Category: Las Vegas Activities

Group of friends enjoying happy hour in Las Vegas.

Do Happy Hour Las Vegas Like a Local

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When people visit Las Vegas, they usually want to hit all the hot spots on the Strip. And while the big names may seem like the place to party, Las Vegas locals know happy hour is where it’s at. All around Vegas, you can find great deals on appetizers, drinks, and many other specials – as long as you know where to look!

We’ve made the ultimate guide of how to enjoy happy hour Las Vegas like a local, including where to go, what to order, and how to save a buck here and there (to spend at the casino, of course!).

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis

During peak dinner hours, Hank’s is a swanky spot where you can get top-notch steaks and drinks. But, from 4pm-7pm, Hank’s offers one of Las Vegas’ best happy hours with half-price martinis and a special, gourmet appetizer menu. Locals love the French onion soup, beef sliders, oysters, and lobster rolls. And of course, you can never go wrong with half-price martinis with any liquor of your choice!

Sushi Roku

At Sushi Roku’s happy hour, you get it all! The restaurant includes $6 well drinks, $5 beer and wine, and $3 sake on their happy hour menu. When it comes to food, you can choose from $4 hand rolls or $6 cut rolls. If you aren’t a sushi-lover or are in the mood for something new, check out their ribeye-wrapped asparagus, donut holes, or chocolate volcano cake, all on the happy hour menu, too!

Top of the World

Top of the World is the restaurant located at the very top of the Stratosphere and features views of the Las Vegas Strip from 800 feet high! With a view like this, you would think that the restaurant would only offer expensive dishes, but locals can get in for happy hour at a fraction of the normal prices. And, Top of the World has two happy hours, one from 4pm-7pm and one from 10:30pm-4am! During the first, you can expect half price appetizers and 2-for-1 cocktails, and at the second you will see half price appetizers from 10:30pm-1am and 2-for-1 cocktails from 1am-4am (views included).

The Golden Tiki

The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas has an interesting happy hour, as they have their food catered in from another establishment. That being said, included in happy hour is all-you-can-eat appetizers like spring rolls and chicken wings! Pair that with a $5 Mai Tai and you have yourself a tropical storm of deliciousness. Buffets and alcohol, two things that the city does best, especially when it comes to the best happy hours in Las Vegas.

FIZZ at Caesars Palace

Who knew that you can find a killer drink deal right on the Strip? At FIZZ, located in Caesars Palace, you can score bottomless champagne for only $36. Bottomless Bubbles, as FIZZ calls it, runs Sunday through Thursday from 6-8pm or 8-10pm (you choose your two-hour window) and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30-7:30pm or 7:30-9:30pm. During happy hour, FIZZ also has $8 appetizers, $7 well cocktails, $6 house champagne, and $5 beers (Sunday-Thursday, 6pm-9pm). Pop the bubbly and get your Vegas party started with this sparkling happy hour!

Blue Martini Lounge

Blue Martini is known as “the exclusively chic, upscale lounge and live entertainment ‘locals bar’” according to their website, and there’s a reason why this spot is a favorite! Their list of martinis is unprecedented and includes concoctions like Strawberry Basil, Raspberry Sage, Starburst, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Come during happy hour, which is from 4pm-7pm every night of the week, for discounted drinks and half-priced eats. Plus, enjoy complimentary martini tasting to find your favorite!

The Leatherneck Club

The Leatherneck Club in Las Vegas doesn’t have the glitz and glam of some of the iconic spots, but it does honor the Marine Corps and other military members all day, every day! Guests can view memorabilia dating back to World War I and the brotherly camaraderie is one of the most special things about this bar. Oh, and their happy hour, which includes a make-your-own taco cart, with the first two being free! Check their Facebook Page for updates on happy hour, as this local bar is always doing specials and events.

You don’t always have to pay an arm and a leg for a good drink in Vegas, especially if you know where to look. Locals know all the best happy hours in Las Vegas, and now you can too! And after you score a deal or two, keep the party going at Tahiti Village, the perfect after-hours hangout!

Table full of Thanksgiving food, ready for the holidays.

Having the Happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

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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!

