Living in Las Vegas

The results are in! Here’s a quick run down of the staff and reader picks for Best of Las Vegas 2009.  To get the complete list, head on over to the Las Vegas Review Journal and click on the Best of Las Vegas.

Best Nightclubs: Pure and Prive

Best Family Attractions: Adventuredome and Bonnie Springs Old Nevada

Best Local Rock Bands:  The Killers and The Black Jets

Best Steakhouses: Outback and Capital Grille

Best Performers: Danny Gans and Bette Midler

Best Comedians: Rita Rudner and Craig Ferguson

Best Magicians:  Lance Burton and Keith Barry

Best Singers: Bette Midler and Rick Faugno

Best Strip Hotels: Bellagio and Paris

Best Downtown Hotels: Golden Nugget and El Cortez

Best Locals Hotels: Red Rock Resort and Eastside Cannery

Best Buffets: Bellagio and Wynn

Best Malls: Fashion Show and Town Square

Best Places to take out-of-town guests: Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston

Best Celebrity Residents: Andre Agassi and Vince Neil

Best Local TV Anchors: Paula Francis (KLAS-8) and Jim Snyder (KVBC-3)

Best Local Radio Personalities: Mark & Mercedes (KMXB-94.1) and Dave Berns (KNPR-88.9)

Best Local Politicians: Mayor Oscar Goodman and Senator Steven Horsford

Attorney Glen Lerner won the most annoying local TV commercial, beating out John Barr from last year. I have to disagree with this because John Barr’s commercials are beyond annoying, but at least Glen Lerner’s are somewhat catchy, and effective. 

And a special congrats to Paris Hilton who uniquely managed to win top pick as both best and worst celebrity tourist!

I think I am having a mid-week crisis or something.  I am still feeling the need to rant, I can’t get my ipod to work, I had to stay late at the office again and my financial situation is just complete chaos. 

 So, in an effort to lighten my mood,  I thought I would go over some of the best things about Las Vegas.  Please note these are my random thoughts in no particular order and subject to change based on date, time and my mood!

1.  Gas stations, convenience stores and most grocery stores are open 24/7.  It’s just comforting to know, if/when there is a midnight emergency (beer, ice cream . . .) you can just run down to the store and get what you need.

2. No last call. If you are partying at a bar or club in Vegas, trust me 2am comes and goes with no problem.  As you know, I enjoy and appreciate uninterrupted partying.

3.  Awesome hotels and casinos and spas. I have seen and stayed at some really cool hotel rooms.  It’s so fun to just get a room, relax and be a tourist.  The Strip can be fun if you’re not driving or trying to cross it in rush hour traffic. 

4.  You cannot get lost in Las Vegas.  Vegas is completely surrounded by desert and mountains.  If you hit either make a U-turn and drive back into town. You will eventually find your way, trust me.

 5.  You can make U-turns at most intersections. This comes in handy  for the directionally challenged.

6.  If you are hungry, there is a restaurant to fit your every mood.  I have had the opportunity to enjoy some incredible meals and dining experiences here in Las Vegas.

7.  You do not need a winter wardrobe.  In fact, air conditioning can be a little over zealous in the summer and I actually need a sweater year round.  But I do not own or have a need for boots, gloves or a scarf.

8.  All the good concerts come into town.  And of course, there are always good shows on the Strip.

9.  Friends love to come visit.  Although I do like to get out of town occasionally, it’s always nice to have friends come here.  Then we can just go out and have a good time without all the hassle of traveling.

10. It’s sunny 24/7.  It’s a desert, you can pretty much count on it always being sunny.  We’ve been had a few rainy weekends this winter, and that one snow day, but that’s about it, you can count on sun every day.

I don’t know if it’s because I live in Las Vegas or what, but I really love to party.  I love to get dressed up, go out, have a few drinks and laugh and just let loose for a little while.  I work full time, I am married, I have two  little kids, does that mean I have to stay in on the weekends? My errand running, kid picking up and grocery store shopping never ends.

I guess what I am really wondering is if all the awesome partying in Las Vegas is taking me away from things I really need to.  And when is it time to hang up the teeny purse and say no more?  Is it age, mindset, number of kids ?  If I lived in some boring city with nothing to do on the weekends, would my closets be cleaner and the errands all ran? 

Probably, but I don’t care.  I have had way too much fun out here and Las Vegas is a great city to live in while you are young and can party.  I am going to live it up while I still can!

Once again, Las Vegas welcomes a new club to the scene.  This coming Labor Day weekend ROK Vegas at New York New York Hotel and Casino on the strip is opening.  Pop-rock star Katy Perry is performing on Saturday, August 30. ROK is a rock-in-roll inspired club with all the usual club amenities and some that are not so usual.

ROK will be the first Las Vegas club to have a 360 degree video screen. It looks like the screen wraps around the top of the club.  They are also introducing half-bottle service.  I am guessing it is for all us that can’t afford the $500 or so for full-bottle service, so they are going to offer half a bottle for half the price.  Very inventive, but I will be curious to see if it catches on or not.

ROK will also feature an outdoor VIP lounge, live club footage and laser animations, including 3D images of famous rock stars projected around the club.  I have no set plans for my Labor Day weekend yet, so who knows, maybe I will be rockin’ out at ROK!