Wednesday—Day 1
Giggling like two schoolgirls (well, they were co-eds from Purdue), Ann Marie and Rachel sat in the lobby of the MGM Grand and looked at the pictures captured on their camera phones, reflecting on the week’s escapades. Neither of them realized that when they arrived in Las Vegas for an educational conference, they would go home with an education in Vegas nightlife.

The mayhem started at TI’s Mist Bar where they decided to meet one of their high school friends for a drink. The mysterious amber glow created an ideal space for intimate conversations while the glass front and dark tones of the lounge reminded Rachel of her parent’s lake house. Little did she know, a lake—filled with two, large ships—sat just on the other side of the walls.

Nick smiled and offered them a drink, which was received with some hesitation, but they had a few moments to spare so they accepted the invitation. Nick turned out to be the VIP Host at Mist and was a pro at making out-of-town girls feel right at home. Rachel glanced over at the candle lit bar and saw a page ripped from a magazine. Curious, she picked up the tattered page and found a list of clubs and the best nights to go to each. Nick looked it over and with his eyebrows raised he said, “Hey this is actually a good list. It’s right on.” An exotic woman standing nearby introduced herself as Natalia and asked, “Was Studio 54 on there?” Looking the list over, Rachel said, “Tuesday. Something called E.D.E.N. Have you been to that?” The tall blonde with Natalia laughed, introduced herself as Christie and informed them they both worked at Studio 54. A round of Vegas Vixens—a specialty drink at Mist—seemed appropriate so they sipped and chatted for a few more minutes before heading over to Tangerine for Moonshine.

Jason towered above the crowd, establishing order at the often-chaotic front door of Tangerine. It didn't take long before he admitted the girls and they were enjoying Tangerine Drops—a sweet concoction served in a sugar-rimmed, martini glass— inside the citrus inspired lounge. The drapery gave the venue a soft flow and contrasted against the wall of lights behind the bar, which is used as the backdrop for the burlesque shows.

Stepping into the night air, the music transitioned from jazz to organic vibes. The girls absorbed the gorgeous waterfront setting along Sirens' Cove and quickly slid behind the VIP ropes where one of Natalia's friends sat at a table along the water. After making a call to their missing friend, Rachel and Ann Marie sat on the comfortable couch and watched the people gather in front of the ships. Ann Marie raised her drink to her shiny lips and pronounced, “This just feels like summer is supposed to feel. Drinking yummy drinks waterside, watching shirtless guys get beat up by women under the starlit sky. What could be better?”