A Visit to Fremont Street

March 21, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

Ah the drunken debauchery of Las Vegas. So many casinos to hit, so little time. Even if your time is short in the land of sexy fun, you should definitely take time to enjoy The Fremont Experience. If you already have a place to stay on the strip, you can easily catch a bus over to Fremont.

Thirty-four years ago, when my parents were visiting Las Vegas, Fremont Street was considered to be the Las Vegas strip. Now Fremont Street is just as exciting, but provides a little different experience for Vegas goers. My recommendation is that you get a hotel on Fremont for at least one night of your stay. Trust me; it’s going to be a late night.

There are many hotel/casinos to choose from on Fremont. I have stayed at the Plaza on a couple of occasions, and while its accommodations are decent, I ran into issues with my room both times. The Golden Nugget also gave me some issues; they didn’t have the room I requested, but their year round pool area, complete with fire pits and heat lamps, more than made up for my frustration. If you choose to stay at the Golden Nugget, be sure to check out the actual golden nugget, and the awesome shark tank waterslide.

Some of the highlights of Fremont Street are the ninety foot tall, fifteen hundred foot long Viva Vision video screen, the ever popular Slotzilla Zip Line, which spans the length of Fremont, and the several stages that host live bands each night. As you wander down Fremont you can easily catch all of these activities in motion.

While on Fremont, you will see a number of casinos. There will be tons of stores for buying souvenirs, or alcohol, and plenty of bars. You will also see scantily clad street performers and people in exotic costumes. You may even see some things you wish you hadn’t.

There are plenty of places to dance and have a good time. The D has a great dance club that plays fun upbeat music. If you are looking for something a little different, check out Hogs and Heifers, which is located around the corner from Fremont, on North 3^rd Street. This bar is for people who like country music and are not easily offended. You will see the bartenders dancing on the bar and they will also go to lengths to harass you, but it is all in the name of fun.

Fremont Street is also the home of some great food choices. You will find the Heart Attack Grill located at 450 Fremont Street. Patrons of this establishment are adorned in hospital gowns and served massively oversized meals. If you are looking for buffets, the casinos have them by the boat load, and if you want a tasty diner experience, the café in Binion’s is tasty, as well as reasonably priced.

With so many activities to choose from, you cannot go wrong with visiting Fremont Street. For more information, please visit: http://vegasexperience.com/

Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities, Uncategorized, Winery

The Pahrump Valley Winery

March 20, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

Every now and then, while visiting Las Vegas, my family likes to get out of town and take a small trip over to the Pahrump Valley Winery. It will take you sixty minutes to get to the winery. Once you are there you will be happy you made the trip.

The winery offers tastings, as well as tours. They have won eighty-three national awards for their wine. Nevada Magazine voted their restaurant as “Best Restaurant,” the past two years in a row.

One of the coolest events you can go to at this winery is the Grape Stomp. This festival is in October and provides fun for your whole group. You can stomp grapes (if you sign up in advance), taste wine, listen to music, and eat some wonderful food. The best part is, in 2016, the entry price was $7 in advance or $10 at the door. That’s a great price for such a fun event.

My favorite wine at the Pahrump Valley Winery is the Burgundy. It has a great flavor and I could enjoy it anytime. If you are looking for something a little sweeter, the 2013 Symphony is also great. I definitely recommend going in and doing a wine tasting. Don’t forget to tip the staff; they are always so happy and helpful.

For more information on the Pahrump Valley Winery, please visit: http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/

Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities, Uncategorized

Red Rock Canyon

March 19, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

If you are in Las Vegas and you love the outdoors, especially hiking, you should definitely take the time to visit Red Rock Canyon. Only seventeen miles off the strip, Red Rock is well worth the drive. It will give you a break from the indoors and the craziness of the strip.

I frequently take time for a hike in Red Rock. You cannot beat the amazing views. You can either choose a specific hiking trail, or just spend some time climbing around on the rocks. One of my favorite things to do is take pictures of all the unique rock formations. The colors in Red Rock are extraordinary.

Just outside of the payment zone for entering the park, there is a boardwalk that you can meander through. You will see tons of different plants as well as some animals. Do not make the mistake I made; go when it’s not ridiculously windy. The boardwalk is not protected from the elements and you will lose your hat, sunglasses, or anything else that is not tied down, including light-weight people.

