I just returned from another solo trip to Las Vegas and had a blast! I attended a Kelly Clarkson concert, checked out all the Super Bowl displays on the Strip, savored yummy food, imbibed in a few cocktails and gambled. Lady Luck was not on my side though, and I lost a few bucks. Not wanting to spend anymore money, I looked for free things to do in Vegas and found the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens inside the Bellagio.
The Bellagio Has Free Things to Do?
I know, I know. When you think of free things to do in Vegas, the Bellagio does not immediately spring to mind, but inside the hotel, just past the lobby, sits a 14,000 square foot Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Five times a year, a talented team of designers, engineers and horticulturalists transform the area into a magical display. This Conservatory team never duplicates a theme. Each season is fresh and new. Expect to see thousands of colorful flowers and plants in breathtaking arrangements.
The Year of the Dragon at the Bellagio
It’s the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon, so this season’s theme at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Infinite Prosperity: The Year of the Dragon. I counted six beautifully adorned dragons throughout the gardens each more spectacular than the last.
I found a long gold dragon floating above a pond fed by a large working waterfall. Around a corner, children in red, yellow and green outfits made up of flowers hoisted a flying dragon puppet above their heads. Ornate red and blue dragons flanked the children on either side. More gold dragons guarded the entrance to the gardens with pink cherry blossoms surrounding them.
I noticed large white orbs near many of the dragons. What are they? Are they eggs? A quick Google search later, I discovered they are pearls. In Chinese folklore, the dragon represents good luck and prosperity and the pearl signifies wisdom. They are often presented together.
As I continued to meander through the rectangular-shaped Conservatory, I came upon a large Buddha. Trees of lucky gold coins rose on either side of him and children played around him. The ground was covered in green plants, yellow and pink flowers and believe it or not, lettuce!
Every inch of the Conservatory is a perfect backdrop for pictures including selfies.
Free Things To Do Does Not Include the Garden Table
New this year is the Garden Table. Experience an artistically inspired lunch or dinner in the midst of the Conservatory. Each menu is created with the season’s theme in mind. For the Lunar New Year, authentic regional dishes are served from Bellagio’s Pan Asian eatery, Noodles. The Garden Table can sit up to six for lunch and four for dinner. Definitely not free, the price range is listed on the website as $$$$.
More About Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Other themes throughout the year include Spring, Summer, Harvest and Holiday. I visited in December for the Holiday presentation. It was awe-inspiring! The Conservatory goes dark for about a week between seasons to allow the team to tear down and set up the next display. Sustainability is important to the Bellagio and approximately 90% of the plants are recycled or repurposed.
Plan on spending about 30 minutes in the gardens, maybe a little longer if there is a big crowd. It is easy to maneuver and mainly flat.
Traveling Solo in Las Vegas
Is Vegas safe for a single woman? It is as long as you take a few common sense precautions. Stay in populated areas like the Strip especially at night. Don’t wander off into unknown neighborhoods or walk down a dark street. Keep your purse close to you (I prefer a crossbody) and be alert. Steer clear of the showgirls and characters unless you want to be hassled for money. Same goes for the homeless. I always find if I leave them alone, they leave me alone.
For a look at the newest attraction in Vegas, the Sphere, click here.
Have you been to Vegas solo? Tell me about your experience in the comment section below.