Vegas is naturally associated with gambling. Then came the inexpensive food, in order to get people to stay near the casinos to… gamble. Later came shows to attract people to the casinos to, well, gamble. But Vegas has evolved. Fine restaurants, shows solely for the sake of entertainment and – finally – great shopping has arrived. Today, the Las Vegas visitor will find more choices than any amount of plastic could cover. The shops offer everything from run-of-the-mill clothing to fine chocolate to exotic cars, all done Vegas-style, of course.
Several of the hotel/casinos have become shopping meccas as well. One of the largest is the 175,000 square foot, tri-level complex at Caesars. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace are located at 3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd (‘The Strip’) and provide over 100 shops to choose from. Versace, the famed clothing designer, sells clothing but has added a Home Collection shop full of rugs, dishware and other items for your own royal abode. The equally famed jewelry design company, Harry Winston, has a shop at The Forums. Between the pair, your plastic is sure to get dented, but save some for The Cheesecake Factory. After all that shopping you deserve dessert. The 100,000 square foot shopping area at Mandalay Place may not be the town’s largest, but it is second to none. There are over 40 shops that offer everything from golf accessories to doggie spa products.
The latter, Lush Puppy, is a dog’s best friend. Stuffed full of beds, sweaters and dog toys, your best friend can even get a fortune cookie made just for him or her. After you’ve eased your conscience by spoiling Rex, spoil yourself at 55 Degrees Wine & Design. An array of tablet PCs allow even the most technophobic to easily select from a huge selection of fine vintages. Sally up to the wine bar and try out a few. Improve your knowledge of wine, or any number of subjects, by visiting The Reading Room. This bookstore has a selection of books not generally found in any other retail store. You can pick up a tome on Ancient Greek oenology or brush up on the latest information available on glass-blowing techniques in British Columbia. Located at Mandalay Bay, 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd, be sure to stop into the Chocolate Swan and indulge. Then slip over to Giorgio Caff