OH NO HE DID NOT...

...OH BUT YES HE DID.

One evening last week, Hubs and I were sitting at a kids' school event.  He leaned over and asked me about my day; I rattled on and on about a new deadline and oh-I-got-a-phone-call-from-so-and-so and did-you-remember-to-mail-that check, et cetera, et cetera.

He listened politely.  When I finished, he asked, "Would you like to know what I did today?"

I nodded, distracted, watching the kids.

He continued.  "I bought two Barry Manilow concert tickets in Las Vegas, tenth row center."

I'm sorry, what did you just say?

"I said, I bought two Barry Manilow concert tickets in Las Vegas, tenth row center.  And two plane tickets, and a hotel room on the strip, and childcare is all arranged.  We leave in a few weeks."

And I giggled squealed screamed and planted a big, sloppy kiss on him RIGHT THERE in the school cafeteria.  Then I turned to Melanie, who was on my other side, and nearly scared her to death by grabbing her shoulders and shaking her and babbling incoherently.  I am happy to report that I did not plant a big, sloppy kiss on her.  But I could've.  I'm that excited.

Seriously, after 15 years with my man, I thought he couldn't surprise me anymore.  I thought I could read him so well that I would know he was up to something.  The fact is that he's had this brewing and planned for a very long time, and I had no idea.  How amazing is it that he would not only surprise me, but he would surprise me with something that I've wanted to do forever.  And that he will not only send me to the concert, but he will sit through it with me.  My husband, whose idea of good music is...well, whatever the opposite of Barry Manilow is.  That is love, right there.

(And I know, it's nobody's business, but the sensible girl in me feels the need to explain that we have not gone out of our normally frugal minds by taking a trip like this while the economy is tanking.  Thanks to frequent flyer miles, a great Priceline deal, and some money Hubs' had been setting aside for some time without my knowledge--the turkey!  how did he do that?--the whole thing is actually pretty unfrivolous.  So don't worry, I'm still sensible and frugal, I'm just going to be sensible and frugal IN LAS VEGAS.)

(Although the thought does suddenly occur to me that perhaps no one will be travelling so that they can stay home and watch the stock ticker, which means, I suppose, that we might have Las Vegas all to ourselves.  If the audience is empty at the concert, do you think Barry might pull me up on stage for a duet?  I did make up a dance routine to Copa Cabana when I was about 10, and I'm pretty sure I remember most of it.) 

Anyway, I now have a couple of weeks to get ready for this trip.  Tell me, if you've been to Vegas, what do I need to know?  Because I have to say I'm feeling the urge to get a bee-hive hairdo and some sequiny pants.  What else should I do?  What should we absolutely NOT miss, considering our time is pretty limited?

While you think about it, you can watch this.  It's not as snazzy as the one I made up 26 years ago, but it will have to do:

Comments

[Andrea@Under Grace & Over Coffee]

I'm so excited for you!! What a FAB husband you have there!

[DeeDee]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH what a honey...
I just told you on twitter - but I vote for the sequiny pants. LOL
Have a wonderful time!
Blessings,
DeeDee

[molly]

Wow. That is an awesome gift. I have never seen Barry, but for me the second best is Neil Diamond and I saw him when I was 16 and all my friends thought I was nuts.

I am a little jealous you lucky dawg.

[sweethomealagirl]

Wow! WTG Hubs! Have a wonderful trip! And sans kids even...you are one lucky lady! My DH won a trip to HI through work, but the baby was barely 5 months, so we took her with us. We had a great time, of course, but it would have been that much better without a nursing infant! Hope you have a fabulous time!

[Dana]

If coolness was a person, it's name would be Hubs. Congratulations, enjoy and suck every bit of awesome out of the concert so you can come home and spit a teensy bit of it out on the rest of us schmos.

[Stretch Mark Mama]

Take your bubbles.

Oops, that's Lawrence Welk. Close, though.

