| Author | Content |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 15, 2006 1:41 AM Post #2914298
| I am wondering if you all have any ideas on where to stay, things to do, etc. in Las Vegas.
My Mom is 80 years old. Doesn't walk the farthest or best.
Am planning on going like from Dec. 20-25th, 2006.
So any tips or ideas on the best trip with my Mom. Money isn't a hardship so...
Would like to be able to be at a place that is mostly self-contained so she won't have to walk so far.
Like shopping, food, shows, fun things to do, etc.
So please let me know your ideas.
Thanks, Carol |
pajaritomt
Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a)
November 15, 2006 8:01 PM Post #2916527
| I wish I knew more about Las Vegas than I do. I have been there but not to the new parts. One think I noticed about it that might be a problem for an 80 year old is the smoke. The casinos I saw were loaded with smoke! Food is easy. Every casino has a buffet that is vast and not all that expensive. Shows -- I haven't seen any. I have only been there on business. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 16, 2006 4:44 AM Post #2918138
| Thanks, the smoke is true. I forgot about that.
I am hoping more people will give me some more ideas tho. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
November 17, 2006 12:39 AM Post #2920616
| There is the ballet fountains. I think that's what its called. |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 1:31 AM Post #2938128
| Google Las Vegas. You'll find lots of informative sites with shows, etc. Most of the big casino resorts are self-contained; they don't want you to take your money anywhere else. Most are user friendly for seniors, with ramps at every door, low steps or ramps on inclines, lots of elevators, etc. Some of the bigger ones - Bellagio, Venice, Aladdin, Treasure Island, Luxor, MGM, Cesar's. If you stay on the strip, everything is within walking distance, but it's totally easy to spend a full 24 in just one nice casino. Harrah's has a fabulous buffet, and you can go to Harrahs.com for deals and discounts.
Smoke is an issue, but again, the nicer casinos will have non-smoking gaming areas. I think most dining will also give a choice, if not being all non-smoking.
I'm going in February (actually, came to this forum to look for some travel companions, maybe). I'm staying at the Tahiti, which is a condo resort with a kitchen and whirlpool in each unit (the private whirlpool is high on my list of priorities for vacations).
Hope that helps. Oh yeah - drink a lot of water there. It's very dry, even if you don't notice it, and it's different from what you're used to. |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 1:59 AM Post #2938237
| Here's one web site to get you started
http://www.vegas.com/
Are you going to rent a car? You should drive out to Mt. Charleston, and maybe down to the Hoover Dam. North on 95 (I think that's the road to Reno, 395?) is the Nevada Test Site. Anywhere you drive out into the desert will be so different from where you live, it's worth doing. I love the desert. |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 2:37 AM Post #2938297
| Something else, Carol. I think I remember there being a famous chocolate maker in Las Vegas. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 23, 2006 3:12 AM Post #2938338
| Thanks, 4paws.
It is good to know that they do cater to the old folks then with what you wrote about.
I hadn't thought about renting a car but it was in the back of my mind. We still can do it down there if we really want to.
My Mom just broke her wrist falling 5 days ago so...
Am waiting to see if we are going to go. They can't put a cast on it until next week due to so much swelling. Will have to see if we can get a refund if we can't go.
Was looking forward to spending time with her and the sunshine too!
Yes, we both love the desert. Mom used to go to AZ for the winters with my Dad for years and I just loved to visit them there.
I read about that chocolate factory. We may just do that.
That condo sounds interesting. Wished I had known about that before. I like to stay in condos for the refrig., microwave, privacy, etc.
Thanks for your tips! |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 4:26 AM Post #2938424
| Sure - actually, I'm having fun planning for my trip in Feb. Here is fun thing to do, and not too expensive (I think)
http://shop.vegas.com/shows/showtimes2.jsp?show=882&start=20... |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 4:34 AM Post #2938431
| I hope you get to go. Maybe if not a refund, you can reschedule.
I like having a kitchen, too. Where are you staying? If you want to be in the thick of Las Vegas, a condo may not be the way to go, but I usually like being away from things if I'm going to be around for so long. Especially the kitchen part, minimum a coffee maker. I'm very snobby about my coffee, so if I don't have it where I'm staying, I haul along a hot pot and drip cone (Motel 6, usually my style, since I usually have a dog), or my stovetop espresso maker. That thing has seen a lot of miles. It goes in my carry-on. lol (Essentials).
Anyway, I bet a condo could still be had, if you wanted.
|
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 23, 2006 6:11 AM Post #2938508
| Hey, cool! Thanks for that link. I love animals so...
I think that would be fun to do in an afternoon. I am going to look into that for sure.