If walking and hiking does not sound exciting to you, there are other options. You could take the 13 mile scenic drive, which will leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed. However, if you still want to be outside, but you just don’t want to walk, you could also opt to go horseback riding. After your horseback ride you can relax and have a nice picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas.

Be sure to stop at the visitor center before leaving the park. There are many more things to learn and see. You can check out the exhibits as well as the bookstore. I always stop simply to purchase a magnet for my travel collection.

For more information on Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca.html

Colorado Hotels, Hotels, Uncategorized, Wyndham

The Wyndham Resort at Avon

March 18, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

This past May, Neal and I, took a trip to Colorado. We wanted to get out of town for a few days for our anniversary. After much contemplation we decided to look into our timeshare and see if anything sparked our interest. We were happy to find the Wyndham Resort at Avon.

This resort is beautiful and has many great amenities. Upon check-in guests are given s’more packages to roast s’mores out on the patio. Even if you are the only person wanting to sit on the patio, they will still light a fire for you.

This resort has an owner’s lounge that hosts happy hour each day. On weekends you can sit and listen to live music. There is a game room with a pool table, and there are several retail stores and restaurants within walking distance.

The room had a large beautiful kitchen for cooking in. There was a fireplace, and a personal balcony. The bathroom came equipped with a luxury shower. The overall feel of the room was modern and very comfortable.

The room we stayed in did not have a whirlpool, but, the hotel did have an amazing hot tub. When I say amazing, I mean it was gorgeous. The hot tub was large and it had a waterfall that separated it into two sections. We were lucky enough to have the back section completely to ourselves. It was a wonderful experience.

If you are looking for further activities, the area around the Wyndham is beautiful. You can wander along the river or check out the many sculptures around town. The concierge is also more than willing to set you up with an activity plan. We chose to visit Hanging Lake, which is a fun little hike, but must be done early in the day or you may not find parking anywhere near the trail.

To check out more photos of the Wyndham, or to look for availability, please visit: https://www.extraholidays.com/beaver-creek-co/wyndham-resort-at-avon-accomodation.aspx

Hotels, Las Vegas - The Strip, Las Vegas Hotels - On Strip

Romantic Nights at Bally’s

March 17, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

In an earlier post, you may have noticed, that I mentioned having a favorite section of rooms at Bally’s, which I loved to stay in because of the amazing view. From those rooms you can see the Bellagio water fountain show, the Eiffel tower, and the Paris pool. The view is exceptional and makes for a nice evening in with my man. You could experience this too if you ask for a room with this particular view, it costs a little extra to upgrade, but it’s worth it.

This is not the only magical room at Bally’s. Two years back, Neal and I decided to get married in Las Vegas. We were checking into Bally’s that night after the ceremony. Upon arrival we told the host about our day and our plans. She was very thoughtful and kind to us and she told the woman checking us in to upgrade us to a suite.

It’s these amazing gestures that make for a memorable trip. That room is still on my mind when I look back on that magical day. That particular host’s gesture is why I will keep coming back to Bally’s, and I will enjoy every moment of it.

Hotels, Las Vegas Hotels - On Strip, Uncategorized

The Wyndham Grand Desert

March 16, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

One of my favorite places to stay in Las Vegas, which is still technically on the strip, is the Wyndham Grand Desert. The Wyndham Grand Desert is located on the corner of Harmon and Koval. You can see the MGM Grand and easily walk to it.

From the Wyndham you can easily walk to many wonderful casino destinations; I have done so countless times. If however, you desire to leave the Wyndham and walking is not your thing, you can jump on the free shuttle, which will drop you off at Harrah’s, during designated hours.

The reason I love the Wyndham so much is because it is a clean and quiet atmosphere with large spacious rooms. I always get the one or two bedroom deluxe, which has a whirlpool and a kitchen. You can cook meals if you feel like it and at the end of the day you can relax in your oversized whirlpool with whomever your heart desires.

If the room leaves you wanting, the beautiful outdoor spaces and extra activities will not. The Wyndham Grand Desert has 3 pools and 4 outdoor hot tubs. It has a barbecue area and outdoor bar. If you want to take in a movie, there is also a 3D movie theatre. There are children’s activities for the younger family members and to keep up with the younger family members, there is a coffee bar as well.

