What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … unless you are a newspaper columnist who writes about love and relationships. I would be remiss if I didn’t share what I saw in Sin City on a recent visit with my boyfriend. Regardless of its reputation of luring tourists into immoral behavior, Las Vegas is a city filled with an incredible amount of love and romance.
My impression of the town sometimes referred to as “Disneyland for Adults” began at the hotel pools, where I noticed crowds consisting of young people, old people, families with kids, couples, bachelor and bachelorette parties, groups of girlfriends and convention goers.
It occurred to me that Las Vegas seems like a place that truly welcomes people from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, class, etc. What struck me was the beauty in seeing many different types of people seemingly at peace and in harmony, all at the pools to enjoy the day. It felt far removed from thoughts of strained race relations at home or never-ending world conflict. In other words, it was a space filled simply with the common desire and appreciation for enjoyment – and little else.
I spent the weekend walking the strip, going out for fancy dinners, seeing “Jersey Boys,” gambling, dancing and listening to a few different lounge acts, most notably an Elvis impersonator. If you closed your eyes and listened to him sing songs like, “Let It Be Me” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” you would swear you were listening to The King himself.
What was so remarkable was the passion this singer, known as Big Elvis, had for his work. I am told he has been performing in Vegas for over 20 years. That can’t be easy. In other words, he has to love what he does, otherwise he could never sustain the excellence of his shows. What stood out most was his smile while he sang. It revealed peacefulness. Singing was home to him. That’s what came across.
Another extraordinary lounge act I saw began when my boyfriend and I were standing up to leave the bar around midnight, and all of a sudden we heard the beautiful and powerful voice of a soul vocalist belt out, “Strumming my pain with his fingers …” We immediately sat back down, enamored with her stunning delivery of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.”
As people started flooding the small dance floor area in front of her when she sang Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff,” I looked around and wondered how many men and women there had love and passion and a sense of pride for something like she did. That’s no everyday thing. Her voice was inspiring, her warmth and energy contagious.
When people think of Las Vegas, many envision a strip of hotels with evil temptations like gambling, cheating, prostitution, excessive drinking and drugs. Not that those things don’t exist. They certainly do. And I can understand how someone might feel less than warm and fuzzy if their spouse decided to take a trip there without them.
But for the most part, the love and passion I saw in Sin City were incredible. Despite getting a little sick of seeing four-inch heels, tattoos and very short skirts on young girls not much older than my daughter, along with extremely intoxicated people staggering down the street and countless casino employees soliciting us to walk into their establishment and lose more money, I felt like the town truly fostered harmony. Not just from inspiring top-notch chefs, entertainers and artists, but with the opportunity for loved ones to experience brilliant talent, to learn together, to enjoy the serenity and warmth of togetherness, and to go home with beautiful memories.
Here are 10 things to do in Vegas that don’t involve gambling, drinking or strippers!
1. See a show – a musical, a play, a magic show, a concert
2. Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon
3. Visit one of several museums
4. Enjoy spa services
5. Visit the botanical gardens at the Bellagio
6. Shop!
7. Ride the High Roller observation wheel
8. Go on a bike or kayak tour
9. Eat at some of the best restaurants in the country
10. Relax by the pool
Jackie Pilossoph is a freelance columnist for Chicago Tribune Media Group. She is also the creator of her divorce support website, Divorced Girl Smiling. Pilossoph lives in Chicago with her two children.