[Felicity]

Hehehe, this just put a HUGE grin on my face. You are a lucky lady :)

[Kristin]

We visited Las Vegas a few times a long time ago and STILL we remember the exact name and location of our favorite place to eat there-if you are tired of all the normal, touristy, Las Vegas-ey stuff then try BATISTA'S HOLE IN THE WALL. It is literally a hole in the wall behind the Flamingo. (Is the Flamingo still there? Anyway...) It's where locals eat and it's Italian and it's fun. Also, if you have enough time and you want to venture OUT of Las Vegas then you can always take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, or a slow raft trip down the Colorado River near Hoover Dam, or hike to Red Rock. These are great things to do if you want to get away from the casinos, and they are great things to do w/ kids - but since you'll be kidless maybe all the Casino stuff will work just fine for you! Have fun!

[Elaine]

I haven't been to Vegas in years but I just want to say "WAY TO GO HUBBY!" What an awesome suprise, really!! You two will have a blast!

[karla]

we used to live in Las Vegas (I taught school while we lived there) -- a very surreal place to live... but fun none-the-less.

Must see the Bellagio, of course. Make time to stroll the art gallery there. And even ride a gondola.

If you are realllly adventurous, be sure to ride the ride at the top of the Needle.

And by golly - you MUST stop by Freemont Street Experience -- so neat (http://www.vegasexperience.com/)

Have an amazing time!!

xo~K

[Rachel L]

What a wonderful surprise! Don't feel bad; this is obviously something he wanted to do for you. Enjoy your time with Barry AND your husband!

[Hillary - The Queen I Am Not]

Wow! That's quite a surprise! Way to go hubby!

[Shara]

What an amazing gift! I hope you have a fabulous time!

[Kai]

Wow! Have a fabulous trip! I love surprises like that!

[Krista]

Well, I've only actually "been" to Vegas once, all the rest it was just the closest major airport! (and hey, I'm going again next week!) But this I do know, if you want to see all the cool hotels and their crazy architecture? Make sure you have some comfy walking shoes! The "strip" is actually in two parts. We only did one part, halfway, in 4 hours. And that was pretty much just walking and not a lot of stopping. So yeah, bring comfy shoes! :) And have fun! Oh, and be prepared for the craziness that is video billboards every 5 feet.

[Amy Barrett]

Wow!!! What a fabulous husband!!!

[Jennifer]

Oh my goodness! I can't believe you are going to see Barry! Tell him I said hello and if you want me to share the dance steps I made up to his "VSM Very Strange Medley" Just let me know. I love that song!!

Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

[Kim H.]

Yep, he's definitely a keeper. I love after years and years together when they can still surprise you completely out of the blue - and wow, what a guy - sitting through Barry with you.

Hugs!

[Jane]

Make sure you print this post out for your dd. It's a great sequel to the Disney Princess stories. Cinderella and Prince charming 15 years after the ball.

We love a restaurant called the Voodo Lounge at the top of the Rio. It has great food- New Orleans inspired. MMmmm! Just the memory makes me hungry!

[Laurie]

Your hubby is AMAZING!!! Vegas is great and you won't have trouble finding stuff to do (and you'll want to go back probably!) Enjoy the concert.

[Jenn @ Casa de Castro]

I've seen Barry Manilow in concert before. He and his band are seriously... showmen. They are amazing musicians, and it is ALWAYS a first class, top notch show that even the most finicky among us would enjoy. Have just.the.greatest.time. We're all jealous!!

[kelli]

SO funny! When I saw your teaser on Twitter, I KNEW! I just KNEW it was Barry!!

I squealed so much, I couldn't click the link to verify it. LOL

Needless to say, I'm 400 ways of excited for you.

Sigh.

Barry.

Up close.

Does. it. get. any. better.

No ma'am. It doesn't.

Shoot! Give hubs a sloppy kiss for ALL of us!

[Liz@thisfullhouse]

What an AWESOME surprise and your hubs picked a really cool way to spring it on you, too. I've never been to Vegas, so I will be living it vicariously through you guys. Thanks for sharing it with us and enjoy each other!

[Sugar]

Do you know how incredibly envious I am of you? I can't count the times I've said that I want to see him. The husband doesn't have to go. I'm sure I can find a handful of gals that would go with me. Oh, what the heck... I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself and get on the horn... I'm feeling a trip to Vegas coming.

Oh, Mandy...

[Lisa @ put-it-on-the-list]

Your husband ROCKS! Have a fabulous time!

[Christy]

wow! He's definitely a keeper!

