Vegas Momcation: New Year's Eve 2020!
I have long wanted to write a love letter to Las Vegas and now I just so happen to have a blog due at the same time that I am fresh off a trip, so here we go! Vegas is easily one of my favorite places on Earth. There is just an exciting, electric energy about this bustling, colorful, historic city in the dessert that I can't help but gravitate towards. It is not uncommon to see visitors from all walks of life and every continent, speaking every language imaginable. Whatever is entertainment to you - shopping, gambling, shows - you can just about find it all in Las Vegas! We lived close by when I was younger so I have some early memories of the Treasure Island pirate show, going to the games at Excalibur, and I even went to the Siegfried & Roy white tiger show one time.
Nowadays, my Dad actually lives in Las Vegas. So for me a trip to Vegas doesn't just mean partying. I know that I am going to get the best local advice on where to go and what to do while I am there. I also know that I am going to get to soak up some family time. This year I spent Christmas at home in Kansas, but I hopped on a plane at ICT just in time to ring in the new year with the rest of my sisters and family in Vegas. Keep reading to hear where and how we celebrated!
The Strip
This was the first year that all my sisters were 21 and we had it on good authority that the strip would be absolutely crazy on New Year's Eve, so we celebrated on the strip on the 30th. Whatever day or night you take in the strip - wear comfortable shoes and budget for pricier than normal drinks! Here are my picks for both some classic and some newer spots to check out:
Fountains & Gardens at the Bellagio - this is something I do everytime I am in town! It always amazes me that both attractions are actually free to enjoy. This time, the fountain show was set to a Lady Gaga song and the garden display was still Christmas themed, but both will change throughout the year.
Haus Of Gaga at the Park MGM - if you are a lover of pop culture at all then this museum is a must see. You can see Lady's Gaga's famous entrance egg, meat dress, and even her super bowl outfit, if you look up! I am not sure if the displays will change or not, but do yourself a favor and get there soon.
Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan - One of my favorite bars, that is actually located inside the hotel's huge chandelier. It twinkles and feels so girly. I got a yummy chai champagne drink that the bartender described as "Christmas in a glass" and it did not disappoint.
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace - If you know me at all, then you know that I am obsessed with Bravo, so I had to check out Lisa Vanderpump's new bar. It is just as whimsical and perfect as her other spots I've seen on TV. As great as the atmosphere was, it was the drinks that took center stage at this spot. One of my sister's got the English Garden, which was a cucumber + pepper drink with Hendricks Gin. It was by far the favorite drink of the night! My other sister got the VanderPink Margarita and I got a drink with Vanderpump Rose + champagne that tasted like a yummy sangria.
The Red Rock Canyon
On New Year's Day we celebrated by taking a #firstdayhike, which is a campaign from the National Parks Department to encourage people to #getoutside and start your year off right. We used to do this every year in Texas but haven't been able to hike near as much since moving to Kansas. It felt so good to get out and moving! There are several trails for every level that you can hike. We hiked two: one that led to some petroglyphs and one that lead to a cool waterfall. It was the perfect length for our mixed group of hikers. I highly suggest taking a day out of your next Vegas trip to check out the Red Rock Canyon!
What is a Momcation?
If you're not up to date on lingo, a momcation is a trip moms take without the kiddos. A momcation doesn't have to be long, or expensive, or very far away. Even just 48 hours alone in a hotel room, not having to wipe butts or refill snacks, can do wonders for your soul. Moms, trust me on this one, take some time to plan a momcation for yourself this year!
My New Year's Resolutions
Lastly, what would a New Year's Eve themed post be if I didn't share my resolutions? Check out the graphic below and let me know yours!
XO - Olivia
