What to do (aside from the obvious!)

The Classics

The Las Vegas Strip offers quite a few experiences for those of you who don’t gamble or aren’t the nightclub type. Here is a list of ten classic non-gaming experiences hand-picked by the Local Arrangements Committees. Most of us have experienced one or more of these ourselves and can recommend them to even the most discerning sightseer. Some are free, some come at the price of a cocktail, and others have an admission fee, but all will give you a taste of the city’s opulence while minimizing the commercial aspect.

Broadway in Las Vegas
For those RBMS folks who want to enjoy some off-Strip entertainment, check out the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas. The wildly-popular Book of Mormon musical will be playing at the Smith Center during the last week of June. If you’re interested, you’ll want to make reservations soon for this sure to be sold out show. Catch a taxi in front of Bally’s to get to the Smith Center but give yourself at least 30-45 minutes with traffic to get there just in case. You can buy drinks and small bites in the Mezzanine Lounge.

Bellagio Fountains
There’s a reason they were voted #1 on the top ten list of national landmarks. Graceful, beautiful, and magical, the swaying fountains of the Bellagio make even Las Vegas locals misty-eyed. You can stand around the lake or watch across the street for free; a number of restaurants in the Bellagio, Paris and Cosmopolitan provide outstanding views if you feel like springing for a gourmet dinner.

Bellagio Conservatory
If you love the sights and smells of an ocean of fresh flowers, take a stroll around the Conservatory to view the amazing gardens which will be themed for summer during the RBMS Pre-Conference. The best part is that they are free, but come early to avoid crowds –stop by Jean Phillipe Patisserie around the corner for crepes, coffee and amazing French pastry.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Fine art on the Las Vegas Strip? It’s not an oxymoron! Try the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art which will be hosting the exhibit: Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston during RBMS LV. There is an admission charge.

Art Walks at City Center & Cosmopolitan
The City Center development next to the Bellagio features a unique display of public art with works by Henry Moore, Maya Lin, Claes Oldenburg and many others.  Enjoy a free evening art walk to avoid June’s high daytime temperatures. The artworks are strategically placed around the center’s architecture and in the hotels. Check out the slideshow of the art and its locations around City Center. For an indoor art experience, check out some of the unique art installations at the Cosmopolitan Hotel just adjacent to City Center.

Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
Lions and tigers and bears oh my! Well, no bears, but white lions and tigers for sure as well as many other beautiful creatures including a family of bottlenose dolphins. There is a charge for admission but you can enjoy the Mirage’s Aquarium and Atrium for free.

St. Mark’s Square at the Venetian
What can we say – all the romance of Venice without the pigeons! Yes, they are faux cobblestones and the sky and clouds are painted on, but there is real gelato, violinists, and living sculptures at regular intervals. Enjoy standing on a bridge and watching the gondolas float by. No charges involved unless you decide to buy gelato or dinner at one of the restaurants surrounding the square.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian
If you’ve always wanted to go on a romantic gondola ride but couldn’t afford a plane ticket to Italy, it’s the next best thing, and a lot less expensive. You’ll enjoy both the interior and exterior of the Venetian as your singing gondolier guides you the throw the hotel’s winding canals. Yes, it’s a little surreal but hey, it’s Las Vegas.  Ticket prices vary.

The Waterfall Atrium & Gardens of The Palazzo
The Palazzo is the sister property to the Venetian and continues the Italian theme. Enjoy the peaceful waterfall atrium and gardens which will feature summer flowers during RBMS LV. There is an Espressamente Illy nearby to satisfy any espresso cravings. Afterwards, take the very tall escalator upstairs to visit Bauman’s Rare Books.

Lake of Dreams show at the Wynn
A 40-foot waterfall and pine-topped mountain surround the picturesque Lake of Dreams at the Wynn. This is a relatively hidden gem, and can be viewed for the price of a cocktail at the south show terrace. The Wynn and its sister property, Encore, are quite lovely and worth a stroll and a cocktail or coffee.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
If you’re really trying to beat the heat, try visiting the shark reef aquarium at Mandalay Bay. It’s a little bit further away and you’ll want to take a taxi to Mandalay Bay (do not attempt walking in June/July!). It’s shady and cool inside, and the aquarium features over 2000 creatures swimming around including sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, jellyfish and a golden crocodile. There is an admission charge.

Elevated Experiences

Eiffel Tower Experience
For a fun adventure, try the Eiffel Tower Experience at the Paris Hotel, the neighbor property to Bally’s, the official conference hotel.  Although not as tall as the real Eiffel Tower, the Las Vegas version still provides outstanding 360 degree views of the Strip and surrounding area. There is a charge for admission and prices are higher at night. Great aerial views of the Bellagio Fountains!

View the Strip from the Stratosphere
Scared of heights?  This might not be for you, but if you are brave enough to go on an elevator that travels 21 miles per hour, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360 views of the Las Vegas Valley from its 869 foot observation desk.  There is a charge to view from the observation deck or you may choose to have dinner at the restaurant or a drink at one of the bars. Rides are optional and extra!