What an incredible road trip to Vegas! Tommy and I decided to make the drive from California, and it turned out to be such a memorable journey. We passed by Baker and saw the World's Tallest Thermometer - one of those classic roadside landmarks you always hear about but never think you'll actually see. I was so glad I had my GPS device with me because navigating through the desert can be tricky, especially with all those winding roads and mountain ranges stretching endlessly in every direction.
The drive took us through some fascinating places. We stopped at Barstow Outlets, and I couldn't believe how deserted it had become. I remember coming here with my Mom for shopping when I was younger - it used to be packed with people, but now it felt like a ghost town with so many empty stores. It was kind of sad, actually. We also passed through some small Nevada towns with old casinos that looked like they were barely hanging on. The contrast between these dying gambling spots and where we were headed was pretty striking.
When we finally reached Vegas, the excitement was immediate! We saw all the iconic signs and billboards - I was thrilled to spot one advertising David Copperfield, who's one of my favorite magicians. The whole Strip came alive as we drove through, with the MGM lion, the Sphinx, Hard Rock Cafe's giant guitar, and those massive M&M characters. The energy was infectious, and I felt ready for whatever Vegas had to offer.
We stayed at Paris Las Vegas, which was honestly the most luxurious hotel experience I'd ever had. The Eiffel Tower replica was stunning, especially lit up at night, and the whole French theme made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. The bathroom was gorgeous with marble countertops and elegant fixtures. Tommy and I explored CityCenter, which was this amazing new development, and the architecture was absolutely breathtaking. The Christmas decorations throughout the casino were magical - huge ornaments, toy soldiers, and a beautiful tree that made the whole place feel festive and glamorous. Being there during the holiday season made everything feel even more special and luxurious.