Las Vegas

While still best known as an adult getaway, Las Vegas has truly reinvented itself and now attracts diverse audiences who come for the shopping, world-class restaurants and spa-like hotels. One thing is for sure, this town is not all about gambling.

So, you may ask, what is there to do in Vegas other than playing slots, blackjack and Poker until the wee hours of the morning? There are plenty of ways to enjoy Las Vegas, but I have put together a short list of what I consider the 'not to be missed' attractions.

If you enjoy Paris as much as I do, you won't want to miss this: The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, where the scaled replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe conjure up the chic elegance of the City of Light. Enjoy a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower, eat dinner at the restaurant inside, and take in glorious tableside views of the illustrious strip, then take a stroll through the hotel lobby, where you will be transported to the Left Bank, complete with candlelit streetlamps, boulangeries and cafes.

Perhaps the single most impressive hotel in Vegas is the Bellagio. Steeped in luxury, fine art, and intrinsic beauty, the Bellagio is a must-see, even if it's just a quick stop at the famous fountains. The Bellagio Fountains, designed to romance the senses, are a complimentary outdoor show of dancing waters, music and light, that is known to mesmerize its viewers. And for the art enthusiast, don't miss the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and the famous Botanical Gardens, complete with larger than life glass flowers designed by Seattle artist, Dale Chihuly.

While you're out and about, stop and see the spectacular Volcano Eruption at the Mirage Hotel, which takes place every 15 minutes, between 6pm and 11:30 every evening. And for a legendary Vegas entertainment experience, stop at the Freemont Street Experience, a showcase of strolling showgirls, famous bands, free entertainment and good old-fashioned gambling, vintage Vegas style. A personal favorite is the Gondola Ride at the Venetian hotel, where you can experience a 'le dolce vita' right in the middle of Vegas. As you ride on a romantic gondola through an authentic grand canal, your gondolier will even serenade you to complete the experience.

Before you have too many cocktails, and before you lose your nerve, step inside the Big Shot ride at the Stratosphere Hotel where you will be launched like a rocket 160 feet straight up, at 45 mph, and then dropped without warning. This is not for the faint-hearted!

For the more serene visitor who seeks a respite far above all the noise and excitement, a stop at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian Hotel will be an oasis of rejuvenation. The 69,000 sq. ft. Canyon Ranch SpaClub will be your haven of relaxation in a city that never sleeps.

Before you leave for Vegas, don't forget to book a table at Emeril's at the MGM Grand Hotel, arguably the best table to be found in Vegas. Chef Emeril Lagasse's well known Cajun and Creole cooking is served in an elegant dining room that is designed to delight the senses.

And finally, no trip to Vegas would be complete without a stop at the Liberace Museum, a fitting tribute to the man who put Vegas on the map. Exhibits include his rhinestone-studded, fur-draped costumes, the 1934 (rhinestone-covered) Mercedes Excalibur and much more. Besides, where else can you buy a chiffon keyboard scarf! Go ahead, indulge!