What to do in vegas? I have no ideas, but I'm sure Melanie has tons of suggestions. Like certain spas. That do certain "treatments". Hehe.

Have fun! Full update expected, of course.

[Amy from Texas]

Wow! I know you are a big fan. What a great husband!!! Tell him to spread some of that love down my way to my hubs:-)

[chickadee]

what a great surprise! enjoy.

[Bubba's Sis]

So. Jealous.

[jen]

Yay for you...for the cool getaway and even more for having the awesome hubby! (and for being 26!)

[Missy @ It's Almost Naptime]

I am a little jealous.

Not as jealous as if it were Neil Diamond, but jealous none-the-less.

Oh Mandy...well you came and you gave without tak-in, and I sent you away...

[Angie]

That's awesome. Hooray for you and sweet surprises!

[Coupon Geek]

Vegas...I'm jealous! Most people take Vegas for just gambling but there's sooo much to do there! Each hotel has their own draw to get you there. The fountains at Bellagio. The FREE outside pirate show at Treasure Island. The erupting volcano at the Mirage. See them ALL! And, if you get time, DEFINITELY check out Freemont street in older Las Vegas area! They do a light show above the street and it's AMAZING. They also have a spray painter artist that is beyond this world! And cheap souvenirs down there, too! Aladdin has the best buffet but it is pricier. I think that's it for my "advice" aside from the Barbary Coast had great orange juice last time I was there. :)

[Headless Mom]

Yea! Sounds like you'll have a great time.

Since you've never been you should take your walking shoes and spend time walking the casinos and lobbys of the strip. NYNY is worth it, the Bellagio is a must see, and I hear that the Venetian is amazing.

Oh and even if you don't usually gamble you should drop a $20 in a dollar slot. The last time my mom did she came away with about a thousand!

[Erica]

One thing definitely NOT to do: Do NOT take the little cards that the people on the strip are handing out. While you're at it, don't look down at the ground or at the cards that are stuck in the fences or taped to poles. Pretty much, look at the pretty hotels or up at the sky. That should be safe.

To do:
--Seek out a 5 cent video poker machine and play a dollar or two for me.
--Go inside the Venetian, Bellagio, and Luxor. The rest can be enjoyed from the outside. They're just casinos. :)
--There's a booth across the street from Caesar's Palace where you can buy same day tickets to popular shows at discounted prices. Go see Circue du Soleil for me. Last time we were there I was pregnant and 10 pm was a little late for me. :)
--If you want to go to an off-strip casino, Green Valley Ranch is nice. And, they have a fabulous buffet. The dinner is expensive, but lunch is reasonable.

By the way, we lived in Vegas for 6 months, and the surreal comment that someone made earlier is very true. I'd like to add one more word though: sleazy. :)

[Coupon Geek]

Oh and if people try to hand you stuff while walking on the street, no, they are not coupons but porn flyers. Yikes! Don't grab them! Just keep walking!!:)

[Lainie@ Mishmash Maggie]

Shannon (can I call you Shannon?), I think you should temporarily change your name to Lola and go with yellow feathers in your hair and a dress cut down to there...

At the Copa-Copacabaaaaaaana

Have fun and enjoy your time with Barry,cough, ahem I mean hubby :)

[alaskalark]

My best friend and I totally had a dance routine to the Copa Cabana when we were 10. I also had the "Live in New York" album that I played nonstop for about a year. Have a blast. Blow Barry a kiss for me!

[Char @ DigiScrapChat]

Aw, I'm so very excited for you. I LIVE in Vegas, and I can't get my husband to take me to see Barry. I'm just a little bummed that you'll actually be HERE, and I won't get to meet you. (Please don't take that like I'm a stalker - I promise I'm not - just a long-time reader/lurker). :-)

I hope ya'll have a great time when you come. If you like prime rib, I recommend Lawry's. I asked my hubby (who was born and raised here) if there were any places he'd recommend, and he suggested Hugo's Cellar which is at the Four Queens. That's actually located "downtown" which is different than "the strip". If you head downtown for the Fremont Street experience, you'll be right there. Be sure to get reservations tho - we tried to go there for my birthday last year, and faced an almost three hour wait (we skipped it, and went to Lawry's instead).

Oh, and btw - neither Lawry's nor Hugo's Cellar are "frugal" in any way. :-)

Again - I hope you have the BEST time!!

