If you’re in Vegas, you may now find you need to figure a few things out in advance, just to make your relaxing more … relaxing. And in Las Vegas Magazine’s ongoing Day Planner series, we’ll help you maximize your time. In this installment, we’ll talk some options if you are staying near Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Boulevard South, where you could plan a different itinerary for every week of the year. Take a tip: Walking shoes are key, because although these places appear pretty close to each other, you’ll be getting plenty of exercise (allow 15 or 20 minutes between destinations for walking); and getting reservations and tickets early is a must for restaurants, shows and many attractions.
8 a.m.: Coffee, coffee, coffee! Head downstairs and grab a brew for you and your significant other at the hotel coffee shop or kiosk. If you are staying at The Venetian, for instance, Illy Cafe is on the way to Restaurant Row, and the killer Go Greek yogurt place (opens at 9 a.m.) is right behind the escalators to The Grand Canal Shoppes in the same general area if you need a little morning pick-me-up. Both are also nice people-watching spots.
9:45 a.m.: Head to your 10 a.m. brunch at Chica in The Venetian. The daily brunch features a menu that was revamped this summer, and plenty of faves, like the cachapa pancakes, got a redo. (They’re all corn now, meaning gluten free!) The marble potatoes are stewed with chiles and onions, which rock. And with an 8 a.m. opening time, it’s tempting to make an early reservation and spend a little more quality time with the newly introduced make-your-own micheladas and Palomas. Really, though, all the cocktails are freaking good.
Noon-2 p.m.: We know, two hours is not enough time to do all the shopping you want, but it can get you started. Once you finish up brunch, sashay across the convenient pedestrian walkways past the Wynn’s gorgeous roses to Fashion Show, where you’ll mosey through shops like 7 for All Mankind, Attic Salt and Coach, plus bigger stores like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstom and Saks Fifth Avenue. If you love those stogies, Davidoff of Geneva is right in the plaza, and putting a few in your pockets for later isn’t a bad idea.
2-3 p.m.: Stash those shopping finds and put your feet up for half an hour, then head to Treasure Island.
3-6 p.m.: Football! Yeah! The Golden Circle Sportsbook at Treasure Island is an excellent hybrid between a sports bar and book, with restaurant-style seating and something like 60 TVs. There’s plenty of space for social distancing, and even comfy VIP areas. While you’re checking out your favorite team, check out the massive nachos—they are seriously delish and way bigger than your head.
6-8 p.m.: Toddle on down to Rhumbar at The Mirage for an hour on the patio drinking—yep—rum-laden cocktails and indulging your passion for cigars. On your way out, you’ll let your eyes be dazzled by the glory of the free volcano eruption (8 p.m.).
8-10 p.m.: Dinner, anyone? So many options, but for this trip, head to The Palazzo, where Mott 32 gives you upscale Chinese cuisine. You might want to dress up a bit here, as it is seriously cool, with a custom interior by lauded designer Joyce Wang.
10 p.m.-late, late, late: It’s your holiday, so late-night gaming is a
good thing. Head back to your hotel—tables and gaming devices have been arranged for social distancing, and your cocktail servers will bring you a beverage. Remember to throw her or him a few bucks.
8 a.m.: Whattt? Is it the next day already? Durn.
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