Things To Do In Las Vegas

1. You must see the Freemont Street Experience, it is the best free show in town. Dine at Hugo's Cellar bar and restaurant in the Four Queens on Freemont Street, and stay for a couple of free night time light shows. These start on the hour (after dark) and run until midnight. Enjoy your favorite cocktail at the Cellar Bar, the best in the city, while you wait for the next show.

2. Enjoy the free water shows set to music created by the spectacular $35,000,000 computer controlled fountain in the lake in front of the Bellagio. A different show starts every 15 minutes during the hours of operation. Inside, stroll the conservatory and enjoy the flowers, visit the art gallery, then relax with refreshments in the airy and pleasant lounge just off the lobby (they stock Irish Mist).

3. Buy a ticket to the observation deck of the 1149' tall Stratosphere tower (the 6th tallest structure in the world) for the breathtaking view. Be sure to take your camera. Ride the Big Shot (the ultimate thrill ride) at the top of the tower, and/or the roller coaster around the outside of the tower, if you're addicted to such things and have a strong stomach.

4. It is worth the modest price of admission to see the Habitat (featuring white tigers, white lions, and dolphins) at the Mirage. The lovely waterfalls, lake, and a volcano that periodically erupts are all free. The lounge to the right of the spectacular "jungle" entry way to the main casino entrance stocks Irish Mist and features good live music in the evenings.

5. Catch the free naval battle in front of Treasure Island. It starts every 90 minutes during the hours of operation. A free tram commects Treasure Island to the Mirage.

6. Ascend to the top of the 1/2 size replica of the Eiffel Tower in front of Paris, Las Vegas for a great view of the strip from approximately 450 feet up. It is not scary, and the view is worth the fee charged.

7. Stroll the world famous shopping mall in Caesar's Palace, and see the talking statues; there is no charge. At the same time, you can enjoy the saltwater aquarium. For cocktails and dinner, visit the Cheesecake Factory (directly behind the aquarium); try to save room for desert.

8. The Harley-Davidson Cafe features some of the best American food on the strip, and fascinating Harley memorabilia. Also an excellent bar, with motorcycle seats for bar stools, where you can enjoy a drink if you have to wait for a table. Good food and plenty of it.

9. Have cocktails and dinner in the Star Trek theme lounge and restaurant at the Las Vegas Hilton. You will think you are on Deep Space Nine, and the drinks and food are good. If you are a "Trekkie" you should also take in the Star Trek experience while you are there.

10. Stroll around Mandalay Bay (at the south end of the Strip). Enjoy the trained birds and the aquarium near the registration desk, marvel at the huge wave pool and the beach that fronts it, and spring for a visit to "Shark Reef," A large walk-through salt water aquarium.

11. Visit the Luxor and walk around inside the pyramid. The beacon at the top is allegedly the brightest light in the world. Have a drink and enjoy the music in their spacious lounge, or in the cozy bar that overlooks the casino one floor up. A free monorail connects Mandalay Bay and Luxor (also Excaliber).

12. Rent a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from my friends at EagleRider and explore the out of town sights like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Red Rock Canyon.

Before you go: Visit my Travel page and follow the Vegasnet and LasVegas.com links for maps and information on hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, etc. Book hotel rooms through the Las Vegas Reservations System for the best rates (also linked through my Travel page), and your Harley via my link to EagleRider. Enjoy!