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Las Vegas
Known as a mecca for gambling, sex, and alcohol, Las Vegas has been marketed as the Entertainment Capital of the World. It attracts some 40 million visitors a year, and is one of the main convention cities in the United States with plenty of 5 Star Luxury Hotels. We were there a couple years ago for one of the other reasons people go to Vegas: a wedding.
Our plane landed at the McCarran International Airport late at night, so we were glad to finally make it to our Hotel after dropping my friend and his fiancée off at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau at a bleary-eyed 3AM. The next day, after a 30-minute ceremony at a small but quaint wedding chapel on the southern end of the Strip, we were left to our own devices. Since our flight from Toronto had taken over five hours, we decided to stretch out our stay for a full five days. Happily, we found plenty to do in Las Vegas, even for us non-gambling types.
Perhaps the most unique and, for many, interesting activity in Sin City is taking a stroll down the Strip. Known officially as Las Vegas Boulevard South, the Strip is home to many of the largest Hotels and resort properties in the city. For maximum effect, walk the 7 km between the Stratosphere Hotel at the northern end to the Mandalay Bay at the southern tip at night. Even seasoned travelers who have ‘seen it all' will be in awe of the bright lights and unique skyline. Nowhere else in the world can you see a replica of the Sphinx, the Eiffel Tower, the Manhattan skyline, and the Venetian canals, all in a matter of a few hours.
Be sure to catch the Mirage Hotel's exploding volcano, the Bellagio's beautifully choreographed fountain show, and Treasure Island's pirates battle, all free of charge. And don't forget to explore the hotel interiors, often as elaborate and detailed in design as the exterior façades. Families with children are naturally drawn to Siegfried & Roy's white tigers at the Mirage, the MGM Grand's lions, and the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin habitat (also at the Mirage).
After walking down the Strip, you can make the return trip on foot. If you are too tired, grab a taxi at one of the hotel entrances, though doing so at rush hour may result in a hefty tab. Another option is hopping aboard the Las Vegas Strip Trolley, a streetcar which runs from the Mandalay Bay to the Sahara (just south of the Stratosphere), stopping at all major hotels along the way. The fare is US$1.75, with trolleys running every 15 minutes between 9:30AM and 2:00AM. Alternatively, you can ride the Las Vegas Monorail (www.lvmonorail.com) from the Sahara down to the MGM Grand on the southern end of the Strip. The price is US$3 one way.
If you choose a purely nocturnal existence while in Sin City, you'll be in an ideal position to experience some of the best (and maybe worst) of Vegas' night life. Strip clubs are plentiful. If you're not sure where to find one, simply walk out onto the Strip. Almost any cab you see will be sporting a placard for one, though you're equally likely to be handed flyers advertising clubs and escort services by locals standing on street corners. Bear in mind that prostitution is actually illegal within the city's town limits.
For those with a more sophisticated palate, Vegas offers its share of concerts and shows. Every major hotel has free lounges with live music, for those intent on saving a buck. Then there are the major showroom productions held in the hotels on the Strip. To find out who's performing while you're there, you can call the individual hotels, check out the www.vegasfreedom.com website, or contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Shows tend to be quite expensive so Why pay full price when you can get Las Vegas Shows & Dining for Half Price! They range from the somewhat cheesy burlesque revues featuring leggy showgirls to the headliner shows (for example, impressionist Danny Gans, singer Celion Dion, magician Lance Burton, and entertainers Penn & Teller) to the polished but pricey Cirque du Soleil productions (Mystère at the Mirage, KÀ at the MGM Grand, O at the Bellagio).
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Las Vegas - from $16.00
Orlando - from $19.00
Cancun - from $33.00
Hawaii - from $41.00
Carnival Cruise - from $26.00
*All prices include Airfare and Room, financed for 18 months and are per person based on double occupancy.
Those who love to shop will also find that Vegas more than satisfies their cravings. Not only does each hotel have its own shopping arcade (ranging from the exclusively high end designer boutiques at Bellagio to more affordable chain stores at most other hotels), but there are also a few large shopping malls on the Strip (such as the luxurious Fashion Show). Even if you're not much into shopping, some of these places are still worth a peek, such as the beautifully designed Caesar's Palace's Forum Shops and the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes with its impressive hand-painted art reproductions. Bargain hunters often rent a car or take a shuttle from the MGM Grand to ‘Fashion Outlets Las Vegas,' located some forty minutes outside of town.
If, like us, you've had your fill of glitzy neon-washed Las Vegas, Rent A Car
for the day and take a trip out to nearby Red Rock Canyon. A mere 30 kilometres away, you will find this national conservation area a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Those who prefer not to drive there can go as part of an organized bus tour (ask your hotel concierge). Informative ranger-guided hikes are available at certain times, so call ahead to inquire.
There is a US$5 entry fee Las Vegas Explorer Pass - Attractions for one low price! Now 10% off!
per vehicle to the Canyon. Just past the visitors' centre is the entrance to the 20 km one-way two-lane scenic loop. As you drive the loop, you'll encounter one trail head after another. At each of these, you'll have the opportunity to stop and admire the fabulous views and, if so inclined, embark on hikes of varying difficulty levels. Hiking trails range from easy 1 km strolls to longer and more strenuous treks. Keep an eye out for rock climbers ascending the 2,100 metre tall Mount Wilson, the area's highest sandstone peak. Be sure to bring good footwear and plenty of water, and give yourself extra time on hikes, as it's quite easy to get disoriented when the landmarks on your trail map start to look the same. Don't miss an opportunity to visit Red Rock Canyon, considered by many to be one of Las Vegas' best kept secrets.
Other popular day trips for visitors to Las Vegas
include the Hoover Dam (www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam), Lake Mead (www.nps.gov/lame), the Bonnie Springs Ranch (tel: 702-875-4191; www.bonniesprings.com), and the Valley of Fire State Park (tel: 702-397-2088; http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm). Again, if you prefer not to rent a car to visit these attractions, organized tours (such as those offered by Coach USA (tel: 800-828-6699; www.coachusa.us)) are plentiful. Further afield but still within a day's drive are the Grand Canyon
, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks, southwestern USA's pride and glory. We were fortunate enough to get a taste of Zion's spectacular cliff & canyon landscape, and look forward to dedicating a full trip to Utah's first national park in the near future.
About the Author
Dr Howe Sim is a physician and photographer who travels the world in search of memorable images and stories. His images and stories have been published in numerous national & international magazines, and he now runs a successful photography business based out of Toronto. To view more of his work, visit www.howesim.com.
