If you are heading to Las Vegas this summer be sure to check out this fabulous free display.  If possible, be there once the sun goes down as the gardens become even more beautiful when decked out in a custom lighting display that off-sets the night sky above.

Tip:  No stop at the Bellagio is complete without a visit to Jean-Philippe Patisserie for a perfect Napoleon, raspberry tart or fondant-adorned mini-carrot cake.

Enjoy these photos from this summer’s display at the Bellagio gardens.

Related posts:

1. Breakfast and a Stroll Through the Gardens at The Bellagio Las Vegas As much as I love the hustle and bustle of...
2. Can’t Score in the Casino? Find Guaranteed Green at The Bellagio The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up...
3. Nighttime is the right time to see the Bellagio’s divine garden display No matter how busy we are during our trips to...

Simply magical. The Bellagio gardens shine after the sun goes down. (Photos & all content property of www.royallyflushed.com)

No matter how busy we are during our trips to Las Vegas, we still never miss the chance to see what gorgeous seasonal display the Bellagio has in store for visitors to their remarkable Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. We definitely consider it to be one of the top free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

For some reason, we always seem to be at the Bellagio during the day but because we spent two fabulous nights there this trip, we were able to visit the famed Bellagio garden at night and see it in all its evening finery. If you have never seen the garden at night, you really should make a point of going because it truly is a different experience once the sun goes down.  You can see from the photos how the ambiance changes day to night.

This summer the display features some popular design elements used in the past including colorful hot air balloons floating overhead and a pair of father and son bears made entirely from greenery. New this year: a brilliantly-lit Ferris wheel with cars brimming with sunflowers; a glass “green house” with aviaries featuring flocks of rainbow-colored birds like lorikeets and parakeets; and whimsical over-sized tin cans pouring forth glowing cascades of water.

The current display will be on view until September 14 when the theme changes to one featuring autumn leaves and harvest time colors.

Daytime reveals colorful balloons and a green house filled with exotic birds.

Dancing waters accented with LED lights put on a show at night at the Bellagio gardens.

Related posts:

1. Bellagio gardens dazzle in summer finery A visit to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is...
2. Can’t Score in the Casino? Find Guaranteed Green at The Bellagio The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up...
3. Breakfast and a Stroll Through the Gardens at The Bellagio Las Vegas As much as I love the hustle and bustle of...

The adults-only GO pool at Flamingo Las Vegas is a tropical oasis in the summer.

It may be hot outside but Las Vegas offers lots of great attractions all summer long and you don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy them.

1.  Tour Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino.  Cruising through the more than 1 million gallons of seawater can’t help but make you feel a whole lot cooler.

2.  Order TWO scoops of super-rich, intensely-flavored ice cream at Sugar & Ice at Wynn Las Vegas.

3.  Enjoy a frozen, fruity concoction while lying poolside at any of the city’s fabulous “ultra-pools.” We enjoy the surprisingly hidden tropical gardens and pool complex at Flamingo Las Vegas — complete with real pink flamingos.

4.  Sip a cold beer inside the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio while watching the fabulous fountain show taking place just outside.

5.  Wander the wide halls of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood then stop for lunch at the beach-themed Hawaiian Tropic Zone restaurant (complete with bikini-clad servers!)

6.  Put on your cutest sundress or flashiest Hawaiian shirt and play some blackjack at the new Beachside Casino at Mandalay Bay.

7.  Take in the 2:30 matinee performance of “The Price is Right” at Bally’s Las Vegas.

8.  Burgers and big, thick shakes – with or without alcohol – at BLT Burger at the Mirage.

9.  Try your luck at poker, craps, slots…all in the icy (and we do mean ICY) air-conditioning of your favorite casino.

10. Check out the underwater treasures at “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at the Luxor.

11. Indulge in white peach sangria while munching on spicy garlic shrimp at Café Ba Ba Reeba at Fashion Show Mall.

12. Dig into a giant bowl of the justly-famous Frrozen Hot Chocolate dessert at the new Serendipity 3 facing the Strip at Caesars Palace.

13. Summer calls for down-home BBQ in our book so head over to the Rio and RUB restaurant where you can sample their luscious pulled pork, tender beef brisket or smoked turkey.

