Category Archives: Nevada

Ten Years Later: My Vegas Memory Lane

Posted on by | 2 Comments

Nighttime view of the Polo Towers high‑rise on the Las Vegas Strip, illuminated in purple and white lights with palm trees and the Harley‑Davidson Café sign in the foreground.

A City That Never Stops Changing

Ten years is a long time, and I can only imagine how much Las Vegas has transformed since my last visit. Back then, I made several trips — with my friend Joe, with my sister, for a business convention, and even alone. Every trip had its own flavor, and somehow I still never managed to see everything I wanted.

Not a Gambler, But Still a Vegas Explorer Bright casino interior with rows of colorful slot machines, patterned carpet, and illuminated signage creating a lively Las Vegas atmosphere.

I’m not a gambler, so the casinos never held much attraction for me. They’re interesting for the noise and the energy, but I can lose my money all on my own. I don’t need a slot machine or a blackjack table to empty my pockets.

Polo Towers: My Home Base on the Strip

Dusk view of the Polo Towers building on the Las Vegas Strip, with exterior lighting and palm trees in the foreground.One of my favorite places to stay was Polo Towers, a timeshare high‑rise right on the Strip. They treated me and my guests like gold. And the best part? The guest gift was chocolate — delicious chocolate. You’re supposed to get one box at check‑in, but for reasons beyond my understanding, they left a box in my room almost every day. I think I went home with five boxes. Did I need them? No. Did I say no? Absolutely not.

Jersey Boys: A Night to Remember

The highlight of that trip was Jersey Boys, the Frankie Valli tribute show. Great music, great performances — I walked out singing to myself and feeling higher than a kite.

Stage performance of four singers in dark suits under blue lighting, recreating a classic Jersey Boys–style musical moment in Las Vegas.

Big Bus double‑decker tour bus passing the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on a sunny day, with palm trees and blue sky in the background.Exploring the Strip the Smart Way

My sister Sandy and I had a blast exploring the Strip. We bought a day pass on the hop‑on hop‑off bus because, let’s be honest, Vegas is hot. And yes, I know what they say: “It’s a dry heat.” Dry or not, neither of us wanted to trek up and down that concrete roadway. The bus was absolutely the way to go.

Cactus Gardens and Chocolate StoresDesert garden scene with prickly pear cactus, tall ocotillo stems, and desert trees under a clear blue sky.

Outside Vegas proper, we visited a botanical garden. It felt strange to go to a garden only to see cactus, but it was interesting. The best part, though, was the chocolate store. I know — didn’t we have enough back at the hotel?

Hoover Dam: Impressive Once, Enough Forever

Wide view of Hoover Dam’s curved concrete structure set against rocky desert mountains on the Nevada–Arizona border.We also visited Hoover Dam, which really is something to see. The tour takes you inside the dam where all the machinery hides. It was interesting, but not being an engineer, one trip was enough for me.

Valley of Fire: The One That Got Away

What I still haven’t seen — and would love to — is Valley of Fire State Park. It’sLayered red and pink sandstone with smooth wave‑like striations set against dark rock formations and a bright blue desert sky. Nevada’s oldest and most dramatic state park, famous for its brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs carved by the Ancestral Puebloans, and sweeping desert landscapes that look like another planet. The Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, and the slot canyons along Mouse’s Tank Trail are some of the most photographed spots in the Southwest. Every time I see pictures, I think, “How did I miss this?” One day, I’ll get there — and I know it’ll be worth the wait.

The Neon Museum: Joe’s Adventure

When Joe joined me in Vegas, he managed to visit the Neon Museum, also called the Neon Boneyard. It’s where all the old marquees and neon lights of Vegas past go to retire. I’d love to see that someday too.

Tourist posing with two Las Vegas showgirls in silver sequined costumes and feathered headdresses, standing outdoors with palm trees in the background.

