Armed with my video camera and a voice only slightly marred by a cold, I headed to the Bellagio Hotel and Casino last Wednesday to continue a holiday tradition, seeing the Bellagio Conservatory’s holiday decorations.

Parking was free and easy, and when I arrived at the Conservatory I saw a line — not long — but a line nonetheless. I went to the end of the line and saw another entrance with no line. Seems as if this entrance led to a couple restaurants and stores. I ventured in, took a few photos and videos (the video sound was marred by background holiday music so I relied on photos) and then I got in the “real” line. The wait was short.

Everyone in line wore a mask except for a few youngsters. People more or less kept their distances, and once inside the conservatory, the cameras came out.

A visit to the Bellagio Conservatory at the holidays in “normal” times is so crowded one can hardly move without getting in someone’s way or becoming a stranger in one of the visitor’s pictures. However, 2020 is different: attendance is limited by security guards, visitors follow a prescribed route AND the opportunity exists to see and photograph everything.

The Bellagio tells us that the Conservatory is a 14,000-square-foot playground and that a staff of 20 horticulturists maintains the gardens. On my way out, I thanked a security guard for the wonderful display. He agreed the conservatory looks lovely and said he and his wife visited at 2 a.m. one morning when no one was around. “I used the panorama setting on my camera and turned around and around, and the picture turned out great!” (A tip for other late night/early morning visitors. Yes, the conservatory is open 24 hours.)

Below are some of my pictures taken during Wednesday’s visit to the 2020 display called, “Hopeful Holidays”.