Lots to do in Vegas

When coming to Las Vegas for the District 6 Convention in June, the Vegas Viking Lodge has collected an array of activities for your visit.

If you’re look for a place to eat, Las Vegas is now known at one of the great places to wine and dine in the country. Whether it’s Italian, Chinese, Seafood, German, Russian, or just plain ole’ American, there is a restaurant to meet your gourmet delights.

After you dine, there are dozens of places for night life. You don’t have to be a high roller, or even attracted to the penny slots. There are shows galore, museums for those with a taste of the absurd, shopping to meet your every need. There is a ferris wheel and a bowling alley (High Roller and Brooklyn Bowl) close to the hotel. 

If you haven’t visited the city recently, this year’s District 6, Sons of Norway Convention in Las Vegas  promises to have it all. Many activities are even free.

Downtown:

The Mob Museum, Fremont Street Experience and Container Park, and Neon Museum

Dining places include Hugo’s Cellar, Triple George, Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, Vic and Anthony’s Steak House.

On the Strip:

Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, The Linq, and Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

Shows: Cirque du Soleil show include Mystere, KA, O, Michael Jackson One, Beatles Love, The Conservatory and fountains at the Bellagio (both are free), Blue Man Group and Carrot Top.

Dining: Of course the Tuscany Suites ( the convention hotel) has four delicious on-site dining venues: Tuscany Gardens Italian Steakhouse, Marilyn’s Cafe, PUB 365, and Caffe Bottega. In addition there are terrific lounge acts and showroom. Check with hotel desk or bellman for details.

For the more adventurous Norwegians, here are a sampling of ideas for your visit

Mix of Restaurants: Indian— Tamba Indian Cuisine, Mint Indian Bistro, India Palace; Chinese— Tao, Hakkasan, Blossom; Italian—Ferraro, Vetri Cucina, Scarpetta, Sinatra; German—Haufbrauhouse; French—Mon Ami Gabi, Bardow Brasserie, Bouchon, Giada;

Buffets:  The Bellagio, The Wynn, Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet, Cosmopolitan Wicked Spoon. Prices sometimes change by the day and even the hour. Call ahead.

Food Tour:  Lip Smacking food tours— Vegas sights, Wordly Bites, Ultimate Steak House Tour. Visit the Website https:/lipsmackingfoodietours.com

Tours:  Big Bus Las Vegas Open Top Night Tour

Shopping: Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Fashion Show Mall, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and Town Square.

Why Not Extend Your Vacation

We know that you can’t do all those things while attending the weekend.  After all, there is a convention to go to. So why not add two or three days to your stay, before or after the weekend.

If you have made your reservations for the convention, contact the Tuscany Suites to add a few days. The hotel had agreed to extend the convention rate to Sons of Norway members as long as rooms are available. They have excellent entertainment nightly in the Copa Room.

Just a reminder, Las Vegas is no longer the town with the 99 cent breakfasts.  Even the buffets are a bit pricey. While room rates and meals can be a bit over-the-top, remember visiting Las Vegas, the oasis in the desert is a place to make memories. 

If you have not visited Hoover Dam, contact the Tuscany Suites concierge and arrange a day trip to one of the manmade wonders of the  world.

An often overlooked spectacle is the a ride in the gondola at the Venetian.  And while you in the area, visit one of the most talked-about visitor’s sites, the the Sphere.  Currently there is a sound and site movie movie experience, “Postcard from Earth.”

A dinner on top of the World at the Stratosphere is breathtaking. If you make reservations right at dusk, you will get to see the lights come on at the same time as an awe-inspiring sunset—especially if there are a few clouds.

Since most of you will be driving your own car or renting a vehicle, day trips to Red Rock Canyon National Preserve to the west and the Valley of Fire to the north are well worth the time.  And if you want a real treat, visit the Clark County Wetlands Preserve.  It’s hard to believe that there is a marsh area with water running through it. There are a wide variety of birds and animals to see while strolling on cemented walkways.

If you want to stay in town a visit to the Springs Preserve is a real treat. This was the original location that provided water to the locals in the early 1900s. Now the 180-acre attraction has been preserved with gardens, a walking trails, the Nevada State Museum and educational displays about what the city is doing to meet the demands for water in the community.  You can pause for lunch in the Springs Cafe, or picnic tables are  available.

Of course, there are all the shows, shopping, museums and restaurants mentioned earlier. Let it be said, there is never a dull moment, 24-hours a day for your visit.  Who knows, you may want to even come back.