Who is lucky enough to be headed to Super Bowl LVIII in Viva Las Vegas?? I’m not, but I was extremely lucky enough to have attended Super Bowl XXVII in Atlanta, Georgia back in 1994. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget! And the pals that attended the big game with me all agreed that it was an incredible time from start to finish! For those headed to Vegas for the fun, here are a few tips and picks when in the Neon City that I put together for you since I have been to Vegas twice in the last several months. 
It is definitely an adult playground with tons to see, do, taste and experience! Here is the segment on my morning show, The Arizona Daily Mix. All the tips and links are written out for you below the video. Viva!
Vegas Tips
*Pack walking shoes – During my very recent two visits to Vegas, we found it much easier to walk to the different attractions around the Strip than to naviagate the busy streets and wait on Ubers that sometimes took a lot longer than we expected. At times, our ride share car arrived quickly, but was tricky to find because the crowds (and cars picking them up) are numerous. Vegas is happening, especially at the moment, so folks are going in droves.
*Check for additional fees when booking hotels – Many base hotel rates fail to show additional charges like parking and resort fees. Know before you go so you don’t experience sticker shock at check out and/or gamble your lodging money away!
*Beware of pick pockets! This just happened to a friend of mine a few months ago in Vegas. Never keep anything in your back pocket. I recommend a front carrying pack that straps to you that you can hold onto. Don’t put your phone in your back pocket either.
*Check out the large variety of concerts, comedians and tribute shows playing for extra fun! Visit the different big hotels to see each list of the entertainers performing. I attended the Carrie Underwood concert last September at Las Vegas Resorts World and the show and venue was absolutely top notch. Vegas is the place to go for concerts for sure!
*Go beyond the usual gambling with a few unique unexpected experiences that I tried and loved (see below)
Vegas Picks
Since I travelled to Vegas twice over the last four months, here are my favorite picks for food, fun with a few very unexpected unique places thrown in. Take a look and book it!
Dine & Drinks
*Junior’s – Did someone say cheesecake?? Straight from New York City, the uber popular Junior’s has arrived in the Resorts World Las Vegas property. If you haven’t tried a cheesecake slice from the extensive selection of Junior’s, do it. The pieces are huge and worth every calorie and the breakfast and all-day dining menu is pretty darn good, too. Try the Matzoh Ball soup, Sky High deli sandwiches and Corned Beef and Pastrami Combo for a taste of NYC in Vegas. Don’t forget to select a slice of cheesecake for dessert. With two dozen flavors, there is a flavor for everyone.
*Alle Lounge on 66– Alle Lounge on 66 Sky Casino is a spot that I especially enjoyed. Vegas’s premier rooftop bar because it was located in my hotel at Resorts World Las Vegas and the hip and lovely lounge served up the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Sipping and sightseeing the Vegas views from 66 floors up was especially enjoyable. 
Reservations are required and the elevator to this popular place only has one destination, a nonstop ride up to Alle Lounge on 66.
*Ski Lodge is a truly a hidden gem tucked away in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and this 21 and over place, that my daughter discovered, is my new favorite Vegas fun bar for lots of reasons. The atmosphere is cool, the vibe is relaxing and the 80s music enhances the overall happy feeling I get sitting in the Ski Lodge. And I haven’t even mentioned the cocktails and food yet! Get your pizza fix here because the square pies of cheesy goodness come in three very satisfying varieties that include OG Square topped with tomato, house-made mozzarella, cheddar, Sicilian oregano and parmesan reggiano that is worth every calorie (see the scrumptious picture below). I plan to return to try the Pistachio Mortadella Pizza next time. 
This crafted cocktail came with a cookie ready for decorating! I really dig the Ski Lodge!
My daughter making the scrumptious Smores on gingerbread cookies. Such a delicious idea!
And the drinks! Yummmy! And save room for dessert because the Ski Lodge has the best Smores I have found! Be sure to try the Ski Shot that is shared with a group. Fun!
We give the Ski Lodge at hearty thumbs up!
*Crossroads plant based restaurant – This is the first fully plant based menu restaurant in Vegas and it’s so good that you won’t be able to tell the difference if you ask me. Located in the Resorts World Las Vegas, we had to give this place a try. I’m not usually a calamari fan, but the Crossroads Calamari Fritti appetizer changed my mind for sure! Don’t miss the Tagliatelle Bolognese with a glass of red wine, too. 
So good! Crossroads is located in the Resorts World Las Vegas. Visit the Crossroads restaurant website for the menu, reservations and more information.
My Vegas Unique Picks
*The Mob Museum – We were intrigued when a friend recommended The Mob Museum as a not to be missed Vegas attraction. We planned to spend two hours there, but had to pull ourselves away four hours later as we had such an interesting and good time, including a moonshine tasting at the museum’s distillery!
Why we recommend The Mob Museum
*The Mob Museum National Museum Of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement gives an in-depth look at the history of organized crime and the law enforcement organizations that catch the bad guys. A visit to this place is a fascinating way to learn about historic mob events that are a big part of history in Vegas, as well as other cities in the USA and places all over the world, too.
*Fascinating exhibits, hands-on experiences like the interactive crime lab and even a distillery tasting class that take visitors back in time to the Prohibition period with samples of moonshine and more.
*Tasty underground speakeasy bar with innovative and classic spirits and decent food.
*An award-winning museum with an expansive layout that takes visitors step by step through decades of true crime events that influenced sectors of our nation’s culture and history. Time flies here because every corner of this museum keeps visitors wanting to learn more.
*I recommend purchasing the interactive experiences in addition to the general admission tickets. I loved the Distillery Tour & Tasting and my travel producer couldn’t get enough of the Crime Lab Experience. 
For tickets and information, visit the Mob Museum website.
*The Neon Museum – Check out the outdoor attraction called The Neon Museum that operates out of the historic former La Concha Motel 1961 building. This enjoyable tour experience is a nonprofit 501c facility that collects, preserves, studies and exhibits iconic Las Vegas sign. Fun for the whole family, this is an educational, historic artistic and cultural exhibit to experience. The museum displays 250 signs with 24 that are working with illumination. Each sign includes exhibit information, which is an especially fun way to learn about Las Vegas history. Tours can also be booked at night to get a fantastic look at the lit signs up close. Be sure to read the photography rules and variety of tour types that are offered on The Neon Museum’s website.
R for Road Trip with Rach?! No, but fun anyway! The R was from the famous original Las Vegas Sahara sign.
*The Sphere – Of course everyone is intrigued with this massive new Vegas attraction. I recently discovered that tickets are selling for what’s called The Sphere Experience. If you do it, let me know how it was! I plan to experience the Experience next time I arrive in Sin City! I understand that patrons walk through interactive exhibits on the way to their seats that include responsive robots, the creation of one’s own avatar, the world’s largest holographic display, seats that move with the movie called Postcards From Earth and more.
What are your Vegas tips and favorite picks? There is so much to do and see in the Neon City, so I would love to hear your suggestions. Leave your picks in the comments section and Viva to all of those traveling to Las Vegas!
Happy Travels!
