Off the Beaten Strip in Las Vegas
Take a detour off the Las Vegas strip to discover the hidden gems often passed over when visiting Sin City. The region offers some surprising alternatives to the decadent nightlife, constant gambling, ostentatious accommodations and expensive entertainment that Vegas is most famous for around the globe. Whether visiting the popular destination for the first time or the fifth, look beyond the main attractions and try out a unique itinerary that’s certain to create lasting memories.
Check into Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, ten miles away from the strip action, but never lacking in excitement and adventure. Red Rock is a desert oasis with panoramic views of the mountainside from its spacious rooms and suites. The brilliant decor is evident throughout the resort, starting with the soaring lobby chandeliers, eclectic dining options, onsite indoor bowling and sizzling pool scene. During a stay, guests can try out a half-day Pink Jeep Tour to Red Rock Canyon for impressive views and a thrilling off-road escapade.
Another Vegas hideaway, Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa lures families and golfers to a suburban locale in nearby Henderson. Don’t be fooled into believing the expansive resort can’t hold a candle to the amenities at Vegas’ top hotels. Opulent, lavish decor, pristine grounds, world-class dining, nonstop gaming, adjacent open air shopping plaza, several lounges and bars, and a newly opened events center for the hottest concerts are all available to its guests. Green Valley Ranch has a 8 acre pool recreation area, complete with party cabanas stocked with top shelf liquor at one of Vegas’ hottest private pool parties, The Pond. Even locals flock to see and be seen at The Pond, which host bands and DJs during the summer season.
For those looking for an offbeat Las Vegas excursion no matter where they stay, Mystery
Adventures is an interesting, fun-filled 4-hour tour designed for a group of up to 14 people. The goal is for a group to work together to solve a mystery while traveling to a few different locations around the business district. Hosts are “in character” as they shuttle you in a minivan filled with drinks and snacks to keep guests satisfied. They also give you clues as needed to help you solve the case, which is switched around every few months to keep it fresh and free of spoilers. Be warned, you may be spooked during certain segments but that’s definitely part of the allure. Mystery Adventures is an ideal and unique choice for bachelor/bachelorette parties or any group of pals living it up in Vegas.
Images via Flickr (creative commons) by Rosa Say, melgupta, and Heather F
