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

Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas

19 February 201921 September 2024

The colossal palace complex of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas represents the opulence and luxury that only the Romans could have envisioned. Adorned with Romanesque statues and artwork, this fine resort could have easily been a summer home for the rulers of Rome, one of the world’s greatest empires. The mega-resort first opened in the 1960s with its over-the-top reconstruction of the European city’s most memorable monuments, statues and fountains.

The Trevi Fountain outside of the Forum Shops

Caesar’s Palace would not adequately represent Rome without its Colosseum offering entertainment from such acts as singers Celine Dion and Elton John as well as comedian headliner Jerry Seinfeld. The high-tech version of Rome’s ancient arena seats 41,000 with state of the art lighting systems and sound. While some may not be able to afford the venue’s entertainment, there are a group of animatronic statues that provide free hourly shows called the Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show.

The main dining attractions of Caesar’s Palace include three star Michelin chef, Guy Savoy’s restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen (opened January 2018) and Pronto by Giada (opened early 2018). In addition to its dining and nightlife, it is no surprise that the Forum Shops are also a major attraction within the casino hotel.

Shopping at Caesar’s Palace

The most dramatic entrance into the Forum Shops is through The Strip. Gargantuan statues and a grand staircase welcome the shopping goddess to over 160 boutique shops to include expensive designers such as Fendi and Armani as well as specialty boutiques and a three story H&M.

Caesar’s Palace Fountains

After a day of shopping, a girl’s best friend is the Qua Baths and Spa. In addition to its spa services, a $25 day pass at the Roman Baths includes the opportunity to feel the heat in the cedar sauna or enjoy the cold of the arctic room.

Late into the night, the resort’s OMNIA nightclub, Pure, is known for its patio providing a view of the strip as well as its DJs spinning the latest chartbusters. Alternatively, for a laid-back atmosphere, drinks at the Spanish Steps are a must.

What is your favorite Las Vegas hotel and why? I would love to hear about your experiences in Las Vegas, especially if you stayed at the luxurious Caesar’s Palace, so leave a message in the Comment section below! Happy Travels!

Caesar’s Palace is located at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South. For more information about the resort, you can contact their website at www.caesarspalace.com.

Replica of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show

Aquarium with Fish Swimming among Roman Ruins

Mosaic Like Artwork Depicting Roman Chariot Racing

Romanesque Statues

Replica of the Parthenon of Rome

Replica of one of Rome’s Famous Fountains

Beautiful Fountains of Caesar’s Palace

Las Vegas’ Paris Hotel: Spending New Year’s in Luxury

19 January 201921 September 2024

My great friend, Peter surprised me with a New Year’s weekend trip to Las Vegas where we stayed at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. He had recently sold the small biotech company that he owned, so there was so much to celebrate. We had both visited Las Vegas many times in the past as it is a popular destination for pharmaceutical events, so the idea of sitting among the indoor cafes sipping café au laits instead of rushing around to all of the venues was a delightful change to our schedule.

We took a later flight for the added drama of seeing the city lights at night. A short hop from San Francisco, we would land in a little over an hour where he had a limousine waiting and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for the ride. Approaching Las Vegas Boulevard, I could not take my eyes off of the Eiffel Tower, watching it come into view until the limo finally arrived. Standing at the base, I was in awe of this monumental replica, half the size of the original and all lit up like the City of Light.

Strolling through the resort we couldn’t help but notice the reproductions of famous Parisian landmarks. We reached our hotel suite with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and after having admired the Las Vegas Strip from our room, I noticed an envelope addressed to us on the table. I thought it was another surprise from Peter, but soon realized that we were offered two nighttime passes for the Eiffel Tower Experience, compliments of the Paris Hotel. We called to secure a time which left us with a couple of hours to explore the hotel and take a photo of the tower from its base.

We arrived fifteen minutes early and congregated at the elevator where there were several others waiting to make the ride up to the 46^th floor. Adequately bundled up, I found myself rubbing my hands together in anticipation of the windy, cold weather. Although Las Vegas sits in the middle of a desert, the temperature drops at night bringing with it a chill in the air. We boarded the lift and upon reaching the top, we were afforded spectacular views of colorful lights that seemed to go on for miles. We stayed long enough to watch the Bellagio fountain from this vantage point and agreed that we should stop by the next day to arrange for a front row seat from one of the restaurants. It was getting late and our noses were growing cold when we decided to return back to our rooms and settle in for the night.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful morning nor a more beautiful view as we ordered breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi. Hearty crepes with a side of steak frites could not have been a more perfect Parisian meal before setting off for a visit to the Bellagio. Planning a leisurely day ahead, Peter wanted to watch the fountains from inside and the only thing on my mind was Jean Philippe Patisserie. It has become my obsession when I visit Vegas to take note of the new creations made from this bodacious boutique confectionery. With tickets for the production of “O” later that evening at 4PM, we knew it would be wise to confirm the theater entrance ahead of time. We spent the rest of the day at The Bellagio with the exception of coming back to the hotel to prepare for the show.