[Rose]

It is always so romantic when your man really understands your obsession for another man! You go girl.

[Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates]

Your hubby is so wonderful! I love that he surprised you with that! And thanks for the video - that was fun.

[Missus Wookie]

So impressed with the way he ooooh so casually dropped that into the conversation - love it! Congratulations and hope you enjoy it.

DH and I are going out for our anniversary in a couple of weeks, but it isn't a Barry concert... not certain I could get DH into one :lol: Enjoy it all!

My Dad and sMom went a few years ago as my Uncle Tom lives there - Dad recommended the Star Trek experience as a must do... sMom said the hotel shows were interesting and some were better than Disney :)

[Mozi Esme's Mommy]

What an awesome husband!

[BusyMom]

Definitely head downtwon for the light show, it is great. There is lots of free entertainment - I just can't seem to remember where right now.

If you want to have a little slot fun with little investment, last time I was there, one of the casinos on the strip still had penny and nickel slots - winning 100 pennies not as exciting as 100 dollars, but losing 100 pennies not as upseting as losine 100 dollars. Still entertaining.

That is so awesome. What a great husband to plan a surprise get away.

[Steph]

so, so, so, sweet!

[Rachel]

What a great, sweet husband!
Have an absolutely wonderful time.

[Shelly]

first of all, do not feel guilty, y'all earned that money, spend it any way you want! secondly, i have loved barry since jr high...hopefully, he will keep his political leanings out of the show, then you can truly enjoy...good thing you are grounded...there is a lot of stuff out there to get in to...have fun

[DES]

Just wanted to say...I needed that! *smiling for ya* Good to know there are so real die hard romantics still kicking (I have one too). ^5's to HUBS! Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy!

[Denise]

ROFL somehow I knew the surprise would be Manilow related. Congratulations. I think.

[The Bargain Shopper Lady]

ROCKS! I am so excited for you!
How cool is that? Hubs scored major points!

[Sarah @ Short Stop]

What an AWESOME gift for you! I have never been to Vegas - but my advice, live it up! I've heard it's a ball! (Oh, and I've heard the free buffets are enough to make you go up a jeans size!)

[HeresTheDiehl]

what a sweet thing for him to do!

bring comfortable shoes; that's my big piece of advice. i love cute shoes, but they just won't do for walking around vegas, which is what you'll be doing a lot of the time.

oh, and even if you're staying on the strip, go to the old downtown area at night (fremont street). it's so cool, and you'll feel like you're in an old movie.

the hoover dam is pretty neat, too, and a nice drive.

now I want to go to vegas, too! have fun :)

[Ann Voskamp]

Absolute essentials when in Las Vegas: Hold his hand, kiss often, swoon over that man (Hubs, not Barry). Because he's the real keeper.

I can't stop smiling.

You're writing a beautiful love story.

[We are THAT family]

That. Is. Awesome.

Tell Barry I said Hi.

[prasti]

aawww...how romantic is he? i hope the two of you have a wonderful time together.

i've only been to vegas once and that was years ago. the hotels/casinos are always fun to see. i think we walked the strip. the belagio is beautiful and the venetian makes you feel like you're in venice. all of it seems very extravagant and over the top...but i think that's comes with being in vegas.

[Kelli@CountryMommie]

You're funny! Love the video. Not as snazzy - but alright. Ha.

[Amy]

Oh. My. Goodness! I am VERY jealous. VERY VERY VERY jealous. I really think we may have been twins separated at birth - because I too made a dance routine to Copa Cabana - complete with a yellow feather in my hair - if only my name had been Lola! :)

I've never been to Vegas - but my dad went every year for 20 years (work conference) - the ONE thing he NEVER EVER missed and would go back whether he had been once or 50 times is the Hoover Dam tour!

Have fun and give Barry a big sloppy kiss for me! :)

[Erin]

Lucky! Have a wonderful time....I'm going to repeat this story at dinner tonight to my husband and hopefully 'pass on the idea.'

[Trina]

On the way to the fabulous Bellagio Buffet (do not miss this) stop in the garden area near the lobby and walk through the seasonal display. When you're finished there, look up at the ceiling as you pass through the lobby for a surprise by the glass artist Chihuly.

