We rang in the 2020 New Year with a trip to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
Departing Tuesday night, we arrived at McCarran International Airport, picked up a rental car and started the drive to Kingman, AZ. On New Year's Eve, the only dinner spot open was the McDonald's on Route 66. It was a cute town and I learned that Route 66 was established in 1926. We got a nice room upgrade at the Best Western Plus and were well rested for the drive to the Grand Canyon.
Wednesday we arrived at the Visitor Center around noon and were surprised at how chilly it was at the South Rim. I guess most weather reports are for the significantly warmer base of the canyon. We still enjoyed site seeing and the gift shops, we took the 5 minute walk to the scenic overlook and then got on the shuttle to some of the outlying buildings. It would have been more enjoyable if we dressed better and had a plan. It was a breathtaking view. The visitor center featured a lot of exhibits and a movie.
The drive back was tough. We stopped for dinner at Mr. D's diner in Kingman on Route 66 and it was a nice treat before finishing the drive. It was late when we arrived at the Hilton Grand Vacations on the North end of the Las Vegas Strip. We stopped for groceries on the way also as our room featured a full kitchen. We did get settled in and called it an early night.
We started Thursday off with breakfast in the room followed by enjoying the basketball court and heated pool that were part of the hotel amenities. The wind made the pool less than perfect, but there were a few other brave kids and adults out and about. After lunch, we headed onto the strip to see the Bellagio fountain show. After some site seeing, we met David for dinner at the Royal India Bistro at the Rio before attending the WOW Water Spectacular Show. At the end of the night, we briefly visited with my sister before heading back to the hotel. That night I ventured out for some gambling.
Friday was our last day in town. We packed up and headed for Fremont Street to give ziplining a try. It was fun, but not worth the $24/person price tag. After walking around Fremont Street and seeing some of the street performers, we headed back to the Paris hotel to meet my sister for lunch. The Giada Restaurant is located in the Cromwell Hotel and in addition to a nice atmosphere had a terrific brunch menu as well. With my wife's diamond status, we were comp'ed $100 and our meal for 4 adults and 2 kids while ringing up at $160, only cost us $60 plus tip. After lunch the girls explored the strip, while I headed to the Bally's poker room for some cards.
The flight back was as uneventful as the flight out. The toughest part was the late hour. We did not make it into the house until 1:30 AM.
Departing Tuesday night, we arrived at McCarran International Airport, picked up a rental car and started the drive to Kingman, AZ. On New Year's Eve, the only dinner spot open was the McDonald's on Route 66. It was a cute town and I learned that Route 66 was established in 1926. We got a nice room upgrade at the Best Western Plus and were well rested for the drive to the Grand Canyon.
Wednesday we arrived at the Visitor Center around noon and were surprised at how chilly it was at the South Rim. I guess most weather reports are for the significantly warmer base of the canyon. We still enjoyed site seeing and the gift shops, we took the 5 minute walk to the scenic overlook and then got on the shuttle to some of the outlying buildings. It would have been more enjoyable if we dressed better and had a plan. It was a breathtaking view. The visitor center featured a lot of exhibits and a movie.
The drive back was tough. We stopped for dinner at Mr. D's diner in Kingman on Route 66 and it was a nice treat before finishing the drive. It was late when we arrived at the Hilton Grand Vacations on the North end of the Las Vegas Strip. We stopped for groceries on the way also as our room featured a full kitchen. We did get settled in and called it an early night.
We started Thursday off with breakfast in the room followed by enjoying the basketball court and heated pool that were part of the hotel amenities. The wind made the pool less than perfect, but there were a few other brave kids and adults out and about. After lunch, we headed onto the strip to see the Bellagio fountain show. After some site seeing, we met David for dinner at the Royal India Bistro at the Rio before attending the WOW Water Spectacular Show. At the end of the night, we briefly visited with my sister before heading back to the hotel. That night I ventured out for some gambling.
Friday was our last day in town. We packed up and headed for Fremont Street to give ziplining a try. It was fun, but not worth the $24/person price tag. After walking around Fremont Street and seeing some of the street performers, we headed back to the Paris hotel to meet my sister for lunch. The Giada Restaurant is located in the Cromwell Hotel and in addition to a nice atmosphere had a terrific brunch menu as well. With my wife's diamond status, we were comp'ed $100 and our meal for 4 adults and 2 kids while ringing up at $160, only cost us $60 plus tip. After lunch the girls explored the strip, while I headed to the Bally's poker room for some cards.
The flight back was as uneventful as the flight out. The toughest part was the late hour. We did not make it into the house until 1:30 AM.
No comments:
Post a Comment