When you hear “Las Vegas,” you probably picture a massive casino resort, or perhaps the entire “Strip” of them that occupies the most active part of the town. Indeed, the casinos remain the primary reason to visit Vegas, and the town is still an unrivaled destination for engaging in this sort of gaming activity. However, more and more over the years, Vegas has become a more comprehensive destination. It’s a place for entertainment, relaxation, cuisine, and all kinds of interesting experiences that have nothing to do with slot machines and poker tables.
Here, we have just five of the many reasons to visit this fascinating city, even if you’re not one fo the casino games.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is not unique to Las Vegas. But there’s a reason it’s so closely associated with the city that it’s been used as a backdrop in numerous films including Ocean’s 11 and This Is 40. That reason is that while Cirque du Soleil travels, there are several productions in Vegas, including a few that are native to and permanent at particular resorts. That, plus the fact that the extravagance and delightful strangeness of these shows simply plays well in the Las Vegas atmosphere, makes it one of the things you should seek out if and when you visit.
Celebrity Chef Haunts
This doesn’t require too much of an explanation, beyond the simple statement that there are a lot of restaurants founded and/or run by celebrity chefs in Vegas. From David Chang to Gordon Ramsay, some of the most famous names in the culinary world are behind the most prominent restaurants on the Strip, and that makes eating one of the best reasons to go to Vegas. Now, don’t get carried away with visions of Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and other similar shows. You probably won’t see a celebrity chef, and none will be directly cooking you meals. But these guys tend to demand perfection, and their establishments reflect it.
Video Games
Video gaming isn’t a huge deal in Vegas just yet, but it’s getting there. This is for two reasons. The first is that casinos are developing Esports arenas to showcase live gaming competitions that can be surprisingly fun (and which spectators can bet on). The second is that the town is also opening its mind to betting activity based on more ordinary video games, as opposed to slot machines, in a bid to get younger people to stay interested in casino floor offerings. Basically, if video games appeal to you at all, Vegas is becoming a hotspot.
NBA Summer League
Much has been made of the notion that the NBA has become a 12-month sport, and this is largely because in July, people now pay a lot of attention to the Summer League. The league actually has a few different leagues, but the main one is in Vegas, and attending gives you a look at world-class talent and may even give you the chance to get up among famous members of the league, sports media, etc. Additionally, while Americans are on the cusp of fully regulated sports betting, it’s already legal in Vegas, which means those who are so inclined can enjoy some sports betting while in attendance.
The Pool & Spa Scene
This covers a lot of specific attractions in Vegas, but the general idea is that the pools and spas around town are arguably more enjoyable than anything else. The pools cover a range of themes (like Roman baths or artificial beaches), styles (from relaxing oases to pulsing day clubs), and sizes. And the spas are simply terrific, typically reflecting the general aesthetics and moods of their respective resorts but all capable of facilitating deep relaxation and contentment. If you’re just interested in five-star relaxation, the pools and spa scene can definitely draw you to Vegas.
Article written by Tommy
(Main photo by paphotovideo via Flickr)
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is not unique to Las Vegas. But there’s a reason it’s so closely associated with the city that it’s been used as a backdrop in numerous films including Ocean’s 11 and This Is 40. That reason is that while Cirque du Soleil travels, there are several productions in Vegas, including a few that are native to and permanent at particular resorts. That, plus the fact that the extravagance and delightful strangeness of these shows simply plays well in the Las Vegas atmosphere, makes it one of the things you should seek out if and when you visit.
Celebrity Chef Haunts
This doesn’t require too much of an explanation, beyond the simple statement that there are a lot of restaurants founded and/or run by celebrity chefs in Vegas. From David Chang to Gordon Ramsay, some of the most famous names in the culinary world are behind the most prominent restaurants on the Strip, and that makes eating one of the best reasons to go to Vegas. Now, don’t get carried away with visions of Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and other similar shows. You probably won’t see a celebrity chef, and none will be directly cooking you meals. But these guys tend to demand perfection, and their establishments reflect it.
Video Games
Video gaming isn’t a huge deal in Vegas just yet, but it’s getting there. This is for two reasons. The first is that casinos are developing Esports arenas to showcase live gaming competitions that can be surprisingly fun (and which spectators can bet on). The second is that the town is also opening its mind to betting activity based on more ordinary video games, as opposed to slot machines, in a bid to get younger people to stay interested in casino floor offerings. Basically, if video games appeal to you at all, Vegas is becoming a hotspot.
NBA Summer League
Much has been made of the notion that the NBA has become a 12-month sport, and this is largely because in July, people now pay a lot of attention to the Summer League. The league actually has a few different leagues, but the main one is in Vegas, and attending gives you a look at world-class talent and may even give you the chance to get up among famous members of the league, sports media, etc. Additionally, while Americans are on the cusp of fully regulated sports betting, it’s already legal in Vegas, which means those who are so inclined can enjoy some sports betting while in attendance.
The Pool & Spa Scene
This covers a lot of specific attractions in Vegas, but the general idea is that the pools and spas around town are arguably more enjoyable than anything else. The pools cover a range of themes (like Roman baths or artificial beaches), styles (from relaxing oases to pulsing day clubs), and sizes. And the spas are simply terrific, typically reflecting the general aesthetics and moods of their respective resorts but all capable of facilitating deep relaxation and contentment. If you’re just interested in five-star relaxation, the pools and spa scene can definitely draw you to Vegas.
Article written by Tommy
(Main photo by paphotovideo via Flickr)
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