Anti-Vegas Oasis Called Best Attraction In Town
Six Of Top 10 Attractions Not On Strip
UPDATED: 10:32 a.m. EST December 15, 2003
Let's face it: there's too much to do in Las Vegas. Roller coasters, pirates, volcanoes, dolphins, museums, art, shopping ... and that's if you can pry yourself away from the slot machines long enough to actually see any of it.
So choosing which Las Vegas attractions are worth the time, effort and cost is a daunting task -- one that we at Vegas4Visitors.com are up to, of course! So here are our choices for the top 10 attractions for 2003.
1. MonteLago Village/Lake Las Vegas. In many ways, MonteLago Village and Lake Las Vegas are the anti-Vegas, the calm in the proverbial storm that is Sin City. But that's part of the unique charm of the place and the primary reason why we have picked this oasis in the desert as our favorite attraction. Take a stroll through the faithfully recreated Italian village, filled with interesting boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and galleries; watch a movie on the grassy lawns; rent a paddle boat or take a cruise on the lake; sit at a table with a cool Italian ice cream; or gamble at the terrific little casino. It's all here and it absolutely should not be missed on your next trip to Las Vegas.
2. Richard Petty Driving Experience. Forget the roller coasters, this is the real Las Vegas thrill ride. Here you get to hop behind the wheel of an actual NASCAR racer and zip around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at velocities you only dream of in your SUV. The staff is unfailingly fun, encouraging, knowledgeable, and reassuring, and the experience is one you'll never forget.
3. Bellagio Fountains. Majestic. That's the best word to describe the fountain shows at Bellagio, a ballet of water, lights, and sound that has been thrilling audiences since its debut. Even though it would seem that there could only be so much they could do, it's one of those things that you can see over and over again without the viewer getting tired of it. The fact that it's free doesn't hurt, either.
4. Fremont Street Experience. By the time you read this, the Fremont Street Experience will be nearing the completion of a multimillion-dollar overhaul designed to make this already stunning light and sound show even more dramatic and fun. It was already a hoot, with a four-block canopy of multicolored lights creating a brilliant visual accompaniment to lively soundtracks that range from Rat Pack-era cool to British Invasion classic and beyond. The new version should be even better, so definitely pencil in some time to see this one.
5. Mirage Dolphin Habitat. This is another anti-Vegas oasis in the heart of Vegas. At this one, you get to play with dolphins. How could it get any cooler than that? Throw in the fact that this facility has become one of the most well-respected and successful dolphin habitats in the world and all of the work staffers do with local school children and it's a no-brainer. Spend 30 minutes with a dolphin and we defy you to walk out of the place without a big goofy grin on your face.
6. Liberace Museum. Frank was cool, Elvis was hot, but Liberace was perhaps the most pure distillation of the Las Vegas ethos ever to take the stage in a rhinestone-encrusted Rolls Royce. The museum, tribute, gift-shop, and cafe bearing his name are laugh-out-loud kitsch classics done in a totally straight-faced and respectful manner that honor both Mr. Showmanship and the city that he loved.
7. Eiffel Tower Experience. The view from the 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower is better than just about any in Las Vegas. Go at night and you'll get a stunning, up-close look at the lights, sound and fury that is the Strip. Plus, if you time it right, you can catch the Bellagio Fountains going off across the street.
8. Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix. Whether you've got kids with you or you're just acting like a kid, the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix is the best amusement facility in Las Vegas. Take a spin on the go-carts, play Skee-ball or other arcade games, shoot some aliens in the video arcade, or just kick back with really good and inexpensive pizza and sandwiches. Absolutely worth the drive, especially for families.
9. Casino Legends Hall of Fame. How ironic is it that the place dedicated to maintaining pieces of historic Las Vegas may become a piece of history itself? With the rumored impending closure of the Tropicana, it's difficult to tell what will happen to this fantastic homage to classic Vegas, so now may be your last chance to see this must-see attraction. It's packed with photos, memorabilia, costumes, and displays from Las Vegas legends of all stripes, including hotels, showgirls, headliners, and much more. Go before the wrecking ball moves in.
10. Neon Museum. Speaking of Las Vegas history ... the Neon Museum has gone about preserving some of the most immediately recognizable pieces of it by restoring classic neon signs from around the city. The original Aladdin's lamp, the horse and rider from the Hacienda,and more are currently on display on Fremont Street. Eventually there will be a permanent museum and restoration facility nearby, making this already worthwhile attraction even more so.
This Week's Trivia
Q:Approximately how many people visited Las Vegas in 1970? ANSWER The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.comThe Full Story
-
Anti-Vegas Oasis Called Best Attraction In Town
Chocolate Swan's Treats Eyes-Rolling-Back Good
Hammerhead Moves Into Tank; Towers, Towers Everywhere
Vegas Q&A: What's The Oldest Hotel-Casino?
Vegas Q&A: Where Are Vegas' Antique Hotspots?
