Two girls taking a picture while on vacation.

Must Take Pictures While Staying in Vegas

Las Vegas is known for being over-the-top, which makes for some prime photo opportunities. Whether you’re into intricate architecture, towering water shows, or sparkling displays, you are sure to capture some of the best photo opts in Vegas during your trip. With so many attractions fighting for your attention, it can be hard to decide where to point your camera next – which is why we put together this list of must-take pictures while staying in Vegas.

The Bellagio Fountains

The famous fountains in front of the Bellagio create a majestic scene begging to be photographed. A photo of this installation will be gorgeous no matter what time of day you shoot, but the most magnificent shots tend to be taken at sunset and in the evenings, when the water displays are illuminated. Although photos can’t do the regal water shows justice, they come pretty close.

The Fremont Street Lights

Fremont Street is a photographer’s wonderland. Whether you’re shooting portraits or landscape shots, this street will present you with a plethora of well-lit, unique photo opts. Plenty of street performers, neon signs, and quirky displays are available for your photo-taking pleasures. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of Fremont Street is the giant LED covering that spans the length of five football fields and lights up the area in brilliant, luminous displays. Get your camera ready and snap a few shots of the lights playing off of the buzzing street.

OMNIA Nightclub

It may seem strange to include a nightclub on a list of the best photo opts in Vegas, but the reason quickly becomes apparent upon entrance into OMNIA. The centerpiece of the club is a giant, dancing chandelier that moves to the music, just as the dancers do below. The 30-foot display combines with brilliant light shows to create a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. The club’s lush interiors and organic shapes make it a feast for the eyes – and the camera.

The High Roller

This attraction offers arguably the best view of the strip from above. Whether you’re scared of heights or crave an adrenaline rush, there’s an opportunity for the perfect Las Vegas Strip pictures. Take a ride on the High Roller at sunset and take a few shots of the glittering city from the top. Or, stay on the ground and make the High Roller itself the focal point (there’s a great point of view from the LINQ promenade). However you choose to utilize the tallest wheel on the planet for your photo-taking purposes, you’re sure to end up with some jaw-dropping images.

The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan

If you’ve come to Vegas for the glitz and glamour, this one’s for you. The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan glitters with elegance and class. This enormous display of glittering crystals encompasses three unique bar experiences that offer a variety of perspectives. For photo taking purposes, the best views come from the bottom level outside of the chandelier, the third level inside the chandelier, or at the second level of The Cosmopolitan looking over the chandelier. Though these perspectives may offer the best compositions, any view of the chandelier will yield incredible, sparkling images.

The Excalibur Castles

An oldie but a goodie, the Excalibur Castles offer a royal photo op. The intricate castle designs transport you to medieval times while the colorful castle tops and bustling surroundings bring you right back to present day Vegas. Snap a detail shot of the architecture or bring your wide-angle lens for a shot of the entire thing. This quirky Las Vegas classic won’t disappoint when it comes to the best places to take family pictures in Las Vegas.

The Shopping Arcade at the Venetian

This Venice-inspired attraction in the Venetian screams “photo op” from the sky-themed ceiling to the authentic gondolas floating along the indoor canal. There are several bridges along the Arcade that are perfect for portraits while any angle of the canal makes for a gorgeous shot. For a unique perspective, take a ride on a gondola and take photographs while drifting along the canal.

The Las Vegas Sign (of course)

This photo op is more classic than cliche. Featured in almost all Vegas movies and pictured with countless celebrities, this sign is a must when it comes to Vegas photography. Be wary as you will probably not have the sign to yourself – it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. But, that classic Las Vegas Sign shot will be well worth the wait. Try timing your photo sesh for sunrise or sunset for an added effect.

This photogenic city is packed to the brim with camera-ready scenes and insta-worthy locations. With so much to do and see, you won’t be able to put your camera down for long. Make sure to document your experiences so you can look back and remember how dazzled you were by the entertainment capital of the world!

Contestant riding a horse at the NFR.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Coming to Vegas

If you’re visiting Las Vegas this month, you’re in for a real treat because the rodeo is in town! That means it’s time to slip on those cowboy boots, dust off your belt buckle, and plop that cowboy hat on your head! But, to be more specific, it’s not just a rodeo that’s in town, it’s the rodeo, the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! Let Tahiti Village be your source and host for all things rodeo, and discover what you’ve been missing!