Food, Fun, and Fountains

Two elephants surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, highlighted by dramatic lighting in a Rainforest Café–style setting.We ate at Bobby’s Burgers, owned by Bobby Flay, and at the elaborate Rainforest Café. We rode the gondolas at the Venetian, spent money in the mall gift shops, and of course watched the dancing fountains at the Bellagio. I almost forgot — we rode the High Roller, heard the volcano erupt, and so much more.

 

Madame Tussauds: A Day With LegendsVisitor posing beside a wax figure seated in a vintage car display at Madame Tussauds, with a black‑and‑white city street backdrop.

We spent almost a whole day at Madame Tussauds, taking pictures with the wax figures — Elvis, Lucy, Wayne Newton, Michael Jackson, to name just a few.

 

A City Full of Memories

I guess you could say we made a lot of memories.

Two visitors posing in front of a colorful LINQ backdrop featuring the illuminated High Roller Ferris wheel and Las Vegas hotel lights.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Finale

Posted on by

 

As I wrap up this three-part wander through the “40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies” list, I’m still amazed at how many of these adventures I’ve already checked off—or at least dreamed about. This last batch brings back some big memories and sparks a few new ideas too.

Grand Canyon

#27 – The Grand Canyon (Again, and Worth It Every Time)

We’ve talked about the Grand Canyon before, but honestly, it deserves another mention. If I were ranking this list, it would be sitting proudly at #1. I’ve been twice, and the second visit was every bit as jaw-dropping as the first. Even with my adrenaline-junky streak, I still have zero desire to take that mule ride into the canyon. Watching from the rim suits me just fine—plenty of awe without the saddle sores.

#32 – A Weekend in Las Vegas

I’ve spent many weekends in Las Vegas, but not for the reasons most people go. The casinos don’t tempt me at all, but the shows? Absolutely. Still, if I return, I’d rather trade the neon lights for the fiery glow of Valley of Fire State Park. Those red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs are calling my name. And if you’re already in the area, a side trip to Hoover Dam is well worth the time. I’ve done it, and it’s every bit as impressive as the postcards suggest.

#33 – Leaf Peeping in the FallFall leaves

Living in Taunton, MA puts me right in the heart of leaf-peeping country, so this one feels like home. One of my favorite fall memories is riding the Kancamagus Highway on the back of my brother’s motorcycle—no car windows, no distractions, just pure color exploding around every curve. The list also recommends the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and honestly, that would be spectacular in any season.

#34 – A Road Trip on Route 66

Ah, Route 66—the Mother Road. Not all of it survives today, but the stretch I explored in Arizona near the Grand Canyon still carries that nostalgic charm. Vintage neon signs, old-school diners, quirky souvenir shops… it’s a living postcard from America’s road‑tripping heyday. You can almost hear the hum of classic cars cruising by.

The Ones I Skipped

Wine-tasting tours from California to France didn’t make my personal list—I’m not much of a drinker. And the shopping trips to NYC or the Mall of America? Also not my style.

 

I’ve been to New York City, but I went for the history and the sights: Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History… and of course, a Broadway show. And ever since 9/11, no trip to the city feels complete without visiting the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a powerful, solemn place that reminds you how deeply the city—and the world—was changed.

A Final Thought

If I were adding to this list, I’d say any relaxing Hawaii trip should include a stop at Pearl Harbor. It’s a beautiful, solemn memorial and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

So now I’m curious—what do you think.
Which trips did these professional travel writers overlook. Check out the full list here
Do you have a favorite getaway that always calls you back.
And how many of their 40 have you crossed off.

 

Natural Wonders of the USA Part 6

Posted on by

More Natural Wonders

I drifted away from the series we were working on for the Natural Wonders of the USA so lets get back at it. 

