Nevada Travel Info, Recommendations, and Links

Nevada

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Las Vegas - Mike and Shay visited Las Vegas for the first time in October 2003. For Mike, it was a business trip; he was required to work at Kronos's user conference at the Venetian. But since Shay's birthday fell in the middle of the conference, Mike invited her to join him. While Mike was busy at work, Shay spent her free time exploring the sights along The Strip. We've compiled some useful visitor information, along with our personal recommendations, below.

Tourist Info:

	VegasFreedom - This is the official tourism site of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Check out the online Guide Book for useful visitor information, including entertainment, dining, shopping, lodging, special deals, and more. You can also request a brochure online. *Note:* Much of the VegasFreedom web site - including the Guide Book - uses Macromedia Flash, so you'll need the free Flash Player to access those pages. If you don't have Flash or would prefer to use an HTML-based web site, there are several good options listed below.
	TravelNevada - This web site is run by the Nevada Commission on Tourism. If you're planning to travel beyond Las Vegas, you'll find all the information you need here: attractions, accommodations, events, parks and recreation, scenic byways, and much more, including an online adventure guide for outdoorsy types. If you'd like some brochures before you go, you can order a free visitor information packet via the web site.
	Online Guide Books - You can find a wealth of additional information on Las Vegas sights, accommodations, dining, entertainment, and more by visiting the incredibly useful - and free! - Frommer's, Fodors, and Time Out online travel guides, as well as Vegas.com, LasVegas.com, Las Vegas Review-Journal, What's On, CheapoVegas, Las Vegas on 25¢ a Day, and RateLasVegas (this site provides helpful reviews and current price information for buffets and more).
	E-Newsletter - Another helpful source of Las Vegas information is the free Viva Las Vegas Newsletter. This e-newsletter provides information and links on a variety of topics including events, shows, hotel reviews, and more. The newsletter publisher also maintains a coupon index. (You do have to pay shipping and handling to receive the coupons, but you select and pay for only the coupons you want...so you can determine how good a deal the coupons are by comparing savings versus cost.)

Local Transportation:

	Citizens Area Transit (CAT) - Nevada's CAT service operates 51 bus routes throughout the greater Las Vegas area. If you're staying on The Strip, you can take the new double-decker Deuce bus to get from one end of the Strip to the other. This route runs 24 hours a day; see schedules online. The current fare is $2 for one ride, or $5 for an all-access pass (good on all Deuce and CAT buses for 24 hours).
	Strip Trolley - In addition to the CAT system, Las Vegas has a Strip Trolley that shuttles passengers to a number of casinos along Las Vegas Boulevard South. Current fares are $2.50 for a single one-way ride, or $6.50 for an all-day pass.
	Casino Monorails and Shuttles - There are several monorails, trams, and shuttle buses along The Strip to ferry passengers between casinos. In 2004, the new Las Vegas Monorail will began running from MGM Grand to Sahara, with stops at Bally's/Paris, Flamingo/Caesar's Palace, Harrah's/Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, and Las Vegas Hilton. That monorail will charge a fee. (Visit the LVNVmonorail site for additional details, including tickets, route map, station directory, fast facts, and more.) There is yet another tram that runs between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo; however, that one was closed during our visit (due to construction at the Bellagio), and there is no set date for its reopening. Visit the monorails page on Vegas.com for more information. In addition to the monorails, visitors can take advantage of free shuttle buses that connect Strip casinos to sister properties located off-Strip. These include the Caesar's Palace/Harrah's/Paris/Rio shuttle (scroll about halfway down page for info) and the Orleans/Gold Coast/Strip shuttle.
	McCarran International Airport (LAS) - Las Vegas's main airport is located a few blocks east of the lower end of The Strip - in fact, you can actually see a few of the casinos from some terminals. McCarran is a nice, modern facility with many amenities. However, be sure to allow plenty of time to go through security. (The line for terminal D took a very long time to get through...despite having several scanners lined up at the security checkpoint, they only had one scanner in operation to serve all of the passengers.) Visit the web site for an airport/terminal guide, traveler tips, airline list, airport services, dining, shopping, ground transportation, and more. *Note:* There are links to the smaller Las Vegas airports/airfields along the top of the McCarran home page. *Tip:* If you're staying at a hotel on The Strip and don't have a rental car, the shuttle services are probably the cheapest and most convenient way to get to your hotel - they cost about $5-$6 each way (depending on which company you use). Most of the shuttle services offer a roundtrip ticket at a slight discount over one way fares; however, you're better off just paying for a one-way ticket. Otherwise, when you want to go back to the airport, you'll have to wait around for a specific shuttle company instead of hopping on the first one that pulls up. Also, bear in mind that the shuttles will often stop at several hotels in order to fill the vehicle with as many fare-paying passengers as possible. So either schedule some extra time for your return trip or take a taxi if you're in a hurry.