We are going to see a nite show but can't decide on which one to do.
Have you seen any of them there? Like 'Love', or 'Ka'?
We are staying at The Mirage. I wanted a nice place for Mom that would have lots to do just there.
But yes, I sure hope we can go. But if she isn't going to be up to it, I will just go stay with her at Christmas time then.
Do you go to Las Vegas a lot? You seem to know a lot about that town.
Thanks again. |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
November 23, 2006 2:15 PM Post #2938898
| No, I haven't been there in 6 years, since I got married. I've been through there off and on since 1980. I have lots of stories. :-) I stayed at the Stratosphere for a few nights once, when I was there to interview with school districts; it was only $20/night! Usually, when I've driven through, I stay in Mesquite, 75 miles west, because the Casino allows pets. I rarely drive anywhere without at least one dog, and when I'd stay there, I was coming from or going to, Western CO.
I lived in Bullhead City, AZ for a year teaching First Grade (til I got married...dumb dumb dumb). It's 95 miles south of LV, and I did go there to shop at least once a month. Now I live here, far away from everyone and everything. I was going to teach in Clark Co. and did all the paperwork and interviews to be hired. Life changed, and I gave up my freedom, and as it turned out, my career, to not be lonely (yeah, and now I am alone in a gorgeous, disfunctional place where I have no one but my dogs, while the H is working 250 miles south.
I also spent about two months down there years ago (1988) helping to organize a Mother's Day protest via WILPF (Women's International League for Peace and Freedom) at the Nevada Test site. I stayed in my little camper (The Undaunted Dove) with my dogs out in the desert in a free camping space near Mt. Charleston. It's a fancy suburb now.
I have never had money enough for shows when in LV in the past, so I'm looking forward to seeing a couple when I go in Feb. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 23, 2006 3:04 PM Post #2938985
| Well, your life does sound interesting! Hope you do get to see some shows in Feb. then. If we go, I will let you know what we see then and how it was. They sure are expensive tho. Over $100/pp. Geez. But once in a lifetime with Mom... |
Sally787
New York, NY
November 28, 2006 12:34 AM Post #2949086
| I would suggest you try to stay to the side that has the alladin and bellagio, or close to the middle of the strip. If you end up staying on the end where they have the luxor (pyrimid) its all the way to the other end and you'l be far from the bellagio. I think the bellagio end has more going on and more ppl. I might save u some taxi.shuttle time.
---------------------------
"1 + 1 = 11"
http://www.perfumecenter.com |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
November 28, 2006 11:54 PM Post #2951688
| The Bellagio fountains are wonderful and should not be miss. The fountains are choreograph to different songs (they have a few dozen songs) so that each show is different. The middle fountains can shoot water up over 200 feets. In the afternoon, the show starts every half hour and after around 7pm or so, it starts every 15 min. It is free. Heres a pic of the fountain and the hotel at night. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
November 29, 2006 12:36 AM Post #2951823
| That's the name of it!! I was calling it the ballet fountain earlier in the thread. Thanks cacti for putting a name on that for us. |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
November 29, 2006 12:47 AM Post #2951859
| You bet pepper! Heres another pic from a different angle. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
November 29, 2006 12:56 AM Post #2951897
| Ooooh, I love that last pic. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
November 29, 2006 2:48 AM Post #2952181
| Wow, thanks guys. The fountains look great. We will be staying near the Bellagio so I hope we can see those beautiful fountains.
Thanks for the tip.
Keep them coming please!!! |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
November 29, 2006 2:59 PM Post #2953187
| Carol, I hope your mother recovers quickly and completely, and you guys are able to come.
There's also the monorail that runs from MGMgrand to the Sahara hotel with stops to major casinos in between. It's on the east side of the Strip. It's $5 per ride, but it's better to buy passes (702-699-8200). This would save you a lot of time if you don't have a car.
There's also a tram that connects Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. It's free. |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
November 29, 2006 3:12 PM Post #2953210
| If you do manage to rent a car, you can see so many more things out side of the Strip. These are a few that I like.
*Ethel M chocolate factory. This was mentioned earlier by 4paws. I don't remember the address, but the cross streets are Sunset Road and Mountain Vista. It's about 10 miles southeast of the Strip.
*Mt. Charleston. A ski area during the winter and a great area to escape the heat of Vegas in the summer. Average 25F cooler than the valley floor.
*Hoover Dam. This man-made structure is awesome and so is the lake it created.