National Finals Rodeo (NFR) History

If you are attending this year’s NFR, then you will forever be a part of one of the greatest rodeos in history. Starting back in 1958, the NFR was established to showcase the nation’s top fifteen money-winners in each event, including calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, and team roping, all competing for the ultimate world champion title. Talk about a variety of events to get everyone in the crowd excited about a good old fashioned rodeo!

Throughout the history of the NFR, the locations have moved around the U.S., eventually ending up in fabulous Las Vegas! In the beginning, from 1959-1961, the NFR was held in Dallas. Following, it was Los Angeles’ turn to host this one of a kind event from 1962-1964. After the event took place in LA, Oklahoma City successfully bid to be the host of this rodeo event. After a couple of their successful venues brought in groundbreaking annual revenues, the NFR remained in the area through 1984.

Finally, the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, won the bid to become the new host for the rodeo and since 1985 the rodeo has continued to be held in Sin City at the Thomas & Mack Center. The NFR has become the biggest client to the venue, bringing in over 170,000 fans each year for the anticipated 10 day event. Not only is this event loved by many, but in 2001 Wrangler became the title sponsor for the National Finals Rodeo, giving it the name it deserves!

Now that we’re caught up on the history of the event, it’s time to get into the specifics of this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Everything You Need to Know About the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

2017 marks the 33rd year that the Wrangler NFR is being held in Las Vegas, and this is an event that you will not want to miss! It’s time to make your way out to the wild wild west for this premier rodeo, a 10 day event in the desert. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas or even heard stories about the city, you’ll know that every event held in the city is done to the fullest, and the NFR is no exception. Now it’s time to fully prepare for this 10 day event!

  • When

This year’s NFR, the “Super Bowl” of rodeos is held on December 7-16, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. This timeframe creates the perfect window for you and your fellow rodeo lovers to plan a much needed trip to Sin City! Not only will you be able to enjoy the rodeo events, but you will also have plenty of time to explore the city during one of the less busy times for tourism. Catch a show on the Strip, enjoy an unforgettable meal, or simply explore the city and everything that makes this area great!

  • Where

As the destination in Las Vegas for sports and entertainment, the 2017 NFR will be held at The Thomas & Mack Center. This venue not only hosts the NFR every year, but it is also home to UNLV athletic events, World Championship boxing, monster truck finals, and much more! Get your feel of one of the best venues in the area when you attend the 2017 NFR.

  • Schedule of Events

Before the meat of the NFR begins on Thursday, December 7th, you will also see that the rodeo events officially kick off on Sunday, December 3rd, starting with the Miss Rodeo America Contestant Introductions. Following these days leading up to the first day of events, you can also catch the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Competition & Public Speaking, PRCA National Convention Registration & State of the Association, and the PRCA Trade Show & Silent Auction. December 7th marks the first day of the official schedule! The Wrangler NFR consists of 10 rounds starting on Thursday, and at the end of each event there are two champions. So, get your tickets today and don’t miss out on all the fun of the rodeo. You’ll also want to keep autograph sessions in mind while in town for the main events! The top 7 rodeo events that you can expect to see this year are:

>Bareback riding
>Steer wrestling
>Team roping
>Saddle bronc riding
>Tie-down roping
>Barrel racing
>Bull riding

Who

The 2017 Wrangler NFR Contestant Roster consists of over 100 skilled rodeo performers, looking to make the final cut of this years events. Some names include Sage Kimzey for bull riding, Tanner Aus for bareback riding, and Brody Cress for saddle bronc riding, just to name a few! Also, be on the lookout for some unforgettable opening acts as well as live performances before and after each night of the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Now that you have a better understanding of how one of the greatest rodeos came about and a brief overview of the events happening this year, it’s time to get out to Las Vegas for one of the biggest events in the desert! Looking for a place to stay? Look no further than Tahiti Village! With resort style rooms, you and your whole party will be nothing but comfortable while staying in Las Vegas.

Table full of Thanksgiving food, ready for the holidays.