Attractions:

Many people come to Vegas strictly for the gambling. However, there are plenty of worthwhile diversions beyond the casino floors. Be sure to pick up a copy of the free What's On guide (available in the lobby or at the concierge desk of most of the larger resorts), which includes concert and event listings as well as some coupons for local attractions. See below for some of our sightseeing recommendations, which are alphabetized by hotel/casino name. (Although our sightseeing was limited to the Strip, we hope to explore more of Vegas and the surrounding areas on our next trip to Nevada. As such, we've included some off-Strip attractions and day trips at the end of this section.)

Aladdin - 3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The big draw at Aladdin is the Desert Passage, an indoor shopping arcade.

Desert Passage - While you can find overpriced shops in most Vegas mega-resorts, the unique themed décor makes some of them - like Aladdin's Desert Passage - worth a stroll, whether or not you actually plan to buy anything. The indoor Desert Passage features Moorish architecture and trompe l'oeil ceilings, and is intended to evoke "ancient trade routes stretching from the coast of Spain across Northern Africa onto the Arabian Sea". If you time your visit right, you may catch a street performance in the Hall of Lamps, or the spectacle of the Merchants' Harbor Rainstorm. Visit the web site for a shopping directory, Aladdin Theatre listings, restaurants and nightclubs, coupons, promotions, map (PDF format), and more. Free entrance.

Bellagio - 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The Bellagio has several attractions that draw visitors to this stunning property:

	Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Most visitors to Las Vegas stop outside the Bellagio to view the gorgeous fountains; however, those who venture inside are in for a treat. Just beyond the lobby, a glass-roofed conservatory houses a garden that blooms throughout the year. The flowers and decorations change with the seasons and holidays; you can get a peek via the online gallery. Free.
	Fountains - The Bellagio Fountains are one of the most visited landmarks in Las Vegas, and with good reason: the play of water, music, and light is absolutely mesmerizing. These fountains are proclaimed to be "the most ambitious water feature ever conceived"; and once you see them, you'll believe it. This magnificent display manages to be both thrilling and calming at the same time. Whatever else you do in Vegas, do not miss the Bellagio Fountains. Free.
	Gallery of Fine Art - Believe it or not, there are some attractions in Vegas that appeal to visitors' cultural side. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is one of them. The gallery hosts two or three special exhibitions each year. During our visit, the featured exhibit was Treasures from Chatsworth: A British Noble House. Visit the gallery's web site for general info (including hours and prices), current and past exhibitions, FAQs, and more.
	Lobby Ceiling - As you cross the lobby of the Bellagio (en route to the lovely Botanical Gardens), take a moment to look up...the ceiling is covered with a profusion of colorful glass flowers known as the Fiori di Como. Free.

Caesar's Palace - 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This sprawling mega-resort has long ruled over The Strip. The renowned Forum Shops draw visitors for the following attractions:

	Fall of Atlantis - In one of the best-attended shows in Las Vegas, the children of Atlantis fight for control of the fabled city, and animatronic figures come to life in a high-tech production. The Fall of Atlantis attraction is located in the Forum Shops, between the Cheesecake Factory and the Race for Atlantis. See Vegas.com for additional details. Free.
	Festival Fountains - This show features an interesting animatronic discussion between a group of statues - Bacchus, Venus, Apollo, and Plutus - that preside over a fountain. It is located at the west end of the Forum Shops, near the Sweet Factory. Free.
	Forum Shops - This shopping center is full of designer boutiques and other pricey stores. Whether or not you can afford to buy anything here, the Forum Shops are worth a stroll for the amazing store facades, which are designed to look like famous Roman buildings. The trompe l'oeil ceilings bring the outdoors inside, with fluffy clouds floating in a blue sky. But perhaps the best reason to visit the Forum Shops is to catch the free animatronic shows mentioned above. (You can view a photo gallery or Quick-Time virtual tour on Vegas.com.) Free entrance.
	Race for Atlantis - This attraction is proclaimed to be the only IMAX 3-D ride in the world, and it features the largest IMAX dome screen ever built. Visitors race chariots through the mythical city of Atlantis in order to save it from demons. Special 3-D goggles have speakers built in to provide a multi-sensory experience. We didn't get to try this ride out, so we can't provide any personal feedback here. (Note that this attraction does charge an admission fee.) See Vegas.com for more details and a reveiw.

