Good morning, sunshine; time to face the day! Although lounging around in your underwear the whole day might be an attractive idea, you can do that at home—you’re in Vegas now. If you need a little planning to help motivate you, this installment of our ongoing Day Planner series provides a weekend itinerary for the area around Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue. So, jump out of that cushy hotel bed and get going! Two tips: Wear good walking shoes and allow for 15 to 20 minutes between locations.
8 a.m.: Order room service for coffee and tea. Yes, this will be pricey for a cup of coffee, but the sheer magnificence, and convenience, of having that morning pick-me-up delivered on a white tablecloth is priceless. (And it delays the inevitable moment when you have to put on your pants for the day.)
9:30 a.m.: Head to Bellagio, where you’ll check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. It only takes about 15 minutes to wander through this free attraction, and through May 14, you’ll experience the Flights of Fancy exhibit, with butterflies, birds and hot-air balloons floating amid boatloads of flowers. When you’re done, you’ll head to Aria for brunch.
11 a.m.-1 p.m: There are plenty of places to get brunch in Vegas, but this weekend you are dining at Catch. It’s a good thing you made reservations early, as spots can go quickly. This seafood-forward restaurant features tartare, sashimi, oysters, and plenty of rolls. And vegetarians will dig the vegetable king roll, with king oyster mushrooms, cashews and spicy mayo. It’s yum. But that’s not the extent of the menu: Burgers, waffles, cinnamon roll pancakes, beet-cured salmon Benedict … the dishes here are familiar, yet really creative, too.
1-3 p.m.: Ready to shop? You have two options here: The elegant environment of The Shops at Crystals is on the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard at Harmon; you’ll find shops such as Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Fender and Hermes, as well as The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Las Vegas. Diagonally across the boulevard, you’ll find Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, with stores like Desigual, Original Penguin and Marciano.
4-6 p.m.: It’s been a long day so far. Time to liquor up! Head to Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops, sit on the patio and order a tequila flight, which will let you try several varieties of the agave spirit. Add a signature margarita and tacos and life is good. Cabo Wabo is across the street from Bellagio, so you’ll get a fountain show, too. Or go to your room and have a nap. Your choice; we won’t judge.
6-7:15 p.m.: Duck into your hotel room and get dressed for the night; then head back out.
8 p.m.: Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood is home to many musical acts, from Shania Twain to John Legend. This week, The Doobie Brothers start an extended run. And for fans, Zappos has long been a Vegas favorite; small enough to feel a connection to the artist and big enough for the audience excitement to energize you.
10 p.m.-midnight: Catch another fountain show on your way back to your hotel, then gamble for a bit. Saturday nights are particularly fun in the casinos, and you will often find a jackpot waiting!
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