There is so much to see and do, does anyone have any recomendations for shows to see or things to do that maybe other people don't talk about or maybe things that aren't always highly advertised ?

I don't have a lot of extra cash to blow, so I hate spending what can some times be big bucks on some show and then kicking myself later because it was a real waste of my vacation time and money.

A few years ago I saw a comedy show at some place called "Catch a Rising Star" at the MGM Grand, but I was told it's not at the MGM anymore but maybe relocated somewhere else on the strip.

I remember that was a great deal because the admission was only 15 or 20 bucks and it was a nice little comedy thing.

I'm not too big on the Showgirl type shows though. Maybe it's just because I've been to one too many of the gentlemans clubs, but paying 40-100 bucks to see some topless dancers do what looks to me like "artsy" exotic dancing just doesn't float my boat.

I've already gotten some awesome advice for providers to see and so I guess I'm just looking for some advice for some economical show or entertainment choices.

I read that last guys post about the Monet exhibit and that sounds cool. I plan on checking that out.
Another think that I did last time that I plan on doing again is checking out that Star Trek thing at the Hilton.

I'm a Trek fan, so that 15 or 20 bucks I paid to go on the motion ride and go thru the Star Trek exhibit/musuem was one the best deals in Vegas for me...

So does anyone have any other advice ?

Also, what are some of your favorite dining establishments in Vegas ?

Do you have any favorites ?

I'm asking you guys because I have discovered over the years that sometimes the best restuarants or shows or whatever are not as well known.

that's why they call them "the best kept secrets in..."

anyone have some advice for me ?

The best shows, IMHO, are "Mystere" at Treasure Island, "O" at Bellagio, and Danny Gans at the Mirage.  "Zumanity" is awful, so you can easily skip that.  You said you don't want the showgirl type of show, but "La Femme" at MGM is sexy and classy, with great dancing and bodies to die for!

Foodwise, there's a tradeoff between quality and price, but without a doubt, the best deal for the money is the buffet at Bellagio.  Michael's in the Barbary Coast is a terrific place with top-knotch food, but you will definitely pay for the gastronomic pleasure.  Prime, Aqua and Picasso in the Bellagio, Renoir in the Mirage, Nobhill in the MGM, and Valentino's in the Venetian are all very good, but they are all very expensive and a little over-hyped.  Aureole, Charlie Palmer Steak, and Emeril's are just plain overrated.  Kokomo's at the Mirage and Craftsteak at the MGM are worth going to, as is Crustacean (but only if you are seated upstairs - the noise will ruin your meal if you are downstairs).  If you like Japanese hibachi style, the Mikado in the Mirage is good.  Forget Chinese in Las Vegas, at least on the strip.  It's ridiculously overpriced, and not really that good, certainly not by NY standards.  Enjoy!

I'm not sure if they still have this,but I always liked "Crazy Girls" at the Riviera.It IS a topless show,and is very reasonable.

Well, comedy is always a good bet (cover + drink minimum).

Improv at Harrah's (strip)
Riviera Comedy Club (strip)
Laugh Trax at Palace Station (off-strip)
Comedy Stop at Tropicana (strip)
Comedy Zone at the Plaza (downtown)
Secondy City at the Flamingo (strip)
Mac King at Harrah's (strip)

If you're into culture, there's the musuems at Bellagio (Gallery of Fine Art), Venetian (Guggenheim Hermitage), and other places.  You have animal exhibits like Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay and Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden at the Mirage.

Lots of freebie shows like the water fountain/light show at the Bellagio, the volcanic eruptions at the Mirage, the new Sirens show at TI (Treasure Island's new name), the bird show at the Tropicana, Masquarade at Rio, whatever Big Top show at Circus Circus, and the light shows and various entertainers at the Fremont Street Experience.

If you want dinner with a show, Tony & Tina's Wedding at the Rio is a bit on the pricey side.  Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur is decent.

As for other dining options and deals:
McCormick and Schmick's on Flamingo, just east of the strip, has a great happy hour.  There's a ton of great restaurants in that area as well (Bahama Breeze, Roy's, Cozymel's, Bucca di Beppo, Hamada, Lawry's, Morton's, and if you go a little off of there,  del Friscos, Gandhi's, Gordon Biersch, Marrakech, Yolie's, and Z'tejas).  A lot of the casinos have decent restaurants as well (they want to keep you on the property afterall).  As for other places off-strip, Paymon's has good mediterranean food and the Hookah Lounge next door is a cool place to hang out.  My fav breakfast place has to be the Original House of Pancakes (they have a few locations).  For some decent BBQ, Memphis Championship Barbecue does southern BBQ dining pretty well (also in a few different places).  Some places are restaurants in the evening and switch to nightclub at night if you're into that.  Seven is probably one of the few places on the strip that's not in a casino that does that.  A lot of other places in the casinos (Rumjungle in the Mandalay Bay, can't remember which restaurant/club in the Dessert Passage in the Alladdin did that, can't recall the restuarant that turns into OPM at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, Drai's in the Barbary Coast, and I feel like I'm missing a place in Paris).  Usually if you have a late dinner at one of these places, when they convert to a nightclub, they let you stay without having to pay cover (also understand that these places can get LOUD to point where you have to shout to have a conversation).

There will always be those places that each person rates up there for a particular cuisine.  Some interesting tidbits that I like are things like the Ruth Chris on W. Flamingo serves late (I think the kitchen closes at 3am).   There is a Chinatown in Vegas (the centerpoint seems to be Spring Mountain and Valley View, just west of the I-15) with great places in and near there.

I really don't think any of this is a secret, only because there's just way too much out there and no way to really filter it all to what you want.

Have fun,
 Bob

If you've got transport or don't mind a cab ride then for reasonably prced food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere Hooters about 2 miles W of the strip on Sahara is a good bet. What with the awesome servers, a great starter (spicey buffallo wings) & a good selection of mains and you can't go wrong.

----the mime directing pedistrians in front of Paris =======bust a gutt---and it's freee

Las Vegas.com they have a best of section .. best food, best bar, best show, etc.  then pop over to Vegas.com .... that should keep you busy ....

Hiking in the desert.  There are lots of great places to that are real close. Valley of Fire, Red Rocks Canyon, Lake Meade, Death Valley, the Vegas Wash, Ash Meadows, and lots more.

if you want a casino location (and Sunset Station is a fairly decent locals casino).

Bob

Also one of the best buffets in town if you like to take a trip around the world

Oh yeah, nice rooms too!

I really liked the seafood buffet at the RIO.
Kinda pricey ($35), but I thought that it was still excellent.