Casino Royale - 3411 Las Vegas Boulevard South - Nestled between the Venetian and Harrah's is one of our favorite hangouts on the Strip: the unassuming but popular Casino Royale. The exterior of the building looks like a Victorian beachside resort, all pastel colors and gingerbread trim. But if you're used to the bright and gleaming casinos of the newer resorts, you may be taken aback once you set foot inside...the interior is dim, a bit worn, and decidedly lowbrow. However, we think that just adds to the casino's laid-back charm. Mike loves Casino Royale for the Blackjack tables with low minimum bets ($5 as opposed to $15-$25 in the neighboring casinos). Shay - who's not much of a gambler - likes the video nickel slots. (At least you get some entertainment for your money...much better than watching boring old reels spin around.) And according to the Travel Channel, Casino Royale is the best place to strike it rich of any casino in the world. As if you needed another reason to come here, how about cheap drinks? We're talking $1 for either a bottle of Michelob lager or a small frozen margarita. Casino Royale also has several affordable eateries on site, including Denny's, Subway, Noble Roman's Pizza, and Outback Steakhouse. Visit the Casino Royale web site for location (click and scroll down), gaming info, dining options, hotel rooms, and more.

Circus Circus - 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This property was built back in the days when Las Vegas was actively courting families with children. It now looks a bit worn and dated compared to some of the newer hotels further down the Strip; in fact, it's hard to believe it's part of the Mandalay Resort Group. That said, Circus Circus still has a few attractions - namely, its indoor theme park - that make it well worth a visit:

	Adventuredome - This five-acre indoor theme park features a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including virtual reality games, a mini golf course, and more. Shay particularly liked the Canyon Blaster roller coaster; it had more loops and a smoother ride than the other Vegas coasters...for about half the price (a single ride ticket was $5). Other popular thrill rides include the Rim Runner water ride, the madly spinning Chaos, and the Simex Simulator Ride. Visit the Adventuredome web site for general info (including hours and prices), park map, location map, and more. You can find additional details on Vegas.com. *Note:* If you go on the Canyon Blaster (not sure about the other thrill rides here), you aren't allowed to bring any purses, bags, or other loose items on the ride. You'll either have to ask a non-rider to hold your stuff, or rent a locker for $1 (quarters only). Free entrance to park; visitors may pay per ride or purchase an all-day ride pass.
	Circus Acts - To complete the circus theme, this resort features a variety of circus acts throughout the day (every half hour between 11am and midnight). Depending on when you stop by, you may catch jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists, balancing acts, and the like. Performances are held on the center stage at the heart of the carnival midway. Free.
	Midway - To go along with the carnival-like atmosphere, Circus Circus has a Midway featuring the usual games and corny prizes. But hey, some people love that stuff. If you're one of them, you'll have a blast here. Free entrance; pay per game.

Flamingo - 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The Flamingo is among the Strip resorts that attempt to lure visitors with wildlife. In this case, that means the Flamingo's namesake pink bird and a few feathered, finned, and four-footed friends:

Wildlife Habitat - The habitat is home to a flock of live Chilean flamingos and a group of African penguins, as well as several pheasants, quail, cranes, parrots, swans, ducks, Koi, turtles, and other creatures. They have the run of a climate-controlled display area with waterfalls, ponds, and foliage. See the write-up on Vegas.com for additional details. Tip: If you time your visit right, you may be able to catch one of the penguin feedings (8:25am and 2:55pm). Free.

Mandalay Bay - 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The Mandalay Bay resort is designed along the theme of a tropical oasis, so it should come as no surprise that it boasts its own aquarium:

Shark Reef - The Shark Reef exhibit is home to more than 1,200 species, including tropical and freshwater fish, reptiles (such as golden crocodiles, sea turtles, and water monitors), marine invertebrates (like rays, eels, and jellyfish), and 16 different species of sharks. We passed on this attraction (it was a bit pricey, and we'd already visited several aquariums over the past year), but you can find additional info on Vegas.com. Hours and admission are posted on the resort web site, along with links to a live shark cam and virtual tour.

MGM Grand - 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South - Many visitors stop by the MGM Grand to visit the resort's leonine mascots. However, a lesser-known reason to visit is the CBS Television City research center.

CBS Television City - This research center allows visitors to preview and rate television pilots, and provides an interactive experience for guests. (Of course, it also features a retail shop with lots of branded merchandise, including VH-1, MTV, Nickelodeon, and CBS hits like Survivor.) Television City is open daily from 10am-10pm. We didn't get a chance to visit the research center ourselves, but you can read an overview on Vegas.com. (The MGM Grand web site doesn't seem to have any info on Television City, apart from a brief mention in the Hotel Fact Sheet.) Free.

Lion Habitat - The MGM Lion Habitat allows visitors to view lions and lionesses up close. The animals live on a ranch 12 miles away, and a few are brought to the habitat each day on a rotating basis. Guests can stand outside the glass-walled enclosure and look in, or they can walk through a glass tunnel for a unique perspective from the inside out. During Shay's visit, three lionesses were on view. They seemed content in their habitat surroundings and spent their time playing with balls, chewing on rawhides, and establishing their territory. See the write-up on Vegas.com for additional details, and feel free to browse through some of Shay's lion pics. Free.

