From March 3rd through March 10th, Mrs. Adventures and I explored Las Vegas. Although Mrs. Adventures had been to Sin City on business before, this was my first time.

As the plane descended toward the runway at McCarran International Airport, it was glaringly obvious that Las Vegas was an enormous oasis in the desert. Our cab driver, a Californian who came to Vegas for cheaper housing 7 years ago, drove us to Bally’s, our home away from home for the next week.

First impressions are usually lasting impressions. My first impression of Bally’s was that of a rundown, beach town hotel out to nickel and dime anyone who entered. We had arrived about 20 minutes before check-in. Despite plenty of free rooms, there was a $17 fee to check in early. We opted to wait and explore. The casino reeked of cigarette smoke, with barkers trying to tempt us with free gambling chips to listen to a condo deal or to purchase anti-aging lotions. We soon discovered that many things were broken, including the pool (the main reason we picked Bally’s), one escalator bucked like a bronco, and the elevators had an ear-piercing sound during our rides to the 8th floor (none of these repairs were made during our entire stay). Later, we discovered that all Bally’s inside restaurants were closed, just like the pool.

Not all of Bally’s was a disappointment. Our room was roomy, comfortable and very nice. Outside, we discovered some popup, inexpensive restaurants outside Bally’s that reminded me of visiting the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland. During the week, we enjoyed stopping at Wallburgers, a Ramen restaurant, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Sin City Brewing, all just outside of Bally’s.

Bally’s is part of the Caesars Entertainment Corporation, as is Paris, a physically connected hotel. We spent many hours at the Paris pool, and several breakfasts eating outside on the Las Vegas Strip at the Mon Ami Gabi French Restaurant (their crepes were delicious). Oddly enough, the nasty cigarette smell at Bally’s casino was missing at Paris.

I’m not a gambler nor much of a shopper, perhaps two of the major allures to Vegas. However, we did get outside of the city for two incredible excursions. First, we took a 12-mile kayak trip from the Hoover Dam, stopping along the way to soak in a few natural hot springs. The wild life, and views were stunning. On another glorious day, we explored the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area by electric bikes through Red E Bikes.

For us, Vegas highlights included people watching, great restaurants and food, the Bellagio fountains, Cirque du Soleil, and riding a gondola on the canal at the Venetian. A real find was Able Baker Brewing. There was craft beer all over town, but this little up-and-coming brewery was a local standout. Try the Test Site Saison made from chamomile flowers and ginger.

It is hard to believe a month has passed since our visit to the gambling mecca in the Mohave Desert. We left Baltimore Washington Airport on a full flight but returned on a plane with many empty seats, due to the Corona Virus. During our week-long stay, the stock market plunged, the first covid-19 cases were reported in Nevada and Maryland, and the CDC advised us to wash our hands as often as possible. Years from now, when people ask, “Where were you when the Corona Virus hit?”, I’ll remember my first trip to Vegas. Perhaps I should change the title of this post to “V is for Virus”.

Cheers and stay healthy!

Warren