Peter made reservations at the Italian restaurant, Martarano’s, located inside of the Paris Hotel. We started out with the Fried Calamari Bubzy spiced with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, which was the perfect heat for me, while Peter required more spice thinking the sauce was a little too sweet for his liking. In addition, we shared a Homemade Mozzarella & Tomato Salad which is similar to a Caprese Salad without the balsamic vinegar. The mozzarella melted in my mouth with its freshness while the basil added a whole new level of umami. Our main entrees included the Bucatani Carbonara, the perfect pasta with pancetta, cream, black pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano while Peter decided on the Veal Marsala made with Florio Sicilian marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

We realized we had quite a while before bringing in the New Year, so we stopped by La Cave so I could pick up a bottle of wine that we could open while I freshened up and Peter checked his emails. We are not the nightclub types nor do we gamble, so our plans were to stop by the Napoleon’s Lounge for a drink and roam the casino to people watch, which was the perfect night for the occasion. Gorgeous gowns and fancy dresses were accompanied by men in suits with some in tuxes. The crowded casino and lobby proved everyone to be in high spirits ready to carry the night into the early hours of the morning.

The bartender at the Bellagio invited us to stop by earlier, so we decided to take him up on the invitation, order a bottle of champagne and place bets on what time we would finally make it back to the room. The night was vibrant, which gave us a new level of energy and we had so much to celebrate. We discussed our plans for our last day in Vegas and I was looking forward to my massage at the Paris Spa. We were also excited about spending a day back in San Diego where we first met to celebrate a friend’s birthday and enjoy a day of hiking, which has always been our favorite activity. The New Year was already promising to be a wonderful start to our relationship, new jobs and a crazy year of travel. And as the countdown began, we had already decided to make this the best year possible. Happy New Year!!

What did you think about the Paris Las Vegas? Have you had the opportunity to visit and if so, did you enjoy any of the amenities? I would be interested in hearing about your stay if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. If you would like to know more about the Paris Las Vegas, I would be so happy to answer any questions you have if you would leave a message in the comments section as well. Many thanks for reviewing my experience at the Paris Hotel and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 877 796 2096

Eiffel Tower: The main attraction of the hotel is the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. Built half the size of France’s world-famous landmark, visitors can board the elevator 46 stories high for spectacular views of the Las Vegas strip.

Nightly Light Show: From sunset to midnight, the Eiffel Towerlights up every 30 minutes in similar fashion to the Paris landmark.

Shop the Paris Hotel: Reminiscent of the lovely neighborhoods of Paris, the Las Vegas shops along Le Boulevard are set along cobblestone walkways.

Book a Spa Treatment: Voie Spa & Salon offers a wide variety of services including massages, facials, manicures & pedicures.

Where to Stay:

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 877 796 2096

With over 2700 rooms, there are several options to meet your budget.

Where to Eat:

Nobu: Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 702 946 4007

My favorite is the lobster shiitake salad and I always save room for dessert…the Yuzu Cheesecake.

What to Eat:

There are several restaurants at Paris Las Vegas, but I also like to venture out for a cheap buffet in the Old Vegas district.

What to Read:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
Leaving Las Vegas, by John O’Brien

Photo Guide for Las Vegas:

“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
The Paris Hotel Entrance and Eiffel Tower
The Luxor Walkway and Sphinx
The Excalibur Hotel
New York New York Hotel
The Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Hotel
The Eiffel Tower view from the Bellagio
The Bellagio Fountains and its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Rose Covered Entrance to the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio
The Linq Promenade with views of the High Roller and Inside the High Roller
The Venetian Stairs and Lobby
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
The Venetian Bridge
The Stairs at Wynn Las Vegas
Neon Museum signs
Fremont East District sign
Retro Vegas Sign
Abbey Road
The Empty Club
Fremont District Murals
Red Rock Canyon’s Red Rocks and Joshua Trees
Valley of Fire State Park – Slot Canyon, Fire Wave, Mouse Tank Road, Pastel Pink Canyon
Seven Magic Mountains
Mrs. Coco’s Cafe (book in advance)
Hoover Dam
Canyon West (about 2 hours from Vegas)

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Cliff Walk, Rhode Island: A Beautiful Stroll Among the Socialites

10 November 201715 September 2024

Strolling among the Newport mansions of Rhode Island, I imagined what life would have been like during the 1920s. Listening to the intriguing conversations of America’s richest families, hearing them discuss their summer plans to visit their coastal homes.

