Our Las Vegas
Although each of us came originally from east of here, we love Las Vegas — its variety, the mix of people, great restaurants, the easy access to entertainment and we don’t even mind the climate.
Since so many of you come here to see Tom, we thought we’d share some of our favorite people and places and link you to some interesting attractions in case you want to do a bit of exploring between shows. We’ve linked to many of the places we talk about so it’s easier for you to check them out.
If you have anything to add, please do and, if you choose to go someplace we recommend based on our recommendation, please let us know what you thought of it. We’ll be adding more very often.
And, to stay up-to-date with the local community — especially if you are considering a move here — check out Vegas Community Online. Our friend Marleen Marino has the best community site in the city — no cheesy gossip, just lots of news and columns that cover every facet of life here. Check it out!
— Ellen & Ursula
Among the Best Shopping in the World. No Kidding.
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006Even a new resident from New York has to admit that the shopping in Las Vegas is spectacular. And it’s pricey. But fabulous; a feast for the eye, capable of causing famine in even the most well-fed wallet.
Here is what we believe is the best of the best.
The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace (right) are amazing. High-end and endlessly interesting. There’s a terrific FAO Schwarz (better than the flagship in New York City), loads of designer fashions, a Fabergé shop where you can see a cross that would put even Tom Jones’ best, brightest and bling-iest to shame. And Vosges Haute Chocolat is not to be missed.
The Shops at Via Bellagio are also fabu.They include Tiffany, Armani and Hermés, among others.
The Esplanade at Wynn is very high end. Here there is a Judith Lieber evening bag in the pattern of the hotel’s carpeting. And you must have read about the on-site Ferrari dealership. There’s also Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta. It’s quite the mall. (For information about the Esplanade, you can also go to the Wynn site but this involves a long introduction that just isn’t worth the effort)
The Fashion Show Mall (across from the Wynn) offers Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, the only Apple Computer store in Las Vegas and lots of other shops. As malls go, this one is great.
The District at Green Valley Ranch, in nearby Henderson — 5.3 miles from McCarren Airport — has good shops and restaurants and is very worth checking out.
The outlet shopper can choose between Las Vegas Premium Outlets downtown or the outlet center near the Strip on Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Lucky us! Las Vegas offers the only brick-and-mortar Unica Home store anywhere. If, like one of us, you are a devotee of this fun, very modern (and very expensive) style, you must visit. (In fact, there’s no pressure to buy and you can spend a lot of time just “visiting.”) They carry Alessi’s line, designs by Ron Arad, Joe Columbo, Ettore Sottsass — all of the standard-setters of today. They’re located at 7540 Dean Martin Drive (formerly S. Industrial Rd), Suite 501 in Las Vegas. You can call them at 1-888-89-UNICA or, locally, at 702-616-9280. They’re open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Owners Bonnie and Hugh invite you to call for an appointment if you’re short of time.