The Mirage - 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This resort is intended to simulate a South Pacific paradise, and it offers several attractions that center on nature and wildlife:

	Aquarium - The Mirage has a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium located behind the reception desk. Some 60 species of coral-reef dwellers - over 1,000 creatures in all - swim placidly through the large tank. You'll see angelfish, puffer fish, small sharks, and other exotic sea life. The fish are both calming and entertaining, and the check-in lines seem to pass more quickly as you lose yourself in the aquatic panorama. Free.
	Rainforest - As you walk through the main entrance of The Mirage, you'll find yourself facing a tropical rainforest housed under a 100-foot high glass dome. A walkway leads visitors past lush greenery, exotic flowers, waterfalls, and lagoons. (Some of the hotel's bars and restaurants also afford great views of this tropical paradise.) The atrium features over 100 types of plants and flora, including hundreds of orchids and bromeliads. Free.
	Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat - This is easily one of the of the best attractions on the Strip. Visitors are first led into the Dolphin Habitat, where one of the dolphin care specialists provides an overview of the facility and its inhabitants. Guests then enter an underground viewing area, where glass walls allow close-up views of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Above-ground, visitors may sit along the edges of the pools and watch the dolphins splash and frolic. They are very playful creatures; during Shay's visit, some of the dolphins would bounce large balls out of the pool to entice visitors into a game of catch. Beyond the Dolphin Habitat, visitors can pick up an audio guide on their way into Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden. Here, guests can see and learn more about the white tigers, heterozygous tigers, white lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, and panthers, as well as an Asian elephant called Gildah. Info, hours, and admission prices are posted on the Mirage site, along with Quick-Time movies of the tigers and dolphins. For additional details, visit the Siegfried & Roy web site, or see the write-up on Vegas.com. And feel free to browse through Shay's photos of the Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden.
	Volcano - In front of The Mirage, a large waterfall splashes into a sparkling lagoon below, as birds fly overhead and ducks drift serenely past. But when the clock strikes 7pm, this tranquil water feature transforms into a fire-belching "volcano". Colored lights make the falling water look like lava flows, and visitors standing nearby can feel blasts of heat from the pyrotechnic display. The volcano erupts every 15 minutes until midnight, allowing scores of visitors to enjoy this nightly spectacle. See Vegas.com for a write-up, or view the Quick-Time movie on the Mirage web site. Free.
	White Tiger Habitat - If you want to get a peek at Siegfried and Roy's gorgeous white tigers, you can generally find at least one on display here. Visitors are separated by a glass wall, and can look on as the tigers splash in the habitat's pool, pace around their whitewashed enclosure, or nap in front of a colorful Rousseau-inspired mural. See Vegas.com for a review. *Tip:* As long as you remember to turn off the flash on your camera, you can get better photos here than in the Secret Garden, where safety fences obstruct the views. Free.

New York New York - 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This resort has a really cool facade - it looks like a group of New York skyscrapers, complete with a replica of the Statue of Liberty. But the real draw is the Manhattan Express roller coaster.

Manhattan Express - This roller coaster offers a thrilling (if rather pricey) ride. When you exit the platform (which is designed to look like a subway station), the track runs behind the resort and climbs to a height of over 200 feet before rapidly plummeting into a loop. But the ride doesn't end there...riders are taken through a series of fast dips and corkscrews before the ride is over. The New York New York web site provides a Quick-Time movie of the ride, but it doesn't seem to include details such as hours and pricing. However, you can find additional information on Vegas.com. (When Shay visited, a single ride ticket was $12 - more than double the price of the Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus. However, the local What's On guide had a $2-off coupon.) Note: You are not allowed to bring any purses, bags, or other loose items on the ride. You'll either have to ask a non-rider to hold your stuff, or rent a locker for 50¢ (quarters only).

Paris - 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This mega-resort celebrates all things French. Inside, visitors can stroll down a boulevard filled with charming shops, restaurants, and street performers - all of which create an Old-World ambiance that perfectly recalls Europe's "City of Lights". Outside, tourists snap photos of facades that replicate a number of Parisian landmarks. The most famous of those landmarks - the Eiffel Tower - is a popular visitor attraction:

Eiffel Tower Experience - This half-scale replica of Paris's ubiquitous landmark draws many visitors, who willingly part with the admission fee to partake in the stunning panorama from the observation deck. Look south down the Strip for views of Aladdin, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, and other popular resorts. Peer northward to see Caesar's Palace, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Venetian, Stratosphere, Flamingo, and more. The eastern view looks toward the mountains, while the beautiful Bellagio sits due west across the Strip. Unfortunately, there are only a few camera holes set in the safety fence, so it's difficult to get good, unobstructed photographs from most angles. (For example, Shay was only able to snap a small section of the Bellagio fountain pool. Very frustrating.) The Paris web site provides an overview and operating hours for this attraction; for prices and other info, see Vegas.com. Tip: The admission fee is $3 higher on the weekends, so your best bet is to visit between Monday and Thursday.

