Chapter 36 - Viva Las Vegas!

Starting our hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Welcome to Chapter 36 of Crabby & Chipper Travels!

On March 6, 2025, we jetted off to Las Vegas for a six-day adventure to celebrate our friend Justin’s 50th birthday—plus squeeze in some time with Corp’s cousin Dave and family.

We kicked things off with a two night stay at the Golden Nugget—Justin’s pick. 

We were excited to give him his birthday gift - LED-lit, flashing dollar sign sunglasses. He wore them proudly! 

We quickly learned how to play electronic blackjack on the bar and were able to get some free drinks along the way.  At the stroke of midnight, Justin made a last-minute bet: $100 on red at the roulette table—and he won!

They were both all smiles after the roulette win!

Although it was too cold for a swim, the Golden Nugget’s pool area was still fun to check out thanks to its giant aquarium full of sharks.

The Fremont Street Experience lived up to the hype with its neon lights and street performers.

Corp even struck a pose with the famous $1 Million Stack at Binion’s!

Later, we visited The Mob Museum, which gave us an eye-opening look at how deeply the mob was connected across industries—and across the U.S. since the 1920s.

Industries the mob is/was involved in.

Mob syndicates were linked nationwide.

On March 8, we checked out of Downtown and strolled the Strip before meeting up with Corp's cousin Dave.

One major highlight: The Sphere. This futuristic venue near the Strip opened in 2023 and is unlike anything we’ve seen. Its giant spherical shape and jaw-dropping LED wraparound screen is amazing. 

The exterior's visuals were incredible. 
Hands down, it must be the best place to see a concert!

Another favorite stop: the Bellagio—always a top pick for me. I love the iconic fountain show in front of the casino and the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

I was excited when the fountain show began to the sound of Andrea Bocelli’s Time to Say Goodbye—one of my all-time favorite songs. It still gives me chills every time.

The Spring 2025 Conservatory display, titled “The Birds and the B’s,” was stunning. 

    

It celebrated nature with vibrant floral sculptures, including beautiful hummingbirds and flowers, a walk-through beehive made of birch bark, and Fabergé-style eggs nestled under thousands of purple wisteria blossoms. Absolutely breathtaking.

Next, we spent a few days with Dave’s family. His daughter Avery played tour guide and introduced us to her favorite breakfast spots, ramen joints, and ice cream shops—all delicious!

Jen, Avery, and I at Avery's favorite breakfast cafe...the biscuit sandwiches were delicious!

Another Avery suggestion—grabbing ice cream at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop.
Check out the size of this banana split sundae… minus the banana they forgot to put in!

On March 10, we took a scenic drive out to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 15 miles west of the Strip. The views were spectacular—red sandstone cliffs and towering rock formations all around. We cruised the 13-mile scenic loop and enjoyed the trails and wide-open Mojave Desert landscape.

The rock colors were so vivid in the bright sun.

Petroglyphs on the rocks carved by Native People.

And just like that—our Las Vegas trip came to an end and we had to say goodbye.

Saying goodbye to Avery.

 
Well, that's all for Chapter 36...hope you enjoyed it.

 

Until next time, safe travels and happy exploring!

Corp and Tammy