What can you say about Vegas that hasn't already been said? It's hot, flashy and (sometimes) overpriced, yet you just can't resist. This was my second trip to Vegas, so I had an idea of what I wanted to do before heading on to Los Angeles. One thing I was fortunate enough to do before it closed was getting my picture with a lion cub at the lion habitat at MGM. I also went to the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory which is just a short distance from the heart of the strip. You can take a factory tour, try a sample, and visit the Botanical Cactus Garden, and best of all it's all free. On my first trip to Vegas, I had very limited time and stayed on the north side of the strip, so this time, I checked out the south side. I stayed at the Luxor, which I would do again, unlike my first stay at the Imperial which was loud and the rooms were musky. Take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower to see amazing views of the strip and beyond!
Next stop California AKA my favorite place in the States. As you head for California, make sure to stop at Buffalo Bill's Resort in Primm, NV. It's only 25 miles from Vegas, and The Desperado roller coaster is worth the stop! Once you cross into California, there are a couple interesting spots to check out. In Baker, CA you can find the world's largest thermometer at a truck stop. You'll pass through Calico, CA first though, which is a bonafide ghost town. There usually aren't many tourists, which adds to the effect, and you can ride the train for a couple dollars to get a better view of the mountains and coal mines.
Finally I arrived in Los Angeles. I could spend days blogging about Southern California (which I will do, have no fear), but instead I'm just going to give an overview of the places I stopped at along the way. Venice Beach, Marina Del Ray, Sunset Strip/Hollywood, and Rodeo Drive.
For those of you who have an interest in filming locations, I stopped by Freddy Krueger's' house and High Voltage AKA LA Ink, right off Sunset Strip. I also passed the Magic Castle and Capitol Records. If you only have a day or two though, go to the Santa Monica Pier on Venice Beach. Then walk a couple blocks up to the Third Street Promenade for food and shopping. It will be all you need!
Venice Beach:
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