Episode 20 | Secrets of The Strip

When I was a teenager, my mom and stepdad would pack up the station wagon, load up on snacks, and make the drive from Tucson, Arizona, to Las Vegas.

It became a near-annual tradition tied to a specific event we’d attend, but the part I looked forward to most wasn’t the event itself—it was Las Vegas. Not for gambling, obviously. I was too young for that. But Vegas in the '90s? That was something magical.

This was a different Las Vegas than the one many know today. This was a Vegas in the midst of a "family-friendly" experiment.

Me at the Luxor museum shop, back in the 90’s.

Theme hotels were springing up faster than you could say “buffet line.”

There was Luxor with its Nile river boat ride and laser-tipped pyramid. Excalibur, a medieval castle with fire-breathing dragons, knights, and dinner shows. New York-New York had just risen like Gotham from the desert floor, complete with its own roller coaster that wrapped around the skyline. MGM Grand boasted the largest hotel in the world (at the time) and was fully immersed in a Wizard of Oz fantasy land. And then there were the north-end icons: the pirate ships and hourly shows of Treasure Island, the erupting volcano at The Mirage, and the pink-hued glass of The Flamingo, where actual flamingos roamed a tropical garden.

For a kid with ADHD and a taste for overstimulation, Vegas wasn’t just a getaway—it was paradise. And now, decades later, I decided to relive that memory and share it with the world in Episode 20 of Aimlessly Wandering.

This wasn’t just a travel video. It was a stroll through the past and a salute to the golden age of theme hotels, with a healthy side of tips, tricks, and a few blisters. We began, appropriately, at Luxor—once a pyramid of wonder, now a little more subdued, but still beaming its light toward the stars (and possibly your hotel window at 2 AM).

I walked through the atrium, past the Titanic exhibit, and onto the elevated walkway to Mandalay Bay. Hot tip: if you're staying on the south end of the Strip, this indoor route is your best friend. No sun, no sidewalk performers, and no crosswalk roulette. Follow the signs through Mandalay Place to reach the next connection point—or grab a cocktail along the way if you're so inclined.

From Mandalay Bay, I took the free tram to Excalibur. The medieval charm is still clinging on, even if the dragon’s a little quieter now. Pro tip: This tram has two versions—an express and a local. Catch the express if you're in a rush.

From there, I wandered into New York-New York. Yes, the coaster still runs. Yes, the arcade still hits. And yes, it’s still the quickest indoor route to T-Mobile Arena or The Park.

Park MGM has evolved from the Monte Carlo days—think: smoke-free floors, Eataly’s open-air Italian market, and, perhaps most shocking in Vegas, natural daylight.

You’ll also find one of the best secret shortcuts here: the Aria Express tram.

The tram whisked me to Bellagio, which felt like stepping into an oil painting of opulence. Though the famed conservatory was in-between exhibits, the dancing fountains did not disappoint.

Next up was Caesars Palace—eternal and gaudy. I spent some time in the Forum Shops, marveled again at the curved escalators, walked by the site of the former Mirage Hotel, which is now being built up as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, before heading to The Linq, and more importantly, In-n-Out!

After satisfying my craving a brief detour brought me to the Flamingo Gardens. A rare oasis of peace and pink feathers—free to visit and wildly underrated.

Navigating through the casino brought me to the Las Vegas Monorail. For $13, you’ll get an all-day pass, and hopefully not blisters from walking to the station. Just remember: the map is lying to you. Everything is farther than it looks.

I got off at Westgate to chase some childhood ghosts—once home to the Star Trek Experience, now a bit more subdued.

From there, I followed Elvis Presley Blvd toward one of the Strip’s newest showpieces: Fountainbleau.

Fountainbleau took nearly two decades to open, thanks to financial collapses and global pandemics. But wow, did it deliver. The décor is sleek. The casino floor glows. And if you’re into modern minimalism with a dash of Miami flair, you’ll be right at home.

I crossed over to Circus Circus. Yes, I went there. For the first time in years. It’s sticky, loud, and feels like the childhood fairground your parents warned you about—but that’s kind of the point. With rumors of demolition swirling, I wanted to pay my respects to this vintage vortex of neon and nostalgia. I also stopped at Slots A Fun. All I can say here is “Buzz. Your girlfriend. Woof.”

On the walk back, I passed Resorts World (with its massive LED screen), Wynn, and Palazzo. I learned about the upcoming Wynn West from a valet—proof that striking up conversation still has its perks. Through Venetian, past Treasure Island (which is now more “Island” than “Treasure”), and over to Harrah’s, where I boarded the monorail for MGM Grand.

MGM Grand used to have a giant animatronic lion head and a Wizard of Oz walkthrough. Today, it’s gone full modern. But if you squint, and maybe listen hard enough, you can still hear Dorothy clicking her heels. Or maybe it’s just a cocktail server’s rolling tray.

I wrapped it all up by walking through Excalibur (again), up the escalators, through the food court, and back to where it all began: Luxor.

This wasn’t just about hitting every major casino. It was about rediscovering what made Vegas special in the first place. The showmanship. The accessibility. The wild design choices. The ability to step inside a pyramid, a castle, and a spaceship all before lunch.

If you're planning your own journey down the Strip, here’s what I learned:

• Use the trams. They’re free and often faster than walking. Learn more here.

• Download a real map. Don’t trust hotel signage.

• Start early. Vegas heat waits for no one.

• Fuel wisely. You’ll need more than just daiquiris and In-N-Out.

• Water is your best friend. It’s a dry heat, especially in the summer months.

• Embrace nostalgia. It’s everywhere if you know where to look.

Until next time, keep wandering.

-Av