Exclusive! Check out the first look at Venetian's soon-to-open Bourbon Room... from this perspective!

Ok. Well, yes. You do need to peer under that scaffolding and beyond that garbage bin, but you've yet to see this angle, right? We didn't think so.

Replacing La Scena, The Bourbon Room will host an invite-only grand opening on June 1 at 6 p.m. We're assuming it will open to all later that evening.

Internet speculation cites the coming bar as more proof that Rock of Ages is on its way to Venetian as well. (It features a room of the same name if you haven't seen it yet.)

Vegas is awesome. We know that. It's easy to get carried away with saying everything is great, because everything in Vegas can be great given the right circumstance. At the same time, if a certain thing isn't great, it's easy to flip the script and say the exact opposite and that the specific thing is awful. Fact is, there's a lot in the middle. Vegas is full of mediocrity and that's fine. Kinda.

We were sitting at a bar in the Rio sipping on a drink and playing video poker while keeping an ear on the conversation of some drunk Ohio dudes next to us. While we were hiding from the giant head in

In a city of conspicuous luxury and dramatic and compulsive spending, it's rare to attach the glitz and glamor to a little history or romantic roots. Two companies want to change that, and entice you into their Vegas stores to learn a little and covet a lot, with some extraordinary pieces of fine art that also happen to be wearable.

At the Palazzo, you can try on a tiara created for a princess. And, in the Bellagio, try on time pieces fit for a queen. It's as glam as it sounds.

The Breguet Boutique has been open since December, housed in a prime Bellagio location opposite the escalator entrance to Picasso.

You know that when even Bellagio is doing it, a Sin City craze is mainstream a must do.

From Vegas StrEATS in downtown to Vegas Uncork'd on The Strip, food trucks are where it's at when it comes to gourmet eats.

The city's next big food truck fest will take place June 9 from noon to six at the Suncoast. Yes, off the Strip, in Summerlin so we know that already takes some of you out of the mix. If you have a car and are willing to travel, though, this gourmet food truck block party.. excuse us.. Gourmet Food Truck Block

It's time to start thinking about whether you want to rock 'n roll down The Strip at night. Either, for the first time or all over again.

Public registration for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon that will send waves of runners down Las Vegas Boulevard on the evening of December 2 will open a week from today on Friday, June 1. That's if some runners can move past what happened last year (and, from Facebook comments, it looks like some can't). That's also if people can take a $150 registration fee* in stride (and that's cheap considering it shoots up to $185 the longer you wait).

A three day holiday weekend in Las Vegas, check.  And what better than spending Memorial Day Weekend getting wild and crazy at one of the many Las Vegas pool parties that pepper The Strip.  From the wild, raucous scene at hot spots like TAO Beach at The Venetian Las Vegas, Wet Republic at MGM Grand Las Vegas and Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas to some of the “newer” pools such as Encore Beach Club at Encore Las Vegas, Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Liquid at Aria Las Vegas, Las Vegas has the biggest and best pool parties for you to take part in.  No matter which venue you choose to go to (consider going to a different one everyday), there will be world renowned DJs spinning the soundtrack to your fun in the sun.

While you will no doubt be in party mode, a few things to remember:

• Drink plenty of water: go for a one drink, one water ratio if you can
• Sunscreen: You don’t want to be looking like a lobster cooked, do you?
• Arrive early: pool parties traditionally open at 11 a.m., even earlier on holiday weekends
• Bring only what you REALLY need: ID, cash or credit card and a cell phone – other items may be confiscated
• Use common sense: all pools have a zero tolerance policy, if it’s illegal, security will be on you

Memorial Day Weekend is here which means there is a heap of concerts and comedy acts going on in Las Vegas.  At Galavantier.com we are running down your best bets when it comes to entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip this weekend.

Thursday, May 24

• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Thursday Social Club welcomes The Henry Clay People.  Tickets are $20 plus tax and fees.
• He’s back!! Andrew Dice Clay returns to bring his brash and no holds barred comedy to the Riviera Las Vegas for the next four nights. Tickets start at $49.99 plus tax and fees.
• Rocker Daughtry takes the stage inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel for live music experience.  Tickets are $45.50 plus tax and fees.
• It will be hot, hot, hot as Don Omar performs poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel.  Tickets are $49.50 plus tax and fees.
• Comedian Drew Carey returns to Las Vegas for four-day Improv-A-Ganza at the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater where he’ll be joined by an all-star cast of comedians.  Tickets start $49.99 plus tax and fees.

