By Yvonne Newman
There's a lot to see and do in
Las Vegas---especially if you want to escape the humdrum routines of daily life. For example, in what other city could you come across a killer shark and a pair of Liberace's sequined shorts? Along with the entertainment, gaming and neon, you'll find an assortment of thrill rides, museums, factory tours and even natural exhibits in Las Vegas.
The Forum Shops at Caesars
This is among the most elegant shopping malls in the world. It boasts a Roman-esque atmosphere and features a ceiling painted as the sky that goes through a 24-hour day every hour. Owned by Simon Property Group, the upscale mall opened in 1992. A lavish, three-level expansion was completed in 2004, bringing the total number of shops to 160. Free entertainment includes the Festival Fountain show, in which statues move and speak, and the Fall of Atlantis show, in which a mythical continent rises and falls above a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
The Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 644-3065
www.caesarspalace.com
Liberace Museum
This museum is dedicated to the memory of the beloved sequin-clad showman. The world's largest Austrian rhinestone is housed here, as are 18 of Liberace's rare, antique and custom-built pianos. Among the costume collection, you'll find the famous King Neptune outfit, which was Liberace's heaviest, weighing in at 200 pounds. The Liberace Cafe also serves up tasty sandwiches and salads.
Liberace Museum
1775 E. Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 798-5595
www.liberace.org/
Springs Preserve
This environment-friendly attraction is the only one of its kind in the U.S. The Las Vegas Valley Water District spent $250 million to build it on a site considered to be the birthplace of Las Vegas. It features 10 different education, recreation and entertainment components, including the Desert Living Center, which offers exhibits on the benefits of recycling, conservation and alternative energy sources. There are also 2.5 miles of walking trails, an eight-acre botanical garden and several interpretive overlooks.
Springs Preserve
333 S. Valley View Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89107
(702) 822-7700
www.springspreserve.org
The Dolphin Habitat
This 2.5 million-gallon habitat is part of Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden. It's home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that live in four connected pools. An artificial coral reef system has been designed to replicate their natural environment. There's a program through which you can be a "trainer for a day" and work alongside the attraction's trainers while feeding and playing with the dolphins.
The Dolphin Habitat
The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 791-7188
www.mirage.com
The Adventuredome Theme Park
This pink-domed indoor amusement park is full of fun stuff. There are thrilling rides including the Rim Runner, which goes on a scenic journey through a mountain landscape before dropping down a 60-foot waterfall, and the Sling Shot, which shoots you up toward the ceiling at a rapid-fire speed and then lets you drop back down. A special FX theater features virtual fun if you prefer tamer rides. You'll also find an arcade, plenty of good eats and souvenir shops.
The Adventuredome Theme Park
Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las vegas Nevada 89109
(702) 794-3939
www.adventuredome.com
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Those who love sweets can learn about how Ethel's, a brand of gourmet chocolates, is produced on a free, self-guided tour at this factory---which is capped off with a free sample. The attraction also features a retail shop, an Ethel's Chocolate Lounge and a 2.5-acre outdoor botanical cactus garden featuring more 350 species of desert plants.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
2 Cactus Garden Way
Henderson, Las Vegas 89014
(888) 627-0990
www.ethelschocolate.com/
The Roller Coaster
This spine-tingling roller coaster starts off at a height of 203 feet. It features two successive drops, the largest being 144 feet, and it reaches a maximum speed of 67 mph. It also boasts two inversions, a vertical loop and a heart-line maneuver, which is similar to the twist-and-dive movement that jet fighters do. The ride lasts two minutes and 45 seconds.
The Roller Coaster
New York-New York
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 740-6969
www.nynyhotelcasino.com
Shark Reef Aquarium
Photo of Midnight Fish at Shark Reef Aquarium courtesy of MGM Mirage
You can appreciate some of the great predators of the sea at this 1.6 million-gallon seawater aquarium. Some of the threatening creatures include giant rays, piranha, moon jellies and golden crocodiles. There are also many frightening species of sharks---and you can watch them swim beside and above you while walking through a glass tunnel.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 632-7777
www.sharkreef.com
About the Author:
Based in Las Vegas, Yvonne Newman spent 16 years writing for one of the city's popular visitors' guides. She has covered a variety of topics, including travel, shopping, sports and the arts. Newman is currently working on a book about tea houses. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nevada and a master's degree in Anglo-Irish literature from Trinity College.
