Day 3

Canyon Ranch Spa

Saturday morning began with a trip to the spa. I had a pedicure planned and my girlfriends were planning to get day passes. Stepping into Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian is like stepping into a little slice of heaven. The amenities offered continues to draw me to Vegas and a day pass is a fantastic value for everything it provides.

Tip: A day pass is $50 which includes full use of the spa ALL DAY!

I’m torn between which room is my favorite but I tend to return to the herbal room, the salt room and doze in the water room. C. adores the sauna and jacuzzi. I have spent many hours relaxing here nibbling on complimentary healthy snacks and drinking Spa water to ensure ample hydration after evening outs on the Strip.

If fruit and light beverages aren’t enough, check out the cafe for heartier options – including adult beverages.

This is a clothing optional facility and cell phones are frowned upon. Lock it up. Turn off the outside. Let the gentle zen atmosphere melt the stress away.

Brunch @ Bouchon Bistro

Tucked on the 10th floor is Bouchon, a Thomas Kellar, restaurant. The weekend menu features chicken and waffles – big enough to share. Actually, even though C and I shared, we still had left overs! This meal is one I return to whenever I get a chance. The baked chicken is savory and moist. The herb waffles are light as air yet crispy. Add the syrup and gravy and it’s a meal to dream of.

Tip: Chicken and Waffles are only served on the weekend.

We left the Bistro filled with goodness but it called for a walk to work off the indulgent meal. The afternoon slipped away quickly as we meandered our way down the strip to watch the water show at the Bellagio before heading back to the Venetian to pick up C’s car.

C and A were driving back to L.A. And our walk had already put them behind. With hugs and a bit of a heavy heart I said goodbye. Our weekend was fading into another memory.

Saturday Night Solo

What’s a girl to do Saturday night in Vegas all alone?

My original plan was to go see Willie Nelson. It was the last night he was playing. But I dawdled and it sold out before I had a chance to buy a ticket.

Tip: Plan ahead and buy show tickets early, especially if they happen to be Willie Nelson!

Deciding to keep things low key, I forgo dressing up (a sin I’m sure for some but it was just me). With a touch of lip gloss, I tossed on a pair of  leggings, my green Lucky  brand t-shirt and headed downstairs in search of a salad. I figured after staying out till early morning Friday night I’d grab a salad and head upstairs to pack and get to bed early.

Silly rabbit. The universe had other plans in store for me.

After enjoying a salad at the Steak House (yes, I know) I wandered the casino floor. A had given me a .49 voucher to play and I figured I should find a machine to feed. My ears perked up. I heard music.

Before I knew it I forgot all about playing the slots and let the sound of music magnetically pull me into Gilley’s. An empty stool, perfectly placed in a corner, appeared at the crowded bar as if waiting for me.

Alrighty then.

I reasoned one drink couldn’t hurt.

I kicked back and watched the dancers spin on the floor. I accepted a dance. Refused a dance. I hadn’t planned on dancing. I wasn’t dressed up, the opposite in fact. In my gold flats with my cross body bag swinging on my hip made for awkward dancing and I wasn’t comfortable leaving my bag alone on the bar. This is a crazy town and I’m kind of partial to my pink lip gloss.

And there I was,  when it was time to go, and then they walked in.

A group of six boisterous guys, fit, and very tall pulled up next me ordering a round of drinks. I’m only five foot nothing and I felt like I had been surrounded by a group of friendly giants – cute, but still giants.

I watched them now since I couldn’t see the dance floor through their backsides. One guy, heart melting smile, almost landed on my lap, he moved quickly away and apologized. Another lanky guy smiled, said hi, towering over me. What’s a short girl to do with a friendly giant? She invites him to sit down. “Please sit,” I almost pleaded, as the sky high beautiful men were making me dizzy from looking up at them.

Tip: Casual look, messy hair and lip gloss seemed to be a hit with the guys. It’s called being yourself. Big hit. 

He sat.

HELLLOOOO, R.

They ended up being a group of guys from Ohio. R introduced me to his 21 year old nephew who was celebrating his birthday. Ladies, this kid is adorable and so sweet. Yes, he’s technically a man, but when you are younger than my kids my brain has a hard time seeing anything else but an over grown child.

Anyway, I’m off on another tangent. Let’s get back to R. We talked. We laughed. R asked me to go with them to Senior Frogs. Again, what’s a girl to do? I went.

I followed a parade of gorgeous guys with R behind me, out one door, around the casino floor and into Senior Frogs. We never left TI but it felt like we had been transported to Mexico during spring Break. The night club music was pumping and young D came alive. R explained this was more his nephew’s speed. Plus his nephew had caught a glimpse of a pretty girl. That will do it every time!

Over water and a few dances R and I connected. The guys were mingling but always seemed to be keeping tabs on young D. I pulled R outside of Senior Frog and found a seat on the casino floor just before a fight broke out.

R congratulates me for leaving when we did.

Tip: Vegas, after midnight, and booze means it’s always time to go.

D weaves his way towards us minus the girl. He needs food and sleep. Stifling a yawn myself, I suggest the Coffee Shop across the casino.

D devours chicken wings. His uncle teases him about “catching feelings” for the girl in line. He vehemently denies it. Have I mentioned how adorable this kid is?

R gets up to pay the check. D leans over the table and tries to whisper but it comes out a bit loud and slurred that R is a great guy…a really good guy…

I nod, my eyes going to R, taking in his tall, lanky form, tattoos painted along his arms. His blue eyes crinkle in a smile catching me looking.  Yeah, I agree, he’s a good guy.

It’s time to say goodnight.

R walks me to the elevator. It’s 3:30 in the morning. I still have to pack.

We say goodnight and he takes the kid back to their hotel.

It’s always the unexpected adventures that are the best.

“You made me catch feelings.” I read the text over again. I smile.

Vegas, Baby… until the next time!

Cheers!

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