For those living in Lake Havasu City  who love the lights and excitement of the Las Vegas Boulevard Strip, it’s only a two and half hour drive away.

When COVID-19 hit last spring, the lights were dimmed and the casinos shut down, but now, Las Vegas is coming back and the casinos are mostly open.

On a recent day trip there, the crowd and traffic was significantly less compared to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas Boulevard in its past life.

Casinos and hotels are opening with modifications. Hand sanitizers and hand washing stations are found in virtually every casino and in most casinos, security is enforcing wearing masks throughout gaming areas and check in.

The Bellagio Fountains are running with shows in the afternoons but indoor concerts and shows are not running as of mid-October.

The Bellagio Conservatory  has one line in and out  for visitors. Visitors can’t just wander around the exhibit anymore. The Conservatory’s fall theme is “Into the Woods” and 90 percent of the display’s trees, flowers and plants are recycled.

Hand sanitizer is placed near the front entrance at the Bellagio Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Bellagio Conservatory fall display “Into the Woods” Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Bellagio’s Fall display “Into the Woods.” Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Bellagio’s Fall Display “Into the Woods.” Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Bellagio’s Fall Display “Into the Woods” Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Hand sanitizer and mobile hotel check-in is placed near the entrance at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Fountain of the God’s” inside of the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops on Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Paris Hotel Eiffel Tower Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

People dressed like bananas, a piece of pizza, and a gorilla go for a Friday morning run in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Strip. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Outside of the MGM Hotel and Casino Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Traffic outside of the MGM Hotel Casino Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Las Vegas Strip Thursday night. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Statue of Liberty wears a Raiders jersey and a “Vegas Safely” mask Thursday evening in front of the New York New York Hotel Casino. RSM Team