The List so far

  • Wyoming – Devil’s Tower
  • Vermont – Quechee Gorge
  • Alaska – Glacier Bay
  • North Dakota- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • South Dakota- Custer State Park
  • Delaware – Brandywine Creek
  • Rhode Island – Mohegan Bluffs
  • Montana – Glacier National Park
  • Maine – Cadillac Mountain
  • New Hampshire – Flume Gorge
  • Hawaii- Diamond Head
  • West Virginia – New River Gorge
  • Idaho – Craters of the Moon
  • Nebraska- Chimney Rock
  • New Mexico – White Sands National Park
  • Kansas – Monument Rocks

So lets see what’s next

21. Mississippi – Deer Island

Endangered species, Ghosts and seclusion. What’s not to love. No I haven’t been there but I looked it up. If you like nature and beach going then you will probably enjoy Deer Island.  If you love ghost hunting, many claim that Deer Island is haunted by metaphysical beings: the Headless Skeleton and the Firewater Ghost.

 

Deer Island Coastal Preserve, Biloxi, Mississippi Historic… | Flickr

The Ghost of Deer Island is said to be responsible for mysterious lights and strange sounds observed on the island to this day.

The other old Biloxi legend tells of the “Firewater Ghost,” a supernatural blue light seen moving over the waters of Biloxi Bay long before the invention of electric light.

According to that legend, the mysterious light often moves across the bay between Biloxi and Ocean Springs.

22. Arkansas Hot Springs

Another location on my bucket list.  Hot Springs National Park are an ancient thermal springs.  Be careful of the water as temps can reach 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Image Via Pinterest

 

Today you can bathe in the hot springs, go hiking on over 26 miles of trails and find plenty of excellent camping spots.

23. Nevada – Fly Geyser

I’ve spent several vacations and work conventions in Las Vegas. I’ve taken the tour of Hoover Dam. Have you  heard of Valley of Fire State Park? Once if did I added a visit to my bucket list  but fly geyser sounds interesting too. 

 

File:Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada 01.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia

I saw loads of geysers while I was in Yellowstone but none of them had the colors shown in the pictures of Fly Geyser. Of course Yellowstone’s geysers are all natural. Fly Geyser is, at least in part, man made. Residents in 1916, seeking irrigation water, drilled a well at the spot. When they discovered was too hot for drinking, they abandoned the well. Another geyser was created when a geothermal power company drilled a test well in 1964. Because the wells were not properly capped, water started erupting from the holes and calcium carbonate deposits began forming, thus creating Fly Geyser.

Fly Geyser- Internet photo

More Wonders to come.

We’ve Played this Game Before

Posted on by

We’ve Played this Game Before

Have you ever seen those games of lists on Facebook. You know the ones. They ask you things like how many of the following list of books you’ve read or how many classic films you’ve seen. There’s even a list of foods you hate! Well I was trying to visit all 50 states but I kind of got off track. So let’s play another version of the game called How Many states have you visited?

Rules of the GameWe've Played this game before

For a state to count you must have spent time there. You can’t count changing planes even if you do have a long layover. No you need to spend at least one full day there. Even better is a weekend or a vacation. For example, I had changed planes in Washington DC many times but I couldn’t cross Washington DC off the list until I spent a long weekend exploring the National Mall and looking at frozen cherry blossoms. If I truly want to experience the Cherry Blossoms I’ll need to go back but I can put a check by Washington DC.

