Hi all, it’s The Traveling Designer and I just got back from the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas.

Vegas, the home of casino gambling and some of the world’s best shopping, was also home to me during the summer of 1998. I was there doing my interior design internship for Yates-Silverman Casino Design Firm.

I usually visit Vegas at least once a year. My recent trip was for the Las Vegas Market where I was on a great discussion panel with some designer friends talking all things social media.

Lucky for me, one of my favorite Vegas hotels is located not far from the Vegas Market. The Wynn Las Vegas and its sister property, the Encore, are always my pick for the perfect place to stay.

It doesn’t hurt that the Wynn and Encore spas are some of the best in the country.

And now let’s talk about the shopping. I know it’s hard to believe, but I may prefer Las Vegas shopping more than New York City. The Chanel boutique at the Wynn (there’s one in the Encore too) always has the latest and greatest offerings inspired by Coco herself.

And if you don’t get your fill of shopping in the Wynn, there are many more options. Located across the street is the Fashion Show Mall with fabulous department store shopping including Neiman’s, Saks, Bloomies and more.

The Forum shops at Ceasar’s palace houses great brands like Gucci, Ferragamo, and the home of the little blue box, Tiffany’s. You’ll feel like you’re walking the streets of Rome with the Forum shops Italianate decor and replicas of some of Italy’s most famous fountains.

If you haven’t already spent your life savings, down the way at the Bellagio are more luxury shopping locales. And be sure to see the gorgeous Dale Chihuly anemone ceiling. It will take your breath away!

When you are finally finished shopping at the Bellagio, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants and then take a walk around the lake and see the impressive fountain display.

There are as many fabulous restaurants in Vegas as shopping destinations. What are my favorites, you ask? Well the Steve Wynn Steakhouse for starters.

And when you take the kids, a trip to Serendipity 3 is a must! It is similar to the famous New York eatery but is executed Vegas style. I love the pink and navy color palette and the over-the-top design details like the fun lighting fixtures.

The world-famous frozen hot chocolate isn’t bad either!

American Fish at the impressive new Aria hotel and casino is uber hip and the food is delish! The menu is quite sophisticated, which makes it a little hard to decide what to order. But everything my family and I tried was fantastic, so don’t be intimidated. As long as you like seafood, you can’t go wrong!

And while at the Aria, take the tram over to the connected City Center. It is a plethora of you guessed it…more shopping! And some exclusive shops at that. The Tom Ford boutique is a sight to see both inside and out.

And if you just can’t spend another dime, no worries. The city center is a feast for the eyes. I found design inspiration everywhere including these gorgeous agate covered steps.

And the unique and impressive tree house sculpture and Mastro restaurant at the City Center are a must-see!

The lovely wooden curves of the structure are awe-inspiring.

And the dining experience is quite chic.

I love the bright yellow decor in the tree house and adjacent dining room. Aren’t those glass chandeliers a wow?

If a show is in order one evening, there are many to choose from. This time, I opted for the new Cirque de Soleil tribute to the King. I am a huge Elvis fan and Viva Elvis was highly entertaining, so if you are a fan be sure to check out this fun performance.

And when you are exhausted from all the shopping, eating, gambling and shows in Vegas, a trip to the pool might be in order. It’s how I finished up my fabulous recent stay at the Wynn.

The views of the stunning pool and pool-side cabanas were all it took to get me in the mood for a fruity drink while lounging on a comfy chaise. And the Wynn pool is very kid-friendly, so don’t be afraid to take your little one along like I did.

Well there you have my latest Vegas excursion in a nutshell. It was full of food, fun and lots of design inspiration. I hope these recommendations come in handy on your next trip.

Now, I’m off on another excursion to the East coast. I’ll be back soon with more highlights, but until then…Happy Travels!