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign as you enter Las Vegas.

What Will Las Vegas Look Like in the Future

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While its roots may be planted in gaming and entertainment, Vegas is expanding, creating a bright future for the city, its residents, and the tourists that travel from all over the world to enjoy it. More job opportunities with the continuous growth of the medical and tech fields are resulting in new residential construction and improvements in the public school systems. City planners are making sure to keep downtown Vegas fun, fresh, and convenient with new vertical expansions on the northern end of the strip and long-term plans to replace vehicular traffic with pedestrian-friendly monorails. The city’s plans to grow are conjuring up a collective excitement surrounding the future of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital.

Within the next decade, Las Vegas has plans to…

Welcome pro sports teams.

Las Vegas’s efforts to acquire professional sports teams have been extremely successful. 2017 saw the establishment of the Las Vegas Golden Knights Ice Hockey team belonging to the National Hockey League, while 2020 will see the movement of the Raiders from Oakland to Vegas. The city is set to establish a Women’s National Basketball Association team in 2018, along with the Las Vegas Lights FC minor league soccer team. The additions of these professional sports teams will attract fans to the city to help with Las Vegas growth, with the brand new football stadium alone projected to add 1 percent to Vegas’s tourism volume, according to the Las Vegas Sun.

Add medical research centers and facilities.

Among the enhancements that Vegas plans to carry out in the near future is a Medical District complete with state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and schools. The medical field, along with technology, is one of the two fastest growing industries in the city. The city has invested millions of dollars into the development of the Medical District since 2013. However, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the city plans to funnel nearly $100 million more in planned investment in the Medical District beyond 2018, catalyzing Las Vegas growth. Within the next decade, the Las Vegas Medical District is expected to flourish, creating jobs and a collaborative medical community.

Build upon the north end of the Strip.

Known as the less active of the two sides, the northern end of the Strip will be seeing some major enhancements in the near future of Las Vegas. Vertical construction of Resorts World, expansion of the Convention Center, and a domed stadium for the Raiders will help to balance out the northern and southern ends of the Strip. An influx of traffic to the northern end will also result in an enhanced transportation system throughout the downtown area.

Expand roads and decongest Strip traffic.

Vegas is often ridiculed for its vehicular congestion both on the Strip and on freeways feeding in and out of the city. Several major projects plan to add lanes to existing freeways, add an HOV flyover bridge from Interstate 95 to Interstate 15, and improve the efficiency of freeway on ramps and off ramps. In addition to smoother flowing traffic on surrounding freeways, the next decade will also see a pedestrian-friendly Strip. According to Las Vegas Review Journal, the Strip will eventually transform into a vehicle-free pedestrian mall complete with elevated monorails to easily transport people from one side to the other.

Improve the public school systems.

Nevada education officials are valiantly pushing for a new student funding formula that will more efficiently allocate resources to students based on need. Another priority taking precedence is the reorganization of the Clark County School District, which gives more power to parents and principals. The combined efforts of the new student funding formula and the district reorganization will result in a more appropriate distribution of funding and a more specific budgeting plan based on the needs of each school. Allowing parents and principals to step into enhanced decision-making roles will mean more local involvement in the Las Vegas public education and the future of Las Vegas schools.

Build more homes.

Following the growth of the medical and tech industries in Vegas is a thriving housing market. As companies expand, job openings attract new Vegas residents. A healthy balance of supply and demand is being observed in the city, as well as a median housing cost proportionate to the median income. This means that most working residents can comfortably afford housing. With tourism set to remain on track and new industries predicted to boom, the future of the Las Vegas housing market looks bright!

These city developments have one thing in common: they will all help to make Las Vegas an even better place to visit and live. Growth in new industries and well-funded public school systems will result in a more educated workforce and more job openings. Seamless transportation in and out of the city, professional sports teams, and new, exciting downtown projects will draw even more visitors, maintaining Las Vegas’s status as the entertainment capital of the world!

Las Vegas Red Rock Canyon camping areas.

Desert Camping Deciphered: What to Bring and Where to Go

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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!

NHL Golden Knights logo.

