Published: March 22, 2008 03:07 pm            

You can fly to an adventure

Most people go to Las Vegas to gamble and see some shows, but the Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour was by far the most exciting thing I’ve ever experienced in Vegas.

Doug and I were picked up at the Four Queens Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and transported to the airport in Boulder City, Colo., a short 30 minute drive away.

By the way, did you know Boulder City is the only city in Nevada where gambling is illegal? It was originally established as a “tent” city for the workers on Hoover Dam. The idea that gambling and drinking would hurt work performance caused laws to be passed outlawing these activities in the city.

We met Garrett, our charming pilot (from Ireland) and away we soared. We flew over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, and the Colorado River as it empties into Lake Mead, and on into the Grand Canyon. Garrett provided wonderful narration as the flight progressed. Total flight time was about 45 minutes, compared to a four-hour drive if you chose a bus tour from Vegas to the canyon.

We landed on the floor of the canyon and enjoyed a delicious champagne brunch. There was time to scout around and take pictures, then back into the helicopter for a different route back to Boulder City that was very scenic, historically interesting and also took about 45 minutes. Cost for the entire tour was $300 per person. They also offer a tour that does not include the landing and brunch which begins at around $240 per person. Ask about discount coupons.

That afternoon (we returned about 4 p.m.) we made a quick change and ate a fantastic meal at my all-time favorite restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House. There’s a Ruth’s at Love Field in Dallas, there’s one in Cancun, in San Juan, and others in Maui and Phoenix. Never miss an opportunity to eat at Ruth’s.

We walked off our dinner between the Venetian and the Monte Carlo. The Venetian has to be seen to be believed. Having just returned from Venice in November, this is as close to it as you can get. We came around a corner and there was the Doge’s Palace. Identical. I would have recognized it anywhere. The canals, gondolas and shops inside the Venetian truly give you the feeling of walking the streets of Venice. Please, please, don’t miss it.

That evening we saw the Lance Burton Show at the Monte Carlo. We hadn’t seen a magic show in Vegas since Siegfried and Roy. Lance Burton lacks some of the panache, but his illusions are incredible. This a great show for families. He takes a kid out of the audience and puts him in a Corvette, then makes them both disappear. It was great.

On our last day in Vegas we ate breakfast at Magnolia’s inside the Four Queens. Those were absolutely the best hash browns I ever had.

We then walked off breakfast at the Las Vegas Outlet Mall that is south of town. This outlet mall has 130 stores and is huge. You walk and walk and walk. There’s something here for everyone, including a carousel.

Vegas truly offers something for everyone, and with the fantastic climate and cheap non-stop flights out of OKC and Tulsa it is a quick, easy, and inexpensive get away for people from our area.

Joy Gawf Crutchfield is a Las Vegas certified travel agent and owns the Joy of Travel. Contact her at 918-339-4805 or visit www.thejoyoftravel.us.

        

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