Also, for some non-glitzy action, try the Red Rocks area of north Vegas. Beautiful scenery, and worth the effort to get there.

[girlymama]

what a guy!!! totally a keeper ;-)

[Beth @ A Quest for Relevance]

You have to watch the water show at Bellagio.

And go to Red Rock Canyon.

Oh, and TAKE ME WITH YOU!!! :-)

[Candace]

My hubby and I spent a long weekend there several years ago. We put one quarter in a slot machine and if we won we would keep playing, if we lost we would move on. We moved on and roamed around pretty much every hotel on the strip. They are so incredible! You must go to Ceaser's Palace and pay close attention to the ceiling. We stayed there until 3AM and I had no idea. I am the girl that needs to be in bed at 10 typically.

If you want to get away from the strip we did a tour of the Hoover Dam and that was pretty cool.

Watch out for taxi drivers while their they drive CRAZY!

[Heidi]

Never been to Vegas...never been to a Barry Manilow concert. All I have to say is "What a great man you've got!" :)

[Jeni]

Wow! What a fantastic surprise! Hubs gets major points for this one.

[Kat]

What a great surprise. I have never been to Vegas so can't help you there. Just enjoy your trip. My dh took me to see my dream concert two years ago, Harry Connick Jr. !!! Lucky for him we only had a 30 minute drive to the venue. He surprised me with the tickets for Christmas and I had to wait two months, the torture.

[Jolyn]

Oh, girlfriend. We lived in Vegas for three years, visited the strip often with our young son and did the free things... Times have changed, and by the time we moved Vegas was heading in the "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" let's try to make it all about sex so we can make more money stage. We stopped going to the free things so much.

As far as clothes, styles -- EVERYTHING goes. And I mean everything: gowns; ratty t-shirts; everything. Even at the shows. But ABOVE ALL wear comfortable shoes, because you WILL do a lot of walking.

My favorite restaurant "to die" for was the all you can eat sushi buffet (and seafood in general) "Tao Dai" at the Alladin, if it's still there...

Defintely romantic and a must-see (and free) is the Bellagio fountains at sunset, or at night. Because the way the Strip is lighted up at night will blow you away.

[Carrisa]

Sweet husband. Sounds like you are going at the perfect time of year. Both times I have gone to Vegas it has been extremely hot. What was I thinking getting married there in August? Anyways, comfy shoes are a must. And take the bus around town and on the strip instead of cabs, saves a lot of money. I would opt for the $5 day passes.

[Tree Climbing Adventures]

I've been to Vegas twice on business trips and spent the whole time wishing the hubby was with me. It's one big fancy date night with a lot of bright lights. Have a great time and say hi to Barry!

A tip: The Bellagio is a very pretty hotel to walk around in.

[Gabreial]

This is so sweet! I love it when they do good.
Have a great time! Vegas is a lot of fun. Our favorite restaurant Smith & Wollensky, if you eat meat. It is the BEST steak I had ever had.
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/
Enjoy!

[Kristen]

mmm...you said brewing and I can't stop thinking about coffee. I haven't had any this morning. I'll be back to read the rest later.

[Katy Lin]

oh. my. word.! that is amazing! what a guy! :)

[Pam]

Never been to Vegas, but, oh the memories that come flooding back from that song. I think I must've been about the same age as you, dancing with my cousin to that song. I was more concerned with learning the lyrics while she was working on the steps. Good times. Good times.

[Octamom]

How awesome! And what a great guy for facilitating your Manilow Crush! Hope you have a ball!!!

Blessings!

[Cheryl]

Wow...I love Barry!! I saw him back in 93 and would love to see him again.

[Jenni]

You crack me up. I'm so excited for you! But...you know he's gay, right?

You should definitely wear some yellow feathers in your hair. Not the dress cut down to "there", though. Save that one for the hubs later.

Play some slot machines! You never know...

[Tootie]

I'm so excited for you! You are going to have a blast. Enjoy every Vegas second of it! :)

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

That is such a great story - I love that he did that for you! I don't know if I could sit through The Who (are they even still around) for my husband, so that's pretty amazing! And Las Vegas - wa-hoo!!

