Well, you’re in Vegas. What do you do now? In Las Vegas Magazine’s ongoing Day Planner series, we’ll help you figure out where and when to maximize your time. In this installment, we’ll talk about your options if you are staying near Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard South. Big tips: Wear walking shoes, because although these places appear pretty close to each other, you’ll still be getting your exercise; and make reservations and get tickets for restaurants, attractions and shows in advance. Allow 15 or 20 minutes between destinations for walking.
8 a.m.: Grab the first coffee of the day at your hotel. Although many hotels don’t include a coffee maker in the room, there’s always a Starbucks or restaurant that lets you get coffee to go, such as Primrose at Park MGM.
10 a.m.: Although you could make a reservation at one of the restaurants in your hotel, we suggest you take a walk to the picturesque Italian marketplace Eataly Las Vegas at Park MGM (702.730.7617). Get breakfast sandwiches and cornetti (an Italian croissant-like pastry) at Cafe Pasticceria and coffee at Caffé Lavazza next door. Sit at one of the center tables and enjoy Eataly’s atrium atmosphere.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Wander through The Park on your way back and check out the statues scattered throughout, including Bliss Dance, a 40-foot-tall sculpture that lights up at night. If you are a gambler, stay at Park MGM and spend some time at the machines. Important note: it’s the first smoke-free casino in Vegas.
1-2 p.m.: The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York (702.740.6969) takes off from back in the cityscape area and features a 180-degree twist and dive, plus a 230-foot drop. Weather conditions may affect hours.
2-3 p.m.: After that ride, let your tummy settle as you amble down Tropicana Avenue to Hooters at OYO Hotel & Casino (866.584.6687), where you can indulge in several styles of chicken wings. But there are a ton of other options, including burgers and the possibly shareable Lots-A-Tots, loaded with cheese, bacon, green onions and sour cream. OMG! Healthier choices include salads and steamed shrimp.
3-5 p.m.: Head to your hotel to nap; or head to Excalibur or Tropicana Las Vegas to gamble for a while.
5-9:30 p.m.: Time for drinks and dinner! Indulge in a craft cocktail at Trago at Tropicana (only on Fridays and Saturdays) while you are waiting for your dinner reservation. We suggest the Negroni Twist.
The casual atmosphere at Tom’s Urban at New York-New York (702.740.6766) is perfect for pre-show drinks and dinner; the street tacos are pretty bomb. We’d suggest the loaded tots, but hey, didn’t you just have that at Hooters for lunch? If you are a beer fan, Tom’s has a boatload of choices; and recently introduced a few new cocktails.
10 p.m.: Entertainment is back! In this corner of Vegas, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club (866.740.7711) opened Nov. 6 at MGM Grand, although it has been relocated to the A and B showrooms to accommodate social distancing and separation between audiences and performers. Garrett features a number of hot comedians and occasionally appears himself. (The 10 p.m. show is only on Fridays and Saturdays, but there’s also a 7 p.m. show those days if you prefer, and an 8 p.m. Sunday show.)
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. As part of your subscription, each week via email you will receive the latest edition of Las Vegas Magazine, full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
