Las Vegas Travel Kit

Catch Britney Spears’ final act of her Circus Tour at Mandalay Bayin Las Vegas on Sunday, September 26 and 27! Opening for Britney will be special guest Jordin Sparks, the youngest contestant ever to win American Idol. Also accompanying Britney will be newcomer Kristinia DeBarge, whose first album Exposed was released in May 2009.

Britney Spears is one of the top-selling artists of the last decade, and to date, she has sold over 63 million albums worldwide. Don’t miss this chance to see her live and experience the theatrics of her 2009 Circus Tour!

For information on tickets visit Britney Spears’ official site, but don’t forget to book anaffordable hotel suite in Las Vegas for your stay.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas began classes this week. Many students attend UNLV to take advantage of the mild weather and myriad of things to do in Las Vegas; however, UNLV’s campus itself is a nice attraction to visit. Should you be staying at a hotel near UNLV, check out a UNLV Rebels sporting event; the home opener for Rebels football is right around the corner on September 5^th against Sacramento.

Not a big sports fan? The UNLV Performing Arts Center (PAC) has a variety of shows, concerts, and plays put on by students and professionals alike. Guests like the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company, a folk dance ensemble appearing September 26^th 2009 at UNLV, offer a bit of entertainment that even in Las Vegas is unique, not to mention affordable.

Finally, an often over looked attraction is UNLV’s Desert Landscape Gardens. These gardens are attached to the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies. While the entire campus is an arboretum, the Desert Landscape Gardens are a two-acre Xerogarden that require very little water to flourish. The UNLV garden is a great side-trip for aficionados interested in what a desert landscape can and should look like.

Ladies! Are you itching for a girl’s night in Las Vegas? The Embassy Suites Las Vegas is offering a Girls Getaway Package that includes a $50 food credit at the Three Palms Restaurant or apply it towards room service. The package also offers each of your girls a Hard Rock Hotel Spa discount and complimentary entrance to the night club Body English, plus other Hard Rock coupons!

With a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, as well as to and from Planet Hollywood, save your money to spend on your girls and book this package today! See the Embassy Suites Las Vegas site for more details about booking this offer.

What’s your favorite memory in Las Vegas with just the girls?

The downtown Fremont Street Entertainment District is a great alternative to the crowded streets of the strip, and has plenty of things to do in Las Vegas – affordably! Fremont Street is already known for many legendary Casino’s including Binions, Four Queens, and the Plaza. But, check out a free Viva Vision light show as you shop, marvel at street performers, or experience a concert. Go on a Friday and pick up some delicious fruits, veggies, or baked goods at the Farmers Market.

The Fremont East District also has plenty of nightclubs and other special events. Check out more things to do at the official Fremont Street Entertainment website.

We’d love to hear what your favorite attraction is in downtown Las Vegas. Have you been to Beauty Bar, Hennessey’s Tavern, Hogs & Heifers, or the Downtown Cocktail Room? Have you visited the renovated Vintage Las Vegas signs that now line the streets downtown? Tell us what you think of them!

When you’re traveling to Las Vegas, don’t forget to visit the famous and convenient Restaurant Row. This restaurant area gained its name because of the fine dining establishments lining the intersection of Flamingo Rd and Paradise Rd. Restaurant Row’s location is perfect for those traveling to UNLV, the Las Vegas Convention Center, or those staying at airport hotels.

The days of all you can eat buffets at any given casino have been replaced by Las Vegas’ affection for fine-dining establishments and Restaurant Row is the best place to please any craving. Check out the below Top 10 Restaurants in the area. Make sure to visit one or stay in a hotel near Restaurant Row when you’re in-town and visit them all!

• Avenue A Pizza – Pizza / Italian
• Bahama Breeze – Caribbean Island Cooking
• Firefly on Paradise – Spanish Cuisine –Tapas and Sangria!
• Ferraro’s Las Vegas – Italian fare
• Gordon Biersch Brewing Co – Micro Brewery with great pizza salads and sandwich
• Hamada of Japan – Japanese cuisine and sushi bar (only in Las Vegas)
• McCormick & Schmick’s – Great Steak and Seafood
• Morton’s – High Quality Steakhouse
• Roy’s – Hawaiian Fusion – Seafood
• Yolie’s – Brazilian Steakhouse

Did we leave your favorite Restaurant Row eatery out? Let us know what your favorite is!

There are plenty of shows and events in Las Vegas, which run year round, but don’t forget to plan your vacation ahead of time to see some of the top touring artists! Below are a few of our selections from artists touring through Las Vegas and special events this summer:

ROCK/POP

Jul 30-Aug 2 – Beyoncé - Wynn Encore Theater

Aug 6 – Blue October with Switchfoot and Longwave – House of Blues, 5:30pm

Aug 1 – Brian McKnight – Primm Valley Resorts, Star of the Desert Arena, 8pm

FAMILY

Aug 6 – 8 – Barry Manilow – Hilton Las Vegas – 8pm

Aug 14-15 – Disney’s High School Musical: Summer Celebration!” – Henderson Pavilion, 200 S Green Valley Parkway

COUNTRY

Aug 8 – Gretchen Wilson – Primm Valley Resorts, Star of the Desert Arena, 8pm

Sep 5 – Reba – Primm Valley Resorts, Star of the Desert Arena, 8pm

FREE

Aug 14-16 – Woodstock Tribute-Palooza – See the best Woodstock lineup this side of Bethel, NY every night Friday through Sunday. Performances by the world’s best homage to Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, The Grateful Dead and The Who and more presented by Legends in Concert – Fremont Street Experience – Admission FREE

Sep 6 – Three Dog Night – Fremont Street Experience – Admission FREE

There are a lot of things to do in Las Vegas, so don’t forget to get your tickets and your hotel accommodations early!