Romantic Things to Do in Las Vegas

Novelist Chuck Palahniuk has a unique take on Sin City, saying "Las Vegas looks the way you'd imagine heaven must look at night." The fact is, the lights and buzz of the Strip have a certain romantic vibe, and the city also offers options beyond the slot machines. From scenic vistas to wilderness getaways, luxurious spas to fabulous international restaurants, Las Vegas has many possibilities for a romantic escape.

Geography

There are those who view the desert as a vast wasteland, and then there are those who see it as vastly fascinating. The rocks, canyons and cacti of the desert are a short jaunt from the hyped nightlife scene of the Strip, and both are alluring. Striking views can be had from the Stratosphere Tower, which has an observation deck, and at Paris casino's Eiffel Tower, which overlooks the lit fountains at Bellagio. VIPs can attempt to gain access to Mandalay Bay's House of Blues Foundation Room or can crash it with the rest of the public on Monday. Other spots in high places include THEhotel's Mix club, Rio's VooDoo Lounge or Moon, at the Palms.

Features

Not surprising to a tourist destination such as Las Vegas, there are ample deluxe dining opportunities affording seclusion or sexy style. Mon Ami Gabi is remarkably similar to the outdoor cafes in Paris' Left Bank, minus the excess of pigeons. For an old fashioned, clubby vibe, Hugo's Wine Cellar offers steaks, seafood and a relaxed mood. The Palms houses several restaurants, including the lovely Alize and Nove Italiano. Crustacean Restaurants has Asian fusion cuisine and live jazz. For those with extra money to burn, venture into Mandalay Bay's Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, adorned with a wall of flowers.

Misconceptions

Nobody could be more guilty of spreading misconceptions about Las Vegas than the promoters of the city itself, whose recent advertising campaign promised "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." The truth is, Vegas is not just for chance encounters and one-night stands. Off the Strip, there is Lake Las Vegas, which has dinner, champagne or chocolate cruises aboard gondolas. Spas are everywhere, most notably the Venetian's Canyon Ranch Spa Club and Platinum's WELL Spa, and many offer packages for couples that include a massage, a mud bath or a jacuzzi with aromatherapy.

Considerations

While shopping may not seem like the most romantic activity, shopping for chocolate makes all the difference. After all, quality dark chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac. Score the elixir of love at the Chocolate Swan, located within the Mandalay Palace complex, which features a fountain with cascading chocolate. Chocolates and French pastries can be had at Jean Philippe Patisserie. At the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the top chocolate is sold at Payard Patisserie and Bistro and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

Benefits

One of the legendary benefits of Las Vegas is the ease with which couples can get married, in minutes if they wish. Beyond the wedding chapel scene, which can have a kitschy romantic appeal if both people are in the mood (try exchanging vows in front of Elvis at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel), there are also more upscale options for tying the knot. The Paris casino has a wedding package that can include a ceremony at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Nature-lovers might opt for exchanging rings in Red Rock Canyon or on the pine tree-dotted picnic grounds on Mount Charleston. Not everyone knows that Las Vegas is near the beach. Lake Mead is less than an hour away from the craps table at the MGM Grand, and couples can choose to get hitched onshore. Finally, Maverick Tours offers couples the chance to get married with a champagne toast while aboard a helicopter.

Resources

• Travelers and locals chime in on romantic Las Vegas on Yelp!

[bobbarkerson]

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