Las Vegas has built its reputation upon disrepute, and that’s exactly how they like it. This hotbed for vice in the United States draws visitors, tourists and high-rollers alike from all over the world, providing an adult playground where money can buy any extravagance and the parties can last for days. (This is the kind of place where a British prince in line for one of the oldest continuous European thrones forgot his royal dignity, after all.) Nothing less would draw millions to a scorching hot city in the middle of the Nevada desert!
But if parties, throwing down cash and the rampant decadence of crowded casinos leave you wondering what else is there to do, you might be surprised at the answer: lots! Take that shocked look off your face and check out what else there is to do, and see, beyond the casinos and the Strip.
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop
If you’ve turned on The History Channel at any point in the past couple of years, you have probably come across the cleverly titled “Pawn Stars,” or at least witnessed a commercial ad for it. Well the shop where all the action takes place is in Las Vegas on Las Vegas Boulevard, and it’s open for business, 24 hours a day, just like the sign says (although it closes for filming). Catch a glimpse – or have a spar – with the knowledgeable stars: Rick, his dad, Old Man, Corey and Chumlee. This is a working, running pawn shop, so looky-loos might find themselves having a bit of a wait before they’re admitted, in the interest of keeping the business flowing.
Atomic Testing Museum
Photography is strictly banned in most of the National Atomic Testing Museum, which lends the place a real sense of the verboten – because can you imagine what people would have thought in the 1950s if they had known this kind of thing was going on, above-ground, so close to Las Vegas? Indeed, the museum is just a short distance north of the city, out in the bleak desert. It’s a fascinating and sobering journey through the history of atomic testing in Nevada, all the way up to the 1990s, when the testing was at least moved underground. The Atomic Testing Museum is now Smithsonian-affiliated, making it one of 37 national museums in the United States.
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
The Las Vegas Springs Preserve is a true oasis in the middle of a big sandy desert. This gorgeous botanic garden-cum-natural history museum is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is located a mere 15 minute drive from the Strip. Guests to the Preserve will be stunned when they see the incredible exhibits which are both permanent and visiting (the current “Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders” is not for arachnophobes) and will be even more impressed when they see the beautiful area set aside for cacti, palms, roses and fragrant herbs. Plan your Vegas visit for the spring of 2013 and be there for the opening of the gardens’ new butterfly habitat.
Green Valley Ranch
Beyond the Strip in Las Vegas and hotels which are, ah, not so family-friendly, the Green Valley Ranch in suburban Henderson is a great resort which actually packs in a lot to do for guests of all ages. Kids will be entertained by the 10-screen cinema and arcade, while adults will no doubt bask in the amenities, like an elegant full-service day spa, outdoor shopping mall and nine on-site dining options, like Hank’s Fine Steaks and Martinis, Sushi and Sake, the Feast Buffet and Grand Café (which is open 24 hours).
Neon Museum
Now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Las Vegas; the Neon Museum’s grand opening party was on Oct. 26. Public tours began again on the 27th, and the museum, which closed temporarily to make much-needed improvements to the layout and presentation, is a fascinating look at the gargantuan and iconic lights that have helped define Las Vegas in the popular imagination. The outdoor museum comprises three parts: the Neon Boneyard, the Downtown Gallery and the Las Vegas Signs project, with the signs in the boneyard dating as far back as the 1930s.
Image provided by Justin Fain from Flickr’s Creative Commons
Chad Mersky is a contributing writer and Las Vegas native who attended UNLV to study English before moving to Los Angeles for work. He returns to Sin City at least once a month and is considered the unofficial off-Strip tour guide among his friends.
