Daycations

Lake Las Vegas is the best escape in the city. Depending on where you live, in 30-45 minutes you can be walking on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge from Florence Italy, strolling down a Tuscan shopping village and overlooking the beautiful blue water that is our own Lake Las Vegas. With a Ritz Carlton, Loews and MonteLago (Reflection Bay has my favorite Sunday Brunch). You might be convinced to stay overnight. They have the best Easter egg hunt and for Christmas they have performances and an ice skating rink. Throughout the seasons they have movies under the stars and concerts on the lake. Summer brings Jazz on the Lake Friday nights from 7-10pm (free)

And don't forget the perfect mini vacation sans the travel and time we can stay in many of the top resorts in the world right here on the strip. A true vacation is about the experience, the room service, pool, resort grounds, good food and fun. The money you save traveling you can splurge on the extras that make a trip most enjoyable (think spa, golf, restaurant, and entertainment)

Mount Charleston provides more of a nature escape. Don't pass up the Mt Charleston Hotel for lunch, though the Lodge with it's rustic decor and massive center fireplace is the main stopping point on the mountain. Hiking, picnicing and just enjoying the cool temps is what the mountain is all about in the summer. Skiing and sledding dominates the winter season, some winters it seems the whole valley is on top of the mountain to experience the snow and pines.

Valley of Fire National Park, Floyd Lamb State Park (fishing), Spring Mountain State Ranch, Mt Zion (if you like Red Rock you'll love Zion and Springdale)

Within an hour drive of the city there are hot springs and the colorado river which I have yet to experience...to be continued. Maybe I'll do that when the kiddies are older?!