Las Vegas Birthday Vacation 2022

Nevada/Arizona Trip 2022

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“Vacation” seems like such a foreign word and idea to me these days, but finally, after a few years, my mom, aunt and I decided it was time to celebrate and give ourselves a break. Both my mother and aunt have April birthdays so we decided to take another trip down to Las Vegas to celebrate them. It was my aunt’s platinum birthday!

Grand Canyon West

The past trip we all agreed we wanted to see the Grand Canyon but we just couldn’t make it happen. This trip, it was the first thing we decided to do so that there would be no chance we’d miss it! We went to the Grand Canyon West, which isn’t the classic postcard photo spot, believe it or not… that is the South Entrance to the canyon. With limited time, we decided to go to the West entrance and save us some car travel time. The views were stunning regardless of choosing the West experience - photos of course will never do a view like this justice. My first World Wonder!

Hoover Dam

Because we took the shorter trip to the Grand Canyon West, we actually had time to stop by and see the Hoover Dam as well, which was right on our way back! It was breathtaking but way too windy out there!

The Strip & Carla’s Birthday

Here are a few miscellaneous photos from the Strip (which I’ve gone to many times now and am not as inspired to take new photos at), Carla on her birthday, and Orville Peck at the House of Blues - such a great show!

Red Rock Canyon

We were also so close to the Red Rock Canyon that we decided we might as well check that out too - so happy we did! If you buy tickets to the scenic loop there are many places to stop at and take in the incredible views. Also, it is a hiker’s dream - trail heads are at each stop! I have to come back again someday and do more exploring.

Las Vegas Trip 2019

My little sister, Aunt, and I all went down with my mother to Las Vegas, Nevada, to celebrate her 60th birthday together earlier this month. Most of the time was spent lounging by the pool, or grabbing food together, but we did get out and check out a few attractions including the 7 Magic Mountains, the Neon Museum, Mystere by Cirque Du Soleil, and Fremont Street!

My sister and I arrived into Vegas about 1am on a Friday morning and wen straight to sleep - the resort we stayed at had a handful of pools to choose from. The “lazy river” and hot tub could be viewed from our condo.

The 7 Magic Mountains art installation.

My mom and Shayna entertained some of the more trendy spots I wanted to check out on our first day, including visiting the 7 Magic Mountains art instillation which was out in the middle of the desert and filled with other tourists by the time we got there.

My sister in front of some old signs at the Neon Museum.

My mom and sister also agreed to check out the Neon Museum (or the Neon Boneyard) where many of the signs that have been retired from the Las Vegas strip go to rest. It was incredibly bright and way too hot to fully enjoy the hour we had at this museum, but it was very cool to see all of the old signs and how they were displayed now. I would visit again at night, if I return again.

My mom, her cousin Harlen, and my Aunt.

The true highlight of this trip was probably visiting with my mom’s cousin Harlen and his family. I had probably met them as a child at one of our family reunions, but that’s so long ago now I’m not sure! We got to visit them at their home where they provided home-made pizza for us in their outdoor pizza oven, taught us how to play bocce ball, and gave us recommendations for the rest of our trip.

The Mirage Volcano.

Mystere By Cirque du Soleil.

On the second day of our trip we decided to go to Mystere By Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island. The show was a real spectacle and something I’ll always remember. It was just weird enough for me, and I like my entertainment weird! Beforehand we explored the strip and watched the volcano eruption at the Mirage while we killed time before the show.

My sister inside a shipping container at Container Park.

Fremont Street

On our final day of our trip, most of the day was spent hanging out in Old Vegas and Fremont Street. It was also Easter Sunday! What a wild way to spend a religious holiday (in Sin City)! It was a fun area that I wish we had more time to explore. We even got to check out Container Park a few blocks away, the concept of which I appreciated. The idea of shops being inside of little shipping containers were something I’d never seen before.

When I’m not traveling to visit friends or for bands, my favorite way to spend that time is with family. I’m so happy we got to celebrate together and explore a new city with these lovely ladies!