Friday, May 25

• Make plans to be at Treasure Island for a very special evening of comedy with Bill Cosby!  Tickets start at $59 plus tax and fees.
• Incubus returns to Las Vegas for their annual performance at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel and this time, perform back-to-back nights.  Tickets start at $69.50 plus tax and fees.
• Comedian David Spade returns to The Venetian Las Vegas for a weekend of laughs.  Tickets start at $65 plus tax and fees.
• Tonight Show host, Jay Leno makes the trip over from California to provide an evening of laughs at the Mirage.  Tickets start at $59.99 plus tax and fees.
• Punk Rock Bowling gets underway for four days of Downtown Las Vegas mayhem with over 20 bands performing.  Ticket packages available at www.punkrockbowling.com.
• Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson begins a three-night residency at Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.  Shows each evening are free.

Saturday, May 26

• Incubus returns to Las Vegas for their annual performance at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel and this time, perform back-to-back nights.  Tickets start at $69.50 plus tax and fees.
• Comedian David Spade returns to The Venetian Las Vegas for a weekend of laughs.  Tickets start at $65 plus tax and fees.
• Tonight Show host, Jay Leno makes the trip over from California to provide an evening of laughs at the Mirage.  Tickets start at $59.99 plus tax and fees.
• Indie rockers Young The Giant take to the outdoor stage at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for a high energy performance.  Tickets are $22.50 plus tax and fees.
• The Cult make a stop at the M Resort on their world tour.  Tickets start at $45 plus tax and fees.
• The notorious Russell Peters brings his shtick to Caesars Palace.  Tickets start at $49.50 plus tax and fees.
• Funnyman Ron White returns to Las Vegas for an evening of laughs at the Mirage.  Tickets start at $59.99 plus tax and fees.

Sunday, May 27

• Rock legends, Van Halen, return to Las Vegas for a rock and roll extravaganza at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Tickets start at $49.50 plus tax and fees.
• On their 50^th Anniversary Tour, The Beach Boys bring all their hits to Red Rock Casino.  Tickets start at $30 plus tax and fees.
• Multi-talented entertainer, Donald Glover, brings his hip-hop personality Childish Gambino to the BLVD Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.  Tickets are $30 plus tax and fees.
• “My Pony” recording artist Ginuwine performs poolside at the LVH Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.  Tickets are $30 plus tax and fees.

On Memorial Day Weekend the weather gets a little hotter, the parties get a little crazier and The Strip becomes a haven for partygoers and tourists alike. The weekend marks the unofficial start to summer in Las Vegas and does so with a plethora of big-name artists, DJs, celebrities and wild celebrations.  Here’s a rundown of your dayclub and nightclub events to keep the party going all weekend long.

Friday, May 25:

• Ditch Fridays at the Palms Casino Resort kicks the weekend off one day early with a pool party spread across three pools and two levels with international DJ Roger Sanchez spearheading the fun. The party then goes inside where Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas takes over the turntables at Rain, members of the UK band A Silent Film will be on hand in the intimate ghOstbar and Mark Foster of Foster the People performs under the stars at Moon Nightclub.
• Two years ago Steve Wynn brought us the lavish Encore Beach Club and Surrender Nightclub and with the clubs’ anniversary, comes the one-two punch of Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Aoki. Ingrosso, of Grammy-nominated Swedish House Mafia, will control the beats at Encore Beach Club during the day, while Aoki will bring his wild partying antics to Surrender Nightclub that night.
• The world’s No. 1 DJ Tiësto along with Manufactured Superstars will take over XS Nightclub, while Afrojack and Warren Peace will spin at Tryst Nightclub.
• Your favorite girl next door, Holly Madison, will make an appearance at Chateau Nightclub inside Paris Las Vegas while Felix da Housecat spins.
• Pure Nightclub inside Caesars Palace welcomes Gabe Saporta, the lead singer of Cobra Starship, where he will perform some of the group’s top hits like “Girls Go Bad,” and “Snakes On A Plane.”
• The often shirtless duo the EC Twins will spin the party at Tao Beach at The Venetian Las Vegas during the day and Trey Songz will bring his hits to Tao Nightclub that night. Cassie will perform at Lavo Nightclub, Tao’s sister club inside The Palazzo Las Vegas.
• Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will bring in Cosmic Gate to start the celebration with Benny Benassi and Fedde Legrand spinning later that evening at the nightclub.