14. Pamper yourself with a complete spa day.  We recommend QUA at Caesars Palace with their extensive menu of massages, water treatments, facials and more.

15. Take a mid-week tour of the Ethel M Chocolate factory (M – F) where employees craft the company’s gourmet chocolate candy offerings.  For those willing to brave the heat, there is a three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden (with more than 300 varieties of plants) on premise that guests are free to wander.

Related posts:

1. Smooth Spots to Grab a Cool Drink on the Las Vegas Strip These aren’t the Las Vegas bars or clubs where you...
2. Truly, Madly, Cheaply — A Valentine’s Day Celebration for Less In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run...
3. Las Vegas dining deals get better and better If you’re like us, planning the perfect trip to Las...

Poker Buddy scores with a double Royal Flush for a cool two grand.

P.B.:  “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is announcing their Alaskan cruise contest winners tonight.  Do you want to go out for it?”

Me:  “Not really…I’m kinda’ tired today.”

Three hours later —

Me:  “Okay, I got my second wind.  Let’s go out and see if we won a cruise.”

P.B.:  “Yeah, let’s go but I don’t want to play too much.”

Me:  “Nah, me neither.”

Two hours later –

See above photo!  Poker Buddy hits for $2000 on a quarter Triple Play DDB video poker game.  Dealt four to the Royal Flush, he pulls the queen twice for TWO Royals.  Cha-Ching!

Hmm, maybe we should not “want to play too much” more often?  (No cruise by the way.)

Got any stories you wanna’ share?  We’d love to hear them so tell us about your big wins in the comments section of this post.

Want to practice your video poker strategy for free online?  Just go to videopoker.com to play your favorite games on the ‘net’s largest non-wagering video poker site.

Related posts:

1. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Asks “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Someone will be a new millionaire on December 28th when...
2. Head to Harrah’s Ak-Chin for this Super Promo Just a quick Sunday “drive-by” post for players in the...
3. Black Friday Shopping? No, This Was Way More Fun Than Shopping So it’s now the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving and I...

Better than a box of chocolates? A stop at Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace on Valentine's Day.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run a list of our favorite romantic (read expensive) restaurants in Las Vegas.  However, with all the talk about how Las Vegas has become such a great “frugal” destination for travelers (it is!) plus considering the state of the economy — not to mention our wallets — we’ve decided that in lieu of that list, we’ve come up with this list: Seven inexpensive yet fun and romantic things you and your sweetie can do this coming weekend.  (Lots of these ideas can be used in places other than Las Vegas so take a look even if you won’t be traveling for V-Day.)

1.  One of our favorite stores is Bijoux Terner, otherwise known as the “$10 boutique.”  Everything (and we really mean everything) from purses to watches to bold and brassy necklaces and earrings is just $10.  Why not treat your sweetie to a week’s worth of colorful watches or five new handbags in spring’s brightest shades.  No, not “designer” pieces but who wants to spend a ton on a bright orange watch or a psychedelic pink purse anyways?

2.  Try a “celebrity chef” for less.  Case in point; Tom Colicchio, famous head judge on Bravo TV’s smash-hit “Top Chef” is the brains (and toque) behind ‘wichcraft at MGM Grand.  His fabulous meatloaf sandwich is just $10 and almost as good as the beefy entrees at his high-priced Craftsteak restaurant just down the corridor.  Oh, and make sure you save room for the decadent “Whoopie Pie” — chocolate cake layers filled with vanilla pudding.

3.  Sugar & Ice café at Wynn Las Vegas is an all-time favorite sweet stop for us.  Splurge on double scoops of rich, velvety ice cream — the lemon tart just sings with flavor — while relaxing on the gorgeous patio that looks out onto the “Lake of Dreams” and the lush surroundings of the Wynn grounds.

4.  Plan a dessert tour.  Chocoholics will love a stop at either Jean-Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio or Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace (or maybe both!) and then on to Cocolini in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian for bowls of authentic gelato.  End the evening with chocolate martinis at Table 10 at The Palazzo.

5.  Treat each other to body lotions at Kiehl’s at The Forum Shoppes.  There’s a yummy Forest Rain lotion for guys plus a warm vanilla-scented cream for her.  Take your purchases back to your hotel room and have fun.  (You can plan ahead and make sure your MP3 player has a special “romantic songs” playlist just for the occasion!)