The List of States

  1. Alabama – No
  2. Alaska – Yes- Breathtaking and majestic. Loved the glaciers
  3. Arizona – Yes- Sedona and Red Rock Country. I took my first helicopter ride in Arizona.
  4. Arkansas – No
  5. California – Yes but not for vacation (I spent 3 days in San Diego at a business convention)
  6. Colorado- No
  7. Connecticut – Yes (I spent a weekend in Old Saybrook but I don’t remember why)
  8. Delaware – No
  9. Florida – Yes- Love Florida, too bad it’s going to be underwater because of Global Warming. I go often to enjoy it while I can.
  10. Georgia – Yes The Georgia Aquarium is huge and don’t forget to go to the World of Coca Cola
  11. Hawaii –  Yes  Oahu, Big Island and Maui. Still need to go to Kauai. Best time is February when the whales put on quite a show. I also snorkeled with Manta Rays and watched Kilauea prepare to blow her top.
  12. Idaho – No
  13. Illinois- Yes But I need to go again. It was a business trip to Chicago, one of the first times I’d ever been on an airplane (a long time ago) I don’t remember much.
  14. Indiana – No
  15. Iowa – No
  16. Kansas – No
  17. Kentucky – No
  18. Louisiana – Yes, New Orleans. Great food!
  19. Maine – Yes Saw my first wild Moose there
  20. Maryland – Yes Went to the Navel Academy in Annapolis when my brother was a midshipman.
  21. Massachusetts – Yes I guess I can say Yes. I live in Massachusetts
  22. Michigan – No
  23. Minnesota – No
  24. Mississippi – No
  25. Missouri – No
  26. Montana- No
  27. Nebraska – No
  28. Nevada- Yes – Vegas Baby!  Great Shows Great Food Fun Times
  29. New Hampshire – Yes I explored the White Mountains
  30. New Jersey – No
  31. New Mexico – No
  32. New York – Yes My childhood home plus I have visited Niagara Falls several times
  33. North Carolina – No
  34. North Dakota – No
  35. Ohio -No
  36. Oklahoma – No
  37. Oregon – No
  38. Pennsylvania- No
  39. Rhode Island – Yes- Walked the cliff walk and visited the Mansions. Even went to a black tie ball in one
  40. South Carolina- Yes My brother’s wedding
  41. South Dakota – Yes That was an awesome vacation- So much to do there!
  42. Tennessee – Yes – Stayed in Gatlinburg and visited Pigeon Forge. Skipped Dollywood
  43. Texas – Yes – San Antonio. Stayed right on the River Walk
  44. Utah – No
  45. Vermont – Yes Maple Syrup anyone?
  46. Virginia – Yes Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Garden Christmas Town
  47. Washington State- Yes Spent a week on a business trip in Seattle. Took pictures from the top of the space needle and visited Chihuly Gardens
  48. West Virginia – No
  49. Wisconsin – Yes Say Cheese. Actually My brother’s retirement party from the Navy was held in Kenosha
  50. Wyoming – Yes One of my favorite places. Jackson Hole (Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone)
  51. Washington DC – Yes, On a frozen , icy weekend (as mentioned above)

Now Its Your Turn

What does your list look like? How Many states have you visited? Which of my “No” States should I visit next?

 

Beautiful Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas

Posted on by

Beautiful Bellagio

Back in 2015 I wrote a post called Beautiful Bellagio about the wonderful dancing fountains. https://aroundustyroads.com/2015/03/09/beautiful-bellagio/ They are an attraction that is a natural fit for me. I love water, be it streams, lakes, ponds or oceans. Have you ever noticed the way the sun turns a waterfall into a veil of diamonds? Or a lake into a mirror? Have you ever tried scuba diving? That’s really becoming one with nature.

The Fire didn’t Stop the Show

In April of this year (2017) a fire broke out at the Bellagio hotel. The fire lasted about 30 minutes causing a tremendous amount of damage.  $450,000.00 worth! My first thought at the news was what happened to the fountains? I wondered if  they were damaged? Apparently not at all. The fountains bounced and dazzled the crowd on the strip while the fire raged in the background.

One! Singular Sensation

The fountain show changes all the time. In 2015  when the background music was from the musical A Chorus Line, the fountains danced and swayed to the tune of One, Singular Sensation, every little step she takes…

After 2 years, I now present the Dancing Fountains!

The Pink Panther stole the show

The night of the fire the Pink Panther stole the show. Spectators thought the fire was part of the show. As the smelly smoke reached the crowd they realized the fire wasn’t  background to the fountains and the Pink Panther Theme Music.

The Fountains At the Bellagio

In true “The Show Must Go On” tradition, the shops reopened almost immediately in an annex. It wasn’t long before the same shops moved back to the Bellagio hotel. With the damage from the fire repaired, life on the strip has returned to normal. The beautiful Bellagio fountains continue to bounce and dance and entertain. If you are in Las Vegas it’s a free show that is not be missed.