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Sure, Las Vegas is known for its glitzy Strip, non-stop casino action, top-name entertainment and gourmet dining. But there are tons of other off-Strip, non-gaming things to do in this city that never sleeps—and all are jam-packed with just as much exhilaration and excitement! Here are ten ways to win big in Vegas—without placing a single bet.
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Light Up the Night
Nothing shines like the neon in Vegas!
Bright, flashing neon signs await at Brilliant! This new experience from the Neon Museum uses light technology to magically brings to life iconic neon signage while immersing visitors in intriguing Vegas history through imaginative sights and sounds. First timers may want to stick to the famous Boneyard tour which traces Vegas history while chronicling trends in sign design and technology ranging from the 1930s until today. Housed in the iconic shell-shaped La Concha Motel lobby, the best time to visit is at night.
“b” Blown Away
Walk or bike ride your way through the 18b Arts District (stands for 18 blocks squished between the Strip and downtown) and discover a hip, happening cultural hub packed with art galleries, performance venues, shops, bars and restaurants. Head to the intimate Cockroach Theatre to see new plays and offbeat revivals. Hang out on First Fridays where music, food, and local art, unique ice sculptures, fire breathers, even fortune tellers make this community festival seem more like a giant block party. Art collectors should check out Preview Thursdays (happening the day before first Friday) when galleries stay open until 10 p.m. Get around via the free shuttle bus.
Go Behind the Candelabra
Photo courtesy of Liberace Mansion
If you were a fan of the original, flamboyant piano virtuoso, then the Liberace Mansion is a Vegas must visit. Known as Mr. Showmanship, Liberace’s 1970s home is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour that showcases his iconic pianos, including his favorite mirrored grand piano, beautiful furnishings and over-the-top costumes. Note the decoratively-etched mirrors, sparkling chandeliers, pillars imported from Greece, and white marble floor. By appointment only.
Have a Ball, For Just 25 Cents
At the Pinball Hall of Fame, you’ll never run out of pinball games to play, guaranteed! The original “hands-on” gaming museum is filled with more than 250 functioning pinball machines from the 1950s through 2009. This non-profit museum features vintage pinball machines and more contemporary games like Super Mario Brothers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shrek. Games cost 25¢–50¢ and the Pinball Hall of Fame donates its excess revenues to charity.
Play With Big Boy Toys
Photo courtesy of Dig This
Imagine operating your own colossal bulldozer or excavator, even destroying a car with your own machine! Dig This®, The World’s first ever Heavy Equipment Playground®, opened in 2011 and provides a chance for participants to command in a safe, fun and supervised environment, their very own piece of heavy machinery. Push, pull and rip your way to excitement on a huge D5G Bulldozer while building huge mounds and pushing gigantic tires around.
Watch a Fight Break Out
Photo courtesy of T-Mobile Arena
Home of the Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena houses the city’s pro hockey team. The arena also offers a full line-up of live entertainment such as Smashing Pumpkins, the I Heart Music Festival, Fleetwood Mac and Justin Timberlake, plus other sporting events like heavyweight fights. See what happens backstage with a behind-the-scenes access tour.
Try and Contain Yourself
Photo courtesy of Container Park
Talk about re-use! Container Park is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex constructed of re-purposed shipping containers including shops, restaurants (ranging from gourmet dining to casual fare) and bars. Kids will love the interactive playground with a three-story treehouse. A 55-foot metal preying mantis sculpture at the entrance shoots flames during special nighttime events. Peek inside the Dome, an immersive, 4K-visual dome experience for music, movies and more.
Cleanse Your Palate, Not Your Clothes
No, this isn’t a recommendation for where to wash your delicates. The Laundry Room is a hip hidden gem, more like a trendy speakeasy housed inside another bar called Commonwealth. With authentic architecture, décor and a secret passageway, you’ll swear you’re living in the Prohibition era. It’s accessible via a hidden door, by reservation only. And you have to send a TEXT to get a reservation! But once you’re in, the fancy cocktails are great!
Smack Your Lips
Photo courtesy of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
Sip and sample the hottest new restaurants on the Strip, as well as downtown Fremont Street. The Lip Smacking Foodie Tour lets you dish it up with a variety of gourmet menu items at four to five restaurants. Get a guided tour between stops packed with insider information on Las Vegas. Choose from Lip Smacking Boozy Brunch (weekends), Afternoon Culinary Adventures, Savors of the Strip and Savory Bites and Neon Lights, which even includes a helicopter ride over the glittering strip. Your table is waiting…
Go Kaboom!
The desolate desert proved to be an ideal site for nuclear testing, starting in the early ’50s. Learn more about the Nevada Test Site at the fascinating National Atomic Testing Museum which exhibits more than 12,000 artifacts detailing the country’s controversial nuclear program. Affiliated with the Smithsonian, you’ll find black/white photos, Geiger counters, a large nuclear reactor and more.
Mira Temkin
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Don’t forget the Springs Preserve where you can wander among native plants, learn about the water history of the area, and even survive a simulated flash flood!
well i think there is alot to see and never know were to start so get in touch and let me know of the thing i cant live with out seeing thanks jeffrey