Sure, it’s the gambling capital of the universe, but there are some people who go to Las Vegas and don’t gamble a cent. I’m one of them. I don’t have any high minded reasons not to gamble. I think it’s a perfectly valid way to pass your time. It’s just that when I spend money, I like to see a little something for it and when I gamble, I never do.  So, I go to shows, instead.

I recently attended Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and all I can say is “wow, wow, wow!”. As a permanent fixture on the strip, Mystere has a theater that was built just for it. You can imagine the possibilities this presents – an articulated floor that rises and falls in sections, props and fixtures that are perfectly hidden away when not in use, orchestra lofts instead of a pits and seating areas that give every spectator a perfect view of the action.

The show itself defies description, which is how most Cirque productions are spoken of. The combination of costuming, sets, special effects, music, comedy and stunning acrobatics is something you need to see for yourself. If you’ve never been to a Cirque show, put it on your list of things to do before you die – they are that good!

Welcome back!

There’s so much to do in and around Lake Tahoe, that it’s hard to squeeze it all into one trip. If you can only get away for a few days, try South Lake Tahoe which is, of course, on the southern end of the lake where California and Nevada meet.

The Nevada side of the state line is home to the casinos. When I spend my money, I like to get something in return, so I’m not much of a gambler, but the casinos offer much more than a spin of the wheel, a roll of the dice and the magic of disappearing money. They also provide plenty of options for dining and entertainment that impart a vibrancy and flare to the area. Not many ski areas come with casinos and that is part of appeal of this world-class resort.

The California part of Tahoe is another world. A world of natural wonder and scenery that truly has the power to take your breath away. To most of us, the lake is is so large and deep and blue that they may as well call it an inland sea. Water sports rule in the summer. The mountain biking is classic and you can get a taste of the cowboy life while saddled up on a scenic trail Ponderosa style. The skiing offers so many options, you’ll feel as juiced up as a kid in a candy store, but if you haven’t tried Heavenly, yet, start there.

There’s also a history and tradition of opulence to Tahoe that exhibits itself in castle ruins, perfectly polished wooden speedboats and gated mansions peaking out from forests of cloud-high pines. The Emerald Bay steamboat cruise across the southern part of the lake to Vikinghome is a don’t miss trip that doesn’t cost too much or take too long.

For camping, you can’t beat the California State Parks along the southwestern side of the lake. Some of these are equipped to accommodate RV’s year ’round and are popular with the budget ski crowd. If you like it a bit more civilized, look around for one of the great South Lake Tahoe vacation packages that include lodging and popular activities, like skiing and helicopter rides, along with a meal or two.