Another night of excellent sleep at the Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations. This hotel is delightful. The beds? Comfier than my own at home plus floor-to-ceiling windows and great views – AWESOME!
Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations80 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109
We kicked off the day with a quick Starbucks run downstairs and a refreshing morning swim in Elara’s sleek outdoor pool. Hydrated, caffeinated, and ready to explore—we hit the Strip for another day of fun, food, and lots of walking.
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Dim Sum Dreams at Hakkasan
First stop: Brunch. And not just any brunch—this was an all-you-can-eat Dim Sum brunch at Hakkasan, located inside the MGM Grand Hotel.
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Book via OpenTable
The vibe here is sleek, modern, and a little bit night-club-meets-luxury-lounge—dim lighting, pulsing music, and an energy that screams Vegas.
For $58 per person, we were treated to a never-ending stream of steaming baskets, fried bites, dumplings, noodles—you name it, it landed on our table. Our server Andrew was great on getting our orders in and making sure we had enough tea 😉.
💡 Pro tip: Try the crispy duck salad. You’ll thank me later.
🎥 Pro fail: I tried to take a video of all the dishes and ended up with a lovely, 2-minute shot of my knees. UGH.
But hey—I did get a peek into the kitchen. It’s massive, and watching the team hustle to keep the plates flowing was energizing.
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Alternative Brunch: Eataly at Park MGM
If Dim Sum isn’t your thing (no judgment!), head next down the street to Eataly Las Vegas, located at 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Eataly was dreamed up by Italian businessman Oscar Farinetti and opened its doors in 2007 inside a renovated vermouth factory in Turin, Italy. Picture a lively Italian marketplace where cafés, restaurants, and food stalls all come together to celebrate the very best of Italy.
You can grab a panini, sit down for handmade pasta, sip on regional wines, or just grab a scoop (or three) of some of the best gelato outside of Rome. It’s casual, bustling, and packed with options -- A food lovers paradiso.
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Walk It Off at The Shops at Crystals – Aria Resort
Now full and happy, take a stroll through The Shops at Crystals, connected to the Aria Resort. 3720 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
This upscale mall is Vegas luxury at its finest—think Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford—but even if you’re just window shopping (like we were), it’s a fun way to walk off brunch in air-conditioned bliss. Bonus: the architecture is ultra-modern and Instagram-worthy.
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Hidden Bars at The Cosmopolitan
Next, we wandered into one of my favorite Vegas hotels: The Cosmopolitan.
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Head up to the second floor and look for the Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Yes, I know you’re full—but trust me. Keep walking toward the back and you’ll spot a door with a white donkey painted on it.
Welcome to Ghost Donkey!
A Mexican-inspired speakeasy that specializes in tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. The vibe? Intimate, mysterious, and ultra-fun—with twinkling string lights overhead, a tiny bar, and cozy tables tucked into every corner.
Must-try cocktail: The Truffle Nacho cocktail. Yes, you read that right. It’s surprisingly delicious with a wild earthy punch and a mezcal finish. And yes—they actually serve truffle nachos too. Absolutely decadent.
Now, if you're feeling a little daring, there’s another hidden gem just a short walk away.
The Ski Lodge – A Hidden Alpine Bar in the Desert
Head down the hallway toward Superfrico, and you’ll spot a small door with a skier icon on it. That’s the entrance to The Ski Lodge—but if it’s locked (like it was for us today), you’ll be directed to go through the main entrance of Superfrico and make your way through a labyrinth.
Then you’ll step into what feels like an après-ski party straight out of the 1980s. There's faux snow, vintage ski gear, neon signs, and an awesome retro soundtrack pumping through the speakers. We sat down to enjoy a round of mocktails (because balance, right?), and they were perfection—bright, balanced, and crafted with just as much care as a boozy beverage.
The “No Proof Required” menu is fantastic for anyone skipping alcohol but still wanting a grown-up drink. Of course, they have a delightful full bar and wonderfully crafted cocktails as well.
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Dinner at Superfrico – Psychedelic Italian at Its Finest
If The Ski Lodge was the perfect pre-dinner drink spot, Superfrico was the main event. This place is an explosion of color, sound, and food. It calls itself a "psychedelic Italian" restaurant, and honestly? That's spot on. Every room has a different theme, performers wander through the space while you dine (fire jugglers, acrobats, singers, dancers—you name it), and the menu is as bold as the décor.
We shared a few plates, but the chicken parmesan stole the show. And you must order the Cow Jumped Over the Moonshake—a giant milkshake topped with… a whole scoop of chaos (think glitter, sparklers, cookies, and cartoon-level toppings). And often, it comes with a dancing cow – we were quite surprised, but in the best way!
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A Wild Nightcap: Absinthe at Caesars Palace
We wrapped up our last night with a bang by heading over to Caesars Palace to catch a performance of Absinthe. 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Let me just say, this show is not for the faint of heart. It’s a risqué, raunchy, hilarious, and wildly impressive blend of circus-style acrobatics and adults-only comedy. The entire thing is hosted in a Spiegeltent just outside Caesars. It has its own Beer Garden for the pre-show.
Once inside, the tent is decorated with fabrics and lights like a genie’s bottle. The intimate setup means every seat is close to the action—especially third row center, where we sat.
Prepare for unexpected splash zones and spinning skaters. Think Cirque du Soleil meets burlesque with a dash of stand-up comedy—and zero filter.
It’s hands-down one of my favorite shows in Vegas, and if you’re looking for something bold and unforgettable, this is it.
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Time to Say Goodbye… For Now
After the show, we made a quick dash back to Elara, grabbed our bags, and zipped off to the airport for a late-night flight home. Exhausted, happy, and full of stories (and dumplings. So many dumplings.)
This quick 3-day getaway was the perfect mix of fabulous food, shopping adventures, outrageous entertainment, and good ol’ Vegas walking.
👟 Step count: Definitely over 10,000
🎉 Memories: Off the charts
🛫 Ready to do it all again? Always.
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Thanks for wandering with me! 💜 Until next time,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
📸 Be sure to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube @WanderLynTravel for in-depth videos and future trip inspiration.
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