Get Ready for the Golden Knights

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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?

Woman in a yoga pose in the desert.

Yoga in the Desert

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For the sake of balance, letting loose and having fun in the glittering city of Vegas is often countered with detox workouts like Pilates or yoga. Finding a relaxing yoga oasis in the middle of the desert can seem like an impossible task. However, amidst all the pumping clubs, buzzing casinos, and dazzling shows, there is a diverse community of dedicated yogis. Below are some of the highest-rated yoga studios in Las Vegas where you can enjoy a practice of all kinds.

Modo Yoga Las Vegas

Modo yoga is a type of yoga that combines the fundamentals of traditional and therapeutic yoga in a heated environment. At Modo Yoga Las Vegas, a welcoming team of skilled instructors guide you through the practice in a judgment-free and socially conscious environment. For new members, an entire month of unlimited yoga in Las Vegas is only $40, making it accessible to most yogis.

Body Heat Hot Pilates and Yoga

This studio is committed to helping their clients achieve their highest level of fitness while enjoying the journey. Body Heat Pilates and Yoga offers a variety of classes ranging from beginner to advanced including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Sculpt, Baptiste, boot camp, Shred, and Barre. The spa-like quality of the facilities adds a luxurious touch to the client experience. Drop in classes start at $20 and memberships are available starting at $89.

Blue Sky Yoga

A donation-based studio located in north Vegas, Blue Sky Yoga offers an intimate, authentic experience in a modest and cozy atmosphere. Locals flock to this studio for its diverse classes, special events, and community feel. Local artwork decorates the walls while the small studio room makes for an intimate class setting. This casual environment is perfect for those looking for a low key and low-cost experience.

Sin City Yoga

Known for their tight-knit community and knowledgeable instructors, Sin City Yoga focuses on providing a well-rounded experience for their clients. While most of their offerings are in the form of yoga classes, the studio also offers teacher trainings, Reiki sessions, and corporate private classes. A small, intimate studio space enhances the charming community feel and affordable membership options are available so that everyone has a chance to practice.

The Grateful Yogi

Born from a passion for yoga, love, and healing, The Grateful Yogi provides guests with a pure, authentic class experience. From vigorous workouts to mellow candlelight flows, this studio’s class offerings are consistent favorites among locals and visitors. A small fee of $25 can get new students unlimited classes for one week.

103 Hot Pilates and Yoga

On a mission to provide functional, clean, and welcoming facilities with a yoga-for-everybody feel, 103 Hot Pilates and Yoga has become a favorite among both beginner and advanced yogis. The team of instructors has a deep knowledge of the physical and psychological benefits of a consistent yoga practice and will help you create a plan so that you can achieve your individual goals. A $30 Intro Sweat Month will grant you access to 30 days of unlimited yoga so you can try out different class styles and instructors.

Barefoot Sanctuary

If you’re looking for a more exotic, diverse experience, head to Barefoot Sanctuary for belly dance, circus arts, earth care, and yoga. The team at Barefoot Sanctuary aims to foster a collaborative and creative environment infused with a sense of nature. Yoga classes embrace an expressive style in which the body’s natural restorative ability is highlighted. The classes are open to all levels and rates start at only $15 for a drop-in class.

Evolution Yoga

The instructional team at Evolution Yoga utilizes a mix of strength training, TRX, barre, and yoga to create a well-rounded and diverse experience for their clients. The variety of class styles allows clients to participate in a well-rounded assortment of experiences with one membership. Instructors are dedicated to helping each client achieve their fitness goals and will recommend a combination of classes and workouts that will help you get there.

Salt Room LV

Differentiated by their utilization of halotherapy, or salt therapy, Salt Room LV provides clients with a unique experience that is known to be helpful in relieving allergies, respiratory conditions, and skin conditions. Halo-yoga classes are available, which combine salt therapy with the benefits of yoga. The studio also offers Pilates classes, guided meditation, and spa services like facials and massages. With a three-month trial membership for $249 per month, Salt Room LV is on the pricier side, but the spa-like amenities and therapeutic benefits are worth it.

