Las Vegas: How Not to "Strip"

With the day already half-tackled, you'll want to work your way back to the hotel and kick back at The Tank or indulge in a late-afternoon nap. Then, of course, it will be time to consider dinner. Options are legion, but you'd do well to consider Andre's, one of the area's top French restaurants and a haven for romantics. Quiet, elegant, and boasting exquisite cuisine, the place is ideal if you're celebrating an anniversary or even an escape from your own status quo. Have a sautéed veal chop with morels and Armagnac cream sauce and remember how good the world can be.

For something a bit less à deux, stick close to home base and take advantage of Lillie's Noodle House, in the hotel near the casino. Rich colors, seductive lighting, and pan-Asian cuisine set the delicious scene, and although the restaurant is impressive, it's not pretentious by any means. Szechwan and Cantonese dishes accommodate folks who want dinnertime flair, whether they opt for a mainstay like moo shu pork or a spicier, pepper-tinged dish like Kung Pao chicken. Sushi and sakes can also be had, and lest you forget you're in the West, Lillie's serves steaks as well.

With the night ahead, possibilities are limitless. Stratosphere Tower is probably the most scintillating prospect. Set between the Strip and Downtown, the landmark observation tower has always been a destination for views, but these days, even more heady attractions await at the pinnacle. Catch the sights, or – if you're completely fearless – get strapped into one of three teeth-clenching thrill rides and hold on for dear life. Insanity dangles visitors over the side of the tower and spins them in frenzied circles, X-Scream pushes folks headfirst over the side of the tower and then pulls them back for repeat performances, and Big Shot thrusts daredevils to a height of 1081 feet, and then lets them fall – over and over again.

If, on the other hand, a quiet lounge sounds head-and-shoulders more satisfying than facing personal terror, soothe your spirit at Romance at Top of the World, a classy lounge set within Stratosphere Tower. It promises terrific views but none of the insane, heart-pounding anxiety that's going on mere feet away. Live jazz is a welcome standard in the elegant, contemporary space, and leopard print fabrics and sleek woodwork add style. Cocktails are the drink of choice, although bubbly is on order should you have need to celebrate. Sink back into a comfy chair, or peer out into the glittering Las Vegas night, and delight in the pleasure of enclosed spaces.

If even that's more than you desire and you have your sights set on earthbound places, take up the sports bar ambience and housemade microbrews at Triple 7 Restaurant & Brewery. The lively, festive establishment serves lagers, pale ales, porters, and more, not to mention pub grub and sushi, just in case the munchies kick in. Folks are invariably convivial and striking up a conversation is essentially child's play. And just in case the time escapes you, know that they don't close until 7am and that you can order cheap brews, as well as breakfast, from 2am on. How's that for a town that never sleeps?!