Living in Henderson, it’s not too common that you hear a friend or coworker say, “I went clubbing at The Strip” or “on Saturday I went on a gondola ride at The Venetian” when you ask them what they did over the weekend. We often view downtown Vegas as a place for tourists visiting from sleepy towns.
But, admit it: it does sound like fun.
So, let’s experience 10 of the most Vegas-y things there ever was — and no, gambling isn’t on the list.
SlotZilla
Where else in the nation does someone think: ‘huh, you know what this spot needs? A 12-story-high zip line that kind of looks like a slot machine’ … And then actually do it? Nowhere. So get off the couch and into a harness that is attached to a deceivingly-small-but-I’m-sure-extremely-mighty-and-reliable metal cording, and zip baby, zip.
The Neon Museum
When most people think about the Las Vegas Strip, they think of the explosion of neon signs that engulf you when you enter. But where do these signs go when they’re retired for a newer, brighter model? The Neon Museum takes golden-years signs under their protective wing and places them in their “boneyard” for the public to view. If nothing more than a cool background for your next profile picture, the museum offers a unique mix of where advertising meets art.
The High Roller
Vegas is the home of the Tallest Observation Wheel in the World, so you should ride the High Roller at least once.
All You Can Eat
You know we’re not talking about a Luby’s buffet that could be found in any small town. Vegas is known for buffets with high quality offerings and surprisingly reasonable costs. Expect to find menu items like caviar, sushi, and roasted lamb.
The Pinball Museum
When was the last time you played — or for that matter, even saw — a pinball machine? While the Pinball Museum has “museum” in their name, don’t expect to “look with your eyes.” This 10,000 square-foot space houses “pinball and nothing but pinball” and guests are encouraged to play.
Eiffel Tower Experience
Sometimes the cheesier something is, the better — especially when paired with a quality baguette. At the Eiffel Tower Experience, guests are offered a “Paris” photo opportunity, mini Love Lock Bridge display, and even given an interactive map to view where famous spots like Notre Dame would be in relation to the Vegas views below when you reach the top. While the experience may not satiate you for the real deal, it’s still a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Omnia
Go out dancing. Go all out dancing. You know those movie scenes of clubs with people grooving to the music played by world-renowned DJs, confetti littering the air, and pulsating music? Those scenes that you don’t think could ever be real? Well, in Vegas they are. And, they’ve added a massive, moving, “chandelier” to keep things [more] exciting. Club-of-the-moment, Omnia is 75,000 square feet of getting-down-with-your-bad-self space and even features a state-of-the-art air-conditioning system to keep you cool all night long. You can bet the place is jam-packed with clubbers and the overpriced drink will take forever to get at the bar, but hey, that’s part of the experience, right?
Downtown Container Park
Vegas may be one of the only places in the world where you can catch a show, even while shopping. At the Downtown Container Park, the boutiques and restaurants are situated in structures built from retired shipping containers and a 40-foot-tall praying mantis structure that features LED lights and a pyro show — with flames reaching six-stories high, timed to music — throughout the day.
Graceland Chapel
So you opted for a typical, “classy” wedding, but maybe you had to fight the inner desire to run off to one of the many Vegas chapels and elope. Don’t worry, you can still get in on the fun! Graceland Chapel offers vow renewal ceremonies with special appearances from the King of Rock and Roll, achieving a special concoction one part comical, one part sequins, and two parts Vegas.
Bellagio Fountains
Come for the show, stay for the a la Oceans Eleven photo.
The glitz and glamour of the Strip can become a bit dimmer when you’re living in Henderson. But, there are some really unique, and sometimes exceptionally quirky things you can only do in Vegas, and they are right in your own backyard. If you’re feeling something a little more low-key this weekend, check out our calendar of upcoming events in Henderson!