Having the Happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season just like it does everything else – with extravagance! Holiday celebrations, shows, meals, parties, and other events help visitors get into the spirit and celebrate with zeal. Many locals and out-of-towners choose to visit the Strip for Thanksgiving festivities because of the overwhelmingly delicious food options and enchanting entertainment. Why cook at home when the glittering city of Vegas is begging to pamper you?

Traditional Thanksgiving feasts, new takes on turkey classics, and gorgeous Fall decor are added into the mix of fun that visitors would normally expect to find in Vegas. The sheer number of offerings can make navigating through the city during the holiday season a little overwhelming.

Below is a guide to having the happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas:

Where to Eat

There are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying a feast for Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. In true Vegas form, the city offers everything from traditional turkey dinners to eclectic Thanksgiving plates. Most Thanksgiving buffets will offer some holiday-themed dishes on Thanksgiving. However, lines can be overwhelmingly long so it’s best to make a reservation at a restaurant ahead of time. Some local favorites for Thanksgiving dinner include:

Aureole – This renowned Mandalay Bay restaurant lives up to high expectations on Thanksgiving Day. Beginning with a piping hot bowl of rich Pumpkin Bisque, this meal guides guests through an autumn-themed culinary journey. Traditional dishes are designed with a new flare, including roasted turkey with brussels sprouts and mushroom stuffing.

Herringbone – This restaurant located in ARIA provides guests with the perfect foundation to enjoy a holiday full of luxury and style. On Thanksgiving Day, Herringbone serves a feast complete with flavorful turkey and a mix of classic and unique sides. Fresh ingredients and innovative techniques are infused into every dish crafted in Herringbone’s kitchen.

Prime – For a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, visit Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse. In this elegant atmosphere complete with velvet drapes and luxurious finishes, you’ll find an expansive menu full of the savory dishes that any Thanksgiving-lover craves. For an experience uniquely Vegas, try securing a table on the garden patio, which overlooks the Bellagio fountains.

Attractions to Attend

Thanksgiving festivities extend past the big meal. Once the forks are set down, the credit cards come out and the Black Friday shopping commences, as does the world-class entertainment. Some of our favorite holiday-themed events in Las Vegas include:

Harvest Show – The Harvest Show decorates the Bellagio Conservatory with gorgeous Fall foliage. Pathways wind under archways of warm-hued leaves while intricate patterns bring the foliage to life. Visiting the Harvest Show is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the comfort of Fall with a Vegas twist. The 2017 display, Proud as a Peacock, features a magnificent explosion of flowers blanketing two towering peacocks. As guests meander through the conservatory, they are greeted with hanging silk weeping willow branches, playful scarecrows, flower-filled pumpkins, and the familiar warm colors of Fall.

Cactus Garden Holiday Lights – Though decorative lights are often associated with Christmas, Vegas is not one to limit the flashy fun. At the Ethel M. Botanical Garden, brilliant lights are displayed throughout November and December, making it a unique Thanksgiving in Las Vegas activity. The sprawling walkways are lined with thousands of colorful lights, making it a luminous spectacle perfect for couples and families alike. Cacti are draped with thousands of lights, resulting in a radiant display of desert plants like you’ve never seen. Visiting the Cactus Garden Holiday Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the onset of the holiday season.

Black Friday Shopping

The Vegas shopping scene pauses for no occasion and looks for any excuse to draw visitors. During Thanksgiving week, and especially Black Friday, the city is buzzing with shoppers in search of bargains. While most luxury retailers will offer minimal discounts, more casual shopping destinations like the LINQ promenade, Fashion Show Mall, and Las Vegas North Premium Outlets will be discounting products and services heavily. With over 300,000 out-of-towners flocking to the city for the holiday, Black Friday shopping in Vegas is sure to be an experience like no other.

Amongst the Vegas energy are brilliant displays of Fall decor and one thing is certain – a Thanksgiving in Las Vegas  is unlike any other and is not to be missed. The holidays are a wonderful time to bring the whole family together, and celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of something new. Tahiti Village is a family-friendly resort located centrally to all the mentioned excursions and we would love to host your Las Vegas Thanksgiving. Just remember to book early, as rooms are filling up fast!