Saturday, May 26:

• Hip hop takes over the Palms Casino Resort Saturday with Busta Rhymes at Palms Pool Saturdays and Ludacris at Rain Nightclub that night.
• Rapper Fabolous brings his hits like “Young’n (Holla Back),” and “Throw It In The Bag,” to Haze Nightclub, while DJ E-Rock spins a special DJ set.
• Encore Beach Club welcomes Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia, AN21 and Max Vangelli before the trio takes the party to XS Nightclub that night. Tiësto moves his legendary electronic dance music to Surrender Nightclub as Skrillex takes over Tryst Nightclub.
• Dev will make a special performance at Pure Nightclub while rap icon Ice T and his wife Coco will host the party at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor.
• Sean Kingston will perform at Lavo Nightclub with a special set by DJ Reflex.
• Benny Benassi brings his house beats to Tao Beach during the day.
• The weekly Nectar Musical Festival at the Hard Rock Hotel will feature DJ Kilmore of Incubus after their show at The Joint, along with Richard Beynon and Manuel De La Mare.

Sunday, May 27:

• DJ Vice and Ne-Yo combine to get the original Vegas pool party, Rehab, going at the Hard Rock Hotel.
• Sky Blu of LMFAO fame starts his residency at Pure Nightclub.
• DJ Jazzy Jeff brings his legendary beats of everything from hip hop to rock to Moon Nightclub along with ?uestlove.
• The man in the mouse head, deadmau5 will bring an epic show to XS Nightclub, while Lil Jon and Manufactured Superstars spin at Tryst Nightclub. David Guetta makes his Encore Beach Club debut during the day and Calvin Harris, will bring his hot song “Feel So Close,” and electronic beats to Surrender Nightclub that night.
• Kaskade returns to Marquee for a dayclub performance, while Armin van Buuren and Gareth Emery spin at Marquee Nightclub.
• Nelly will perform at 1OAK Nightclub at The Mirage, while Akon and DJ E-Rock perform at Haze Nightclub at Aria Las Vegas.

Monday, May 28:

• The final day of the four-day celebration sees a duo of legendary house music DJs at Wynn and Encore with David Guetta at XS Nightclub, along with a special set by Avicii, and deadmau5 at Encore Beach Club.
• ATB and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano spin at Marquee Dayclub followed by DJ Vice and Nicky Romero at Marquee Nightclub.

Galavantier.com continues to preview Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas!  Today we take a look at some great ways to beat the heat as well as some fun, new venues and attractions to take advantage of while you are in Sin City this coming holiday weekend. If you missed out on Memorial Day Travel Tips, click HERE.

-          Galavantier Guru

Beat The Heat

Looking to keep cool and still have endless fun?  Give us a call (1-877-425-2826) and we can get you booked for some exciting indoor activities.  Here are a few of our partners that may be perfect for you.

Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Vegas Indoor Skydiving provides all the fun and excitement without jumping out of a plane 12,000 feet in the air.  Keep cool inside and experience what it’s like to be floating through the sky.

KISS Mini Golf

Brand new to Las Vegas and inspired by the iconic rock band, KISS, Monster Mini Golf exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn. This is not your average mini golf course! Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or the hundredth, you feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf among a scary but cool monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn.

Fast Lap Kart Racing

You’ll experience the feel of real racing at Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing Las Vegas as your Karts were inspired by the 2006 CIK Outdoor World Champions Sodi-Kart and are equipped with Honda 200cc engines which can reach speeds up to 50 mph. The track is 20 feet wide and 1200 feet in length while each race lasts approximately ten minutes and covers roughly 17-21 laps.

What’s New

Senor Frog’s at Treasure Island

You no longer have to take a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico to enjoy this energetic watering hole.  The newest addition to the Las Vegas Strip, has opened up shop north of the border and at Treasure Island Las Vegas.  Beginning daily at 11 a.m. the booze begins flowing and the party atmosphere takes over control.  But don’t forget to eat as Senor Frogs offers some tasty Mexican cuisine too. Specials you ask?  If they’re open, it’s always Happy Hour!

EA Sports Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Leave it to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to come up with another hip, happening spot.  The chic hotel has teamed with the premier sports video game maker to create a gaming lounge right on the Las Vegas Strip.  With the best technology surrounding you, guests are encourage to lounge and play PlayStation 3 video games on high-definition televisions while also watching the day’s sporting events. The lively bar offers a wide selection of bottled beers and snacks as well.  The EA Sports Bar opens daily at 11 a.m.

Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas

If comedy is your thing, look no further than the Tropicana Las Vegas where the Laugh Factory has just opened.  Gather your friends and set out for a night of laughs with hilarious entertainers and two shows nightly at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.  Staying at the Tropicana Las Vegas?  Receive two-for-one show tickets!

Galavantier.com CEO Marko Greisen went in-studio to CBS Las Vegas affiliate 8 News Now earlier today to discuss the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend.  Marko chatted with anchor Chris Saldana and shared some staycation ideas to beat the heat, travel tips to take note of and for those looking to leave Las Vegas, some destinations to escape to this coming weekend.

This week is all about spending Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas!  Did you know that Las Vegas is the number one destination this Memorial Day Weekend?  At Galavantier.com, our hope is to help make your holiday weekend that much better as we provide some travel tips, hip happenings in daylife and nightlife, some new venues to check out and a whole lot more.

-          Galavantier Guru

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Information

Still need to plan your weekend?  Visit us online or call 1-877-425-2826 to secure a vacation experience package for you or the whole family.  If you book a vacation experience package with Galavantier.com, you can definitely experience the famed Las Vegas Strip but allow us to take you off The Strip for some action and adventure, perhaps with a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon or romp through the desert in our Mini Baja Chase are just a few clicks or a call away.

Consider traveling to Las Vegas Saturday, less traffic and you can still enjoy a full weekend of fun in the sun!

Last week we provided you with a list of travel tips to help make planning your weekend go smooth as can be.  Click HERE to view the post.

AAA estimates over 34 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during MDW so whether you are driving or flying, please remember to be a little bit more patient to get where you need to go.

Also AAA offers a Gas Price Update to help you find the lowest gas prices, just text GAS and the zip code you are in to 222411 and you will get an instant alert.

Las Vegas is going to be hot, hot, hot so please remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, light colored clothing and drink plenty of water.

BONUS: If you Like us on Facebook you can download our eBooks guides to Las Vegas

Tomorrow we take a look at some new attractions and ways to beat the heat this Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas.

The weekend is here (we’re starting a day early) and at Galavantier.com we are running down your best bets when it comes to entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip.  A lot of great concerts and comedy acts this weekend in Las Vegas anchored by the Billboard Music Awards!

Thursday, May 17

• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas kicks-off its Thursday Social Club with up and comers, Dr. Dog.  Tickets are $20 plus tax and fees.

Friday, May 18

• Impersonator, comedian and singer, Jeff Tracta brings his triple threat act to the Pearl at Palms.  Tickets start at $59 plus tax and fees.
• Rant and rave all night as funnyman Lewis Black returns for an evening of comedy at the Mirage.  Tickets start at $59.99 plus tax and fees.
• Over at the Hard Rock Hotel, Taio Cruz hosts the Billboard Battle of the Bands inside The Joint.  Finalists Take the Day, Savannah Quten, After the Smoke, Doe Eye, Saints of Valory and Patent Pending vie for top honors.  Tickets are free and available for pickup at The Joint box office.

Saturday, May 19

• Living legend, Mr. Buddy Guy will bring his incredible talents to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.  Tickets start at $29 plus tax and fees.
• Reggae will be alive and kicking as Don Carlos and Friends take the stage for a boogie get down, poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel.  Tickets are $35 plus tax and fees.
• Alternative rock band, Sponge, bring their ‘90s sound to Veil at the Silverton.  Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
• One of the great New Orleans brass bands, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue play a free show at the Clark County Amphitheatre.
• Glam metal band, Stryper, will take you back to the ‘80s for a rocking evening of music at Santa Fe Station Casino. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax and fees.

Sunday, May 20

• The stars will be flocking to the Las Vegas Strip as the 2012 Billboard Music Awards take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Tickets start at $75 plus tax and fees.

We are on the cusp of one of the best three day weekends of the year, Memorial Day Weekend, and whether you are planning to spend it in Las Vegas or perhaps by the beach, more than 34 million Americans will be traveling.  To help prepare yourself, we’ve put together a list of items you may want to take into account before boarding an airplane or settling in behind the wheel of your car.  But most importantly we want you to have fun and be safe.