A yoga practice comes with a multitude of benefits including improved flexibility, increased strength, a clearer mind, and detoxification – which may be the most applicable benefit during a trip to Vegas. This booming city has a surprisingly prominent community of yogis that are happy to help you add relaxation and rejuvenation to your vacation itinerary.

Las Vegas exit.

Most Interesting and Unique Businesses in Vegas

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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.

Friends dining at the table together.

Dining Around the World All in One Location: Sin City

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Dining options in Las Vegas have seen quite a boost over the years. Buffets are still synonymous with Vegas cuisine, but even the endless dishes lining these Sin City staples have been elevated. However, there’s more than the casino buffet to look forward to for your next dining experience. Las Vegas is a culinary hotspot attracting chefs from all over the world to open restaurants and further expand the food offerings available right here in the desert.

Nearly every type of cuisine is represented in these Las Vegas restaurants, which means you can go plan a food-centric trip and still not manage to try it all. However, it’s a challenge we think travelers are willing to try because each restaurant is trying to outdo the competition and keep their tables full of hungry diners. There are always new places opening and new dishes being created. Take your taste buds on a trip around the world by trying some of these places to eat in Las Vegas.

Thailand

Le Thai, DTLV

Although not as conspicuous as its Strip counterparts, Le Thai is a favorite among locals and visitors who have been instructed to seek out what many call “the best place for Thai in Vegas.” Located off downtown’s popular Fremont Street, this restaurant boasts quality food and affordable prices. The expansive menu includes Thai standard favorites like Pad Thai and a range of curries, while also putting a unique spin on certain dishes like Short Rib Fried Rice and Waterfall Beef. Get an authentic Thai meal in a casual Las Vegas restaurant setting for a taste of East meets West.

Greece

Estiatorio Milos, Cosmopolitan

Mediterranean-style cuisine is popular in Vegas, but a truly authentic, Greek-only food experience isn’t as easy to come by. Fortunately, one of the top dining options in Las Vegas offers just that. Restaurateur Costas Spiliadis serves up Greek favorites, as well as specialties like the Milos Special. This zucchini and eggplant dish is a fried concoction cooled by a creamy, tzatziki sauce and graviera cheese saganaki. From fresh seafood to full Greek spreads, guests can count on delicious fare from Estiatorio Milos.

Tahiti

17° South Booze & Bites, Tahiti Village

Tahiti Village guests need not travel far for a tropical-inspired dining experience. The onsite restaurant serves up vacation-ready cocktails like mai tais, daquiris, and margaritas, in addition to several specialty libations. Menu favorites like Wagyu Sloppy Joe Nachos, the Ahi Tuna Burger, and 17 South Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta all pair well with your drink of choice. There are also more standard options like create-your-own pizzas and chicken tenders to satiate your hunger any time of day.

France

Bouchon, The Venetian

Award-winning chef Thomas Keller has made Bouchon one of the best places to eat in Las Vegas. Indulge in the restaurant’s Caviar d’Esturgeon, Parfait de Foie Gras, and Steak Bouchon or enjoy a simple plate of mussels with a glass of crisp, white wine. Quality ingredients and advanced culinary techniques create impressive dishes without a lot of fuss. Be whisked away to the French countryside by making a reservation at one of the city’s top fine dining restaurants.

England

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Caesars Palace

Experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional English pub and grill from one of the world’s most notorious chefs. Gordon Ramsay has his namesake on several restaurants along the Las Vegas Strip but his restaurant in Caesars Palace is one that never disappoints. It’s casual food with a fine dining flair and full of the quality of flavor Ramsay demands from his chefs-in-training. Start with the ultimate in comfort food, Pigs in a Blanket, and then, go for the Yorkshire Ale Batter Fish & Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie for a taste of England right here in Las Vegas.

Japan

Morimoto Las Vegas, MGM Grand

Revered Iron Chef Morimoto has been a staple on the Las Vegas restaurant scene for years. His modern take on Japanese cuisine continues to delight and entice diners, despite the influx of up-and-coming dining options that sometimes are nothing more than a flash in the pan. Morimoto Las Vegas is a favored classic along the Strip offering up entrees such as Braised Black Cod and Duck Duck Goose. There is rarely a misstep at this popular place, which is to be expected from one of the most beloved celebrity chefs.