6.  Stroll the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens together.  Ask a kind stranger to take your picture — kissing — while surrounded by this floral wonderland.  After your walk, head for the hotel gift shop and pick up one of the sparkly “Bellagio” keychains ($10) as a reminder of your trip.

7.  Sip a cocktail, or better yet, a glass of champagne in the plush, dimly-lit Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas.  The piano bar comes alive later in the evening, but until then, this bar features smooth jazz, no cover charge and a very romantic atmosphere.

Related posts:

1. A Very Vegas Valentine’s Day Weekend Romance, NBA basketball –  “Love & Basketball,” anyone? — Friday...
2. Venetian, Palazzo in Las Vegas Offer Sweet Suite Deals in February Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes this super offer...
3. Can’t Score in the Casino? Find Guaranteed Green at The Bellagio The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up...

Sliced apples atop perfect puff pastry from Jean-Philippe at The Bellagio.

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the Strip in Las Vegas, it’s kinda’ nice to also find a quiet spot and just kick back, relax and soak in the atmosphere.  If you’ve been reading this blog, you know of my fondness for all things sweet — be it a five-star dessert, a humble cookie or a morning pastry — so it will come as no surprise that this little respite from the action included a visit to Jean-Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.

While P.B. was enjoying breakfast and the newspaper back at our hotel’s all-day café, I took a walk over to Bellagio to see the latest transformation of the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, pick up a light breakfast and simply enjoy the morning.

I’m really not a “big breakfast” eater; I tend to want to go back to sleep if I indulge too much.  For that reason, a stop at Jean-Philippe is perfect for me.  I ordered a double latte and the sliced apple pastry and, as always, the pastry was delectable.

I got my items to go, hiked down the hallway a bit and found a comfy little spot with a table and chairs where I could enjoy a view of the pool area, the luxurious Bellagio surroundings and my perfect little breakfast.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated in color and form at The Bellagio gardens in Las Vegas.

After lingering over breakfast, I visited the Bellagio’s indoor gardens which were decorated in vibrant tones of lucky red and gold for the Chinese New Year festivities — a design that will be on display through February 28.  In addition to this colorful figure perched atop his mountain of gold coins, the garden designers paid homage to The Year of the Ox by creating a sculpture of the beast out of what looked like boxwood.  Any time of year, the garden is always a must-see on my Las Vegas list.

A note about Jean-Philippe:  There can be an imposingly long line at the counter but be aware that the queue moves very quickly and you’ll have your order in no time.

Related posts:

1. Bellagio gardens dazzle in summer finery A visit to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is...
2. Get Your “Dessert On” at Jean Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio   One of the best things about going on vacation...
3. Can’t Score in the Casino? Find Guaranteed Green at The Bellagio The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up...

"Harrk the Harrald Angels Sing"...(and play instruments, too!)

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" -- who looks an awful lot like the next-door neighbor.

Related posts:

1. Christmas in Las Vegas More photo fun all this week! ...

Hanging stockings at Caesars Palace.

I think I see Santa! No, wait...it's just that big picture of Donny Osmond.

More photo fun all this week!

Related posts:

1. Christmas in Las Vegas – The Sequel Wishing you all a very happy holiday season. We’re off...
2. Look Up — Caesars Palace Lobby Features Intricate Lighting Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas —...
3. Truly, Madly, Cheaply — A Valentine’s Day Celebration for Less In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run...

A lot of thought went into this intricate light fixture at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas — yet — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.  Look up, I mean.  Here’s another entry in our “Las Vegas Look Up” series of posts and photos showing some of the striking design elements we’ve found in Las Vegas casinos.

Today’s entry comes from Caesars Palace — the registration lobby at Caesars to be exact.  For some reason, this light fixture really caught my eye.  From a distance, it reminded me of some sort of giant cell colony.  Don’t ask me why but when I looked up it instantly reminded me of something you’d see under a microscope.  Upon closer inspection — click on the photo to enlarge — those cells are actually etchings of classic Roman figures and symbols.

