Ten Years Later: My Vegas Memory Lane

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

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

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.

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 Stores

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

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’s 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.

Food, Fun, and Fountains

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 Legends

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.