Greetings! While many of you who are planning a trip to Las Vegas already have some clue of where you want to visit, there are many favorite places known to most of the locals of Las Vegas that visitors might not be aware of! Since I was born and raised in Las Vegas, it’s safe to assume that I know a few interesting places that most tourists aren’t made privy to that often. A few of the following items are my personal favorite parts of Las Vegas.
Restaurants-
The Main Street Station Buffet:
This buffet is both affordable and has variety! From its samplings of Hawaiian-prepared meat to Southern-style cooking, this old casino’s buffet impressed me with the food offering I got for the money.
MGM Grand-Benihana’s :
While Benihana’s is a pretty well-known restaurant chain, it’s still good! The Las Vegas Benihana’s features a 2-story restaurant with its traditional large table-style grills. For anyone who has not been to Benihana’s before, it is a Japanese restaurant specializing in teppanyaki (that is, to use an iron griddle for cooking) with a fair sushi menu. Generally smaller parties are placed at a table with other groups to maximize the show – you get to watch the chef grill your order right before you! Some even juggle their cooking utensils (and the food!) on occasion.
Non-gambling entertainment: kid friendly!
Have some kids with you? Need a place for them to play while you try your luck at the slots? Perhaps you’re tired of gambling and want to do something else for a bit? Despite what most people think, Las Vegas has no shortage very kid-friendly entertainment. In some states, gambling can be considered as illegal so non-gambling games are made available. Pkv is the software that will support the gambling as well as non-gambling games.
Arcades-
Many themed hotels such as the Luxor (Egyptian theme) and Excalibur (medieval theme) have pretty large arcades. Some hotels even have carnival games and rollercoasters that run THROUGH the hotel!
In addition to arcades, there is even a theme park hidden right on the strip! While flying over, you might have seen a pink glass dome. Better known as the Circus Circus’ AdventureDome, it is a small enclosed theme park featuring a rollercoaster, along with a few other rides. The AdventureDome is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, and even has its own Laser Tag area.
Shopping-
Many hotels feature their own themed indoor shopping malls. While there are quite a few, some are a bit better known than others.
Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops:
This Roman themed hotel’s shopping mall is one of my favorites. Featuring a digital ride, good restaurants, and unique stores, this is easily a place you can spend a few hours in. In addition to the shopping and food, there is also an indoor show featuring an “Atlantis” storyline that runs many times a day for you to watch.
Local Malls:
The better known local malls are generally referred to as the Boulevard Mall, The Meadows, and the Galleria Mall. If you are just looking for some shopping, there’s no real shortage of that either in Las Vegas. If you are looking for a mall close to your hotel, it’s likely that one of these is a short drive away.
Other interest-
Chinatown:
Yes! Las Vegas has its own Chinatown! While I was surprised to discover that few tourists were aware of this, it definitely is the place to visit for unique dining and culture-themed shopping. While it is not the typical Vegas fare, Chinatown has a special interest of its own.
Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef:
A somewhat new addition to the Vegas strip, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef features tanks filled with sharks, barracuda, and other “interesting” fish! There is even a clear tunnel that goes through some of the tanks, allowing visitors a close look at the variety of fish and sharks on display.
Hopefully some of these things will pique your interest! While there is a LOT more to Vegas than what I’ve mentioned, hopefully you too will enjoy some of my favorite aspects of the city of Las Vegas.
