Guest Blogger Kendra Thornton discovers the New Las Vegas!

Travel Industry Publicist and Spokeswoman, Kendra Thornton shares some of her favorite hot spots in Las Vegas, proving that what happens in Vegas doesn't always have to stay in Vegas. For more travel tips, follow her on twitter @KendraThornton


My Favorite Thrills and Diversions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city with many allures and attractions. It's one of the few places in the world where there's almost as much to do at 3 am as at 3 pm. Of course, you don't have to be a party person or gambler to appreciate the new Las Vegas.

1. Where KISS Fans Can Play Mini Golf

My husband, who plays golf seriously, enjoys the novelty of trying his hand at mini golf, while my kids and I also have lots of fun with it. KISS by Monster Mini Golf is a unique spot where you can enjoy the challenges of a rock-themed golf course to the accompaniment of tunes played by DJs. My kids especially have fun trying to hit the ball into the giant Gene Simmons head!

2. Learn to Mix Drinks Like a Pro

If there's one thing that the people at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas know how to do, it's mix perfect drinks. If you have always wanted to learn more about the fine art of mixology, you can take a two-hour class that will introduce you to this useful and fun skill. The Beverage Director at the Monte Carlo teaches the class, so you can be sure that he knows his stuff. Since this is a very popular class, I suggest booking well in advance if you don't want to be disappointed.

3. Survive a Swim With Real Live Sharks

While swimming in a tank with actual sharks is a bit more adventure than I personally care for, it's something you can safely do at Mandalay Bay. It's part of their unique Shark Reef Aquarium, which consists entirely of predators. The Dive With Sharks program allows you to see these ferocious ocean creatures up close while wearing a secure chain mail suit.

4. See the Desert in a Pink Jeep

As much as I enjoy the lights, glitter and excitement of Las Vegas, I also like to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding region. One of the best ways to do this is with Pink Jeep Tours Las Vegas, a service that will pick you up in front of your hotel and take you into the magical landscape of the Southern Nevada desert! Your guide will explain all the sights, while you can sit back in one of their comfortable and rugged Tour Trekkers, which seat up to ten people.

There are a dizzying number of things to do and see in Las Vegas and the city certainly isn’t short on hotel options. Sites like Gogobot make it easy to read user reviews so you can plan your trip. I've shared a few of my favorite activities and I hope you'll visit soon and try some of them out for yourself!

Things to do in San Francisco

There is a reason why travelers tend to leave their hearts in San Francisco. The city by the bay offers a plethora of delights that convey the creative artist, the political activist, the sophisticated foodie, the environmentalist and the urban- chic hipster in all of us. While most think of icons such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate when visiting the bay area, there is more to “Fog City” and this aficionado will share some of my frugal-friendly favorites.

Leave your Passport Behind in Chinatown Located a few blocks north of the heart of the city and premier shopping district, Union Square, is Chinatown. Known as one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia, this neighborhood has played an influential role in the history and culture of Chinese immigrants in North America. Stepping through the dragon-adorned gates into the neighborhood’s epicenter on Grant Street, one is transported to another realm with streets adorned with traditional red lanterns and Asian-inspired architecture. Do not be startled by the occasional dancing dragon, the pops of firecrackers and sounds of the Ehru (two-stringed Chinese Violin) as one meanders aimlessly throughout the 24-square blocks of the neighborhood. Saturday mornings and afternoons are the best times to visit as the streets are bustling with locals vying for your business where your bartering skills will be refined as the phrase “no thank you” is objectionable. An itinerary is not necessary but be sure to partake in one of many tea samplings from the various tea rooms such as Red Blossom Tea Company, visit the historical-rich Portsmouth Square, and sample the delicious custard-filled confections at Golden Gate Bakery where the line always wraps around outside. A delicious lunch for two can easily be found for under $15 at one of the many Chinatown restaurants throughout the neighborhood.

Escape the Urban Sprawl in Golden Gate Park While visiting San Francisco, one doesn’t have to travel far to escape the bustling city life. Spend an afternoon in Golden Gate Park, where you are sure to find a secluded spot among 1,017 acres of trails, lakes and hidden gardens. This magnificent park is 20% larger than New York’s Central Park of which it is often compared, and among the luscious landscape a surprise is hidden around every corner from a Dutch windmill, a herd of bison to a ride on a historical carousel. Parking is free if you are lucky enough to snag a spot along the main concourse (get their early) and a full day of adventure awaits visiting the Japanese Tea Garden where visitors can get in free every Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9:00am – 10:00am, the DE Young Fine Arts Museum where a $10 adult admission gets you free same-day access to the Legion of Honors Museum (Muni riders get a $2 discount). And what visit isn’t complete without a stop at the Conservatory of Flowers where admission is free every first Tuesday of the month.

Cross the Golden Gate and explore the Marin Headlands Just over the Golden Gate Bridge lies Marin County, a playground for the outdoor enthusiast. Three miles northwest off the beaten path is the dog-friendly Rodeo Beach, where visitors can surf, hike, or spend an afternoon bird watching. Drive the windy road through the abandoned military forts of Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite (now serving as National Park Facilities) and you will reach Rodeo Lagoon and this unique windswept coast. There are no entrance fees and parking is free in the lot or along the road. Picnic tables and accessible restrooms are available. For the more avid athlete, hike up the cliff along the coastal trail for some breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding bay area. You won’t be disappointed. One the way back be sure to stop and visit the good folks at the Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit rescue and research facility dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals. Admission is free but for a small fee you can take a guided tour (and help save a patient). On the day we visited we were able to get a rare glimpse of Iggy, a sea lion with a brain injury.

There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do while visiting San Francisco. You are sure to find something to please everyone. For last-minute deals on hotel rooms throughout the city, check out Hotel Tonight, a free app that allows you to book and secure discounted rooms right from your cell phone. Happy Adventures!