Check out, too, the intricate flourishes painted onto the ceiling surrounding the base of the fixture.   And, yes, that is accent lighting surrounding each of these accent lights!  I LOVE this lavish attention to detail that you always find in casinos throughout Las Vegas.

Related posts:

1. Caesars Palace introduces redesigned “Garden of the Gods” pool playground Summer comes early to Las Vegas with the opening of...
2. Payard Pâtisserie at Caesars Palace Showcases Chef’s Artistry Making a visit to Payard’s exquisite bakery at Caesars Palace...
3. Caesars Palace Stars in New Summer Comedy “The Hangover” What’s the next best thing to being in Las Vegas? ...

There are actually three maps to explore — The Strip, Downtown and the Valley — and on each one, you click on what era you want to see and the map shows you what casinos were in place at that point in time.  For instance, head to “The Strip” map and click on the tab “1960″ for an idea of the places Frank, Sammy and Dean were hanging out at during the Rat Pack years.  As you click on each casino, a pop-up appears and you can read a short history of the property and see some photos.  I thought it really interesting to see the original Caesars Palace pics to get an idea of the multiple expansions that property has gone through in order to morph into what we now see on The Strip. 

The entire History section, aptly called “A Gamble in the Sand,” is a goldmine of facts and photos and a truly fascinating look at a remarkable American city.  Spend some time there and you’ll know Vegas as never before.

Related posts:

1. M Resort Opens In Las Vegas with Fireworks Lots of interesting news reports and posts out today about...
2. CityCenter Las Vegas and Strip Construction Update So much has happened since our January report on the...
3. Las Vegas dining deals get better and better If you’re like us, planning the perfect trip to Las...

Beautifully-rendered bunches of colorful spring flowers await at The Bellagio... if you just look up.

What do the Sistine Chapel and Las Vegas have in common?  Well, if you want to see the good stuff at either place, you’re going to have to stop walking (recommended if you don’t want to crash into other people,) throw your head back and look up.

While much is made of the crazy colorful carpeting found in casinos all around the country — and rightfully so – you also need to look UP as well as down to see some of the more remarkable design elements scattered throughout favorite casinos.  Nowhere is this truer than in Las Vegas where over-the-top design is simply commonplace and excess is the norm rather than the exception.  But hey, this is why we love the place!

This post is the first in what will be an on-going series I’m calling “Las Vegas Look Up” where you’ll find examples of engaging architectural elements in casinos on and around The Strip.  Most are beautiful, some are interesting and others are just plain odd in a “How did that get there?” kind of way.   

And while it gives me a chance to showcase some of the cool photos from my collection, I would love to feature photos from our readers.  If you have any great shots you would like to see published here, please email me the pic along with the details (what, where, when) and you may find your photo featured in a future “Las Vegas Look Up” post.

Today’s photo:  This flower-strewn ceiling mural is located at The Bellagio in the hallway next to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The warm peach background is a perfect foil for the contrasting bunches of colorful pink peonies, blue hydrangea and other spring blossoms.

Related posts:

1. Look Up — Caesars Palace Lobby Features Intricate Lighting Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas —...
2. Nighttime is the right time to see the Bellagio’s divine garden display No matter how busy we are during our trips to...
3. Look Down! Casino Carpets Have Their Own Online “Hall of Fame” It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated...

Watch the Las Vegas sunset at Mix lounge atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

Whether it is your first trip to LasVegas or your 20th, one spot you do not want to miss is Mix lounge at THEhotel in the Mandalay Bay resort.  Be sure to time your visit so you’re there when the sun is setting and you will be treated to an absolutely magical view of Las Vegas.

When you arrive at Mandalay Bay, head for the back of the casino, near the theater, where you’ll find the reception area for THEhotel and the Mix elevator bank.  While the glassed-in lift slowly ascends to the 64th floor, you get your first view of the Las Vegas landscape laid out before you and a preview of what’s to come.

Once the elevator doors open, make your way to the bar that snakes along the back of the stark red, white and black space.  You can choose from a table near the windows, one on the huge terrace or, do like we do, and stake your claim on seats at the bar.  From any seat or any angle, the views are breath-taking.

