Walk the Strip
Some of the most fun attractions you'll find in Las Vegas are offered by the casinos free of charge. The Strip is home to over 20 hotels with the same number of casinos, plus there are live shows and tons of shopping opportunities.
For a fun-filled but free experience, start at The Venetian and make your way south, stopping to see the main shows (or all of them, if you have the time), such as the erupting volcano at the Mirage, the indoor fountains and shopping at Caesars Palace, Bellagio's fountain show, the lion habitat at MGM Grand and much more. For the ultimate opportunity, stop at different monuments along the way, including the Eiffel Tower at the Paris, the Statue of Liberty at New York New York or the Sphinx at the Luxor.
You can also step into the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which houses everything from a 40-foot poplar tree to miniature rose gardens to weeping willows. The shows change with the seasons.
Las Vegas Strip Map and Attractions
www.vegas.com/lounge/map.html
Auto Collections at Imperial Palace
The world's largest showroom of classic cars covers 125,000 square feet and two floors. Over 300 cars are in display, most of which are for sale. Included in the collection are Indy 500 Race Cars, concept cars like the Alpha Romeo Bats or the 1966 Bizzarini Spider prototype, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin luxury models, and even cars used in different movies.
The collection's highlights are a 1928 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer, valued at over $5 million, and the 1934 Morgan Super Sport, a three-wheeled car used for sport racing. While entrance technically costs $6.95 at the door, you can see the show for free by printing the free admission coupon offered at their official website. The coupon has no expiration date.
The Auto Collections
3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South
(702) 794-3174
http://autocollections.com
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Just seven miles away from the Strip and all the lights of Las Vegas, the Ethel M Chocolate factory in Henderson offers free tours, live chocolate production and free tastings. Gourmet treats are available for the taking and visitors are encourage to relax at the lounge even if they don't want to buy anything at the factory shop.
Once you're done trying out chocolates, head to the back to walk around the Botanical Cactus Garden, home to over 300 species of desert plants. Walking trails invite visitors to explore, while the in-house wastewater treatment facility can double as an educational demonstration, as all the water used in the gardens is treated and recycled on the premises.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens
Two Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson
(702) 435-2655
http://www.ethelschocolate.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