We couldn’t be luckier to have so much delicious food right at our fingertips available from every corner of Las Vegas. This barely covers the kind of cuisine you can find when you travel here, but it gives you an idea of what to look forward to in terms of Las Vegas restaurants. As the culinary scene continues to blossom in Sin City, you can dine around the world and have a taste from all around the globe while never leaving Vegas!

Life is Beautiful Lineup

How Life is Beautiful Has Changed the Atmosphere of DTLV

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It doesn’t seem long ago that Fremont Street was the sleepy, little sister of the Las Vegas Strip. It was considered everyone’s second choice because the Strip is all about the lights, camera, and the action. However, the vibe of downtown culture has slowly begun to shift thanks to the emergence of headlining entertainment, art galleries, dining options, and events created exclusively for downtown, such as the Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival.

Life Is Beautiful Las Vegas is a three-day event that debuted in 2013 and has quickly evolved into one of the biggest entertainment festivals in the country. It covers 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas and embraces the spirit of unity, creativity, and optimism; not to mention top-billed musical acts, art in all forms, and food and libations to keep the party going strong all weekend long.

This year’s Las Vegas music festival is slated for the weekend of September 22 – 24 and is expected to draw well over 100,000 people to the downtown area. Are you in?

Who’s Performing

Music is such an easy way to bring people together from all walks of life. Whatever your musical preferences, you’ll most likely find a (perhaps, new) favorite here. Chance the Rapper, Muse, and Lorde lead the way for this year’s musical lineup, but dozens of other options, including Cage the Elephant, MGMT, Wiz Khalifa, and Milky Chance, will be performing as well. The eclectic musical lineup is spread out over three days so attendees have a chance to see as many acts as possible. The festival gates open at 2 p.m. daily and closes at 1 a.m. Get there early and claim your spot close to the stage.

What to Expect

If it’s your first time to Life Is Beautiful, the name of the game is to pace yourself. That’s why the event is held over an entire weekend, plus a little extra. It allows attendees ample opportunity to see, hear, taste, and experience as much as possible from sunup to sundown and beyond. There will be interactive arts displays, rows upon rows of culinary delights, ongoing musical sets, and of course, people watching, which is reason alone to attend.

Where to Stay

The event offers hotel discounts through Hotels for Hope which also will make a donation to Charity Project 150, a 501(c)3 non-profit benefiting homeless high school students in the area. It’s recommended to stay in downtown Las Vegas, since walking will be your best bet for easy transportation. If you’re staying at Tahiti Village, take advantage of the onsite shuttle service that provides scheduled drop-offs and pickups to different areas of Vegas, including the Fremont Street Experience.

How to Prepare

Protect yourself from the heat. Although the concert is in September, you can still expect hot temperatures during the day. Make sure to stay hydrated and regularly apply sunscreen. You’ll be allowed to take in factory sealed water bottles (2 1-liter bottles per person), which will be a savior when the sun beats down.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and on your feet for most of the time, so you’ll want to wear shoes that have a good cushion. It’s recommended to not wear open-toed shoes because with a crowd like this, it’s more than likely you’re going to get stepped on, spilled on, or worse.

Enjoy the moment. Rather than rushing from performance to the next and sharing every moment on your social media, take in the experience of being at one of the fastest growing festivals that offers more than just music. Take a break from the concert stage and wander along the streets to appreciate the art displays, sample food from multiple vendors, or head into the Fremont Street Experience and get a glimpse of the downtown life.

Welcome to DTLV

Events like Life Is Beautiful Las Vegas have changed the vibe of downtown. DTLV has experienced an emergence over the past few years and is now looked to as a vibrant hotspot that stays true to its cultural roots. The noticeable boost of visitors to DTLV has shined a new light on the hospitality industry in this area of the city as well. The Las Vegas glitz and glamour is no longer reserved solely for the Strip. As crowds continue to make their way to unique districts of downtown, guests can expect to be welcomed with open arms.

