For the most part, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but there are some unique experiences in this desert city that you actually can share with your family and friends.

Though one of Frank Sinatra’s signature songs was about New York, the “city that never sleeps,” he and the rest of the “rat pack” made Las Vegas the place to go in the 1950s and ’60s. Almost 50 years later, this desert destination is bigger, brighter and better than ever before:

Off the Strip: The Rio
3700 W. Flamingo Road
(866) 746-7671

Most Las Vegas visitors make a beeline for the world famous Strip, overlooking a wonderful oasis called the Rio. Catering to the young and the young at heart, the Rio has a vibrant nightlife, with bowling at the Lucky Strike and a chance to mingle at the appropriately named Flirt Bar. Instead of rooms, everyone at the Rio gets a suite, with plenty of room to entertain new friends.

A Sweet Diversion: Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour
2 Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
(702) 458-8864

Going to Las Vegas to take a factory tour may sound insane, but Ethel M makes some of the best chocolates in the country, including several that have a sweet burst of liquor in the middle. During your free factory tour, you can walk through the cactus garden and also sample some of the treats made at Ethel M.

Take the Plunge: Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South
(702) 380-7777

Located near downtown Las Vegas, the Stratosphere Casino bears a striking resemblance to Seattle Space Needle. If rolling the bones or counting cards doesn’t get your heart pounding, you can head to the top of this casino and take a spin on Insanity, an appropriately named ride where you will either lose your nerve or your lunch.

Look Up: The Fremont Street Experience
425 Fremont St.

Combining historic Las Vegas with some high-tech thrills, the Fremont Street Experience is like the Matrix because no one can tell you what it is; you have to see Fremont Street to believe it. Covered by a canopy, this pedestrian mall features classic casinos such as Binion’s plus fine restaurants, street performers and outdoor concerts. When the sun goes down, make sure to watch the dazzling Viva Vision light show that uses synchronized LED lights.

Strolling the Las Vegas Strip

In the early 1990s, Las Vegas resorts made an effort to bring more of the entertainment outdoors, with such attractions as the pirate battle outside the Treasure Island Casino and the dancing waters of the upscale Bellagio resort. The Strip comes alive at night, so take a break from the tables to soak up the sights and sounds of Vegas; it’s probably the best place in Vegas to people watch.

Resources:

http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/rio/casino-misc/nightlife-detail.html
http://www.ethelschocolate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=196
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/
http://www.vegasexperience.com/
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagiofountains.html

travel recommendations, Las Vegas

Submitted by: Steven Bryan