Day 1

fly to Las Vegas
Pick up rental car and immediately drive south one half hour down the Strip to see latest Vegas tourist attraction.

11 am visit Seven Magic Mountains
Very cool art installation – 7 stacks of fluorescent colored rocks in the Nevada desert created by artist Ugo Rondinone. Really in the middle of nowhere, several miles off nearest exit from 1-5 freeway. The brightly painted rocks stacked on top of each other make striking, colorful columns. Think neon Stonehenge. With ample lot parking, Seven Magic Mountains is made for photographs. And a great way to start a Nevada adventure

1 pm check into Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
We’re not on the strip. This is Downtown, the original Las Vegas. After all, this is a history tour we’re making. Unpack, set up. Good view from our window of Downtown and distant mountains. Go for swim in outdoor heated pool. Lovely refresh. Pool area is set up for lounging and entertainment. Bar, food, sun, shade – its all here.

3 pm visit Mob Museum
Located very conveniently just next door, this is a world-class, interactive journey through true stories –  from birth of the Mob, to G-Men and Made Men. Like it or not, American history. An eye-opening, authentic view of organized crime’s impact on the world and the continuing battle between the Mob and the law. Interactive and multi-sensory exhibits engage and give unparalleled insights while hundreds of artifacts immerse us in Mob stories so completely, you feel as if you’re part of them. Don’t miss this.

5:30 pm early dinner Grotto Italian Restaurant in Golden Nugget Hotel
We walk toward the Grotto through “the Fremont Street Experience”.  Action hasn’t started yet – too early. We tour the hotel to view the 7 or 8 sharks that swim in an enormous tank raised up in center of people pool – and a water slide through the tank! Check out casino and various restaurants before settling in at the Grotto for Italian themed dinner, good red wine and amazing dessert!

7:30 pm enjoy Las Vegas Photo Tour
Tour includes limo pick-up, champagne, photographer and stops for iconic souvenir photos: The Las Vegas Sign; Four Corners; Caesars Palace. Lots of laughs when we add goofy props and set up weird poses. After each stop, another round of champagne keeps the party going. Our group includes visitors from China, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Czechoslovakia, Thailand, Costa Rica. Everyone joins in the fun – no holds barred.

9:30 pm sample Fremont Street Experience and downtown
Now it’s cooking! Street performers every few feet, music from many directions, neon flashing lights, bodies flying on an overhead zipline. Showgirls strolling, bride seeking a mate, Minnie Mouse, sculptor, spray painter, performing musicians, hula-hooping DJ – restaurant tables and bars –projections on dome continually changing. Get the picture? Non-stop frenetic engery.

overnight Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
Nice roomy space. One of the largest and best in Downtown Las Vegas. We’ll have a good night here.

Photos
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