As the sun sets watch the colors of the sky change from blue to rosy pink to dusky purple then watch as the last light of day changes and reflects off the smooth surface of the nearby Luxor pyramid.  Now, as the evening sky darkens, the lights of The Strip begin to blink on and grow brighter and you see the signature green of MGM Grand, the electric blue of Bally’s and a virtual rainbow of neon lights.

An icy lemon drop martini in hand, the mountains rising in the distance and Las Vegas at your feet — a perfect place to be for this one moment in time.

Related posts:

1. Posh trip, big savings — Mandalay Bay Las Vegas is the perfect getaway Mandalay Bay is one of our favorite Strip hotels...
2. Best Bars in Las Vegas — Cocktails & Conversation In our quest to seek out the best bars for...
3. Las Vegas dining deals get better and better If you’re like us, planning the perfect trip to Las...

Casino carpeting features intricate designs, wild colors.

It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated with the over-the-top colorful designs on casino carpets.  I have to confess that while walking through a casino or down a hotel hallway, I have been known to run into people - as well as inanimate objects – because I am so focused on what’s under my feet.  The exhuberant colors and the intricate patterns never cease to entertain me.

Well, David G. Schwartz, who writes extensively about Las Vegas, gambling, and history has several photo pages on his website, The Die is Cast, devoted to current and defunct carpets at casinos throughout the U.S.  Who knew?  His gallery organizes the carpet photos mostly by location but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you’ll find his “Hall of Fame” page which features extinct carpets as well as extinct casinos…think Stardust and the Aladdin among others.

Schwartz is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV and has a Ph.D. in United States history from UCLA.  Check out his website for lots of fascinating information.  After spending some time on his website, I definitely plan on purchasing his book, Roll the Bones, A History of Gambling.

Oh, and the carpet pictured above?  You can find it in all it’s dashing purple glory – at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona!

Related posts:

1. Free Casino-Style Games to Play Online Hi -  I have played these games (the Bally’s games...
2. Look Up — Caesars Palace Lobby Features Intricate Lighting Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas —...
3. Click Your Way through a History of Las Vegas By far, one of the coolest interactive maps I have ever...

The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up in natural materials.

Well, yes, it is a different kind of green but The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is always a sure bet in the “oohs” and “aahs” department.  P.B. and I don’t think a visit to Las Vegas is complete unless we’ve dropped by to see the consistently outstanding floral displays located just off the Bellagio’s main reception area.  A riot of color and form, this amazing and FREE attraction delights visitors with its use of flowers and greenery, water and light, beauty and whimsy.  The soaring light-filled space changes with the seasons – the Christmas display is always spectacular – so you’ll most likely see something different on each visit.

A father-and-son fishing trip only at The Bellagio.

Where else can you see a father and son bear duo – each fashioned from moss, bark and colorful button mums – outfitted for a summer fishing trip?  Or how about a miniature train running through a covered bridge constructed of twigs?  And then there is my personal favorite from this summer’s display – a reproduction of The Bellagio and its lakeside “village” all done in flowers and other natural materials.  The attention to detail was stunning!   

When you’re done touring this indoor oasis, be sure to check out theGiardini Garden Store at the back of the display.  There you’ll find lots of high-style home and garden items such as exotically-scented candles, colorful glassware and more.  Bring your casino winnings because the gorgeous items here aren’t cheap.

Location - The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is located off the main reception/registration area.  If you arrive at the Bellagio from the pedestrian bridges coming from either Caesars or Bally’s, walk through the shopping galleria and veer left then continue through the casino and into the main entry hall.  You’ll see the garden at the back.  Also, don’t miss the floral displays behind the registration desks – they, too, change with the seasons. 

Player’s tip – Bellagio has some fun multi-denomination Spin Poker machines in the middle of the casino near the blackjack tables and also near the entrance to the shopping gallery.  We’ve played – and won - on them more than a few times.

Treat tip – Stop at Jean Philippe Patisserie - down the hall from the garden, toward the back of the hotel - for a cappuccino and a pastry that is almost too pretty to eat.  Almost.

Related posts:

1. Bellagio gardens dazzle in summer finery A visit to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is...
2. Nighttime is the right time to see the Bellagio’s divine garden display No matter how busy we are during our trips to...
3. Breakfast and a Stroll Through the Gardens at The Bellagio Las Vegas As much as I love the hustle and bustle of...