Going to the Dogs
One of the first things we noticed was the number of ‘traveling dogs’ – not those poor homeless types that wander foreign streets pulling at tourist heartstrings - but the pampered pooches who are staying in 5-star comfort.
We first noticed the influx of four-footed visitors when we shared an elevator in our Vdara Hotel with a French Bulldog and his doting ‘parents’ the other morning and have since counted nearly a dozen canine companions.
Greening of The Strip
Four days ago the newest addition to The Strip, debuting on New Year’s Eve, opened. Some smart designer had a vision for the service alley between the Flamingo Resort and The Quad (once the Imperial Resort).
Linq is the name of this new brick paved, tree-lined area that will be home to 30 open air retail, dining and entertainment outlets. It is estimated that some 20.4 million visitors walked past the old alleyway in a given year, making the transformation of this area into usable urban outdoor space a brilliant move by Caesars Entertainment.
And Linq is aptly named because it ‘linqs’ The Strip to the Vegas High Roller, reputedly the worlds largest observation wheel which will be opening later this year.
Just Down the Road
MGM has torn up the sidewalk and front facades of its properties, New York – New York and the Monte Carlo and is also building an outdoor promenade that will house more open-air establishments.
Travel Weekly, an industry publication, says the tourists coming to this city are spending an increasing amount of time away from slot machines and casino tables. Only 72% of the visitors gambled in 2012 as compared to 85% in 2008.
As I said in the opening, there is a lot happening in Vegas that really shouldn’t stay here!
Happy New Year to you all. And thanks for stopping by today ~ the time you spend with us is appreciated. We are now on Instagram so hope you'll visit us there as well. . .we are posting views of Vegas this week! Linking this one up with Noel Morata's Travel Photo Discovery!
Nice photos, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dick! Happy New Year and Happy Travels on the Road Ahead!
ReplyDeleteGood to know about the new alley between the Flamingo Resort and The Quad.
ReplyDeleteNice shots, Jackie!
Happy New Year!
Thanks for taking the time to write. I just paid a visit to your site and will certainly be returning there as I hope you will do here! Happy New Year and Happy Photographing!
DeleteInteresting statistic about the change in gambling. I think entertainment and shopping are powerful motivators for visiting.
ReplyDeleteJohn and I have said for the last few years that we should have opened a pet store. I can't get over the sums of money poured into pets these days.
Funny you should say that because one of the little kiosks in Vegas was devoted to dog clothes and accessories! Happy travels this year Leigh!
DeleteNow that's a place I havn't been to. All the best for 2014!
ReplyDeleteIt is the "Adult Disneyland" of the US, so put it on the bucket list Andrew!
DeleteLas Vegas, land of luxury and now, the Linq, connecting everyone to even more amazing 'highs'!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great info and pics!
Happy New Year, you two!
Poppy
Hi Poppy, you are correct about the land of luxury -- at least in the store windows. I am happy to report nearly everyone was still clad in blue jeans while walking that famous strip of asphalt! (Of course, night time in the casinos were another story. . .)
Delete