Nai-publish: 06.04.2017
When we head to Las Vegas today on Tuesday, it already feels a bit like the finale of our incredible vacation, but we still have a few more days.
Lake Mead is located about 20 miles southeast of Vegas. We took the more scenic route through the mountains one last time. Once again, we were greeted with a different landscape almost every minute, and it was simply fantastic when Las Vegas suddenly spread out before us. Las Vegas is much bigger than just the Strip alone, and the area is enormous. But the highlight is undoubtedly the Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as the Strip. However, our plan for today was to dedicate it to the Fremont Street. Also perhaps better known as the 'old Strip'. A completely covered street, with one of the largest video walls in the world installed on its ceiling, plus plenty of bars, casinos, and other craziness... We were not disappointed.
On the way, there was the Premium Outlet Shopping Center where we also stopped in 2013. We had time and spent about 3 hours here, and even though it wasn't planned, a few nice bags ended up in my suitcase again.
We had chosen an excellent base for our first Las Vegas station. We used the RV Park at the Main Street Station Casino. Not particularly pretty, but very conveniently located and also very affordable. We simply drove up, chose a spot, we could even stand next to each other and face the doors towards each other, so we practically had our own little terrace between the RVs. We connected everything and enjoyed the first rays of sunshine until we decided to go on our first stroll. On the way to the old Strip (max. 10 minutes on foot), we quickly checked in at the casino. And there it was again, the Vegas feeling. Slot machines everywhere, everyone playing their own music, everything mixed up. The casinos are opulently furnished, each with its own theme, here it was 'TRAIN STATION'. It's quiet, but still hectic, just a very special atmosphere. People sit everywhere, some more enthusiastic than others, trying their luck. It was noticeable that the average age was probably around 70. Where the money somehow has to be spent among the people.
When we arrived at the Fremont Street, it was early afternoon, so it wasn't very busy yet, but we got a first impression. It was as described above, but in the evening much more was still to come. We went back again, it wasn't far. Sit in the sun for a bit, grab something to eat before we dive into the hustle and bustle. Right at the beginning of the street, a dancing DJ created a mood, live music everywhere, on a big stage the rock band 'Alter Ego' played, further down the street the girl band 'Mighty Daisys'. On a bar on the street, a barmaid danced on the counter like in Coyote Ugly. Bunnies walked around for photos, just like Elvis, Spiderman, and Darth Vader. In between, graffiti artists created true masterpieces in minutes. Asians made miniature sculptures of passers-by's heads for only $49. At the east end of Fremont Street, we found the crazy Heart Attack Grill, where you can eat for free if you weigh 350 pounds. The scale was displayed outside on the street for everyone to see with a huge display. None of us came even close to that. Inside, the guests were dressed in hospital gowns and the waitresses wore skimpy nurse outfits. The wine is served in IV bags on a stand, and if you don't finish your food, a nurse will spank you with a wooden paddle. Of course, with a look and a stretched out butt towards the street. Here, too, the staff have fun. Directly below the video wall, well over 20 meters high, you can fly along the entire Fremont Street on a zipline in Superman style. Mind-blowing.
We then stopped by a bar where we once again heard good and, above all, loud rock music. But the band was excellent. So was the margarita. I have come to the realization that I prefer the frozen version over on the rocks.
It was starting to get a bit cooler, so something below 25 degrees Celsius, and we headed back to our RVs with many impressions. A spectacular day comes to an end.