Rio - 3700 West Flamingo Road - The Rio is located several blocks west of the Strip, past Interstate 15. It's a bit of a hike from the Strip; if you don't have a car, you can catch a free shuttle from Harrah's. The big draw here is the Carnivale parade known as the Masquerade Show in the Sky:

Masquerade Show in the Sky - Seven times a day, the Rio hosts a lavish Carnivale parade...above the casino floor. Huge floats drift over visitors' heads, while costumed performers entertain the crowds and throw beads. Enthusiastic visitors can be a part of the production (for a fee); participants will be given a costume and assigned to a float. Details, hours, and participation fees are available on the Rio's web site and on Vegas.com. Free.

Sahara - 2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The Sahara offers visitors a couple of thrill rides that are designed for speed freaks:

Cyber Speedway - Visitors can climb into a 7/8-scale replica stock car and belt in for a wild (simulated) ride around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway or down the Las Vegas Strip. It's said to be a very realistic experience. (Shay didn't try this attraction during her thrill-ride pilgrimage because: a) she has no interest in stock car racing; b) simulator rides often leave her feeling a bit queasy; and c) the ride happened to be closed during her visit.) Details, hours, and prices are posted online. See Vegas.com for additional info and a review.

Speed: The Ride - This attraction certainly lives up to its name, with a maximum speed of 70 mph. Riders hurtle out of the launch platform, crest a hill, and drop through an underground tunnel before entering a loop and climbing to a height of 224 feet...whereupon they then drop backwards and complete the ride in reverse. The whole experience is over in 45 seconds. Although Vegas.com proclaims this to be the best thrill ride in town, it was Shay's least favorite of the four roller coasters she tried. (The high speeds made for a rough ride, and Shay's head was battered about within the confines of the restraint bar. What's more, Speed was nearly double the price of the Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus, even though the ride was over in less than half the time.) Hours, prices, and other details are available online, along with clips of celebrity riders and an MTV stunt. Note: You are not allowed to bring any purses, bags, or other loose items on the ride. You'll either have to ask a non-rider to hold your stuff, or rent a locker for 50¢ (quarters only).

Showcase Mall - 3785 Las Vegas Boulevard South - In addition to the shops, video arcade, and cinema that you'd find in almost any major shopping center, the Showcase Mall has a few additional draws:

	Grand Canyon Experience - We couldn't find many details on this attraction online, and we didn't get a chance to see it while we were in Vegas. However, an article on Excursia.com describes it as: "a free adventure that replicates a tour through the Grand Canyon. Within the attraction, visitors may see aerial videos of the Grand Canyon and products and artifacts made by the native inhabitants. There are authentic sounds of the canyon, including animals, a canyon thunderstorm, and helicopters flying overhead. And like most attractions in town, you can pick up a gift or souvenir to remember your visit."
	M&Ms World - Yes, this four-story store is a clever way to get visitors to drop money on all things M&M. However, it also features an entertaining - and free - 3-D movie. And if you find yourself craving candy-coated chocolate treats after the M&Ms barrage, be sure to stop by Colorworks to create your own personal mix. Go beyond the basic hues found in an ordinary pack of M&Ms and choose from a palette that includes black, white, pink, purple, teal, aqua, and more. See the write-up on Vegas.com for more details. Free entrance.
	Tickets2Nite - If you're looking to buy half-price tickets for same-day shows, this is the place to go. Don't expect to nab seats for the hottest performances - like big-name concerts or any of the Cirque du Soleil shows - as those are generally sold out well in advance. However, if you are flexible regarding your choice of entertainment options, you can find some good deals here. Visit the web site for more info, including an overview, location, and FAQs.
	World of Coca-Cola - This unique attraction - located behind the facade of a giant Coke bottle - relates the history of the Coca-Cola brand and features some interesting "live" exhibits, clips of the company's most memorable commercials, a storytelling theater, a 1930s soda fountain, samples of international Coca-Cola products, and more. Of course, you'll find a huge assortment of Coke-themed souvenirs for sale in the retail emporium below the exhibits. Oddly, Coke does not seem to have a web site for the World of Coca-Cola attraction; however, you can read an article on the Fast Company web site and view some animated (Quick-Time) clips on NextExit. Free entrance.

