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Tag Archives: gorgeous view

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

5 March 201921 September 2024

I clearly remember the first time I stood in amazement of The Bellagio was when a friend of mine brought us here for dinner.  He had just married a couple of months ago at this stunning, luxury resort and shared photos of their extravagant wedding celebration.  Of course, he spared no expense, so the photos of their wedding were beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

I eventually had the opportunity to make my own memories at the Bellagio during a New Years’ celebration with another dear friend this year and found myself basking in the beauty of its opulence and luxury.    Located along the strip, the Bellagio is one of the most luxurious resorts of Las Vegas.

We tried to find a seat at Lago by Julian Serrano which provides excellent views of the famous Fountains of the Bellagio.  Unfortunately, we had arrived too late, and settled for a gorgeous view along the 8-acre lake, reminiscent of Italian lakeside village.

As crowds congregated along the sidewalk, the thousand theatrical fountains began their show to the tune of a classical Italian opera, both elegant and spectacular.

Entering the lobby of the resort, we admired the glass flowers of world renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.  The sculpture, hanging from the ceiling, is made of over 2000 handblown blossoms.  Named the Fiori Di Como, the effervescent colors seem to come to life as the sunlight radiates through the glass and windows from the rooftop.

The Bellagio’s Gallery of Fine Art and the lavish Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden are additional glamorous features of the hotel on display for guests and visitors.

I had my heart set on a confection from Jean Philippe Patisserie but when we arrived, we were so overwhelmed by the many choices that we decided on a café mocha for an afternoon boost.  We promised ourselves that we would save room after dinner which would leave us plenty of time to decide on which sweet decadence would satisfy our craving.   Did I happen to notice some wedding cakes in the corner?

Because Peter had not seen Cirque du Soleil’s “O” performance, he booked tickets for us for the evening show.  The first time I had visited Vegas, my former boss had purchased tickets and I was mesmerized by the performance and more astonished by the price.  The show continues to be one of the most sought after shows in Vegas, but we were so excited to share this experience together.

Soon the show would begin and since we were dressed and ready to go, we enjoyed a happy hour drink at Hyde Bellagio.  The swanky, upscale lounge is also a perfect location to watch the Bellagio fountains, and reminds me of a set used for a Victoria’s Secret photo shoot.   Surrounded by gigantic mirrors, chandeliers with suspended flowers and Mediterranean furniture, we took a seat close to the balcony.

The evening could not have been more perfect ending with a return visit to Jean Philippe for gelatos and walking the upscale promenade of shops.  The show was phenomenal, dinner was indulgent, drinks were relaxing and the company was incredibly charming.  It was a fairytale day at the Italian lake of Vegas.

Have you visited the Bellagio?  I would love to hear your thoughts about this opulent hotel and casino, so leave your comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV  89109
Telephone:  888 987 6667

Where to Stay:

The Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV  89109
Telephone:  888 987 6667

Where to Eat:

Jean Philippe Patisserie
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV  89109

UPDATE:  The Jean Philippe Patisserie is now closed.

Photo Credit:  Hyde Bellagio provided by The Bellagio

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The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, North Carolina

14 May 201716 September 2024

Standing at the base of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, I noticed the impressive, ominous tower of bricks reaching 158 feet towards the Carolina sky.  My family and I had stopped at the historic Corolla Village to climb the 214 steps that leads to the gallery deck for phenomenal views of the North Carolina coast.

We could see the lighthouse from our summer rental home and the children were fascinated with watching the lights at night.  Counting the seconds as the glow circled back to the house, the kids giggled at each passing of the light and jumped up and down in excitement.

It was a hot summer day and although the lighthouse cast a shadow as if to protect us in line, we realized it was going to be steamy climb on the inside. Slow and steady we climbed each step, reaching the tight circular deck at the top.  From here we would be able to experience gorgeous views of the Outer Banks that reached all the way to the Virginia state line.

The metal, spiral staircase was secure but made us feel weak in the knees.  The distance between each step was shallow, so we were more cautious to ensure that we would not trip nor lose our footing.  Windows had been inserted randomly giving us a breath of fresh air to carry on with our climb. The breeze felt great but we could feel the sweat dripping through our clothes and we had not yet reached the top.

There were signs at each window that labeled the thickness of the lighthouse at each stopping point.  With walls measuring 5 foot 8 inches at the bottom, the depth of the walls tapered off to 3 feet towards the top.

We loved the fact that the Currituck Beach Lighthouse had not been painted so the one million bricks were exposed.  Compared to the other Outer Banks lighthouses, Currituck Light was the last major brick lighthouse built on the shores of North Carolina.

It seemed like eternity but we finally reached the top and were met with a stunning view and a gentle breeze.  We carefully stepped onto the gallery and realized once again, we were weak in the from the height and instantly grabbed onto the rail.  Cautiously walking the circular overlook, I too found myself white-knuckling the banister but soon become more comfortable enough to loosen my grip.  We couldn’t get enough of the breeze and the spectacular panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Currituck Sound and the beautiful homes along the coast.

On the sound side of our view, the Whalehead Club stood out with its daisy yellow color and delicate dormers.  The Currituck Heritage Park was beautifully landscaped with Carolina foliage and was home to native birds, such as the osprey.

I was fascinated with the untouched natural habitat that had not yet been commercialized by local real estate. I learned from the lighthouse curator that the area had been preserved from further development and generations of visitors will have the opportunity to experience this view.

Around the corner of the platform, the  children were searching for the rental house where we were staying.   The group of homes made it somewhat difficult to confirm, but it was fun to watch how easily the kids were entertained.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was completed in December of 1875 and lit by the first lighthouse keeper, Nathaniel G. Burris.   We learned that the lighthouse is known as a first order lighthouse meaning that it has the largest of seven Fresnel lenses.

Since 1939, the beacon’s light has been automated, illuminating at dusk and ending at dawn. It can be seen for 18 nautical miles.

For more information about the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, visit the museum and lighthouse exhibits on the ground floor.  Learn more about the Fresnel lens, the shipwrecks and history of the lighthouse keepers.

Check out the website for the lighthouse to learn more about upcoming events such as educational series, wine tastings, historical sessions, and a Halloween event.

Email the lighthouse directly at info@currituckbeachlight.com or call 252 453 8152.

What to See and What to Do:

Curritick Beach Lighthouse
1101 Corolla Village Road
PO Box 58
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 4939

Where to Stay:

Inn at Corolla Light
9606, 1066 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone: 252 453 3340

Where to Eat:

The Oceanfront Grille
1197 Franklyn Street
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone: 252 453 4748

The Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops were drizzled with teriyaki sauce, which I ordered as an appetizer.  For my entree, I wanted to try the Filet Mignon as well as the Crabcake which was available as a combination meal.

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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