Las Vegas Red Rock Canyon camping areas.

Desert Camping Deciphered: What to Bring and Where to Go

There are few things more enjoyable than taking a short drive to the desert, spending some disconnected time with family, and escaping the rat race of the city. Camping in the desert, whether in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or Mojave, has surged in popularity – and for good reason! Camping in the desert is relaxing, affordable, and scenic.

But before you grab your tent and grill, let’s look at some of the best places to camp in the desert, as well as go through a checklist of everything you will need to make your desert camping trip one to remember.

Best Places to Camp Near Las Vegas:

The deserts surrounding Las Vegas are some of the most beautiful spots in the world, and fall is the perfect time to go camping because the weather has started to cool down, but it’s still warm enough to get outside. Below are some of our favorite camping spots near Vegas:

1. Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas and features a number of wonderful camping spots for the whole family. One thing that is great about Lake Mead is that although it’s in the middle of the desert, it has plenty of water activities like boat rentals, jet skiing, and more. Boulder Beach is one of the most popular campgrounds in Lake Mead and there you can rent a houseboat and enjoy the water at your leisure. This site is open year-round and takes reservations. Some sites around Lake Mead, though, are first come, first served!

2. Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is named appropriately as this park is home to beautiful red sandstone mountains and offers quite the view to visitors. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit this awe-inspiring park because of their moderate temperatures (the park gets below freezing in the winter and over 100 degrees in the summer!). Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground are some of the best places to stay if you visit this desert campsite and come fully-equipped with barbeques, picnic tables, fire rings, and more. Expect an hour drive from downtown Las Vegas to Valley of Fire (and it’s totally worth it!).

3. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Just 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas is Spring Mountains, a campsite located within the Toiyabe National Forest. Spring Mountains can accommodate cars, tents, RVs and motorhomes and features beautiful biological diversity and rugged rocks that provide outstanding hiking.

4. Red Rock Canyon

For those looking for a quick weekend getaway from the city, look no further than Red Rock Canyon. A quick 20-minute drive will take you to some of the area’s best campsites that include amazing red rocks, vegetation, and more. The area has one main developed campground that is open from early September until May (the best season for camping in the desert). If you are making the trek to Red Rock Canyon, take note that unlike other campgrounds, this one doesn’t have electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups, and no showers! It’s just you and nature, camping au naturale! But it is a beautiful site regardless and perfect for the family that wants to rough it for a few nights.

What to Bring:

When camping in the desert, preparation is essential. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in the middle of nowhere without the right shoes or cooking equipment. Below is a comprehensive checklist of desert camping necessities:

-Water, water, water! Bottles, filters, purification systems, you name it! Water and the desert are best friends.
-Food (plan your meals ahead of time to make sure you have all the ingredients)
-Backpack and day pack
-Tent and all needed equipment (stakes, pools, weather-proof guard, etc.)
-Tarps
-Rope (just in case!)
-Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
-Knife/Multi-purpose tool
-First-aid kit (remember to double-check it before you go!)
-Flashlight
-Matches
-Cooking equipment
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses and hat (the desert sun means business!)
-UV-protection clothing, like long-sleeved shirts
-Lip balm with UV-protection
-Hiking boots
-Jackets, both warm and waterproof
-Bug spray
-Hygiene items
-Toilet paper
-Shovel

If this list has your head spinning (digging a hole for, um, what exactly?), desert camping might not be the vacation you are looking for. Instead, why not book at night at Tahiti Village? You don’t even have to bring your own toilet paper!

Enjoy an a-maze-ing Halloween at Tahiti Village!

Oct. 28 marks the start of a festive Halloween season at Tahiti Village with the opening of our Haunted Maze, where there’s a friendly fright around every turn. The maze will be open daily in Manihi Isle right through Halloween night, Oct. 31, when we raise the curtain on our third annual Haunted Carnival.

The Carnival is from 5-7 p.m. in the Island Courtyard and includes trick or treating and a costume contest. Please visit the front desk in the main lobby building starting at 4:30 p.m. to pick up trick-or-treat bags, maps, and goodies. The costume contest is slated for 6 p.m. back in the Island Courtyard, where we’ll also have music and games.

