The Christmas shopping rush is over here in Las Vegas; but, the after Christmas sales have just begun. Today was a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace on the Vegas Strip. The crowds of tourist and locals were overflowing at the upscale shopping mall. While Mrs. Flip looked at every single item in every shop, I had some time to kill; so, I took photos for today's post. The Forum recently completed the second major expansion of the shopping mall and as the photos will witness, no expense was spared to provide the shopper with luxurious, opulent surroundings, unlike anything most of us have experienced. The original mall featured the now famous animated statues that come to life every hour and give a show; while, the entire mall goes through a night to day cycle every hour. The second expansion was more animatronic statues, even one that transforms from a throne to a winged, evil thingy that tells the story of Atlas, Gadrius and Alia. A 50,000 gallon aquarium filled with over 500 large tropical fish including graceful rays gliding through the deep is another of the free attractions and a great place to take a break.
The latest addition is three stories of marble, giant statues, spiral escalators, reflecting pools, fountains, skylights and more than 160 shops straight out of Rodeo Drive. The Forum provides shoppers with limo drop off and valet parking. Restaurants for hungry patrons include something for every appetite and budget. Take the family to the Cheesecake Factory or sample great seafood at Joe's Seafood, Prime Rib & Stone Crab, catch a quick lunch at the trendy Planet Hollywood or treat yourself to creations from Wolf Gang Puck's Spago. If you just need a quick pick up there are numerous espresso and pastry bars. Browse world class art at Peter Max Gallery, pick up a bauble at Bvlgari, perhaps a new purse from Fendi or Gucci. Buy the kids that perfect toy at FAO Schwarz or the Disney Store. The Forum Shops at Caesars, the shopping wonder of the world, is also the most profitable shopping center in the US. The place is always filled with shoppers from all over the world and most are carrying bags filled with just purchased treasures. In a recent survey more than 65% of Las Vegas visitors said they had gone shopping and made a purchase while vacationing here.
The town is beginning to fill up for the New Year's weekend. The sidewalks along the strip were shoulder to shoulder with tourists watching the dancing Fountains at the Bellagio, the fire breathing Volcano at the Mirage or the Pirate ship battle in front of the TI Resort. Another good news item is the Las Vegas monorail is finally running again after extensive testing and re-certification. Hopefully the falling monorail parts will be no more and the system can provide a quick and convenient means of moving about the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the hotels are sold out for the weekend. The major strip resort's room rates for the New Year are averaging $600 to $800 per night with a two night minimum.
This will be the first year that the Las Vegas New Year's Eve street parties on the strip and downtown at the Fremont Experience will not be broadcast on national TV. Even though the city is the second most popular New Year's destination, ranking just behind New York City, none of the entertainment gurus believe it to be worthy of sharing the fun from the entertainment capitol of the universe. That's means I will have to provide everyone with photos and impressions of the party. Hopefully, the Poker Prof and Foiledcoup will also be out and about with cameras and note pads. I will sort through the photos and notes to provide graphic proof that Vegas had a party for the New Year.
I added a few photos in the extended section of the post. All were taken at the Forum Shops. The reflecting pools featured on the ground level of the newest addition to the Forum Shops and the incredible spiral escalators.
These statues come to life and tell the story of Atlantis complete with fire, water, smoke and special effects, every hour on the hour.
The greeter at FAO Schwarz is one of the tin soldiers from the Nutcracker.
A good place to take a break and watch the fish at the 50,000 gallon aquarium.
Everywhere you look there are more statues. The ceiling also goes through a night and day cycle every hour.
Buy some great art from the Peter max gallery in the new addition to the Forum Shops.
