A Hidden Gem in Vegas: Sipping Cocktails at the Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails
It’s not every day that you step into a hairdresser’s and find yourself sipping a cocktail within just 90 seconds. But in Vegas, surprises lurk around every corner, making this city a haven for those seeking unique experiences.
The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails
At first glance, Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails appears to be an unassuming hair salon. The atmosphere is standard, the space neither grand nor particularly memorable. A door at the back, resembling a janitor’s closet, beckons but keeps its secrets well. However, in Las Vegas, appearances can be deceiving.
When you push through that nondescript door, you’re greeted by a swanky lounge reminiscent of the Prohibition era, with an ambiance that resembles a roaring 1920s speakeasy. Plush velvet booths fill the room, while a live band performs with an energy that could rival Madison Square Garden. The cocktail menu is vast, offering a delightful range of choices, but it’s the vibrant atmosphere, buoyed by the incredible musicianship, that makes your night unforgettable.
A Helicopter Above the Strip
After a night of revelry, it’s time for a thrilling helicopter ride over Las Vegas. Buckling into Papillon Helicopters, we soar above the iconic Strip, ultimately heading towards the stunning Hoover Dam. The aerial views offer a glimpse into a lifestyle where private swimming pools are a commonplace luxury, a sight that underscores why stars like Celine Dion call Vegas home.
As Tom Petty’s “Learning to Fly” plays softly in our headsets, it perfectly encapsulates the rush of soaring 2,500 feet above ground, giving us an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Hoover Dam: A Marvel of Engineering
While gliding over the Nevada desert, we approach the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada. Built during the Great Depression, its construction required approximately 3,500 men—a feat that’s hard to fathom given its monumental scale. Not only is the dam visually striking, but it also serves as a tribute to the collective effort and ingenuity of those who built it.
Flying back over the Strip offers an enchanting perspective on Las Vegas’s sparkle, featuring landmarks like the Luxor pyramid, Allegiant Stadium, and the Bellagio Fountains. Each sight is a testament to the city’s audacity and flair.
Savoring Culinary Delights
After indulging in aerial views, we land back in the heart of Las Vegas and make our way to Happy Camper, where a delicious pepperoni pizza awaits us. But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there. At the Flight Club, a darts social club at the Venetian Resort, the competitive spirit ignites as we battle it out on the board. My inauspicious start soon transforms into a fun competition, as manages to clinch second place!
Dinner at Bardot Brasserie brings us the majestic eight-ounce steak, a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses.
A Night with Cirque du Soleil
After our satisfying meal, we head to watch Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, a fast-paced spectacle that melds breathtaking acrobatics, pulsating music, and vibrant performances. The show is a wild journey through New York City’s nightlife, featuring performers executing impossible feats. Each act astounds, especially when a performer manages to twist and bend in remarkable ways, and you find yourself in a state of breathless astonishment.
A Relaxing Poolside Retreat
After an exhilarating day, starting the second day by lounging by the pool at the Flamingo Hotel is a welcome respite. The Go Pool is unlike any other, featuring five stunning pools, luxurious cabanas, and an in-water swim-up bar where you can sip on handcrafted cocktails without leaving the refreshing water. It’s pure paradise.
Once sufficiently relaxed, we venture to the Oasis Pool Cabana at Fontainebleau, a contemporary and lavish hotel. The cabanas here are a perfect blend of comfort and luxury, providing an ideal space to unwind before our next thrilling adventure.
Immersive Formula One Experience
Our next stop is the Grand Prix Plaza, hosting the world’s largest modern Formula One attraction. Here, we get an interactive 4D experience showcasing legendary F1 artifacts and racing cars. But the real draw is the chance to race in F1-styled karts. After a safety briefing on the do’s and don’ts, we hit the track, but not without a few hiccups. My time might not have left much of an impression, but the thrill of racing was worth the experience.
Dinner and the DISCOSHOW Experience
As evening draws near, we gather at the LINQ Hotel for dinner at Diner Ross. The portions are generous, evident from my delicious wagyu meatloaf.
Later, we dive into DISCOSHOW, a vibrant performance transporting us back to the 1970s. The atmosphere is lively and whimsically daft, making it an entertaining spectacle that’s hard not to embrace.
Ending the Night at Caesars Palace
Finally, we wrap up our Las Vegas experience at Caspian’s Speakeasy at Caesars Palace. Like the Barbershop, this hidden gem offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and impressive cocktails, a perfect way to conclude our unforgettable trip.
A Stay at Resorts World
Our accommodations at Hilton at Resorts World offer a reliable base. Nestled slightly away from the city center, it provides a serene escape while still being in proximity to the action. The rooms boast top-notch amenities, ensuring comfort even during the sweltering summer heat.
Ultimately, these few days in Vegas are filled with unforgettable experiences and thrills that captivate the senses. It’s a manic, exhilarating adventure that lingers long after the trip ends.