12 New Ways to Experience Las Vegas

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Step Outside the Casino.

Las Vegas Is No Longer Just for Gambling.

If your vision of Las Vegas, Nevada matches the nostalgic image here, you  need to revisit soon. It’s  no longer just a playground for adults gambling and leaving their secrets behind. No. Las Vegas has strategically matured into a family friendly entertainment center. One you need to visit multiple times to experience all it offers.

Need some help planning, log onto the Convention and Visitors Authority Site for some great information to get you started.

Here’s 12 new ways to enjoy Las Vegas outside of casinos.

  1.  Get Mesmerized by the Fountains of Bellagio

    fountainsMonday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes

    Saturdays & Holidays 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes

    Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes

    2. Get in the Spirit. holiday decorLove holiday decor? Spend time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s roaming hotel and resort lobbies. The color, the scent, the music and the outstanding design work are sure to boost your holiday spirit.

3. Get Married.

Las Vegas continues to work on being a hip placeweddings to get married. If this is your ideal location for a wonderful wedding, check out the requirements and availability of locations here.

 

 

 

4. Get High.
No, not like that. Rather get a ticket for the world’s tallest observation wheel-The High Roller-at the LINQ’s outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment promenade. Prefer a roller coaster ride? Hop aboard the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. coasterhigh roller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Get political.  Democratic and Republican parties hosted debates in Las Vegas in 2015. The political year was not lost on billboards and even on visitor vehicles in parking lots around the city. politics Political messages were everywhere, including on hired vehicles driving up and down The Strip.

 

6. Get peaceful.

gardenWho knew there were gardens and prayer centers on The Strip? Well, there are. Roam  Caesars Palace’s  massive grounds and find a number of places to sit in peace and even offer prayer.

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7. Get entertained.

boyzOften referred to as the live “entertainment capital of the world”, there is a show for every taste and budget in Las Vegas, including one by the American R&B vocal group, BoyzIIMen.

Prefer to be entertained outdoors, take a gondola ride at The Venetian.

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8. Get Artsy. If art is your thing, you can visit a multitude of galleries. Be sure to check individual websites: some charge admission.

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9. Get Your Game On In the Arcade. Perfect rainy day activity. Call ahead to confirm it hasn’t been eliminated for another service, especially if you’re walking a long distance. Prefer watching sporting games on TV, find a Sportsbook to cheer on your favorite team on the big screens.arcades

 

 

 

 

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10. Get Sweetened. Those loving chocolate and other sweets have plenty of outlets along the strip, including the M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World and world’s largest chocolate fountain inside the Bellagio.chocolate

 

 

 

 

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11. Look Up. There is so much visual stimulation on the Las Vegas Strip that one can forget to stop and look up. Trust me on this. Step aside. Look Up. The architecture is perfection. The lights thrilling and ceilings breathtaking. Ride the outdoor escalators for non-street-level views. Just…look up!

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12. Get Fashionable. If you love to shop, you will love shopping in Las Vegas. Every style. Every budget. Every environment-boutiques to malls.

shopping

5 Tips to Make Your Visit Spectacular:

  • Pack comfortable walking shoes. Sure, you can take a cab, bus or the light rail. But, walking The Strip allows you to easily go in and out of hotels, shops and restaurants along the way.
  • Food is pricey. Like most entertainment centers, food is expensive. Know this before you go. However, the choices are abundant. Want a greasy hamburger, find a fast food restaurant along The Strip. There are also food courts in most hotels and, of course, if you like fine dining, there’s certainly plenty of that to keep you well fed.
  • This is not a smoke free city. Even smoke free lodging doesn’t necessarily guarantee a smoke free environment. If this is a health concern for you, be sure to contact your hotel and make that known in advance.
  • Las Vegas attracts global visitors. Be open to interacting with those who sound and look different from you. It will enrich your visit.
  • A vehicle is not necessary. If you’re flying into Las Vegas, take a cab to your lodging. The Strip is often clogged; sometimes you can reach your dinner or entertainment destination quicker by walking.

What’s your favorite non-casino activity in Las Vegas?

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©Copyright. January 2016. Linda Leier Thomason

All Rights Reserved.

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