What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!!

When people think of Las Vegas, images of Elvis singing “Viva Las Vegas”, beautiful showgirls, endless sunshine and 24-hour parties come to mind. Sin City has much to offer as the Entertainment Capital of the World—and since I’ve performed at all of the major Las Vegas ‘institutions’ as one of the world’s top Elvis impersonators, I’ve got an inside perspective that I want to share with you.

Las Vegas is also the “Emerald City” for many, brimming with hopes and dreams of striking it rich at a casino, or becoming famous in a show on the Las Vegas Strip. Tourists come to party like rock stars; as the popular expression “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” implies you can get away with letting go of your inhibitions.

Las Vegas’ top-ranked clubs include XS at Encore Casino, and TRYST at the Wynn (XS’s sister nightclub), which is also known as a place to see movie stars and celebrities. Meanwhile, the Palms Casino has Rain, Playboy Club, Moon and Ghost Bar – all hot spots for tourists and locals alike. TAO at The Venetian has an enormous dance floor packed with beautiful people, and two separate clubs and an Asian-fusion restaurant that combine to create one of the most spectacular nightlife complexes in the world.

Shopping in Las Vegas is a must. The Las Vegas Outlet mall on Charleston and the Las Vegas Outlets on South Las Vegas Boulevard are the two major shopping hubs for the budget-conscious. For more mainstream shopping, I’d suggest Caesars Forums Shoppes at Caesars Palace. You can shop at the designer brand stores, and dine at dozens of famous restaurants and bistros. Free entertainment is also included. The Fashion Show Mall, the largest mall in Vegas, has an incredible number of shops and restaurants as well. You might be able to find some nice paintings of Elvis to take home! Also worth visiting for an afternoon of shopping are The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and Mandalay Bay at Mandalay Place.

Dining out in Vegas is very popular. Elvis loved chicken fried steaks and other southern cooking. My out-of-town friends always ask me when they visit, “Who has the best buffet?” To this, I would say The Bellagio. It’s more expensive than other buffets, but it’s worth every bite. The chefs prepare your dishes for you as you watch. Another favorite of mine is the Palms Casino Buffet, which is affordable and serves a wide variety of excellent food.

Cirque du Soleil has the most vibrant and elaborate shows in Vegas. Among their many productions are “Viva Elvis” at the new Cosmopolitan Hotel, and “Love,” a tribute to the Beatles at The Mirage. Currently, Celine Don and Rod Stewart are taking turns headlining at Caesars Palace in the magnificent Colosseum.
For those of you who are Elvis Fans, you might want to venture to The Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis lived and played for 8 years in the 1970’s. It’s a well-known fact that Elvis was responsible for the Renaissance Era of Las Vegas. His presence here sparked the interest of a whole new generation, as the Rat Pack generation was fading out.

Las Vegas has so much to offer, it’s impossible to cover all of the fun and excitement in one article.  Having lived around the world, I can honestly say that Las Vegas is the most exciting city on earth, pulsating around the clock with life and energy. The best time to visit is Spring, Summer or Fall.The next time you visit Las Vegas and see an Elvis Impersonator, say hello—it just might be me!