This Thanksgiving break we have planned to visit National Parks along the West coast. Due to Winter Storm, our plan has diverted slightly. But, all in all, it was still a memorable fun experience for us all as we got to explore what mother nature has to offer in this beautiful country.
Each of us booked a Southwest flight from Houston to Las Vegas with approximately 12,600 Southwest points along with our companion pass. On the flight, daddy taught and guided gege on his first Sudoku. We flew into Las Vegas for a night to recollect the kids' memory few years back. They have totally forgotten, but it was nice that we got the chance for a quick day to revisit.
We stayed at the same hotel – The Signature at MGM. We booked this hotel with the Sapphire Reserved Card through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (LHRC) – part of the benefits where you get food credit when booked the stay through LHRC. You pay the price of the hotel and the hotel gives you $25 each guest for breakfast (at the time we booked, now is $30) and $100 facility pass at selected MGM property. The breakfast credits work on the day you checked in as well. Let’s say you checked in at 1:00 P.M. and hungry for a snack, then head to Delights Gourment Delicatessen to grab a snack or two (breakfast credits daily). So, you have total of $120 credit for both day 1 and day 2 for 2 hotel guests. Be mindful that, every head counts (as young as 3 years old) and hence, increase your room rate. Our kids were stranger during the time we stayed 😊
First stop after we ate our lunch (breakfast credit) at 2:00 P.M., we headed straight to the M&M store to revisit. There’s a free show that is not to be missed on the upper most floor. (we missed it last time)
Grumpy faces waiting for their M&M candies...
Bellagio Water Show
The iconic fountain at the Bellagio hotel is one of the popular attraction. It combines of music, water and light to present the free water performance. The show runs every half hour between 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Face in awe
Talking about face in awe. We took the kids to the Caesars Palace hotel. On the way to the Fall of Atlantis - animatronic show, at the centerpiece of the luxury forum shop is design of ceiling painted with clouds and blue sky as faux sky finish. We were there at night and the kids were wondering (for a brief moment before they realize it was painted with light) how could it be a blue sky. LOL.
Mirage Fire Show
Another iconic attraction is the Mirage Volcano free show. The volcano 'erupts' at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
By then the kids are super tired from a long day with no nap. We head back to MGM to utilize the facility pass credit at the MGM Grand Buffet. Definitely do not recommend this, there are better selections of food to choose from. But, for convenience purpose, we just needed a place to fill the hungry stomach and tired leg. Didi was so exhausted that he fell fast asleep during dinner.
Death Valley National Park
Death valley is famous for the hottest place on earth and driest place in the North America. It once hit the world record of 134 Fahrenheit! It is so hot during the summer time. But the weather in November during our visit was just nice between 50 F - 70 F.
This is one amazing place with much more to see than expected. Be sure to stop by the information center for a map and find out some "must-see" stopping points for some great pictures.
We went into the Twenty Mule Team Canyon. It was like a hidden gem. We drove on dirt road and the scenery was amazing. We stopped by couple of times and did some hiking. We are always amazed how strong and fearless these two small fellows are.
Zabriskie point is another popular stop with paved concrete and stunning view.
The picture doesn't justify the beauty of this place.
Badwater Basin - Salt Flats
It supposedly noted as the lowest point in North America – 282 Feet below sea level.
Mommy found some nice clear salt flats! Yummy?
Who doesn't like salt :) The wind started to pick up. It was strong enough where a guide book sticks on gege. Ok, can you tell from his hair?
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
This is within the Death Valley National Park with vast area of sand dunes. We only got to spend a short while there as it was getting dark and super windy that we can’t really do much.
From our previous experience, it is quite a different experience and very beautiful during the sunset at the sand dune. This reminded us of the White Sand Monument at New Mexico.
This ends our Death Valley Trip with 4+ hours drive West to Bakersfield, California for a night stay. See you!
No comments:
Post a Comment