NO LOSERS THIS VEGAS PLAY DAY, BET ON IT

Let’s assume you need a break from the tables, or slot machines, or the casinos in general. Whether you’re with friends or kids, here are some suggestions for a fun Vegas day of play that doesn’t involve gambling. You can drive or take an Uber/Lyft. Let’s start with a meal. A locals favorite is Blueberry Hill. Best pancakes ever. It’s an extensive menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two locations open 24 hours and two open 6am to 9pm. For a coffee, drive through Dutch Bros before or after the meal. Many locations throughout town.

If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, or even if you’re not, check out the 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf course at the old Bally’s hotel on Flamingo. It’s now called the Horseshoe Hotel. There’s a large self parking garage. $18 for 1-4 hours, $20 for 4-24 hours. Once you’re walking into the hotel from garage you’ll find yourself at a bit of a fork in the road, The Paris Hotel is straight ahead, the Horseshoe is to your right.. Walk by the shops, head through the casino  and walk to the back. You’ll see the Glow-in-the-Dark course on your left. It helps if you’re a fan of the classic TV show as they play scenes from various episodes. This is indoors and not a huge course like you’re probably used to but it’s challenging to play in the dark, even with a glowing ball. There’s a food court at the back on same level and to your right is a decent arcade. So if you’re with kids this will keep you busy for awhile. If you need some air, walk out the door near food court and use signal to walk across busy Flamingo by Batista’s Hole in the Wall Italian eatery. It’s been there a thousand years. Just keep walking and you’ll see the Linq, that’s the promenade with a variety of restaurants and shops as well as the High Roller ride. The ferris wheel-type ride takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution and has 28 cabins. 

• Blueberry Hill, Hash House A Go Go, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish ‘n Chips
• Honolulu Cookies, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Cafe Belle Madeleine Paris Hotel
• Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf, Horseshoe Arcade, Linq Promenade, Neon Museum, Sphere

 The High Roller sits about 550 feet above the strip and offers some great views. If you’re over 21 the bars are too numerous to mention. They will check for ID. A favorite eatery here is Hash House A Go Go, upstairs in the LINQ hotel. Eclectic menu, ridiculous portions. Only open until 3 pm unless it’s Friday or Saturday, then until 9pm. If you’d rather try some great fish ‘n chips, check out famous chef Gordon Ramsay’s place. Not cheap, two fish ‘n chip plates with fries and a fountain drink for two will set you back about $60. The good ol’ days of cheap eats in Vegas have pretty well gone the way of dinner shows. Plan on a line at Gordon’s and you’ll likely have to eat standing as seating is limited. This is mainly takeaway. If you’re craving dessert Honolulu Cookies has the only location in Vegas at the Linq. Same with Ghirardelli. Grab some chocolate or one of a variety of ice cream treats.

There’s also a cafe in the Paris hotel you could check out when walking back to your car. It’s called Cafe Belle Madeleine and offers sandwiches and pastries 24 hours. If you have a free evening there’s the new Sphere offering music and entertainment. Also a fun one-of-a-kind attraction is the Neon Museum, in the downtown area. This is where all the old hotel and other neon signs go to rest. They offer tours day and night. Because many of the cheap buffets, discounted hotel rooms and free drinks are gone, Las Vegas isn’t the value destination it once was. But if you’re happy taking part in activities other than gambling, Sin City offers more choices than ever.