Unlike other Halloween attractions that try to stop your heart with terrifying shock tactics, our wholesome Haunted Carnival offers a fun time for the whole family. We hope to see you here!

NHL Golden Knights logo.

Get Ready for the Golden Knights

The 2017-2018 NHL season is officially underway and this year brings new excitement to residents and visitors of Las Vegas because it’s the inaugural year for the Vegas Golden Knights, the city’s professional ice hockey team. Although hockey games aren’t new to Sin City (there have been several games played here before), the Vegas Golden Knights is the first major professional sports franchise to call Las Vegas home. Their debut only adds to the ongoing activity and thrill of life in the desert.

Las Vegas Golden Knights Schedule Overview

The Vegas Golden Knights NHL 2017 season schedule includes play on multiple nights during the week, every week, which gives visitors a chance to catch a game, possibly two depending on their travel plans. It’s also perfect as part of a stay-cation itinerary with plenty to do in and around the venue.

The team is hosting the San Jose Sharks the day after Thanksgiving, which is a great way to spend family time or get out of the post-turkey daze from the day before. Play continues into the first week of April leaving plenty of opportunities to see the team take the ice.

T-Mobile Arena Seating for Golden Knights Games

If you’ve never been to a hockey game before, the speed of the skaters and energy of the crowd is an experience like no other. And you can see it firsthand in one of the premiere venues on the Strip. The fairly new T-Mobile Arena has had a rotating number of events since its opening in April 2016 and is also the official home of the Vegas Golden Knights.

There are several seating and pricing levels to accommodate all ticket needs. They range from Upper Bowl Seating starting at $25 and goes all the way up to Premium Seating VIP Glass Seats beginning at $350. When selecting seats, it’s up to just how close you want to be to the action. Right next door is The Park, an outdoor venue with a mix of bars, restaurants, and live entertainment to complete the experience either before or after the game.

Gameday Hotspots

There is no shortage of places to satisfy hungry appetites or grab a few drinks. Beerhaus is a popular, casual spot that has $4 select draft beers and hot dogs from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM every day. Enjoy a local brew like Big Dog’s Brewing Las Vegas Lager or Sin City Say Hello to Amber and load up on bar snacks such as pretzels and beer cheese dip or the Beerhaus Brat, an IPA chedderwurst topped with smoked bacon and onion jam!

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, which is part of Blvd Plaza, is also a popular place because you can’t go wrong when ordering one of their specialty pies. They also have small hot and cold plates with options such as meatballs, baked goat cheese, caprese salad, and more.

Additionally, if you’re staying at Tahiti Village, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the T-Mobile Arena. Stop by 17° South Booze & Bites, which offers plenty of tasty eats for a pre- or post-game celebration, including the 17 South Burger with bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and house spread, specialty pizzas, appetizers, salads, and entrees. We’re also conveniently located by Town Square, a place with several restaurant options that will feed any craving. Our complimentary shuttle service will take you directly there, only a short, five-minute drive away.

Getting to Know the Golden Knights

The team has recruited plenty of young talent, plus veterans who have come from other NHL teams. Right wing James Neal was part of the Nashville Predators’ first Stanley Cup Finals appearance and was an alternate captain during his time with the team. His leadership makes him a great fit to guide the Golden Knights.

Left wing David Perron was a top scorer for the St. Louis Blues with 159 career goals, which definitely should help boost the Golden Knights in their first year. Shea Theodore, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Deryk Engelland are all also touted to be top performers for the team. However, time will tell who will rise to the top as fan and league favorites.

Finally, Chance the Gila Monster made his official debut as the team mascot and will appear as a regular at the rink to build a community and fan base around the NHL’s newest hockey team. The addition of the Vegas Golden Knights makes a visit to the city even more alluring than before. Are you planning to attend a game during this inaugural season?

Carved pumpkin in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

When It Comes to Halloween, Vegas Knows What It’s Doing

Las Vegas has its fair share of interesting characters; even more so during October’s Halloween season. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Sin City because the temperatures have become milder and tourist season has started to subside. However, visitors from all over still head to Las Vegas during this time of the year to take part in the Halloween events in Las Vegas that pop up around the city. For a night of fun (or fright), Sin City has you covered across the spectrum with things to do.

