vegas newbie with questions

We%26#39;re headed in for a business conference end of April, and looking to stay at Mirage or maybe Bellagio. This forum is so vast that its hard to find things out without getting lost!!! So, please, forgive me if I am asking dumb or sorely repetitive questions....

Given our potential locations, can someone suggest good places to enjoy lunch within reasonable walking distance?

I%26#39;m also interested to learn of fun/interesting activities besides the obvious casino stuff that would be within walking distance from either of these venues. Interests include art, history, museums, would love to find a place to learn about Las Vegas%26#39;history, and really like to find opportunities to do things that the locals enjoy.

Is there a good public transit system? I recall something about a tram or monorail that links venues, I think...would this be an option for say, visiting ';old downtown'; from the strip area?

All responses are appreciated.

Thanks

vegas newbie with questions

Let me start with this...If you are interested in Vegas history, you must visit the Neon Boneyard. It is in the downtown area, but really just in the desert near the Cashman Center...I forgot the exact web site but google ';neon boneyard';...I went in June and it was fantastic...You really get chills seeing the old Vegas signage...I am a relative of Frank Sinatra, so being able to see the signs that lit the skyline decades ago was really special to me...It%26#39;s a pretty short cab ride once but you must have the exact address (I think it%26#39;s 8 something Las Vegas Blvd North) Then you can stop in downtown on the way back to the strip. There isn%26#39;t a monorail that goes to downtown, so a cab is the best way to go (it%26#39;s either that or bus)

vegas newbie with questions

There is an art gallery right inside Bellagio - I believe the current exhibit is Warhol and his contemporaries - not my cup of tea but it might be yours. I%26#39;ve seen some wonderful things there - the Faberge exhibit comes to mind. Check for your dates. Also don%26#39;t miss the beautiful Conservatory inside Bellagio.

We went to the Atomic Testing Museum a few months ago - very interesting glimpse into that period of history. I believe there is a bus that runs right down Flamingo to it.

Too bad Venetian doesn%26#39;t have its Guggenheim museum anymore, but I am glad to hear that Bellagio has Warhol and his contemporaries. If you stay at Mirage, I personally think California Pizza Kitchen is great (yes, a chain, but yummy) and the deli there right near CPK looks good too. If you stay at Bellagio, you might like to cross over to Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood, or Paris to give Mon Ami Gabi a try (some love, some think it is overrated, I enjoyed it twice).

Since you are there on business you may not have a lot of time, but everything is sort of within walking distance, you just get sore feet. I would consider a car rental or cab for some of your transit. The Deuce can be good (bus) but most say it takes a long time and time is wasted. With a car, drive to locations on the strip or downtown and see what you want to see before moving on. Valet service works great. If you cab it, that is best if you plan to drink.

I agree with generally being sure to hit downtown, and perhaps Riviera, Sahara area before those get imploded!

Have fun.

For a nice lunch out, two places come to mind..........Todd English%26#39;s Olives at Bellagio and Bobby Flay%26#39;s Mesa Grill at Caesar%26#39;s Palace. Both are excellent. The California Pizza Kitchen in Mirage is extremely casual, food is good, but I wouldn%26#39;t recommend it for a nice lunch out. Mon Ami Gabi might be good for lunch, but I%26#39;m one of those that found it to be rather ordinary and nothing at all special.

BLT at Mirage is also a good place for lunch. Also the Carnegie Deli at Mirage. If you are at MGM (not necessarily close but in case you are there) wichcraft is a great place for lunch.

There is a monorail but it doesn%26#39;t go downtown and some people (including myself)feel it is easier to take a cab or just walk. It might be nice to try once if you are going from one end of the strip to another.

You won%26#39;t find museums except for perhaps the gallery at Bellagio. Vegas is not the type of place that people generally go to do those kind of things. I am not even sure there is a museum dedicated to the history of Vegas. As the pp suggested, the neon graveyard would be fun to visit.

I second Carnegie Deli at Mirage. Huge servings and good!

Definitely go downtown to Fremont - it is the ';old strip'; - if you are after Vegas history. Go at night to see the light show in the sky.

The Conservatory at Bellagio is pretty special - check it out if you are staying there.

There is a Liberace museum, but I haven%26#39;t been.

The Monorail links strip hotels, but will not take you as far as downtown - you will need to get the Deuce (bus) or a cab or walk to get downtown. Previous poster%26#39;s suggestion of going to the neon boneyard and then seeing Fremont on the way back was a good one.

Cafe BabaReeba in the Fashion Show Mall is one of my favorite places to eat, and would be great for lunch.

Thanks to all for the great suggestions...my AAA guide just wasn%26#39;t giving me the help I needed!!

My understanding is that this monorail does go to the Stratosphere...can anyone tell me if I can use it from Bellagio or Mirage, or close proximity?

Also, I would love to go see one of the old time Burlesque programs with the unbelievable costumes...my AAA guide is kinda old- do those shows still exist? If so, are there any close to my potential location?

You will have to catch the monorail across the street at the Flamingo or Bally%26#39;s or Harrah%26#39;s.

The old burlesque shows are slowly dying and it%26#39;s too bad. The last one to close was at the Trop. Maybe you can check out Jubilee at Ballys.

Thanks, Jack.

They are/were so iconic- I hope there is one good one left. I%26#39;ll look into Jubilee, thanks.