12th Annual Las Vegas Recap

Hi all! How are you doing? I am sorry I left you all hanging last week. Life got a bit crazy before our trip and honestly I just needed a break from everything. But, I am back now with a recap of our annual vacation to Las Vegas this past week. I cannot believe after going for 12 years in a row, we were still able to find new things to do.

The highlight this year was our road trip to the Valley of Fire. It is about an hour drive but definitely worth it.

Make sure you stop at the visitors center for a map and description of the various stops.Once you reach the park, the color of the rocks begin changing. You can see several of the rock formations on your drive through the park.There are a bunch of short and moderate hikes you can take as well.You also have a chance to check out some of the rock formations up close & personal like the Beehives.Inside ‘The Hive’ – Cheese!Pictures honestly do not capture all the colors and the beauty of each rock formation. Other highlights – gambling and winning this!!Plus, the food!

We made breakfast in each day.After a bit of shopping at the Fashion Mall, we stopped at El Segundo Sol.

Table side guacamole, salsa & chipsBuild your own grilled mahi mahi tacos. I can never finish these but it’s worth trying.One indulgence I always get – Shrimp Scampi at Bootlegger Bistro.I try ordering fish as it’s usually lighter / healthier but so many restaurants make it pretty amazing like this Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass from Yardhouse.

I skip the rice aside from 2 bites with sauce.I balanced out my eats with alot of walking, swimming, water aerobics and only having wine / dessert one night.

I loved this Jordan Cabernet.Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salad from Triple George Grill.The perfect finish cheesecake with fresh berries shared 3 ways.We stayed at our usual stomping grounds – Wyndham Grand Dessert.I definitely spent some quality time poolside reading my latest book (Love In The Time of Cholera) when relaxing.It was fun to find a few new things to do this year. If you are catching up or looking for ideas on what to do in Las Vegas, here are links to my other recaps:

•  10th Annual Las Vegas Recap: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
• 2014 6th Annual Las Vegas Recap
• 2012 Las Vegas Trip ~ When In Las Vegas, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4
• 2011 Las Vegas Trip ~What Happens In Vegas Day 1 & Days 2/3
• 2010 Las Vegas Trip ~ In July 2010, In October 2010
• 2009 Las Vegas Trip ~ Viva Las Vegas ~ Day 1 & Day 2

MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS  ~ Here is my list

• All the Fun and Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

It’s been a fun vacation, but, I am definitely looking forward to getting back to my healthy eating, exercising routine.

Night all!