-          Galavantier Guru

Travel Tips:

Simple but important things to remember:

Copy important documents: Make photo copies of credit cards and leave one with a family member at home and keep a copy safe your travel bag. If you are leaving the country, do the same for your passport and place it in your shoe to get it safe.

Maps and guide books: If you belong to AAA either go to a location or if you have a smart phone or tablet, download a city guide. We suggest you start with our Las Vegas eBook series!

Reservation Re-Confirmation: Any reservations made, give a call 24-48 hours in advance of your arrival to double-check your arrangements and make sure everything is what you expect upon arrival.

Packing: When packing clothes, roll them.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry on: If you are checking luggage, bring a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case.  The last thing on holiday is not having your bag reach your destination.

Don’t forget your phone/usb charger: To prevent leaving your phone charger in your hotel room when you check out (which, alas, happened to me once), unplug the charger every time you remove your phone and put it back in your luggage.

Prevent toiletry spills: Place a plastic bag under the screw caps of soaps and shampoos and tie the bag around the bottle. This way if the cap opens, the bottle spills into the bag, not on your clothes.

For some additional travel tips, especially if you are driving, click here.

As you would expect, dining at Trump Las Vegas is a grand affair. No, it’s not stuffy, but visually stimulating and an all around culinary delight. Plan to plop down for a meal (or three) at DJT.

Buffets are great, but it’s ok to skip it this time. Instead get comfortable in one of the swanky brocade booths at DJT (complete with curtains in case you want to dine privately). Want more glamour? The restaurant is littered with grand chandeliers. Sounds pretty fancy for breakfast? It is. But chances are you’ll soak up every moment of this lavish experience. When the shiny French Press coffee pot arrives at your table, you’ll know you’re dining in the right place. And you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t order a glass of their fresh-squeezed juice (whether or not you’re a juice person). As for the fare, opt for the European Style Pancakes or the Toasted Brioche Eggs Benedict. Neither will disappoint.

Lunch and dinner at DJT are equally pleasing: fine American fare that’ll keep you coming back. You’d be crazy to ignore the DJT Signature Burger or the Crab Cake Sandwich. Both items go nicely with something from the adjacent DJT Lounge, handcrafted cocktails and a rather impressive wine list. But really you wouldn’t expect anything less at Trump Las Vegas.

If you don’t want a “whatever” eating experience, dining at DJT at the Trump Las Vegas is a must. Stylish, affordable, pleasant and above all, obscenely delicious. Plus even if you are not a hotel guest at Trump Las Vegas, the property is adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip, making it easily accessible no matter where you are staying.

Name one place in Vegas where you’ll find legendary music acts like Arcade Fire, Crosby Stills and Nash, Drake, Tiesto and Guns N’ Roses? Easy. The Hard Rock Hotel’s premiere music venue, The Joint Las Vegas. Since opening a new and improved live music venue in April 2009, The Joint Las Vegas has been home to some of the best live music performances Sin City has ever seen.

Designed in the vein of an intimate venue, The Joint Las Vegas holds up to 4,000 music lovers and comes with luxe accents and encompasses three levels. It’s fair to say this place has no obstructed views to see the stage, whether you are all the way up front or chilling in the back on the main floor, everywhere offers a great view of the stage. Plus with a heap of cocktail servers on the floor, you don’t have to lose your prime time spot to order a drink, so relax and enjoy the show.

But if you don’t mind getting your own drinks, another thing that should make you smile are the two large bars situated on the main level. Fully stocked and with draft beer on tap, the drinks are also reasonably priced, considering the occasion, so get excited.

And take note, if trips to the bar and floor level general admission concert going are not your thing–even though such a thing here isn’t a negative–score a VIP Luxury Suite or Table on the Studio Level. It’s worth the extra cash. What comes with it? Full service all night long. Order up your favorite drinks, order snacks, do some people watching and most importantly, get fully immersed in the show without worrying about the person next to you–you’ll have lots of space to dance (or whatever you do) and cozy couches to rest on in between songs.

Last, but certainly not least, The Joint Las Vegas is a top pick thanks to an impeccable sound system. If you ever wanted to hear your favorite artist in their entire audio splendor, definitely opt to see them at The Joint Las Vegas. Promise, you won’t be disappointed – it’s no wonder Billboard Magazine voted The Joint Las Vegas “No. 1 Hottest Club in America.”

Insider Tip: If the show you are dying to see is sold out, check the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas website for room and show packages.  There are usually a handful to be had and the easiest way for you to score a couple tickets to a sold out show.