by Jerry Everett

Created on: October 29, 2009

When you think about the best part of Vegas, it is truly difficult to decide on a rating system. Are you the thrill seeker? If so, you probably wouldn't view the Chess of Champions exhibit (featuring Deep Blue- the computer that beat a grandmaster). Do you enjoy watching the stage starring Wayne Newton? If you do, then a Slipnot concert might not be down your alley. To say that there really is a best part, you would have to decide for yourself what interests you have, because whatever your hobby, whatever your dream, whatever your personality, Las Vegas has a "best part" that will fit you. There are a few listed below from my personal experiences in the City That Never Sleeps, but I can't cover everything, because sometimes, What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.

What is the best part of your Vegas vacation, you ask?

Was it the adrenaline rush you received by flying (did you mention you were scared of heights?) over the Hoover Dam in a helicopter (Look Tour)? Or maybe it was when you felt weightless (and so did your stomach) when your feet were dangling over a thousand feet in the air on the Stratosphere rooftop rollercoaster (Big Shot)?

Was the best part of Vegas the shows? You might describe the feeling the first time you saw the Blue Man Group perform and how they were able to bring the audience into the show with the showering confetti and larger than life beach balls floating throughout the pavilion. Or you might have decided upon the "Circus of the Sun", Cirque de Soleil and how the intricate lighting and the almost mystical and magical movement of the dancers?

Now you are telling me the best part of Vegas is no doubt, the gambling. You describe the unlimited choices of the thousands of different slot machines, and even the "Jaws" video slot machine that you hit a jackpot of $2500 wagering only pennies a spin. But then again, how about when the Steelers won the Super Bowl and you had $100 dollars on them to win in the spread, paying 14 to 1 odds?

Last but not least, you have to tell everyone the best part of your vacation to Vegas was when you were at the Hard Rock Casino playing blackjack and none other that Charles Barkley sat down next to you. Or when you were shopping on the strip, next thing you know someone brushes against you and says "Excuse me", you turn around as you notice it is Arnold Schwarzenegger and you, without even thinking about it, respond "It is not a problem" with the accent and sound of "It is not a tumor". That one was embarrassing but the now Governor chuckled about my response.

So for me to single out the best part of the Las Vegas experience, I would have to go with something that isn't even listed above. It would be Fremont Street. To have four city blocks covered with over 12 million LED lights projecting a bigger than life visionary experience, over half a million watts pumping 220 speakers throughout the streets sounding at times as if you are standing next to a freight train. Also, you have all the street performances you can ask for: a mime that, as far as a friend was concerned, was stuck in his invisible box for the three times that we saw him, the unbelievable break-dancer that was better than anything I saw in the 80's, or the Michael Jackson look alike that took time in the middle of his performance to pull a child out of the audience to teach how to moonwalk.

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