Monday, November 28, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Las Vegas vol.2

I went to Las Vegas again for Thanksgiving weekend.
The weekend was not crazy crowded but there were still lots of people here for partying!



I visited Las Vegas last year also you can see the blog from here. http://marikojohnson.blogspot.com/2010/11/hidden-hot-spots-in-las-vegas.html




On the way driving from Los Angeles, I stopped by the largest silver mining camp in California "Calico Ghost Town".

Calico had over 500 mines and a population of about 3500 people in the late 1800's. However the price of silver drove down and the town was abandoned in 1907 and became a Ghost Town.
36600 Ghost Town Road
Yermo, CA 92398
(760)254-2122
In 1951, Knott's Berry Farm purchased the town and restored it to it's original condition. They donated the town to San Bernardino County in 1966.
Today, the park operates mine tours, gold panning, railroad, a restaurant and many gift stores. This is a perfect stop to feel the California history on the way to Nevada.
Their housing was a little spooky..

Going underground is a little adventure.
You must try the gold panning to feel the passion that drove the miners.









My 8th time in Las Vegas, I stayed at the casino hotel "Mandalay Bay" for 2 nights.



The resort opened in 1999 and became famous in a few movies such as "Ocean's Thirteen", "Rocky Balboa" and "the Hangover".






The view of the city from my window was absolutely gorgeous!
For dinner, I wanted to eat a bunch of crab legs so I chose to go to the "Bayside Buffet" in the hotel. I enjoyed their seafood and turkey with excellent service.

3950 Las Vegas Blvd  South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702)632-7777
In the winter season the main pool is closed but there is one pool open with warm water and a bar side jacuzzi. I really love how the bar and jacuzzi are next to each other.  Perfect for a yummy frozen cocktail.








I heard there is a beautiful hiking course near Las Vegas.
About a half hour driving from the strip, I reached the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center and got the best information for an adventurous hiking course.
Red Rock Canyon Rd
Las Vegas NV 89124  
(702)515-5350


There are 19 different hikes and trails in this park.

The red rocks were fun to climb up and the view was fantastic.
Enjoy easy a hike or hardcore climbing.


The day was about 72 degrees.The sky was so blue to contrast the red of rocks.





For your children 6 weeks to 12 years old for fun and safety...try this place.   They open until midnight!
4321 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(866)942-7777


On the top floor of Palms, there is a fabulous French Restaurant "Alize".
The view from my seat was breath taking and the service was 5 stars.
4321 w.Flamingo Road
(702)951-7000



I won a little and lost a little..

4321 W. Flamingo Road
(866)942-7770






On the way going back to Los Angeles, I stopped by the chocolate factory of "Ethel M Chocolate".

This is the company that makes Snickers, Dove, M&Ms and Milky Way.
From their gourmet collection, I recommend "Raspberry Champagne" and "Mucha Margarita".

1 Sunset Way
Henderson, NV 89077
(702)458-8864


I loved the M&M accessories! So cute!