are no guarantees it will come back to life again.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wessling
Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez Hotel
Walking through the massive wooden doors of the Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez Hotel is like stepping back in time into an iconic piece of Las Vegas.
This 2,700-square-foot penthouse was the home of El Cortez owner Jackie Gaughan and his wife, Bertie, from 1980 until his death in 2014, and it’s been immaculately preserved, from its pink upholstered walls and floors to the pink marbled tub with its gold swan faucets.
Staying here is a real treat, letting you experience an authentic slice of Las Vegas history. It gives you a rare chance to imagine yourself as a casino magnate or – as you eat breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant named after its former owner, Bugsy Siegel – a gangster.
Photo courtesy of GENIUS OR VANDAL â” BANKSY EXHIBITION
Banksy: Genius or Vandal at IMMERSION Vegas, Fashion Show
This unauthorized exhibit at Fashion Show features more than 70 works of art from the controversial – and mysterious – street artist known as Banksy.
One of the most valuable private art collections ever presented, the exhibition showcases Banksy’s original creations, including the 700-pound “Stop Esso,” “Rose Trap,” “Holocaust Lipstick” and “Heavy Weaponry.” His dark humor focuses on war, capitalism, politics and mortality and this limited engagement, like his street art, needs to be seen quickly before it disappears.
Doughp
It’s so appropriate that Doughp opened inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood because it truly is a miracle that someone created cookie dough that you can safely eat raw (or bake if you’re so inclined).
Founder Kelsey Moreira’s delicious dough comes in a variety of flavors (try the blue Cookie Monsta Cookies & Cream) and can be topped with a bar full of indulgences, then chased with a milk shot. Plus, 100% of profits from her seasonal “Doughp4Hope Remix” flavor benefit a different non-profit each month. Sweet.
Happy Place at Mandalay Bay
An Instagrammer’s dream come true, it’s impossible not to smile in this aptly-named immersive pop-up space: just see for yourself at #happyplacelasvegas within Mandalay Bay.
A dozen multi-sensory themed rooms are filled with everything from flowers to cookies to gummy bears. You can pose in a seven-foot stiletto made of candy, a yellow bathtub surrounded by rubber duckies and in the world’s largest confetti dome. You can even play on a bedroom “ceiling!”
Photo courtesy of Lois Alter Mark
Sadelle’s Cafe
Likely to become your go-to place to eat, Sadelle’s overlooks the Bellagio’s gorgeous Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and its food is presented as artistically as the stunning seasonal floral exhibits.
Warm and inviting, this is the perfect setting for upscale comfort food. Breakfast – everything bagel towers, blueberry pancakes, cheese blintzes – is served all day, although there are extensive lunch, dinner and theater menus as well. It’s impossible to choose just one temptation from the pastry cart but, whatever you do, make sure you order a signature sticky bun.
Photo courtesy of Smoked Burgers & BBQ
Smoked Burgers & BBQ
Just let your nose lead you to this smokin’ eatery in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, then prepare to get dirty. Dig in to the hot-off-the-smoker St. Louis ribs, Louisiana hot link, chopped beef brisket or pulled pork or chicken, all spiced up and slathered in signature barbecue sauce.
Come with a group so you can order a little of everything – for the table, of course. Don’t miss the World Famous Pig Candy or buttermilk fried chicken blueberry sliders, and wash it all down with a smoked cocktail. Then, take a walk around The Forum Shops until you’re ready to come back for some of the best banana pudding you’ve ever tasted.
Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International
The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio Hotel & Casino
The Mayfair Supper Club has got great food, top entertainment and a gorgeous setting overlooking the Bellagio Fountains, but rest assured this is not your grandparents’ supper club.
Bellagio Hotel & Casino has taken the classic concept and brought it into the 21st century with full-scale production numbers and a menu that begins with wagyu handroll with caviar and ends with The Cigar, an edible chocolate and hazelnut showpiece. In between, entrees are prepared table-side and cocktails put on a show of their own.
Photo courtesy of Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
With its own Eiffel Tower (which is worth a trip to the top for its panoramic views) and quintessential French boulangeries, creperies and cafes, Paris Las Vegas makes it easy to forget you’re not actually in France.
The newly-renovated rooms have lovely French accents, and the 25,000-square-foot Voie Spa & Salon – designed around the concept of a French sensory journey – features healing treatments, scents and tastes.
Speaking of tastes, Gordon Ramsay Steak has also gotten a makeover and it’s a beauty. But don’t worry – his iconic beef Wellington and legendary sticky toffee pudding have thankfully been left unchanged.