In 2016, I spent 12 days in Las Vegas. Although my time was split across two separate work trips, 12 days in Vegas in one year was a lot for me. Or so I thought.

During my second trip in December, I decided to experience the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” city a little differently. And I loved it.

After arriving in the morning, I picked up my rental car and headed out for breakfast. I wanted something to grab-and-go, so Pink Box Doughnuts was a perfect stop. I drove out to the desert for breakfast with a view at Seven Magic Mountains, a two-year public art installation of colorful boulders stacked more than 25 feet high.

The next desert destination was Red Rock Canyon. You can drive the scenic 13-mile loop around the park while stopping along the way for short hikes and lookouts. I really wish I had more time there for a longer hike but I will definitely make time during my next trip to Las Vegas.

The scenery is incredible and very Grand Canyon-esque, but the pictures don't do it justice. I've never seen rocks these colors or hiked this terrain before so it was interesting to experience a contrast from the wooded mountains that I'm used to.

Back on the strip in Las Vegas, there are fewer options for outdoorsy fun and beautiful views, but the High Roller Ferris Wheel is a way to see the city lights from a different perspective.

When my coworker told me that it's the tallest ferris wheel in the world, I decided it was worth checking out. We went right before sunset to pay the daytime discount price but were also able to see the city at night. The 360 degree views were great and since the landscape is flat, you can see for miles into the desert.

Las Vegas is a foodie's dream. Yes, you can easily blow a whole paycheck on one meal, but there are also dining options for every budget. If I wasn't on the hunt rainbow lattes, I could've never left my hotel, The Cosmopolitan, and been culinarily pleased. I mean, if Jose Andres, Christina Tosi, and Chris Santos all have restaurants under one roof, you can only imagine the possibilities surrounding the strip!

Some great spas reside in the fancy schmancy Las Vegas hotels. The Cosmopolitan has a top floor Moroccan hammam while the Aria has a cavernous spa complete with a salt therapy room.

I had full intentions to treat myself to an evening at the spa, but after discovering a Lush store near my hotel, I decided to save money and create my own spa experience on a budget. Next time I'm back, I'll be sure to set aside some time and money for the real thing.