*Red Rock Canyon. If you love the desert, this is one place to be. About 20 miles west of the Strip. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/559502/
*Valley of Fire. This place is nice too for desert lover. My personal favorite for outdoor scenery. About 60 miles northeast of the Strip. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/674155/ |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
December 9, 2006 5:39 AM Post #2983975
| Is she adventurous, they have the helecopter rides over the grand canyon(I think it is) and over vegas and the dam. Shows, especially the circ de soleih I don`t know how to spell it but I heard they are all great, as there is several of them |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 9, 2006 6:11 AM Post #2984001
| Thanks all for ideas.
We aren't going to get to go.
She broke her arm a few weeks ago and isn't too happy about the cast.
So maybe later in life we shall go... |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
December 9, 2006 3:31 PM Post #2984848
| That's unfortunate, but you got an idea for next time. Still hope she'll make a quick and complete recovery though. Take care, be safe, and have wonderful holidays. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 9, 2006 3:35 PM Post #2984858
| Yes, I love new ideas from everyone, so thanks. |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
December 9, 2006 3:43 PM Post #2984874
| Oh that is so sad, especially not to go, if for no other reason , than to change the mood. If you have one good finger that is all you need to work a slot machine. Especially since it`s all those dumb paper things, instead of coins now. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 9, 2006 4:13 PM Post #2984968
| I know, I know!
I told Mom that but ... she never ever has had a broken bone or a real injury so this has taken her for a real toll. She doesn't really understand how it can keep her from doing so much that she took for granted. I told her to remember how Dad recovered from his 4 fingers being cut off by the hand saw. And how he managed to finally learn to eat and write it that hand. But she doesn't get it. Oh, well, she really wanted some sunshine and warmth but...later I guess. |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
December 9, 2006 9:29 PM Post #2985798
| I understand the elderly, they get a mind set and there is no turning them around, they just get flustered at you if you try. My MIL died in Jan. and she got like that but often, after it was too late to change her mind, all on her own, she`d wish she did it differently because she would get depressed. When you are in your eighties, there are not a lot of do overs and fewer 2nd chances. We know but it doesn`t matter if they don`t get it. Sorry. |
4paws
Citra, FL (Zone 9a)
December 14, 2006 2:02 AM Post #2997253
| Well daisy, you'll still have to join the hens. :-) |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 14, 2006 2:52 AM Post #2997391
| Yeah, I was looking/thinking about that. Shall see what I have going on then. Will look at your thread about it again! |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
December 14, 2006 4:30 PM Post #2998660
| What is the hens? |
HollyAnnS
Dover, PA (Zone 6b)
December 27, 2006 10:20 PM Post #3029089
| Daisyruffels, I read earlier about your trip to Vegas and I’m so sorry that it was canceled. In the thread one of the things mentioned was a trip to the EthelM chocolate factory. There is or was (it’s been about 10 years). A beautiful Cactus Garden and I just got around to digging out those pics. I thought you might be interested in them after all there is always next year. Holly 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
HollyAnnS
Dover, PA (Zone 6b)
December 27, 2006 10:22 PM Post #3029095
| And another. We haven't been there for about 10 years and are still talking about going back. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 27, 2006 11:54 PM Post #3029297
| Holly, thanks for the idea and pics. You should go again to see how the cactus are now.
As for the trip, it is just as well. I ended up not being able to fly to my Mom's on the proposed day of the 20th of Dec. The flight got cancelled and then the rest of the flights that day were totally full. So I had to wait until the next day to fly.
SO...
Even if we were to go, we couldn't have.
We were to fly out to Vegas that nite after I arrived in the afternoon.
So I don't know if it was fate or what. Tho my Mom would just have wished she hadn't broken her wrist. Still bugs the heck out of her that it happened and has totally inconvenience her.
So yes, next year, I guess.
Had a good time with her tho it would have been nice to be in Vegas or at least some drier weather, LOL
Carol |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
December 29, 2006 3:42 PM Post #3033480
| they can get odd traits as they get older. Nothing you can do either, if they start displaying them. |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
December 31, 2006 4:06 PM Post #3038890
| Hey, Carol. Maybe you can come in spring. It is the best time of the year here. Not to cold or hot. |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 31, 2006 5:20 PM Post #3039115
| Yes, that sounds like a good idea. I hear you guys had snow during Christmas time anyways.
Carol |
cacti_lover
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b)
December 31, 2006 6:19 PM Post #3039287
| We normally get a snow storm once every 4 years. This year happen to be one of those years. We got 1 1/2" but it only lasted 'till afternoon. Here are some pics of my home which is about 15 miles south of the Strip. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/679052/
Trent |
daisyruffles
Albany, OR (Zone 8a)
December 31, 2006 6:59 PM Post #3039410
| Well, how cool to see snow on the cactus plants! My mom just wanted some warmer weather than the NW which was in the 30-40 degrees lately.
Carol |
