Vegas Vacation

My handsome hubby and I went on a much-needed vacation to Las Vegas this last weekend.  It's the first time we've been back to Vegas since having our baby girl (who, sadly, is no longer a baby at 18 months).  We are bright lights, fantastic food, and endless entertainment Vegas people.  Forget the late night gambling and over consumption of alcohol - that's for people who can afford to sleep in.  Not us!  We aim to do as much as possible in the city that never sleeps.

This time we stayed at the Wynn Hotel's Encore Resort on the north side of Las Vagas Blvd, or "The Strip".  We are typically die-hard Bellagio lovers, but opted to try something new this time around.  Encore was fabulous and I can't wait to share some beautiful pictures of it below!  The entire resort/casino has a thing for RED, which I absolutely loved!  Let the photo tour begin...

 These stunning light fixtures welcomed us "home" in the lobby.

Mosaic floors in the lobby restaurant/bar.  To think that an artist meticulously laid each tile...amazing!

Red glass chandeliers adorn the ceilings in the casino.  It took over 2 years for artisans to hand-craft these amazing fixtures in Murano, Italy.  I'm guessing there were at least 100 of these and they're about 10 feet in diameter.  Spectacular!

The coffee bar at the Wynn.  Aren't those rattan cafe chairs adorable?  I want them for my house...

A respite from the bold colors in the public areas, our room was so sophisticated and elegant with a white, black, and gold color theme.  This is the foyer of our space.

 Entry to bath.  Aren't those big black doors so dramatic?

Mirror-mounted sconces, that's all I have to say about this gorgeous and serene bath...

The bed flanked with thick cabana stripe curtains - a simply sublime touch in a very neutral space.

Our living area had floor to ceiling windows with phenomenal views of the Strip and the mountains surrounding Vegas.  I loved the black and white sectional, elliptical ottoman, and the lamps in this room!

pic from Esquire

The first night we ate at my favorite casual dining spot in Vegas - the Society Cafe in the Encore Tower.  I adore the fuchsia, chartreuse, black, and white color combo.  Aren't this tufted booths, bold draping, and green light fixtures gorgeous?  So rich but playful all at the same time!

Close up of the chinoiserie fixtures, making a mega impact in the space.

 The food at Society Cafe was just as fabulous as the decor - this was a super juicy steak served with fancy fries and your own mini squeeze bottle of homemade ketchup.

The best wedge salad I've ever consumed...bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and blue cheese dressing perfectly combined to create fireworks on your palette.

pic from musicblog

I guess I should back up a bit and tell you the #1 reason why we went to Vegas last weekend - to see Garth Brooks' live concert at the Wynn.  Friends, if you like Garth, you have to see him in this intimate concert setting - it's just the man, his guitar, and his voice.  Oh, and a surprise song or two with his wife, Trisha Yearwood.  A total bonus surprise!

pic from lastheplace

Another must-see show at the Wynn is Le Reve.  I've seen several great Cirque du Soleil shows, including ones with water, and I still think this production by another company is even better!  The audience sits in a circular theater surrounding a pool of water - the show literally springs forth from the pool.  It's simply stunning!

Our second night we went to see Terry Fator down the street at the Mirage Hotel and Casino.  For those of you who don't know of Terry, he's a very gifted ventriloquist and singer.  We watched and loved him on America's Got Talent several years ago, and it was so fun to see him perform in person.  I verified, and it's true - he doesn't move his lips at all.  Oh, and this picture is not zoomed in, we had front row seats!

You see that view?  Yes, that's from our table at Alize, a fine french restaurant on the tip-top floor of the Palms Casino Resort.  This was our much loved splurge in Vegas.  We had an amazing 5-course meal with wine pairings.  It was my birthday and 6-year anniversary gift - my husband is the best!

 The best prime rib I have ever tasted.  I now know how rich people stay so skinny...when they eat steak it's in small but delicious quantities, like this was.

The dessert was a work of art.  Unfortunately, an iPhone picture in a dark setting simply doesn't do it justice.

I had to put in a picture of us living it large at Alize, Vegas style!

 The next morning we opted for The Buffet at the Wynn because you have to experience the event that is "the buffet" while in Vegas.  My favorite fare was the Wynn's signature candy apple because it was so beautiful.  I wanted to bring it home and keep it as a shiny red sculpture.  It didn't just look good, it tasted wonderful too.

My second favorite thing at The Buffet was the light fixtures - do you see a trend here?

pic from virtualtourist

Before we packed up and headed to the airport, we spent some time relaxing by the Wynn pool and soaking up some sunshine.  Yes, I got burnt after 30 minutes...my excuse is that I live in Portland, where the sun don't shine.

Hope you enjoyed your virtual Vegas Vacation.  It's a great city - regardless of what you like to do.  Has anyone else been to Vegas, and loved it?  Any other great shows or must-do attractions or restaurants?  -Kristen