Stratosphere - 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South - The Stratosphere may be located at the seedy end of the Strip, but it still draws visitors for its observation deck and thrill rides:

	Big Shot - The Big Shot marks the highest point of the Stratosphere Tower, which stands over 100 stories above the ground. Riders sit with their legs dangling and their backs to the metal framework that rises into the sky, facing wide open views of the city. The ride blasts passengers 160 feet into the air in 2.5 seconds, creating 4 Gs of thrust force. It then drops them back to the launch pad at 0 Gs. The riders "bungee" a few times before finally coming to a stop. (Shay was dying to try the Big Shot, but was still feeling a bit queasy after being rattled around on the Speed roller coaster. Hopefully she'll get another chance someday!) Details and prices are posted online. See Vegas.com for additional info and a review. *Note:* Stratosphere Tower admission is required in addition to the ride price.
	High Roller - This is literally the highest roller coaster in the world, perched over 900 feet above the ground. The views are amazing; the tracks circle the tower above the observation deck, and give riders a 360° panorama of Las Vegas. The sheer height of the ride may instill fear in many visitors; however, the coaster itself is fairly tame...it has a maximum speed of 30 mph, a maximum drop of 32 feet, 32-degree curves, and no loops or corkscrews to flip riders upside down. (You can even bring purses and other loose items on board with you; just hold onto them.) It's a very smooth, scenic ride that ends all too soon. Shay was lucky enough to nab the front seat, which is the best spot for unobstructed views of the city. Details and prices are posted online. See Vegas.com for additional info and a review. *Note:* Stratosphere Tower admission is required in addition to the ride price.
	Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck - According to the web site, "At 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River." Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Las Vegas from the indoor and outdoor observation decks. If you've come to the Stratosphere for the thrill rides, you'll have to pay Stratosphere Tower admission to get to them...so you may as well enjoy the view while you're up there! You really get a sense of the Las Vegas landscape from that height: a completely flat desert surrounded by mountains. (You're a bit too far north to get any really good photos of the Strip resorts, and there are a few ugly vacant lots near the Stratosphere. Still, it's a good way to get a bird's-eye view of the city.) Details and prices are posted online (scroll down page). See Vegas.com for additional info and a review, and feel free to have a peek at Shay's photos of the views.
	X Scream - This terrifying new ride opened on Halloween 2003. (Unfortunately, that was a week after we returned to Boston. But even a thrill-ride lover like Shay may not have the guts to try this one...) Passengers board an eight-seat car that rests on a see-saw track. The ride begins with the car tipped slightly backward at the end of the track. The track then levels out before pitching riders forward to the opposite end of the track...and over the edge of the building. Riders have the heart-stopping sensation that they're about to fly off the track and plunge over 850 feet to the ground below...before the track tips safely back into place on the boarding platform. As you can imagine, this is not a ride for the faint of heart. Details and prices are posted online. See Vegas.com for additional info and a review. *Note:* Stratosphere Tower admission is required in addition to the ride price.

Treasure Island - 3300 Las Vegas Boulevard South - Those of you who have previously visited Las Vegas may recall an exciting pirate battle that was waged in a lagoon in front of Treasure Island (TI). The resort apparently decided that they'd draw more adults with something racier, so the seafaring show got a bit of an overhaul...

Sirens - Treasure Island kicked off its new "Sirens" show days after we left Vegas, so we didn't get to see this attraction while we were in town. However, we have read some reviews. The "sirens" in the name of the show does not refer to a loud, wailing noise; instead, think more along the lines of the old sailors' lore about the "siren's song". But it's more than just a song; it's a whole choreographed battle routine, where swarthy, bare-chested "pirates" face off against scantily-clad "sirens". From what we've heard, the older version was better and will be sorely missed by many. But hey, Sirens is free entertainment in an increasingly expensive town; so that alone may be reason enough to check it out. Visit the TI web site for details and show times, as well as a web cam and photo gallery. See Las Vegas Weekly and Vegas.com for reviews. Free.

Tropicana - 3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This older resort at the southern end of the Strip entices visitors into the casino with a free spin on a special slot machine, which offers a grand prize of a Mustang convertible. However, visitors are far more likely to "win" 2-for-1 deals to a Tropicana show, or even free show tickets (if they're lucky). However, everyone gets a coupon for a free pack of playing cards (which has to be redeemed in the casino, of course). If nothing else, the free cards make good souvenirs for the folks back home. If you do find yourself at the Tropicana, there are a few attractions you may want to stick around for:

	Air Play - The Tropicana features a series of free aerial performances/variety shows several times a day. High above the casino floor, acrobats and contortionists perform impressive stunts for the admiring crowds below. Rounding out the act is a cast of singers and dancers. See Vegas.com for a review. Free.
	Casino Legends Hall of Fame - True casino buffs may be interested in this museum, which houses the world's largest collection of casino memorabilia. The exhibit also traces the development of Las Vegas over the past 70+ years, from Nevada's legalization of gambling in 1931 to the booming resort area the city has become today. This museum does charge a fee, so visitors with only a passing interest in casinos may want to pass on this attraction.
	Tiana Carroll's Bird Show - Parrots are said to be highly intelligent creatures that crave attention and love to play. If that's true, the birds in trainer Tiana Carroll's show must be very happy indeed, as they have an opportunity to show off their talents in front of an appreciative audience three times a day. Free.

