What happens in Vegas will not be staying in Vegas this time. This month I had the pleasure to finally get to Las Vegas to see Usher for his Las Vegas residency. I had been putting off this venture for way too long, but I am finally glad I took the time to see U-S-HER- R-A-YM-OND. It was worth the quick journey and expense for an unforgettable experience. I am thankful for the day I had in the desert. To me it was the perfect amount of time to spend in Vegas.
To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of Las Vegas. After the infinite trips for conferences, birthday celebrations, vacations, etc, I am over Sin City. Las Vegas was cute in my 20s and 30s when I enjoyed walking and shopping down the strip. I also enjoyed the overpriced meals and clubs, but those days are over. I have been on this earth for 40 years and if I didn’t have to set foot in Vegas again, I wouldn’t be mad.
Speaking of 40s, my generation grew up on 90s/00s R&B and Usher was a huge part in that. I am not going to discredit this man because his talent is in no way the reason I delayed my viewing of his show in Vegas. I had plans on going last year, but my schedule was too packed to make the venture to this icon’s show on the strip. In May this year, I made time for Vegas and just so happened to see Usher. Lovers & Friends weekend was a great day filled with R&B and Hip Hop acts. This celebration included Usher, but it was a small portion compared to a Vegas residency. I then made the decision I had to come back before the tour ended.
24 hours in Vegas was the perfect amount of time to enjoy some great history, sites and music. My quick trip was exactly what I needed to get the feels of a vacation, but still be able to enjoy my weekend at home. I am glad that this trip provided a lot of firsts but not lasts. This was my first time getting to visit Cafe Lola. Cafe Lola is a group of fabulous women owned cafes in the Las Vegas area that are super stylish and filled with great food and drinks. This visit was the first time I was able to see the long awaited Seven Magic Mountains and the Hoover Dam. The vivid art instillation and man made creation have been on my radar for way too long and worth the tour. Mr. Las Vegas was a great all encompassing tour in just the right amount of time. Lastly this was my first time staying off the strip and I honestly enjoyed it more than my other past accommodations.
Usher’s show is most definitely worth the hype. It brought back so many pleasant adolescent memories. The music and vibes from Usher’s show were incredible. I didn’t sit down once the show started. Usher may be in his 40s as well, but he hasn’t aged a drop. He still has the moves and is worth every dime of the experience.
Please see my 24 Hours in Vegas below
7:00 AM LAX to LAS via Alaska Air.
8:30 AM Took rideshare from the airport to Cesar Forum Shops for Breakfast.
Some quick window shopping, then
9:30 AM Breakfast at the super adorable and delicious Cafe Lola.
I took my time and savored my breakfast and the ambiance. After I then walked down the strip to CVS to pick up some water and snack for my afternoon tour.
12:30 PM Our tour guide from picked us up from our designated pickup point on the strip.
1:00 PM Arrival at Seven Magic Mountains. This colorful art installation is located right outside of Vegas and is a must see if you can.
2:00 PM Hemenway Valley Park a cute stop to check out some desert big horn sheep that roam around naturally.
2:30 PM Lake Mead. I had to check out the water reserve that supplies H2O for CA, NV and 5 other states. After seeing the low levels in person, I’m even more water conscious than before.
3:00 PM Hoover Dam. This architectural wonder is absolutely amazing to see face to face. You get a chance to walk across the Colorado River into CO.
4:30PM Back in Vegas and head to my hotel.
5:00PM Arrive and check into my hotel at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas.
Spend some time just relaxing and catching my breath from a full day.
7:00PM Order some room service and get ready for my evening out.
8:30PM Head out to Dolby Live at Park MGM Hotel
9:00PM Arrive to the theater grab a drink and vibe out.
10:00PM USHER RAYMOND. (Nothing else needs to be said. A time is definitely had!)
2:00AM Make it back to my hotel and head to bed.
7:00AM Wake up and get ready to head to the airport.
8:20AM Depart from Vegas.
9:00AM Arrive back to LA.