Adding a couple of days to my business trip to Boston, I was looking forward to exploring the amazing homes of the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Astors. The forecast called for a beautiful weekend of sunny skies, so I was ready to tackle the east coast before heading back home.

What I knew about Newport was limited. Extravagant summer homes, The Breakers and of course, the America’s Cup. I decided to stroll the Cliff Walk, considered one of the most beautiful walks in the US, once an escape for the wealthy New York socialites during the Gilded Age. Evidence of this coastal town’s extravagance can be seen through the lavish manors that dominate the Atlantic coastline offering dramatic views from the cliffs.

Cliff Walk was designated a National Recreational Trail offering an opportunity to explore the luxurious estates along the Atlantic. It seems unbelievable that these stately homes were mere summer residences to some of the country’s most iconic families.

I began the 3.5 mile walk on Memorial Boulevard at First Beach, the western end of the trail. The trail took me to the east end of Bailey’s Beach on Bellevue Avenue where I picked up the shuttle back to the start of my walk. Alone on the path, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll taking in the natural beauty of the shoreline with its rocky cliffs. I felt the warm sun on my face and the smell of the sea as I meandered along the walkway behind the charming chateaus.

Cliff Walk is a serene escape from the bustling lifestyle of the northeast with its stunning landscape and breathtaking views. The extravagant architecture and pristine gardens were mesmerizing so I took the opportunity to smell the roses along the walkway.

One of the most beautiful homes on Cliff Walk is the Chanler Hotel, which is easily accessible from the paved trail. I took a few moments to gaze out onto the ocean while relaxing in a comfortable Adirondack. With magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Chanler is the only hotel along the Walk.

The sun was beginning to set and I wanted to take one last look over the cliffs before heading back to my car. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little creature scurrying over the rocks so quickly that I honestly thought that I was out of my mind. I waited a few moments until he appeared again and I was able to snap a quick photo. Such a great ending to the extravagant day at Cliff Walk.

I highly recommend exploring the Cliff Walk trail if you are visiting Newport for its stunning cliffside views, beautifully manicured mansion lawns and whatever surprises nature may provide. Enjoy the solitude and make sure you take it all in…you never know what you might see.

Have you ever set out on an adventure only to see or experience something that you would never have imagined? I would love to hear about it if you would leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cliff Walk and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Cliff Walk
Address: Walk starts at Memorial Blvd. in Newport, RI
Website: www.cliffwalk.com

Where to Stay:

The Chanler at Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 847 1300

If you can afford the price, this is an amazing property along Cliff Walk in Newport. The amenities are endless and the views are spectacular!

Bouchard Inn
505 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 846 0123

Where to Eat:

Bouchard Restaurant
505 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 846 0123

For fine French cuisine, you will love this quiant upscale restaurant located in Newport.

22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
22 Bowen’s Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 841 8884

The artisan cheese board was flavorful and delicious! It included Four Regional Cheeses, Fig Jam, Cape Cod Cranberry Mostarda, Candied Salted Cashews, Cranberry Bread & Lavash. I love the panoramic views of Newport Harbor from here! Spectacular!

What to Eat:

Clam Bakes are similar to the Louisiana crawfish boil but with clams.
Clam Cakes
Clam Chowder
Clams Casino
Coffee Milk is a milk drink with coffee syrup and sugar added for a milkshake-like beverage.
Deli Grinders which are sub sandwiches topped with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, vinegar and mayonnaise.
Doughboys are a doughnut-like pastry sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar
Frozen Lemonade at Del’s which was brought over from Naples, Italy
Hot Weiners are hot dogs topped with ground beef, onion, mustard and spiced with celery salt.
Irish Brown Bread at Bywater in Warren
Johnny Cakes are a pancake hybrid with cornbread added to the batter
Pizza Strips made of a doughy base and smothered in pizza sauce
Snail salad at Spirito’s in Providence
Stuffies are large clams stuffed with bread, onion, chorizo and spices

What to Read:

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
Dance with Me by Luanne Rice
Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell

Photo Guide for Newport, Rhode Island

The Newport Bridge
Beavertail Lighthouse
The Cliff Walk
Castle Hill Lighthouse
Ocean Drive
International Tennis Hall of Fame

To view more links to northeast US locations, check out the following:

East Haddam
The Energy of Times Square, New York

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Going Back Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, Michigan

26 January 201631 August 2024

It was a gorgeous Michigan day when we decided to make the trek towards the Upper Peninsula. As we approached the island from the south, we could see the Mackinac Island Bridge in the distance. A massive suspension bridge measuring over 26,000 feet connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and traverses Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. The residents of Michigan call it the “Big Mac” bridge and they refer to themselves as U-P’ers, living in the Upper Peninsula. Those living south of (or “under”) the bridge are lovingly referred to as trolls.