Venetian - 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This gorgeous resort is truly awe-inspiring. From the moment visitors set foot on the property, they are instantly transported across the ocean to Venice. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the elegant building facades to the magnificent frescoes to the graceful gondolas that ply the turquoise waters of the canals. The Venetian is worth a visit for the ambiance alone, but it also offers a variety of entertaining activities:

	Gondola Rides - What could be more romantic than a gondola ride through the Venetian's turquoise canals? Visitors who opt for an outdoor ride will glide through sun-dappled waters past some of Venice's most famous landmarks: the Campanile Tower, Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Ca' d'Oro, and Clock Tower. Those who choose the indoor ride will follow the waterways of the Grand Canal Shoppes, passing St. Mark's Square, pretty storefronts, charming cafés, and a series of footbridges - all under a perpetually blue (frescoed) sky. Each gondola can carry up to four passengers; guests may either share a ride with others (paying a lower per-person fee) or book a private ride (by paying for all four seats). During our visit, the cost was $12.50 per adult, or $50 for a private gondola. (Of course, it's polite to tip your gondolier.) We booked a romantic ride for two on Shay's birthday. Our gondolier, Constanze, serenaded us with her angelic voice as we drifted through the indoor Grand Canal. It was a lovely, memorable ride...our only complaint is that it was over far too soon! Hours and prices are posted on the Venetian web site. See Vegas.com for a review.
	Grand Canal Shoppes - Like the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace or Desert Passage at Aladdin, the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes create an atmosphere that whisks visitors away to another place. Each store and restaurant is housed behind a stunning facade, replicating the beautiful architecture found throughout Venice. Trompe l'oeil ceilings bring the outdoors inside, with puffy white clouds in a blue sky. As visitors follow the winding walkways, they'll soon encounter the Grand Canal, which runs through the heart of the building and leads to St. Mark's Square. The square houses several sidewalk cafés and chic shops, as well as stage that features free "shoppertainment" throughout the day. Visit the web site for info and hours, shopping and dining directory, performances, virtual tours, and more. See Vegas.com for a write-up. Free entrance.
	Guggenheim Hermitage - The Venetian hosts its very own art museum, which displays exhibitions of selected works from the acclaimed Guggenheim and Hermitage collections. The featured exhibit during our visit was American Pop Icons, which included paintings and sculptures by Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and other leaders of the Pop Art movement. Shay enjoyed the exhibit, and rented an audio guide to learn more about the works on display. However, the museum was disappointingly small, especially given the disproportionately high cost of admission. The Guggenheim Hermitage consists of a single large gallery with several freestanding display walls, and generally hosts only 30-40 works at a time. True art enthusiasts probably won't mind paying the $15 admission price to view works of this caliber; however, others will find that they can view more art for their money elsewhere in Vegas (for instance, at the Las Vegas Art Museum or UNLV's free Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery). The Venetian web site lists the museum's hours, prices, and a brief overview of the current exhibit. Visit the Guggenheim Hermitage web site for additional details about the featured exhibition, building, and partners (Guggenheim and State Hermitage museums), as well as visitor info, press releases, and more. See Vegas.com for a review. Tips: To save a couple of dollars off the admission price, check the Venetian web site for a coupon, or watch for staff handing out discount flyers near the museum and/or casino entrances. Also, if you are a guest of the Venetian hotel, you are eligible for a free return visit pass - be sure to ask about this when you pay for admission.
	Houdini Museum - Among the retail outlets of the Grand Canal Shoppes is Houdini's Magic Shop. And next door to the shop is a small museum filled with many Houdini artifacts and memorabilia. The museum is small but inexpensive, so it is a worthwhile diversion for magic buffs and fans of the great magician and escape artist. See Vegas.com for additional details, including hours and prices.
	Madame Tussaud's - This popular museum is home to over 100 famous celebrities, all meticulously sculpted in wax. You'll meet actors, musicians, sports figures, and other stars. The Venetian bills this as an "interactive" museum, as visitors are allowed to touch the wax portraits and even pose for photos with them. Visit the web site for hours and prices, featured celebrities, history, and more. See Vegas.com for a write-up. *Tips:* The admission price is pretty steep ($20 per adult), so check the special offers page for coupons. Madame Tussaud's also occasionally places wax figures outside the museum entrance or in the Great Hall of the Grand Canal Shoppes, so you may be able to have you photo taken with a "celebrity" without paying museum admission.
	Time Traveler: The 3D Ride - Several resorts in Vegas offer motion simulator rides, and the Venetian is no exception. However, Vegas.com notes that Time Traveler is the longest motion adventure in Vegas, at 8.5 minutes. In addition to Time Traveler, the Venetian also offers several other 3-D motion simulator rides. The Venetian web site does not provide much info on this attraction, but you can find additional details and prices on Vegas.com.