Film and movie reel

Recreate Your Favorite Vegas Films

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Sin City is an ideal background for Hollywood films due to the pace of the city, glitz of the casinos, and the rowdiness of the crowds. It’s likely some of your favorite movies were set in Vegas, either shot on location or recreated on a studio lot, and you may have recreated a movie scene or quote a popular line a time or two over the years.

With the wide variety of movies filmed in and around Las Vegas, what better way to experience the city than recreating your favorite scenes from Vegas movies past and present? Explore different areas of the desert, slip into your favorite Las Vegas film character, and become part of the action. From The Hangover to Ocean’s 11, let’s see which scenes are the most iconic when it comes to movies Las Vegas is best known for.

Pure Country – 1992

George Strait fans will remember his starring role as country superstar Dusty in Pure Country. Although the majority of the film takes place on the road or on Texan farmland, the closing scenes where he serenades love interest, Harley, were filmed at the Mirage at a Las Vegas rodeo event. Country music fans everywhere made the film’s soundtrack a success, although unfortunately, the box office numbers weren’t as favorable.

To recreate this country moment in time, belt out “I Cross My Heart” over drinks at one of the Mirage’s restaurant lounges.

Swingers – 1996

If you’ve ever uttered the phrases, “Vegas, baby” or “You’re so money, and you don’t even know it,” then it’s likely you’re a fan of the Jon Favreau/Vince Vaughn 90’s classic, Swingers. Though mostly set in Los Angeles, the duo head to Las Vegas to help Mike (Favreau) get over his breakup and struggles as a comedian. Both the Stardust Resort & Casino and Fremont Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas were used for interior and exterior shots in the film in what some consider one of the most beloved Vegas movies.

To recreate this bromance comedy, suit up with your best pal and stroll down Fremont Street in sunglasses, telling each other how “money” the other person is.

Vegas Vacation – 1997

America’s favorite family – The Griswolds – take their adventures on the road to Las Vegas in Vegas Vacation. With various scenes shot around the city and just beyond, some of the highlights include the Hoover Dam, Neon Museum, the Mirage, MGM Grand, Riviera, and all around downtown Las Vegas. One of the best parts of the film is when the family rides off into the proverbial sunset, each in the brand-new cars Rusty won from playing the slot machines.

To recreate this family classic, head to the Hoover Dam and see how many times you can refer to the “dam tour” before your friends cut you off.

Ocean’s 11 (2001)

In the remake of the Rat Pack, Las Vegas film throwback, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and the rest of the cast bring a modern day dapperness to the film about a casino heist. Their plan to hit the Bellagio as one of three casinos meant plenty of facetime for the resort, including extensive shots of the casino floor and of course, the famous fountain shows outside.

To recreate closing scenes of the first movie in the trilogy, sign up for MGM Resorts’ M Life Rewards Program and choose the song for the The Fountains of Bellagio show. Might we suggest Claire du Lune?

What Happens in Vegas (2008)

The unofficial motto of Vegas was made into a movie starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. They meet as strangers, drunkenly get married, and hit the jackpot. Since they’re now married, it means they must split the money. When they return home, they must live together for six months and each will receive half; if not, the winnings will be tied up in litigation. It’s a romantic comedy, so if you haven’t seen it, you can guess how it ends.

To recreate the rom-com, skip the marriage part and take a few selfies outside the Planet Hollywood Wedding Chapel where the marriage scene was filmed.

The Hangover – 2009

In this instant blockbuster hit, Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) actually recreate another Vegas-set film, Rain Man, with their escalator scene in Caesars Palace. The ensemble cast went on to make two follow-ups to this 2009 movie, which raked in $467 million worldwide.

To create your own wolfpack scene, take your own escalator ride in Caesars Palace with your crew, a much easier option than getting a mattress on the casino rooftop or ordering a live tiger to the room.

It’s hard not to be a little star struck by Las Vegas. So many iconic television shows and films have been shot and set here, you never know when you might run into a celebrity. And if you can’t spot one, then at least you can recreate some of your movie scenes and act out your own versions as a memory to hold onto forever. The allure of Sin City is simply undeniable. Which movies top your list of favorites?