Many asked why last week, for week 7 there was no blog, and I am very sorry for this. Last week was a hard one. Steve's Mom passed away on Wednesday- the day that the week 7 blog was supposed to go live, and it was a very emotional day. When I thought that Steve would want to cancel attending week 7 in Vegas all together, he wanted to honor our commitments to you all, and keep his mind off of his mom's death. Steve loves the music and this community so much, and he's an amazing warrior, and I am in awe of his strength!
So Steve, David and I all thought it was a great idea to share parts of last week's blog, this week. I know many of you are coming out for some or all of the final two weeks of shows, and would like to make plans! Steve, David and I have spent the whole summer seeking out awesome places that are off the strip, and have loads of character. Small businesses that are local, and create noteworthy food or products. We've already shared many great establishments over the past 6 weeks, and will continue to do so as the summer tour comes to a close. Here is a list of Fabulous places that I urge you to check out while you are enjoying the music and scene in Vegas!
Steves Weekly Dinner Reservation Recommendation: The Park on Fremont
Trying to eat healthy? This post is NOT for you. Sorry. But if you’re up for an amazing burger in an outrageously fabulous outdoor environment with super-positive-vibe bartenders, well, you must go to Park on Fremont. The outdoor garden is gorgeous and the outdoor fireplace is covered with fabulous glass butterflies! That was VERY on-brand for us, and we appreciated how the garden gnomes kept us company! The entire restaurant is decorated in outrageous, over-the-top decor and is absolutely gorgeous in every way. You can choose to eat inside, at the bar, or (we recommend) outside in the beautiful garden area. And the overall electricity in the Fremont neighborhood is not to be missed!
Meg's Shopping Find: Fremont Street
Ok, here goes. Yes, Fremont Street is super cheesy. Yes, it's touristy and the drinks are sugary and oversized. It's loud, and you feel like you are in a weird, alternative universe... but take it from me: there are some great little gems buried on Fremont Street. And man o' man....... LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LIVE FOR VINTAGE NEON!!
Steve had never seen the craziness of Fremont Street, so we decided to check it out on an off show night. We made reservations at The Park on Fremont (see Steve's Weekly Restaurant Review), and arrived early so we could "walk the main drag." We quickly grabbed 64 oz. draft beers and cruised down the covered Fremont Street. Aside from the goofy street performers and numerous vendors trying to halk roses made out of dried palm leaves, there are some great souvenir shops that are selling straight up fabulous kitsch. I especially enjoyed the numerous shops that were selling printed booty shorts with hysterical and inappropriate sayings literally, on the bootie. Magnets, painted shells, printed mugs... if this is your thing- Fremont Street is the place to suck it all up. Pro-tip: go at night so you can enjoy all the vintage neon lights at the old town casinos. These lights are definitely the best part of Fremont Street. You can feel the history. Aside from all the modern cheesiness- you can feel the vintage energy of old town Vegas when the lights are twinkling.
From the covered Fremont Experience, we headed back to the restaurant with a stop at the Downtown Container Park, which was a delight! The security guard made it very clear that we were not able to bring in our massive beers (if you want to drink or eat there, you must buy their food & drink!). Tiny specialty shops lined the container park that sold super cute wares!! I could tell if the day was not 115 degrees out, it would be the place that would be packed with hipsters. Enjoy the outdoor art installations, bright colors, hang out spots and fun vibes... two thumbs up for the Downtown Container Park- and you can feel good supporting all of the small businesses inside!! Downtown Container Park
David’s Pick of the Week:
Some of you reading our blog are doing so for the first time. Some are loyal lovers of all things FAB. And some fall somewhere in the middle but soon to be the later. The reason I mention is that this post contains some call backs to the Week 4 blog. Ya we're getting clever a la Arrested Development.
Cheap Bargains in Vegas: Sin City may be notorious for the high price tags and taking all your hard earned money, so I've listed some cheap eats and bargains for the month of July below!!
Free & Fabulous: The Dead Forever Experience, The Palazzo at the Venetian Hotel & Casino
Want to learn more about the music, Dead & Company and what started it all: the Grateful Dead? Check out the Dead Forever Experience- a two-story museum that is equal parts exhibit, gallery, gift shop, cinema and interactive experience for all things historical and fabulously Grateful Dead. You won't want to miss Jay & Ricki Blakesbergs curated photos spanning 1965-1995! Enjoy the full gallery of Mickey Hart's artwork, marvel in David Lemieux's massive tape collection and check out the 1:4 scale version of the Wall of Sound. Be sure to stop by the upstairs bar for some Grateful Dead-themed cocktails! On your way out make sure to take a selfie with the large scale Dancing Bears... and be super sure to stop by the HEADCOUNT booth on Participation Row and say HI, and snatch up one of my limited edition HEADCOUNT rhinestone t-shirts!!!! Get my HEADCOUNT T-Shirt!
The Dead Forever Experience is open every Wednesday - Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Best Pool Party: GO! Pool Party, Flamingo Hotel
It's all about the GO! Pool Party at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. I still think this is the hottest every day pool party on the strip- prove me wrong!! Seriously, when I was in my 20s, we used to drive out to Vegas every weekend just for the summer pool parties. And I have to say, the Go! Pool Party every Saturday at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino is just like the Vegas summer pool party in the good old days. It’s adults only, and the energy is electric. The music is pumping and nearly naked beautiful people are everywhere. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for 24 hour party people Vegas energy.
The Grateful Dead Fabulous FB Group: If you haven't joined the Grateful Dead Fabulous Facebook Group yet, you are seriously missing out! We are a space for ultra positivity, kindness and love- sharing the same values as the band and music of the Grateful Dead. Share your upcoming events, ideas and upload all of your fabulous fotos into our Facebook Group page! Share pics of yourself wearing your Grateful Dead Fabulous or any other creative look you think the group would love!
I’d love to hear about all the friends that you’re making through our small but mighty fabulous community! I’ll be re-sharing your photos throughout the whole summer and loving on all of your Fabulous 'fits!