I haven’t listed every amenity available, but I have given you a pretty decent overview. This resort is beautiful and fun for the whole family.

For more information, please visit: https://www.extraholidays.com/

Hotels, Uncategorized

Hotels a Plenty

March 16, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

I’m not afraid to admit this; well actually, I’m proud to admit this. I’m a bit of a hotel snob. My husband probably regrets the first time he took me to a hotel that had a whirlpool in the room, because I now prefer to have a whirlpool suite every place I stay.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of options that have other perks that can make up for the lack of a whirlpool, such as a great view, or amazing community hot tub. Sometimes the location is the biggest perk. I have a favorite room section at Bally’s in Las Vegas, where I can sit in the window and watch the Bellagio fountain show go off every fifteen minutes. A glass of wine and that view, with someone you love, can make for a very romantic evening.

I have visited a lot of hotels in the past seven years. Prior to the past seven years, I had no idea the type of hotel room you could stay in, for little to nothing. My husband and I find some of the best deals when we travel and our friends and family are always asking us about those deals. I would like to share those finds with you as well as give you a view of your different hotel options, in the posts following this entry.

Las Vegas - The Strip

The High Roller

March 15, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

While visiting Las Vegas, I highly recommend a ride on the High Roller, which is located at the LINQ. The High Roller is by far one of my favorite attractions in Las Vegas. You can see for miles and the view is great during the day or at night, as well as in the rain, (providing it is not thundering and lightening, the wheel only stops for bad storms, to load bars, to help the handy-capped, or due to an emergency).

This famous Ferris wheel is 550 feet tall and it takes thirty minutes to travel around one time. It is currently the largest wheel in the world. On your thirty minute ride you can choose to purchase a happy hour pass which allows you as many cocktails as you can responsibly drink, in a thirty minute timespan. It is well worth the price for such an experience.

A regular price ticket can be purchased, only minutes before riding, directly at the site of the High Roller. You may also purchase tickets ahead of time online. If you are on a tighter budget due to a little gambling, amazing deals for this particular perk can be found on Groupon, Travelzoo, and some of the other discount sites. I recently purchased a ticket for $30 for the day-time happy hour ride.

Other High Roller options include the chance to do chocolate tastings every Thursday from 5pm-8:30pm. If chocolate isn’t your thing, you could try a little yoga. Yoga sessions are 60 minutes and must be booked ahead of time.

The High Roller is great for couples, families, and of course all of your bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even if you do have a little fear of heights, don’t let that deter you. The cars are very spacious and secure. Be a little daring and have some fun, you won’t regret the beautiful views.

For more information on the High Roller: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller

Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities

China Ranch Date Farm

March 14, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

The next time you visit Las Vegas, providing you have transportation, why not try doing something a little different. There are many wonderful places just outside of Vegas that can make for a great experience. One such place is China Ranch Date Farm.

China Ranch is an oasis in the desert. It is filled with beautiful date trees. You can wander through the date farm and see the trees, the nurseries, and a few other perks, such as their nature trail, where you may catch glimpses of crayfish swimming in the creek.

Inside the store you will find tons of fun items for purchase. You can taste test some of the different dates and even buy a bag or five to take home with you. If you do nothing else while at the ranch, their bakery has the most wonderful date shakes; they are a must try.

On the outer edge of the farm is desert that is filled with random old cars and historical items. There are several hiking trails to explore. One such trail gives you a view overlooking the entire date farm. This trip is truly a worthwhile experience for families and couples alike.

If you would like more information on China Ranch Dates, Inc., please visit their website at the following address: https://www.chinaranch.com/

Uncategorized

The Beginning of Star Spirit Adventures

March 13, 2017 starspiritadventures Leave a comment

Today is the beginning of something new. While I have held a previous blog, it was not organized by any means. I was young when I first began chattering away on Blogger. Now that I have grown more into myself, it is only fitting that I find a more serious way to express my experiences.

I love to travel and I do so frequently. While most of my adventures take place in the US, there are the occasional trips elsewhere. My goal is to share my photos and knowledge with those who love to travel as much as I do. I hope that my readers will find joy in this site and the photos and information that will be provided.