Leash Kid Adventures: Advice for playing in the desert with cowboys

Oh Vegas, I think I love you. A few of my favorite things started off the weekend; a beautiful Fall afternoon in the desert, Paris, and Sam's sign up for PBR!

Vegas is one of those magical places that will capture you the moment you step off the plane. You can feel the energy build in your soul and you know something amazing is about to begin. You'll feel delirious with the sights, sounds, and people frolicking the the middle of the desert. Just make sure you are able to break away, as you can easily be sucked into the place. I have never been able to last longer than 36 hours in Vegas and fly home beaten and exhausted. But in the best way - and with the best stories to tell.

My first advice: Don't ever pass up a trip to Vegas! I'm sure that one was obvious though.

So with Atlanta getting too chilly for my liking, I was west bound the moment Sam called to say he was playing a full weekend of shows at the MGM Grand for the PBR Finals. You couldn't pay me to stay away!

Second advice: Play all the penny slots you can - because cocktails are FREE when you are gambling in the casinos. You may win $1 or $2 (sorry, you will probably lose) but even if you don't you are gambling without the anxiety and you are drinking for FREE - nothing better.

Third advice: End EVERY night in Vegas at Drai's. It only opens at 2AM so be prepared because it is well worth it to make it here. They just recently moved from the Strip into Bally's, it is smaller but is still the best place to end your night - or rather your morning! Don't be surprised when the sun is up when you come ~~walking~~ stumbling out at the 7AM closing time. It will happen, accept it!

Fourth advice: Go to Madame Tussaud's

If you never have heard or seen a Madame Tussard's, it is a wax museum found in many of the biggest cities around the world. This is something I have never added to my #bucketlist of activities because it never seemed worth it. Well, it was.

Where else could you dance with Michael?

Or be a Las Vegas showgirl!? My dream when I was a little girl was to be a New York Rockette, unfortunately this is as close as I am going to get - I just never had the legs for that job :(

It is silly and honestly, really fun! If you go into the Venetian first, find the employee that hands out the $10 off coupon or ask at the desk for one when you are paying. I find that when I ask for a discount, I can usually get one.

Plus, you should be going in the Venetian anyways for shopping and gondola rides. This casino is beautiful.

The rest of the morning we made all the usual stops around the Strip - the Bellagio was decked out for the Fall. It would be so fun to envision and create these beautiful scenes. They want you to go overboard when you work for the Bellagio in Vegas - what a way to work.

A cornucopia overflowing with pumpkins and the air smelled of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Why am I even surprised!?

Some of the more creepy critters lurking around the corner..

and since we did not have time for the Venetian gondola ride, there was a cute little row boat to try out. Oh Vegas, you think of everything!

We spent our afternoons laying in the sun by the pool and soaking in the last warm rays before winter. Days like this make me question why I don't live somewhere where palm trees grow all year long - Vegas, can you take me in?

But the real reasons I had made the trip was to support this fella right here!

Get ready to know the name Sam Riddle - he is going to be your next favorite country singer

He had an early acoustic set that drew in HUGE crowds at MGM all weekend as well as playing at 8 Second Lounge, Stoney's, and on Fremont Street.

I may be biased but he puts on an amazing show - he plays guitar and piano (among others), sings his heart out every night, and never lets up on the energy. Go check him out if you are in Vegas, you will not regret it!