Oh, Vegas, the adult playground of the United States, how I hate you. Well, not the entire city, I'm sure you guys are great, but that damn Las Vegas Strip is not my friend. The bright lights, the crowds, the ridiculously massive hotels, it's all too much for my introverted, easily stimulated brain to handle.
My husband and I, then my boyfriend of two years, traveled to Vegas for the first time in 2012. I remember my shock at how huge each hotel was, these giant, looming buildings crafted into different landmarks from around the world.
From pictures, it's hard to gauge how big everything on the Strip is. In person, everything feels massive, gaudy even. It's like being in a large amusement park for adults where the exits are nowhere in sight.
It's the most exhausting strip of land in the country. The constant noise, the oppressive heat, so much convoluted walking paths. After my visit in 2012, I felt like I checked the box and didn't need to return to the Strip ever again.
Of course, as soon as I made that decision, some evil minion decided to make its life mission to have me return to that dreaded strip every six years.
In 2018, a good friend from college hosted her wedding in Vegas. Thankfully, my happiness for her upcoming nuptials overshadowed my own dread in returning back to the Strip. I’ll admit, this time around it was nice traveling with a big group of friends who we could party with. Because that's what Vegas is, one big party, right?
My husband and I are far from the partying type. We prefer a chill, midday hang that doesn’t interfere with our bedtime. Though, you should know my husband loves Vegas.
So, even though we've barely into March, I'm mentally preparing myself for the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), so I don't return to ATL completely wrecked. Wrung out like a rag. Because 1) conferences can be tough on introverts and 2) the Strip is A LOT.
Here are a few things I’m doing so I don’t feel completely exhausted and drained (like last year):
Get off the strip. I make an effort to do this every time I find myself in Vegas. Being away from all the lights, huge hotels, and crowds of people is like a breath of fresh air, a reset, a return to the real world. Plus, there’s more to Vegas than the Strip, and this gives me a way to see the real side of the city.
Respect my bedtime. Last CBC, I wanted to hang with the cool kids, which meant completely disregarding my sleep. By the final day, I was so exhausted, I left early. Sleep will be especially important this time around since I’ll be on the job. Of course, this will be hard coming from the east coast, but I’m going to avoid staying out into the wee hours of the morning. If you see me wandering the streets late at night, shame me until I head to my hotel.
Find quiet time. Anytime I’m feeling overstimulated, I look for a quiet place to gather myself. It’s become my routine at any big event or gathering I attend. That definitely won’t change at CBC. I’ll be ducking away to my hotel room or the Quiet Room in the wellness lounge.
Drink more {hop} water. It’s no surprise that craft beer has a problematic relationship with drinking. Last year, I found myself drinking too much and even when I tried to slow down, someone was pushing another beer in my hands. The situation sucked, and my plan to avoid it this year is to keep hop water on deck. A little hydration, a little smoke and mirrors—it’s pretty much a win/win.
And that’s my plan for surviving CBC. Hopefully, I come out on the other side without needing a week of recovery. If you have more tips for me, please share them!
What’s Good
We finished Griselda over the weekend, and while I enjoyed the show, it was the fashion for me. I have always loved clothes from the 70s, and the wardrobe for Sofia Vergara was so, so good.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time,
Stephanie
About me: I'm Stephanie Grant, a born-and-bred ATLien and the writer behind this newsletter. I’m also a content creator for the food and beverage industry and one of the hosts of the award-winning Good Beer Hunting podcast. In 2023, I launched The Share Community, a digital space for women and non-binary people of color who want to advance their career in the beer industry. You can also find more of my work on YouTube and Instagram.
Your coping strategies are spot on! Exactly what I would do. And in that climate: hydrate hydrate hydrate.