Bellagio Conservatory- Summer 2026

~ Spence's Girl ~ 3 Comments

The Bellagio Conservatory has been a “must see” experience each time I visit Las Vegas. My sister (who lives there) keeps track of the display changes five times a year as there is a dark week each time they change to the next season’s theme and it should not be missed.

Since I arrived on the next to last day of their Summer display we drove to Bellagio straight from the airport. We were back the following evening and after seeing “O” – the long running Cirque du Soleil show, we experienced it after dark – a first night viewing for me which was amazing. The photos that follow are from both visits.

I was still in Vegas when the Autumn display debuted so expect a post from that day soon….

SUMMER DISPLAY – Daytime

SUMMER DISPLAY – Nighttime

Fun amongst the flowers

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Last year I learned of a local u-pick flower farm but between their limited hours and my travel I was unable to visit. I follow them on social media and last night saw they were canceling their Friday event due to weather but rescheduled for today. Tickets were still available so I registered online and showed up this morning at 10:00.

Started during Covid by a wife and husband team (she’s a teacher, he’s a firefighter) this is their passion project. They do special events on their beautiful wooded property and the variety of annual and perennial plants has grown each year.

Owner Jessica took the group on an informative garden walk, identifying blooms ready for picking today, showed how to cut and strip the stems and gave us valuable information on how to make our bouquets last up to two weeks. Then we picked our mason jar, grabbed clippers and walked about the property filling the jar with our fresh picked bouquet.

Once home I began arranging the flowers quickly realizing I could make two bouquets and so I did!

The pickings fresh from Barefoot Blossom Farm
Arrangement #1
Arrangement #2

For a $30 ticket this was a lovely way to spend my morning and now that I know where it is I will be a regular at this charming flower farm!

In the Garden – Blooms

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I found this little beauty blooming, in spite of the fact that it was hidden underneath my hydrangea.
When I planted this last year,
it became dinner for a hungry bunny.
To my surprise it’s back, small but determined.
My new Alpine Poppy continues to bloom.
A snapdragon blooming in the middle of my lilies.
This is year three for these stunning lilies.

Back to Alaska part thirteen

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This is the last installment of Back to Alaska. I’m including photos taken from my balcony suite as the views were so stunning to witness. The sea is ever-changing, reflecting clouds, mountains, sunrises and sunsets. It’s surreal and mystical.

In short, it was a trip I’ll never forget!

Back to Alaska part twelve

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Toward the end of my two week Alaskan cruise we visited Ketchikan again and explored the city taking in the beauty of this coastal town.

This included Creek Street which was highly recommended and it was easy to see why.

A top attraction in Ketchikan, Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk of brightly painted buildings resting on pilings perched over Ketchikan Creek. Though it’s best known for its history as a Red Light District, Ketchikan Creek has a rich and fascinating history. We found charming shops with lots of local artists represented.

The day started out cloudy and foggy but cleared up nicely and we walked a lot that day.

Arriving in Ketchikan
Another Princess ship in port
Like a parking lot for cruise ships
We disembark onto the pier
The Creek Street Red Light District
Shops built on pilings
Art
Ketchikan Creek

Back to Alaska part 10

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On the cruise ship Discovery Princess, you can count on delicious salads, starters, entrees and yes, the desserts. And some days a light breakfast of almond croissants fresh from the oven or my Brie croissant sandwich with arugula, orange marmalade and toasted walnuts. Chef’s kiss!

Back to Alaska part nine

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My favorite photo from the cruise

Our at-sea day of viewing Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was one of my favorites. Starting with hot chocolate and cookies delivered to my suite, I prepared myself for the most spectacular 180° views as the ship slowly rotated a full 360° over the course of several hours. To sit on my balcony and bear witness to this magnificent place is hard to describe. The mirror-like reflections in the sea made for stunning photos.

Back to Alaska part eight

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Our next stop was Skagway and we took one of their most popular excursions, the Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

You board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865-foot elevation.

Traveling in vintage passenger coaches you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. We enjoyed viewing mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. The railroad cars are each heated with a potbelly stove and we were comfortable.

Beginning
Great restaurant for lunch – food & service were superb
We were at the back of the train