First rule of Vegas: pace yourself. Day 2 starts slow and late — because, let’s be honest, sleep is just as important as sparkle. After all, even WanderLyn needs her beauty rest.
I popped downstairs at the Elara for a caffeine fix — Starbucks’ new Protein Coffee — surprisingly delicious and exactly what I needed to tie up my sneakers and hit the pavement.
Nacho Average Brunch Stop
Nacho Daddy – Miracle Mile Shops
3663 S Las Vegas Blvd, #595, Las Vegas, NV 89109
nachodaddy.com
Walking through the Miracle Mile Shops is a vibe — lights flashing and 80's music pumping, it's the chiller, less expensive version of the Forum shops, but still very cool. We landed at Nacho Daddy. This restaurant started in Las Vegas in 2010 with one mission — to serve up the most “Insane Nachos” you’ve ever had while giving back by supporting local charities. They’re known for gourmet nachos piled high with fresh ingredients. You can book at Open Table.
Our server Danni was pure sunshine — quick with a smile and even quicker with refills. We dove into Tinga Chicken Nachos (massive, melty, and perfect) and the dramatic Flaming Fajita Tacos — yes, they literally arrive on fire.
For drinks, I skipped the booze for a Mango Tango mocktail — tropical and tangy deliciousness. Beer and margarita flights are also available if you’re feeling fiesta-fancy.
From Nachos to Neon: AREA15
AREA15 – Immersive Entertainment Complex
3215 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89102
area15.com
Next, we hopped a Lyft to AREA15, a futuristic playground that mixes art, tech, cocktails, and curiosity. Walk through the giant silver doors and—bam—you’re not in Kansas anymore.
Outside, towering sculptures beg for selfies; inside, you’ll find everything from a zip line to interactive exhibits and virtual-reality adventures.
I took a breather at Rocket Fizz Soda Shop (inside AREA15) for a quirky Japanese white peach soda called Bleach. Don’t worry — lost in translation! It was actually delicious and delightfully weird.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
Inside AREA15
3215 S Rancho Dr, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89102
meowwolf.com
Next up, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart feels like you accidentally wandered into a grocery store designed by aliens on a caffeine bender — aisles of “products” that make you laugh, think, and maybe question reality. I’m thinking of buying some Plausible Deniability Detergent – 33% more like it NEVER happened. You might need some of this in Vegas ;)
As you roam, peek behind the shelves, crawl through a tunnel, or even walk through a cooler door and—whoosh—you’ve fallen through a portal into another dimension.
Expect glowing tunnels, secret rooms, puzzles, and wild art installations that make you question reality. Spend at least a couple hours exploring… trust me, you’ll want to.
Buy your tickets online ahead of time. They are timed entry. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to explore a little before you enter. I prefer the earlier morning slots as it can get quite crowded in the late afternoon / evening.
Castle Time: Excalibur Hotel
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lyft back to the Strip and straight to the Excalibur —with its towering turrets and castle façade right on the Strip, the Excalibur invites you to step into your own fairytale night out—minus the glass slippers (but with plenty of slot machines). They even have a medieval dinner show called “Tournament of Kings” that lets you eat with your hands while knights joust — yes, really.
Downstairs you’ll find carnival games; the main floor is all glitz, gambling, and glitter. Head upstairs for shopping or a quick bite. I couldn’t resist Wander Dawgs — because, hello, name twins! A perfect hot-dog-with-attitude snack for a girl on the move.
Pyramid Power at the Luxor & Secret Drinks
We followed the covered walkway to the Luxor, a black glass pyramid with a giant Sphinx out front that declares “Egyptian adventures” from the moment you arrive. Inside, and up a level, is the Atrium, buzzing with shops and cool exhibits. I love the adult theme park feel. Photo ops everywhere. Who can resist?
Keep strolling toward Mandalay Bay, and you’ll stumble upon — 1923 Prohibition Bar. Hidden behind a bookcase in the hall, it’s mysterious, elegant, and oh-so-cool. We settled in by the fire for cocktails and mocktails that were pure perfection.
A little snooping led us to a secret back room with its own private bar. Vegas never disappoints!
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
After sipping and savoring, we continued on to the Mandalay BayResort. With its golden tower perched at the south end of the Strip, the Mandalay Bay wraps you in a tropical-oasis vibe. Lured by the flashing lights and space cows, really … space cows, I gave the Planet Moolah slot a whirl. Sadly, the cows were stingy with the cash, but there were plenty of giggles to be enjoyed. Then it was showtime!
One Love at Bob Marley’s Hope Road
The Hope Road Show is pure joy — a musical journey through Bob Marley’s life and spirit. His granddaughter Suki Marley opened the show with grace and groove.
As the performance unfolded, we followed the cast from room to room, dancing, laughing, and joining spontaneous conga lines.
With a bar halfway through and plenty of places to rest your feet, this show is uplifting, unique, and very Vegas — without breaking the bank.
Dinner with a View: Mon Ami Gabi
Mon Ami Gabi – Paris Las Vegas
3655 S Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The charming Mon Ami Gabi, easily pre-booked on Open Table, tucked under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Request pavilion seating for the best view of the Bellagio Fountains — dining with a show!
The menu is beautifully French-simple that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and basic techniques to enhance natural flavors, rather than using complicated sauces or excessive ingredients. That paired with a wine list of more than 80 boutique French bottlings – magnifique!
Our server Ron was gracious and attentive, recommending the warm baguette, tender steak frites, and the heavenly roast chicken with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Add some wine or a mocktail and the sound of fountains — what a wonderful way to finish Day 2 in Las Vegas.
Step Count: 17,000+
Even with a few Lyft rides, we clocked over 17,000 steps, proving that wandering, eating, and exploring is the best kind of exercise.
Satisfied, happy, and full of Vegas sparkle — I called it a night. Tomorrow is a full day where we will taste delicious dim sum, find a secret bar or two, and enjoy Absinthe!
Until next time…
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn – WanderLynTravel
Follow along on social media: @WanderLynTravel
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