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- I just went to Las Vegas for the first time since I stopped drinking. It was a surprisingly sober-friendly destination. (businessinsider.com)
Beyond the Booze: Local Traveler Discovers a Sober Side of Sin City
Las Vegas, often synonymous with cocktails and casinos, recently offered a surprisingly different experience for one local traveler. After a significant personal transformation, including stopping alcohol consumption, she embarked on a solo trip to Sin City, discovering a side of Vegas that was not only sober-friendly but also profoundly empowering.
Just three years prior, her visits to Vegas revolved entirely around drinking, leading to days spent battling hangovers and neglecting physical activity. Fast forward to today, and her life is “unrecognizable,” marked by improved health, therapy, and a newfound sobriety. This profound shift set the stage for a unique two-night return to the Strip.
Determined to explore Vegas differently, she meticulously planned activities that steered clear of alcohol. Despite being in environments where drinks were served, her nearly two years of sobriety meant she could easily decline, focusing instead on immersive experiences.
Her first evening began with a solo dinner before heading to the architectural marvel, The Sphere. There, she enjoyed a revamped “Wizard of Oz” experience, complete with sensory effects like blowing wind and vibrating seats. Instead of late-night partying, she was back in her hotel by 10 p.m., ready for a restful sleep.
Waking up hangover-free, she embraced a day of active sightseeing. Following TikTok-inspired self-guided tours, she explored iconic spots like the botanical garden at the Bellagio and the flamingo exhibit at the Flamingo. A full 10 miles of walking, shopping, and a stop at Netflix Bites for lunch showcased a vibrant, healthy way to experience the Las Vegas Strip.
Afternoons were dedicated to self-care at the Aria Resort and Casino. Instead of seeking out “free” casino cocktails, she indulged in naps, followed by coffee and a book while soaking in her room’s oversized bathtub – a truly “freeing” way to recharge.
A fan of haunted attractions, her second night brought her to Universal’s new year-round attraction, Horror Unleashed. Experiencing four haunted houses sober, much like her previous sober visit to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, reinforced a powerful realization: exhilarating fun doesn’t require alcohol.
This solo, sober journey through Las Vegas proved to be an incredibly empowering venture. Each sober trip to a place once associated with drinking reinforces the belief that life is indeed “better sober.” She enthusiastically recommends Vegas for a solo, friends, or family trip, noting that alcohol was entirely unmissed, leading to a happy and healthy experience throughout.