Las Vegas: Offers The Unexpected

Most people know that Las Vegas offers some of the most exciting casinos in the world, not to mention world-class restaurants, a wide range of truly incredible shopping opportunities, lavish day spas, and extremely unique and entertaining shows. However, it also offers a variety of truly one-of-a-kind experiences you'll remember for a lifetime.

This week, I am in Las Vegas experiencing just some of what's new here. This is my first visit to the world famous Strip in almost five years, and I am amazed at how much things have changed...for the better!


In recent years, the Wynn expanded to include the all-new Encore, and in the middle of the Strip, City Center (featuring the Aria mega-resort) has opened. The Planet Hollywood hotel has expanded, and just this month, The Cosmopolitan (another incredible mega-resort) opened in the heart of the Strip.

Visiting any one of these properties provides for a unique vacation experience onto itself, as each offers its own theme, not to mention, it's own unique approach to guest room accommodations, hospitality, entertainment options, restaurants, shops, casinos and other amenities. All also offer incredible spas, as well as other activities and attractions - from dancing water fountain shows to exquisite art galleries.

While the Strip offers so much that's new, much of what's been here continues to provide top-notch and memorable vacation experiences. Even if you choose to visit Las Vegas and not gamble, you can find an endless assortment of activities and entertainment experiences to keep youself busy every minute of the day and night.

For example, over the years, I have seen the majority of shows presented in Las Vegas, and I can't recommend the various Cirque du Soleil shows highly enough, although my particular favorite continues to be KA. 

Over at the Wynn, Le Reve is truly one of the most breathtaking and amazing theatrical experiences ever to be presented in Las Vegas. Words can't do this show justice...It is that incredible.

However, if you're more in the mood to experience an amazing concert, Cher, Garth Brooks, Barry Manilow, and Donny & Marie are just some of the major headliners performing regularly on the Strip. Later this year, Celine Dion will also be returning with an all-new show.

Here in Las Vegas, yet another entertainment option is to catch one of the Broadway show productions, such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera or Jersey Boys.

Still another option is to experience one of the more classic-style Las Vegas shows, featuring music, dancing, elaborate costumes, comedy, magic and other speciality or variety-type acts. When it comes to entertainment, your choices are plentiful, and no matter what you choose, you probably won't be disappointed.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Home of Exotics Racing

Race A Ferrari: The Thrill Of A Lifetime!

During the day, if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, adrenaline rush experience that you will probably remember for the rest of your life, take a 20 minute drive from the Strip, and head to the Las Vegas Speedway to experience Exotics Racing (703-405-7223, www.exoticsracing.com). 

Here, you will have the opportunity to not only test drive a current model Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porche, Aston Martin or Audi, for example, but you'll be able to take these and other cars onto the actual Las Vegas Speedway race track, and drive around the course at the highest speeds these cars can go (or that you, as the driver, can handle).

The Exotics Racing experience includes driver "training," as well as a one-on-one instructor who accompanies you in the vehicle(s) of your choice, but you are the driver, and have 100 percent control over the vehicle at all times as you take your laps.

This experience isn't cheap (prices start at $199.00), but it's well worth it, especially if you're a car buff.

Exotics Racing is the only company offering this type of driving experience in America, where you can literally race high-end cars around a professional track. The company focuses on safety, but goes out of it's way to provide an exhilarating experience for all who participate. The instructors are professional (and highly-skilled) drivers who are also extremely friendly.

My Las Vegas experience continues until Monday...Then, on Tuesday, I am headed to Orlando to experience the inaugural voyage of the brand new Disney Dream cruise ship (www.DisneyCruiseLines.com). Having heard so many wonderful things about what this new ship offers, it's a trip I am really looking forward to. 

So, please stay tuned for details about the Disney Dream and what's new at The Walt Disney World Resort and in Orlando.

Kooza: Cirque du Soleil Visits Boston & DC

Now a worldwide phenomenon, Cirque du Soleil has been experienced by more than 80 million spectators to date. This year, the Quebec-based organization is simultaneously producing 17 extremely unique shows, including several resident shows in Las Vegas, one in Orlando, plus multiple touring shows that are currently visiting U.S. cities (as well as cities abroad).

During your next visit to Las Vegas, treat yourself to at least one incredible night of entertainment by experiencing KA, Love, Zumanity, "O," Mystere or Criss Angel Believe. These shows are all performed in theaters that were custom-built to house the multi-million dollar productions, all of which are truly breathtaking. When visiting The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, don't miss La Nouba (the Cirque du Soliel resident show presented within a custom-built theater in the Downtown Disney area.)

One thing to understand about Cirque du Soleil is that while many of the shows are family-friendly and feature incredibly entertaining and often extremely unusual circus-like acts, these shows are designed to appeal to adults. Each resident and touring show is extremely unique and offers a vastly different entertainment experience.

Currently in Boston (its next stop is Washington, DC, starting on October 30th), Cirque du Soleil Kooza is a touring show that's presented within a massive circus tent. 

This show returns Cirque du Soleil to its roots. It expertly combines state of the art lighting and sound effects with original music (performed live), spectacular sets (which become part of the show), unusual and colorful costumes, plus breathtaking acrobatic performances, classic clowning, juggling and plenty of non-stop thrills as nine unique acts are presented.

When you think of a circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or The Big Apple Circus might come to mind. These are wonderful shows for kids, teens and adults, but Cirque du Soleil's Kooza can best be described a collection of traditional circus acts on steroids...In other words, you've probably never seen anything like the amazing acts that are presented, even if you've seen many of the other Cirque du Soleil shows. The performers are world class and what transpires before your eyes will keep you on the edge of your seat. Yes, it's that amazing!

Tickets for Kooza range in price from $55.00 to $125.00, plus special VIP seating is available for $215.00. Discounted children's tickets (for kids, ages 2 to 12), as well as student and senior citizen tickets are available. However, in my opinion, Kooza is not suitable for kids under the age of 10.

If you're looking for an amazing and memorable night of entertainment to celebrate a special occasion, to impress an important business client, or to spend quality time with your loved ones, reserve your Kooza tickets online or call (800) 678-5440. The show's length is two hours and 40-minutes (including a 30 minute intermission).

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to see most of the different Cirque du Soleil shows, including those in Las Vegas and Orlando, and several different touring shows in various U.S. cities. I must admit that Kooza is as spectacular as all of the other Cirque du Soleil shows, but this one has a more traditional (albeit extremely incredible) circus feel that I strongly recommend seeing firsthand - not on DVD. 

If you've never experienced a Cirque du Soleil show in-person, and you happen to be in Boston or Washington, DC, check out Kooza...You won't be disappointed!!!