[Jackie]

Wow! Your husband sounds like the best! You are making all the other ladies jealous :)

[Jennifer]

How fabulous! I was in Vegas in May for my first time...we went frugally, and didn't see any shows (oh, Manilow, how I would've swooned). There's plenty of free stuff to keep a girl busy: we went to see the Lions at the MGM Grand, which were pretty cool, and then saw the free evening show at the Rio, which was wildly impressive.

We walked through New York New York, which was interesting...there's just so much to see on the strip. We were there five days, and I know we hardly scratched the surface.

Have fun!

[Stephanie]

No, no, NO, not the sequiny pants! Heaven knows what you will attract! lol

Freebies: Fremont Street, for sure! Lots of fun light show.

The lions in the lobby of MGM

Bellagio, the fountains outside and the gardens inside.

The Aquarium in the lobby of Mirage.

There is no longer a pirate show at Treasure Island, and the Star Trek exhibit/experience at, um, I think Hilton? Holiday Inn? is being taken down soon--might even be down already.

Go to the top of the "Eiffel Tower". Hug the inside wall if you're afraid of heights.

Inside the Luxor.

There was an underground shopping mall at the Alladin, but seems I read it's gone now, too. Too bad if it is--it was quite an experience to be underground, but look up at a sky so realistic, you never really believed you weren't outdoors.

Barry came to Albuquerque once, about 24 years ago, and I swear, I drove around afterwards, hoping to get a glimpse of him somewhere. He did a great show then!

[Stephanie]

Oh, and Star Trek isn't free.

[Kristin]

What a sweet man! My husband planned a surprise vacation for us last year, so I can understand the screaming! Enjoy your trip - you deserve it!

[Molly]

You and your Barry... it's too funny. What an awesome surprise!

[Lauren]

I'll reiterate what some others said - don't take the flyers!

Also, go to the Venetian. It's awesome!

[hogphan]

How will you be able to tell us about it since "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!"?

[Melanie]

It ain't Yanni, but it'll do. ;>)

[Shalee]

Oh girl... That Hubs is speaking your love language!

[angela]

#1 - your husband ROCKS and should give lessons to other men

#2 - I went to Vegas for the very first time 2 years ago. I only went for a weekend, but I packed in ALL the popular Vegas stuff, from 1 end of the strip to the other and Fremont Street.

My best advice is just relax, enjoy, stroll around and take it all in .

[Bean Counter]

New York, New York has an ice cream shop that is TO.DIE.FOR. I love ice cream and theirs is one of the better ones I have tasted. Also the Freemont Street Experience and the Bellagio Fountains you need to see. And the ice cream. Don't forget the ice cream.

[Zandor]

That is so awesome. Have fun.

[susieshomemade]

What a nice husband you have!

[Linda Sue]

What a fabulous hubby gifting! First - you'll feel very uncomfortable if you go the sequiny route - well unless you are trying out for the shows yourself - then go for it. One of the cornball things we totally enjoyed when we were in Vegas was sitting at the Cheesecake Factory (yes eating something of course!) in Caesar's and watching the enormous aquarium - there is a fabulous aquarium at Mandalay Bay and behind the check in desk at Mirage also - I like aquariums you can tell. You'll find the most incredible people watching EVER in Vegas and enjoy Barry for me - it may not be great art - but dadgum that man can get a person shakin' their booty! Enjoy enjoy

[Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers]

Let me just say, "WOW!!!" I totally can NOT comprehend your love of Barry Manilow (sorry!), but what an awesome dh! Especially since, you know, he's actually going to sit through it with you. ;-)

Two thumbs up for Hubs.

[Phyllis@Aimless Conversation]

I have no Vegas tips, just have fun!

What a great surprise. =)

[Anna]

I'm actually someone who lives in LV. Ditch the sequin pants and beehive idea, no one in their right mind dresses like that.

The Hilton where Manilow plays is actually one block East of the strip.

Instead of writing 25 pages in the comment box, as I started to do, I decided to just blog. Las Vegas Must See List

[Marissa]

You have to, have to, see the water show outside the Bellagio. The first time I saw it I was awestruck, not to mention it is free and totally romantic. It plays at least every 30 mins and maybe every 15. You'll see a crowd start to gather when it's about time. So creative and beautiful!