Wynn Las Vegas - 3145 Las Vegas Boulevard South - This brand new luxury resort is currently still under construction, with a scheduled opening in Spring 2005. However, visitors can view featured works from the acclaimed Wynn Collection, which are displayed in a temporary gallery in the former Desert Inn hotel:

The Wynn Collection - Casino mogul Steve Wynn has two driving passions: building luxury mega-resorts and collecting fine art. While his latest hotel/casino is being erected on the Strip, visitors can preview the future resort's art gallery in its temporary home. Like the Venetian's Guggenheim Hermitage museum, the Wynn Collection displays only a small number of works at any given time. However, each painting in the collection is a masterpiece, representing some of the finest works by the world's most famous artists: Picasso, Matisse, Gauguin, van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet, Rembrandt, Modigliani, Warhol, and others. An audio tour is included in the price of admission. Wynn does not seem to have a web site for his art gallery, but you can find information (including hours and prices) and a review on Vegas.com.

Off-Strip Attractions - Although we didn't venture beyond the Strip during our visit to Vegas, here are a few of the attractions we hope to see during our next visit to the area:

	Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery - 4505 South Maryland Parkway, UNLV Campus, Las Vegas - This art gallery on the UNLV campus hosts a series of changing exhibitions, featuring works by national and regional artists as well as faculty and students. Visit the UNLV web site for gallery information, current and future exhibitions, previous exhibits, directions/map, and more. Free.
	Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden - Two Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson - This free attraction is located in the nearby town of Henderson. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the candy factory, and enjoy a free sample of Ethel's gourmet chocolate. The adjacent botanical cactus garden features 350 species of cactus, succulents, and desert plants from the Southwest and other areas of the world. Be sure to check out the property's Living Machine, which converts the factory's wastewater into landscape irrigation. Visit the Ethel M web site for details, directions, and map, and see Vegas.com for additional info and a review.
	Fremont Street Experience - Fremont Street, Las Vegas - To lure visitors off of the Strip, Vegas's downtown area hosts the Fremont Street Experience. Fremont Street is a pedestrian promenade featuring free mall entertainment, retail carts, and exciting sound-and-light shows. Five city blocks are covered with a canopy of over 2 million lights enhanced by 550,000 watts of sound and special effects. Best of all, this multi-million-dollar attraction is free. Visitors can also check out the free Fremont Street "galleries" of the Neon Museum. While you're on Fremont Street, keep an eye out for the city's giant neon mascots, Vegas Vic and Vegas Vicky. Visit the web site for show info, special events, map, and more; and see Vegas.com for a review.
	Las Vegas Art Museum - 9600 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas - This museum was founded in 1950, and moved into its current modern facility in 1997. It became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute in 2002, and as such is eligible to display works on loan from the esteemed Smithsonian collections. Although the museum is located about 10 miles from the Strip, its reasonable admission fees and interesting exhibits make it well worth the trip. Visit the web site for hours, admission, and upcoming exhibits, as well as museum history, news, and more.
	Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History - 4505 South Maryland Parkway, UNLV Campus, Las Vegas - This museum features exhibitions on the natural history of Southern Nevada and surrounding regions. Among the exhibits are an intriguing display of live desert reptiles - including snakes, lizards, and tortoises - and cultural displays featuring the handiwork of Native American, Mexican, and Guatemalan artisans. Historical exhibits explore early Las Vegas, the building of the Hoover Dam, and pre-Columbian cultures. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the UNLV web site for museum visitor information, permanent exhibits, special exhibits, departments, calendar of events, and more. See Vegas.com for a review. Free.
	Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort - 500 East Washington Avenue, Las Vegas - This site is managed by the Nevada Division of State Parks, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into Las Vegas's past. The first permanent non-native settlers in the Las Vegas Valley were a group of Mormon missionaries who built an adobe fort along Las Vegas Creek in 1855. Today, the park includes a remnant of the original adobe fort, which serves as a visitor center with interpretive displays. See the park's web page for visitor info and history, as well as a map. For additional information, see the Historic Nevada article on the KNPB (local PBS station) web site and the review on Vegas.com.
	Shopping Outlets - Die-hard bargain hunters (like Shay) will be delighted to learn that the Las Vegas area has three outlet shopping centers: Las Vegas Premium Outlets, 875 South Grand Central Parkway; Las Vegas Outlet Center, 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South; and Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, 32100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Primm. See Vegas.com for more information on these outlets and other shopping centers.
	UNLV Arboretum and Xeric Garden - South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas - The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is known as "the Emerald in the Desert" because of its beautifully landscaped campus. The arboretum encompasses the entire 335-acre campus, of which 80 acres are landscaped with trees, shrubs, and turf. The arboretum also features a two-acre xeric garden, which contains plants from arid regions around the world. Visitors are invited to take self-guided tours of the arboretum and xeric garden. The UNLV web site provides visitor information, a virtual tour/map of the xeric garden, and more. Free.

Day Trips - There are several popular tourist attractions that make an easy day trip from Las Vegas: