Why is it that some days are easier than others not to drink?
I can go a few days without even thinking about having a drink…and then I’ll have a bad (or even just meh) day, and one of the first things that comes to mind is how great it would be to let off some steam with a drink.
But it’s not worth it. My memory lies to me–it doesn’t remember the 2am panic attacks or the morning headaches.
And I need to-
DO. SOMETHING.
Write a letter to a friend.
Accomplish a goal.
Take a bath.
Go for a walk.
Attend a yoga class.
Take a trip to the library.
Hike.
Or visit somewhere that’s full of inspiration.
Strangely, one of those places DOES happen to be on The Strip!
The Bellagio might be the most sober-friendly property on The Strip–there’s an Art Gallery, a Conservatory & Botanical Garden (the only indoor one in Vegas to my knowledge), it’s beautifully designed, and there is even an alcohol-free dining option.
Two sober thumbs up!
The Bellagio is located just south of Flamingo on Las Vegas Blvd. and the fountains out front are alone enough reason to check this property out.
The fountains are programmed to ‘perform’ throughout the day to different songs and since Bellagio opened they’ve been a must-see attraction when walking down The Strip.
Once you are inside of the property there are a few things I have found to be especially sober-friendly.
First, you’ll want to walk by the hotel check in area to get a look at the famous 2100 square foot glass Chihuly sculpture called “Fiori di Como” which according to our local publication The Review Journal,
“…consists of 2,000 hand-blown glass blossoms that weigh about 40,000 pounds. They are supported by a 10,000-pound steel armature. Every morning between 2 and 5 a.m., a team of eight to 10 engineers cleans and maintains the sculpture”
After that you can stroll over to the Bellagio’s Conservatory.
Depending on the season, it may be decorated for a holiday or particular theme.
At the time of this post the Conservatory is decorated to celebrate Chinese New Year.
In celebration of Chinese New Year they also have incense burning and as it’s the Year of the Rooster, a large animatronic Rooster and chicks!
If you want to see what’s in there at the moment, you can also view their live web cam to see the current display.
Not gonna lie, there are times I open up this webcam if I’m stressed at work and it instantly makes me feel happy!
This is one of the few casinos with any kind of natural light, so that’s also a big plus in my book.
Inside the Conservatory is also a Chihuly gallery with more information about his life and art.
From here, you may be ready for a snack!
Look no further than Jean Philippe Patisserie.
In addition to sweets, they also have savory crepes, sandwiches and salads.
And guess what–they DON’T serve alcohol!
This is so rare in Vegas!
It’s nice because I can eat here and not even be tempted to order a drink.
Oh…and the food, coffee, and snacks are delicious. Oh. my. goodness.
After you’ve enjoyed something to eat at Jean Philippe Patisserie, you can head over to The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.
Their current exhibition runs through February 20th, 2017 and features artwork by modern masters like Degas, Picasso, Monet, Renoir and others.
Tip for Locals: On Wednesday nights locals get a deeper discount and admission to the gallery is only $13.
General admission for those of you visiting Vegas from out of town is still only $17, a cheap ticket price for the Vegas scene!
One last little tidbit I’ll mention-Bellagio also currently has on view one of Nick Cave’s soundsuits–whaaaatttt?!
I was so excited when I saw this that I literally stopped a stranger and told them to look him up online because this was so special!
I am so glad that it’s here in Vegas and you can read a little more about it’s acquisition by Bellagio here.
All in all, Bellagio gets my vote as one of the most Sober-Friendly properties on The Strip to spend a day exploring.
Thank you for reading and happy sobering friends!
Sober In Vegas 
I find that most of times that the idea of a drink crops up is when things are going *well*. It’s almost a celebratory drink which comes to the forefront of my mind. Then I say “thank you thought for sharing” then swat it away like I would a fly.
Good list of alternative too!
Thanks for the tour of the Bellagio – looks stunning!
Cheers
Paul
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Thanks so much for reading Paul! Yes, totally understand the feeling of wanting to have that ‘you did a good job’ drink…(sigh) Thanks for your kind words of encouragement and glad you enjoyed the Bellagio tour! Happy Sobering out there 🙂
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This post brings back a lot of memories. Some of them wonderful and some not so much. My mom had always wanted to go to Vegas. She had survived Lung Cancer but we knew our time with her might be limited. I had a good job at the time so I paid for mom, dad, and I to got Vegas and stay at the Bellagio for a week. I wasn’t sober yet but I never drank around my parents so I had to stay sober the entire trip. My mom never had much of a filter when it came to speaking her mind. She actually complained about the room at the Bellagio!! I had to explain to her that the bathroom smelled like that because the gigantic shower was made of handcrafted stone and marble. Then she said “what kind of a dump doesn’t give you a coffee maker in your room?” I was ready to head to the nearest bar. But that night I took them to a Cirque du Soleil show. It was amazing. I happened to look over at my parents during one part of the show. My mother had tears rolling down her face and she was holding my dad’s hand. My dad looked like a little kid and was grinning from ear to ear. That moment made it all worth it. I gained 5 pounds just at the Jean Philippe Patisserie eating these Brioche muffins filled with a Nutella mousse! lol
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yes, Vegas can have ALOT of mixed emotions to be sure! the beauty of living here is at least we can take time to relax in between lots of intense experiences and emotions–whereas on a vacation I know things can be elevated! Love the story about Cirque–I think the shows are so visually stunning and such an incredible experience. So glad you and your folks were able to see and enjoyed. And yes to the brioche muffins! I am a sucker for anything with nutella! 😀
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Thank you! It will be 9 years in February since my mom passed away & I like to remember the small moments where I could make her happy!
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Ack! I got so entranced watching the fountains that I never went inside. I missed the Chihuly glass!!! One more reason to go back.
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oh goodness! Yes, you would love the conservatory and the art gallery too!! 🙂 and of course, lots of yummy treats to enjoy as well!
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