Freakling Bros. Trilogy of Terror

Scary terrors for the brave abound at all three Freakling Bros haunted houses. Choose from Coven of 13, Castle Vampyre, Gates of Hell, or get admission to all three, if you dare. Each interactive experience follows its own theme and is sure to elicit plenty of screams. If you think the haunted house experience is a breeze, test yourself at The Victim Experience, suited for only the most extreme of thrill seekers. Reading the rules is required before signing up for this one-of-a-kind haunt because it’s definitely not a Halloween attraction for the faint of heart.

Haunted Harvest at Springs Preserve

For a more family-friendly haunt, Haunted Harvest provides an evening of fun for all ages with carnival games, a petting zoo, a “haunted” train, and hay maze among its various activities. There are also plenty of treats to keep the kids satisfied and costumes are encouraged by everyone in attendance. Out of all the Halloween events in Las Vegas, this specific one runs for three weekends starting on Friday, October 13th and running through Sunday, October 29th from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Fright Dome at Circus Circus

Prepare for a little bit of everything at Fright Dome at Circus Circus, now celebrating its 15th year anniversary. This Halloween-themed event is more than just a haunted house but rather a full experience complete with scare zones, live shows, and other scary areas inviting you to enter at your own risk. Tickets are on sale now through October 31st. Fright Dome covers 250,000 square-feet of space with six haunted houses, four scare zones, 4D theaters, and rides. Find out what the fright is all about here.

McKee Ranch Pumpkin Patch

Switching gears, another option suitable for all ages is a visit to the McKee Ranch. There is a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, horses, bunnies, and chickens. There are also hayrides and other pumpkin and fall themed events for the kids to enjoy. There is a $20 requested donation per family for a day full of fun. Pack a picnic lunch or dine out of the onsite food truck. And of course, leave time to pick out the perfect pumpkin.

Fear the Walking Dead Survival

Fans of the Fear the Walking Dead show or zombie fanatics, in general, can seek out this newest thrill adventure located at the Fremont Street Experience. There is an escape room, maze, and other multisensory features to this zombie outbreak attraction. The experience opened over the summer and isn’t limited to only Halloween, but is still a great way to celebrate the holiday. Following your trip through zombieland, make your way down Fremont Street and check out the ongoing activity always happening in downtown Las Vegas.

Fun Costume Ideas and Snacks for Halloween

If your idea of a good Halloween time is less about where you go and more about what you wear, there is an endless number of costumes to choose from. Elvis is a popular costume regardless of the time of year but other popular choices include superheroes, mummies, ghosts, and family-themed costumes like The Addams Family or the Flintstones. Get creative and host your own party right in the comfort of your own Tahiti Village suite, which come equipped with a kitchen and dining area. Easy food ideas include:

  1. Mummy Hot Dogs – Simply wrap readymade dough “mummy-style” around a hot dog and bake.
  2. Bones ‘n’ Blood – Use store bought breadstick dough, cut the end of each strip, and roll down to create the bone shape.After baking, use marinara for dipping for a fun and spooky snack.
  3. Dirt ‘n’ Worms – This easy dessert has always been a party favorite and is well-suited for Halloween. Create layers in a glass, alternating between chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos as the “dirt.” Top with gummy worms and plastic spiders and you have a creepy, sweet treat.

You can also serve a buffet-style of finger foods and decorate the table with festive decor in orange and black for a fairly inexpensive cost. The ways you can celebrate Halloween in Las Vegas is only limited by your time and imagination. There is plenty to do but also see when it comes to fall in the city. Enjoy exploring Las Vegas during this extra festive time of the year!

Paint a pumpkin all this month!

October is a great time to visit Tahiti Village, and not just because of the mild fall weather. Like everywhere else we’re gearing up for Halloween, and here at Las Vegas’ tropical resort retreat that means pumpkins figure prominently in the seasonal celebration.

Throughout the month we’re holding a pumpkin decorating activity every Friday from 12:30-1 p.m. in the Skyview Lounge (Tower 5, 10th floor). Here you can join our activity coordinators for a great time transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a wild creation sparked by your own imagination. Paint, glitter and markers are provided.

