Las Vegas, Nevada is known by many names: the Entertainment Capitol of the World, Gambling Capital of the World, the Marriage Capital of the World, the Neon Capital of the World, and Sin City. Because of its reputation, the Las Vegas Boulevard has become synonymous with over the top hotels, crazy drinks, bright lights, massive casinos and a ginormous club scene, but slip away from the famous Las Vegas Boulevard and you can find what the locals know: Vegas is full of culture, nature and wonderful treasures not related to a slot machine! Allow us to show you the hidden gems of the jewel of the desert….
1) Where to Stay: Upon arrival, rent a car and head away from the strip along the I-215 to the northwest area of town called Summerlin. With a bevy of well-appointed hotels, including the Red Rock Resort and the JW Marriott, you can experience luxurious accommodations while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Red Rock Canyon. The hotels away from the strip are just as luxurious with spacious rooms, gorgeous pools and Spas, huge casinos and sport book areas, cinemas, bowling, arcades, fabulous restaurants and more.
2) Smith Center: built in 2007, this impressive Arts Center has been crafted to envoke the art deco sensibility of 1920’s architecture and always has something fantastic performing on its multiple stages. With an extraordinary ballet company and orchestra (Nevada Ballet Theatre and Las Vegas Symphony Orchestra respectively) in residence and regular top rated touring musicals and plays , the Smith Center is always abuzz with interesting performances. If you happen to be in town over the first Wednesday of the month, contact the ticket office and ask if the Composers’ Showcase is running that week. It unites the Theatre community of Las Vegas, giving the creative spirits of the Entertainment industry an outlet for artistic expression while inviting the audience to laugh a lot and have a great time. A sparkling display of local entertainers who write and perform their own compositions in the Cabaret theatre once a month on a Wednesday night, it is a local secret and one of the best shows you can hope to see when in town.
3) Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Both areas are full of incredible scenery showcasing the local fiery red Aztec sandstone and grey and tan limestone of the area. With windy walks, stark canyons, sweeping vistas, ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years and stunning rock formations, you will feel the presence of the ancients as you feel the whisper of the wind swirl around you.
4) Mount Charleston: Where else in the world can you start your day with 80 degree weather, grab your ski equipment and head up the mountain to enjoy a fabulous day in the snow and sun skiing? Check out Lee Canyon, the Mount Charleston Ski Resort. With a variety of runs, including a snow park, several blue and black rated ski runs, a lovely bunny hill and tube sledding for those who prefer a tube to skis or snowboards, Lee Canyon is a hidden gem. Throughout the year, Mount Charleston is a beautiful romantic get-a-way with cozy cabins away from the hub-bub of the busy city below. Grab a delicious lunch or cocktail at the top of the mountain, take a walk amongst the tall pines or set up camp in the midst of the foothills and enjoy s’mores over a campfire.
5) Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Rent a boat and set sail for a relaxing day on the deep blue waters of Lake Mead. With several locations to set up anchor, swim, snorkel, scuba, water ski and beaches all along, it is sure to fill your day. Make sure to bring floats and pool noodles with you: great for floating near your anchored boat, just don’t forget rope to tie them to the boat with! As America’s first and largest national recreation area, there is something for everyone there. .
6) Where to Eat: There are so MANY AMAZING restaurants for every pallet throughout the area….some of our favorites:
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen – Thai
Kona – Amazing happy hour
Lindo Michochan – Sit down Mexican
Crepe Expectations – Crepes of every kind, both savory and sweet
Pizza Rock - Fabulous pizza
7) Golf: Las Vegas has over 70 different golf courses, with PGA rated courses, smaller executive clubs and even the fun “Top Golf” for those who want a driving range that has been turned up to 11! One of our favorites is well off the beaten path, north of the city. Durango Hills Golf Course is an 18 hole 5 par course that is laid-back, fun and an incredible steal for a game of golf. With the clubhouse located between hole 9 and 10, it is the perfect ½ way stop during your game to enjoy a draft beer and some casual bar food. We recommend the hotdog or BTLA!
8) Neon Boneyard / Mob Museum: Who goes to Vegas to learn history? It may sound unusual, but these are not your normal museums! The Neon Museum is full of old Neon signs and during a tour of the location you will learn all kinds of fascinating facts about the history of Vegas, from showgirls to Mob bosses to antidotes about lucky/ unlucky patrons. If it is sunny, definitely rent the umbrella and take water! As this museum is all outdoors. The Mob Museum gives you insight into the origins of the Mob and even let’s you be a member of “the family” throughout the exhibition. In all honesty, we went into the museum expecting to spend an hour or two and ended up staying all day!
9) Zombie Burlesque or “Vegas” the Show: Our only recommendation specifically on the “Strip”. Both of these shows capture the greatness of “Old Vegas”: filled with great music, dancing in intimate atmospheres that include the audience members into the show. Zombie Burlesque takes a cheeky look at Area 51 and will have you laughing the whole evening while “Vegas” the Show looks back on the hey day of the Rat Pack and Classic Showgirl in Vegas. Fabulous, fun and flirty: they are worth every penny!
Have you visited somewhere lately and found its hidden gems? We would love to hear about it and feature your travel story on our blog as part of our Member Memoirs selections. Send your antidotes to marketing@lifestylebenefitsclub.com for the opportunity to be featured o our blog!
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