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!

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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.

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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”

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Thank you for reading and happy sobering friends!