So I'm going to Vegas/Phoenix

Heading to Vegas for the first time (as an adult, anyway) in a few weeks to see an old office buddy who now works for the Review-Journal. I'll be there about four days and nights before we head down to Phoenix to catch some spring-training games.

Any place I absolutely dare not miss? Which casinos are the best --- for gambling? For shows/entertainment? For people-watching?

Any must-visit restaurants or nightclubs? (And not just the adult kind, though feel free to advise on those, too). I'm looking to enjoy myself, albeit without spending too much money or getting into too much trouble (I know, good luck).

I'm sure my friend who lives there already has his own idea about things, but he's been there only a year, so it's possible he hasn't seen/done everything. He's also not a big gambler, so he might not be much help in that department.

Also, what about places to see in Phoenix? I've been there once, but it was years ago.

I've heard the Pink Pony in Scottsdale is a pretty cool place during spring training, as is Mill Street around Arizona State. What else do I need to see while I'm down there?

Love to hear any suggestions you might have, either by posting here or PM-ing me. Thanks in advance.

 

Hmm ... I stayed at the Stratosphere when I went to Las Vegas in September/October 2006. I can't really remember any particular casinos standing out. I remember going to see a Stevie Nicks tribute band named Bella Donna performing, though I don't remember the venue.

Fremont Street is an awesome sight in the evening when it's lit up so powerfully that it feels like constant daytime. When I was there, a spraypaint artist had throngs of people crowding around him to watch him use cans to hiss out works of art in minutes that looked like they were painstakenly crafted with a paintbrush and days of free time.

As for Phoenix, I was there back in 2000 and 2001. I don't have any recommendations of places to go.

 

I stayed at the Luxor last June. Really liked the hotel, and for the most part, the casino was just fine.
I didn't really like Tropicana (it kind of smelled), but the experience of walking into the Bellagio was just pretty cool.

 

I can't help with Vegas, but in Phoenix I'll recommend one cheap place and one not cheap place:

http://www.honeybearsbbq.com/

http://www.durantsfinefoods.com/

 

True that. Buckweaver and I took $1,500 in two nights at Binion's and the Golden Nugget, first night playing blackjack, next night playing craps.