[Cordy@ mysuperhopelessromance]

Vegas in November is WINDY. Bring a jacket. The weather forecast might be for fifties/sixties, but the wind makes it feel a LOT colder.

[Becky]

Last year I went to Las Vegas over 40 times for work! Crazy, I know. Walk through the new Palazzo hotel (next to the Venetian) b/c I was on the design team and I think it is beautiful. Also, my favorite restaurant is Bouchon. It is a little hidden in the Venetian but it is worth finding. It has GREAT, AMAZING food and is not as pricey as the other nice restaurants. It would still be a slurge though. Breakfast and dinner are both wonderful.

[Christine]

Oh, how fun!! Woohoo to hubs!! What a great way to surprise you - how fun!

I've been to Vegas a few times and I hate to gamble, so all my fun stuff is either free, food or shopping related :)

The first rule of Vegas is VERY improtant - keep this in mind! Just because you can see it DOES NOT mean you can walk to it! Save some of that slot money for a cab or two! And take advantage of the subway/people mover thing they have. Just walking to and from the stations is a haul!

The Bellagio is NOT to be missed. The fountains out front, of course. But their atrium defies description and set up for the Fall season it is breathtaking. And free! The art museum upstairs is fun too. See if there's a special exhibit you can get tickets for...I think we paid about $10/ticket for a Monet exhibit a few years ago and it was awesome. Then we had coffee and dessert at a little cafe overlooking the pool - inexpensive and very fun and romantic!

The M&M museum is a hoot and you'll find lots of fun stuff for the kiddoes. It's down at the end of the strip near the Excalibur. And the fourth floor has the M&M Nascar car on display!

The resturants and food are not to be believed! Good thing you walk so much because it would be really easy to leave Vegas 15 pounds heavier! One time we had the Sunday brunch at Paris. Which was awesome and spectacular and delicious. And about $45. A PERSON! For just food...no little gold nugget at your place-setting or anything! Fortunately, we weren't paying! But across the lobby from the buffet is a little restaurant that serves crepes. And OH MY GOODNESS! So delicious and a much better deal...excellent for lunch/brunch or a late night treat!

The buffets (see above;) are pretty outrageous. But if you can only hit one, go to the one at The Rio. It is insane! Not to be believed. Breakfast, lunch or dinner. My one friend cracked me up when she said it was the only meal she'd ever had with sushi, mashed potatoes and beignets on one plate. The excess is amazing, even for Vegas. Not sure what the cost is now though...

For more free fun, I know the Fremont Street experience has been mentioned - it's awesome! With the added benefit of letting you see "old" Vegas at the same time - Binions, Golden Nugget etc. The pirate ship "battle" at Treasure Island is pretty fun. I might be wrong now, but before "the incident" you could see the white tigers at The Mirage in a walk-thru scenario w/o paying for tickets to the garden habitat. If you can still do that, it's pretty neat.

Have fun! It's a pretty crazy place! And make sure to take a good windbreaker and warm clothes too...sometimes the fall can get pretty chilly out there in the desert!

[Amy @ MomsToolbox]

How fantastic!

I just got back from Vegas, myself. No Barry Manilow, but I did see Ray Romano's stand-up show.

Meanwhile, my husband and three kiddos were starring down Hurricane Ike back at home.(He insisted I go... it was friend's wedding. So off I went- SOLO.)

I completely agree with the comfy-shoes idea. You'll need them as you explore and gawk along the strip. But, this is also your chance to get a little crazy... pack some saucy heels and a fun dress for your date with Prince Charming. If you're like me, you probably don't get too decked at out home.

Also, to get that guilt-from-being-away-from-the-kids feeling out of your system right away, head over to the M&M store near the MGM. You can pick up a few fun (and delicious) souvenirs for the kiddos there.

If it's in the budget, take in a spa treatment... so many of the hotels there have really nice spas. I tried the one at Paris and stress melted away. aaaah.

If you're a lounger, bring your bathing suit and hang out by the pool. It will be warm and maybe a little breezy.

There's a yummy sushi spot at The Mirage... but there are sushi spots everywhere. I just know I enjoyed something yummy at that one with a girlie martini to wash it down.

I am not the gambling type... at all. And I was totally nervous about going to Vegas ALONE. But I ended up enjoying myself. You're going to have a fantastic time, too!!