I had first heard of Mackinac Island, Michigan when I rented the movie “Somewhere in Time”. The production starred Christopher Reeve and was filmed on the island in the late-1970’s. When I began telling my friends that I was going to spend a week-long family vacation in Michigan, my friends highly recommended spending a day on the island.

We paid the toll to reach the upper peninsula side of the bridge and caught a ferry over to the island.

The bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The light breeze off of the lake felt great as we patiently awaited the ferry. From Mackinaw City Harbor, we boarded the Shepler’s Ferry shortly after our arrival to the pier and took the 45 minute boat ride to the island.

The ferry ride was incredibly relaxing and smooth as sea gulls flew above us and the winds began to pick up half way through the journey. In the far distance The Grand Hotel dominated the horizon and was the first structure visible along the coast.

Mackinac Island has been a popular resort town since the early 19^th century. With a quaint downtown full of shops, we arrived at the dock and disembarked, ready to explore the island.

We strolled through the downtown area prior to visiting the Grand Hotel. Admiring the yachts and sailboats in the harbor, we visited charming boutiques, restaurants and a large number of fudge shops.

We could not help but notice that there was a fudge shop on every corner, a fact for which Mackinac Island is known. According to one of the local “fudgies”, some of the shop owners have been making their famous fudge for over a century.

We had several options for getting around the island to include walking, horse and buggies as well as biking. No cars are permitted on the island, so this added to Mackinac’s charm and simplicity.

Among the historical buildings on Mackinac Island was St. Anne’s Church. Locals had congregated here since 1695, but this building, completed as we saw it today, was built in 1874.

Flower boxes adorned the windows of shops as we made our way to the Grand Hotel. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the island.

We passed a few horse and carriages that transported visitors to the Grand Hotel. We continued along the path that led us to the resort, passing beautiful estates and mansions that rest along the roadway.

The approach towards the hotel was breathtaking. Sitting atop the hill, the stately resort, with its Victorian architecture, commands attention. Built in the late 19^th century, it has been a luxury vacation spot for celebrities, politicians and visitors from all over the world. Because we were not guests of the hotel, we were required to pay a $5 charge to visit.

The hotel is known for its grand porch lined with rocking chairs that are strategically placed to enjoy the scenery. We took a few moments to enjoy the scenic view from the rockers before making our way back to the harbor to catch the ferry.

We retraced our steps into town with one final view of the Grand Hotel’s horse and carriage. With our ferry tickets in hand, we couldn’t decide if we should make another fudge stop and after taking a vote, the ran to Murdick’s Fudge for a last minute treat.

From the harbor to the downtown, the fudge shops to the Grand Hotel, the self-guided tour of Mackinac Island would end up being one of the highlights of our vacation. Even on holiday it can be a rare occurrence to experience a place that maintains its charming atmosphere. And it was for this reason, that on Mackinac Island, we too most certainly felt that we experienced a moment “Somewhere in Time”.

Have you visited Mackinac Island? Did you stay overnight or visit for the day? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day on Mackinac Island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
7278 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906 847 3307

This is the original carriage tour on the island! The tour takes close to 2 hours with six stops!

Where to Stay:

The Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 800 334 7263

Where to Eat:

Bistro on the Green
One Lakeshore Drive
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906 847 3312

We chose this location to enjoy the scenic view of the putting course. I started with the crispy calamari, that was perfectly breaded and served with Mission Point’s signature marinara sauce. I also ordered the grilled kabob, which was served with rice and tzatziki sauce with the perfect amount of garlic.

Murdick’s Fudge
7363 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906-847-3530

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge and Murdick’s Fudge has been around since 1887!

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

The Legend of Mackinac Island, by Kathy-jo Wargin
Somewhere on Mackinac, by Jeff Adams
Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
Mackinac Passage: The Boathouse Mystery, by Robert A. Lytle

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island:

A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
The Grand Hotel as you approach the island
The charming shops on Main Street
Arch Rock on the island

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.