We hope to see you here!

Las Vegas exit.

Most Interesting and Unique Businesses in Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Gambling? Shows? The Las Vegas Strip? While these are all synonymous with the Vegas vibe, Sin City has several sides to it; many of which you may not have seen.

Tucked inside the historical casinos and in buildings off the busy Strip are hidden gems, unique businesses, and interesting places to visit that will allow you to experience Vegas on a different level, the Las Vegas business side of the city. If the Strip is what Vegas looks like all made up in full costume and makeup, then these places are what it looks like when its being its natural self. Or as “natural” as it gets when it comes to the Entertainment Capital of the World, that is larger than life.

The Mob Museum

Back in its heyday, Vegas was a hubbub of gangster activities as the casino-centric mecca we all know and love was first being formed. The Mob Museum was once a federal courthouse and post office until it was sold to the city of Las Vegas for $1 in 2000. Twelve years later, the museum opened on Valentine’s Day and now gives ticket holders a chance to learn about the ins and outs of early Las Vegas and the mob bosses that ran it. Locals get $7 off admission and every Tuesday, Nevada residents get buy one get one free admission after 1:00 PM.

The Hydrant Club

Humans aren’t the only ones who can experience the VIP treatment in Vegas. Pups can get extra special attention as well, if they’re part of The Hydrant Club that is. This Las Vegas business is a place where your dog can go to be social and roam free. There are training classes, boarding stays, and plenty of off-leash play to keep your four-legged friend happy. To receive full benefits, dog owners must submit an application to see if their pet is chosen. Once approved, they get as many puppy perks as they can handle.

The Space

Locals unite in this art complex that was created for and used by members of the Las Vegas art scene. The Space houses performance space, a recording studio, rehearsal studios, and a piano bar and lounge, all which supports the creative community. Every Monday night event is devoted to raising money and awareness for local causes and charities. Whether you want to entertain, create, or simply spectate, The Space is the Las Vegas business location for any and all creative minds.

The fact that Las Vegas is flooded with artistic talent is interesting and unique, but Sin City has always been a performance/showcase type of city with the art scene growing stronger every day. Rather than seeing another show on the Las Vegas Strip or losing your money at the casino slots, pay a visit to The Space, or another local arts space and support the talent we have right here in our local neighborhoods.

Shark Reef

Despite the fact that Las Vegas is a desert landscape, there are still ocean waters within the walls of some casinos on the Strip. The Las Vegas business, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay gives visitors a chance to view sharks up close and personal (Nevada residents get $3 off admission). If that’s not thrilling enough for you, take a dive with the sharks if you dare. The Dive with Sharks exhibit is open to certified divers with a purchased reservation who can then dive in and swim with over 30 exotic sharks. Definitely not something you get to do every day, especially in the desert!

A Local Look at Las Vegas

Beyond the bright lights and busy streets, there are over 600,000 residents who live, work, and play in the Las Vegas arena. Local business is what keeps the area thriving even in the pockets set away from the Strip. Take time to visit some of these points of interest or the hundreds of other local haunts throughout the city. Las Vegas is not only a great place to visit but also a wonderful place to live.

On your next trip to Sin City, think about supporting a few Las Vegas local businesses and getting to know the city on a different level. And for residents who want to play tourist for the day, schedule a staycation and see just how much is available right in your own backyard.

Another big luau season is coming to a close this Sunday. See you again in May!

 

Sept. 3 marks our final Summer Sunday Luau of the season at Tahiti Village, and what a great summer it has been! Gorgeous dancers, wonderful music, and a brave fire twirler – to say nothing of a delicious island buffet – brought fun in the sun to our owners and guests each and every Sunday starting Memorial Day weekend.

This year’s luau was very well received and drew consistently large crowds all summer long. The fact that it’s ending this Labor Day weekend is no reason to mourn; it’s reason to rejoice in the knowledge that it will return in nine short months! To purchase tickets to our last luau of the year (Island Courtyard, 7 p.m.), please call our concierge at (702) 440-6915.

We look forward to another great luau season in 2018 and hope to see you here!