Written by: Aaron Ferguson

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Monte Carlo Resort and Casino is the place to stay during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Set smack dab in the heart of The Strip and a stone’s throw from the Thomas & Mack, Monte Carlo’s economical rates and prime location make it the perfect home base for any action-hungry rodeo fan. You’ll be blown away by the outstanding service in every facet of its operation. From the valets to the concierge, the front desk staff to the maids—they never cease to amaze with how far they are willing to go to make sure their guests are happy, all while maintaining a sense of pride that seems to be lost on many other big Vegas resorts. On December 4 – 6 and 12 – 13, the Monte Carlo plaza is getting Western with live music and interactive activities including beer pong and roping demonstrations. You can grab some killer American cuisine and a stiff drink at the upbeat new Double Barrel Roadhouse while you watch the Super Bowl of Rodeo via live feed. Double Barrel also will host nightly appearances by WNFR contestants following each night’s rodeo. Monte Carlo is unpretentiously luxurious—an epic setting where down home country folks can feel good about rubbing elbows with sophisticated city dwellers.

2.    Like many, I’ve always wanted to skydive but have never had the brass to jump out of an airplane. So when I heard about Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving, I had to go see what it was all about. Built in 1982, this was the first indoor skydiving facility in the good ol’ US of A. It features a 22 foot vertical padded wind tunnel that produces an sensation similar to skydiving. A giant DC-3 fan generates 120 mile per hour winds that allows you to experience flying minus the risk of dying while having a stranger strapped to your back. Please keep in mind that there are weight restrictions and a few other simple requirements you must meet before you can take flight. For that information and to make reservations call 1-877-LUV2FLY or visit www.vegasindoorskydiving.com
3.    If you weren’t lucky enough to score rodeo tickets, there’s no need to worry. Featuring three giant screens and more than 35 other flat screens,  The Pub at Monte Carlo will have a live feed of every WNFR performance and is hands down the best place in town to take in the action! DJ Kirk will host line dancing lessons before each performance and also will giveaway prizes throughout the night. The Pub has really amazing food and hundreds of different beers to sample. Try a Butcher’s Burger with some super addictive Mesquite Fries. Usually I end up hammering the fries before I even start in on the 50% bacon, 50% beef patty, topped with onion, lettuce, tomato and bacon-infused Pub secret sauce.

4.    Remember playing with your Tonka toys in the sandbox as a little kid? Jump on the chance to live out your childhood fantasies just minutes from the Strip with the awesome crew at Dig This. It’s a five-acre, super sized sandbox where kids at heart (14 & older) can take the controls of state of the art heavy equipment. After the standard orientation and a short warm up session to get comfortable, you can test your hand at games like “Excavator Basketball” with their massive Caterpillar 315 CL or conquer the “Teeter-Totter” in the monster D5 Bulldozer. Their professional instructors will walk you through every aspect of operation to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Fair Warning: For the safety of everyone involved, you will have to pass a breathalyser test before you toss a leg over one of these bad boys. For booking information call 1-888-DIG-THIS or visit www.digthisvegas.com

5.    Looking to escape the hustle and bustle for an afternoon? Head a short distance west on Spring Mountain Road and you’ll find yourself knee deep in the incredible melting pot that is Las Vegas’ Chinatown. Even though they call this place Chinatown, its culturally diverse population boasts residents from all over Asia. Seoul Plaza is the gem of this busy neighborhood and is home to a handful of amazing Japanese restaurants including Raku, Nakamura-Ya, Monta, and Kabuto. For authentic and delicious Asian dining on The Strip, try the always-awesome Yusho Japanese Grill & Noodle House at the Monte Carlo plaza.