Guest Hook Travel Guides Las Vegas | Page 4

AMY’S REAL VEGAS... We always found life in Vegas awesome - it's so much more than parties and gaming! Did you know that Vegas has the most churches per capita in the US, making it really a family place? Think about it - outside of the strip you have all the people who work on the strip, who have families. Which means, if you’re looking for something to do with your family away from the strip, you have plenty of options. For some outdoor fun you head to the Wet n Wild waterpark, recently rebuilt. For golfers there are some fantastic courses, too many to mention, but check out this link for a complete list. For those who need some retail therapy there are a few great malls off the strip like Town Square or Green Valley Ranch. For the thrill seekers (away from the tables) there are some fun roller coasters, all of them are great, if a little expensive. Definitely worth experiencing is the High Roller Ferris Wheel... at 500 ft in the air it's the world's largest observation wheel! And make sure you go to the top of the Stratosphere; it’s fabulous having a drink and watching the strip below as the bar rotates. Then there are the shows. I would recommend O and the Beatles. There is a really good rat pack show in town. Vegas also has many of the most amazing places to eat on the planet, including the food festivals that the hotels host, like Vegas Uncork'd. Caesar's has a big one by the pools (picture above). You get all dressed up and hang with the cool crowd as you wander among tables of tiny bites of food from famous places in LV, LA and San Fran... all paired with wine. Truly an unbelievable experience. And all the money goes to charity! We also love to walk around Towne Square, catch a movie and sit outside at Brio by the fire pits with a latte and little goodies, watching people walk by. During the holidays, there is a cute Norman Rockwell House set up and Santa comes ... cutest place I have ever seen to visit Santa, that is for sure. Outside of Vegas there is also a lot to explore. Check out my great outdoors tips below. And don't forget Hoover Dam, often overlooked, but only about a 45 min drive. Did I say Vegas is so much more than parties and gaming? Yes, it really is a lovely family community! Amy’s Great Outdoors Tips... CANYONS... The Grand Canyon is just under 3 hours by car. Lesser known, but a couple of my favourites, Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon, also a few hours by car. MOUNTAIN BIKING... For the adventurous you have some great mountain biking trails. I’ve had a few renters who tell me the trails are awesome! DEATH VALLEY is around 90 minutes by car. If you’re lucky enough to be there in spring you’ll see the flowers in bloom, it’s really pretty.