Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital

Las Vegas, better known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a popular city in Nevada.   It has also earned the sobriquet of “Sin City” by purists who view the city’s tolerance to adult entertainment forms, as inappropriate.  This freedom has made Las Vegas a popular destination for television programs, films, gambling dens, casinos, hotels, resorts and the latest shopping malls. However unflattering that may sound, it cannot dim the fact that the city is home to the highest number of churches per capita when compared to any other major metropolis in the U.S.  Las Vegas is surrounded by equally popular but lesser known towns and cities like Boulder City, Henderson and Spring Valley.
Las Vegas was official established as a city in 1911, and quickly grew to become the most populous city in the US, taking over from Chicago which had until then held that distinction.


The city and its weather
 
Las Vegas has plentiful sunshine through the year, given its proximity to the Mojave Desert.  Although the city is relative to desert climate with average summer temperatures peaking above 90°F (32°C) with some days in the end of summer touching the 100°F (38°C) level, humidity is very low.   Winters in Las Vegas are usually short and mild with night temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F (4°C).   The Las Vegas valley itself is relatively snow free even when the surrounding mountains accumulate heavy snowfall in winter.  Perhaps these ideal climatic conditions account for the fact that the city is besieged with travelers even during the hot summer months and enjoys resort like popularity among all sections of people and is one of the top places to visit in America.

Popular tourist attractions and events

By far the most popular attractions in Las Vegas are the casinos, resorts and hotels.  Among the most famous hotel casinos are ones located on the famed boulevard named Las Vegas strip.  The larger ones, however, are situated outside the city and the sheer scale and magnificence of these, with accommodation running into thousands of rooms, leaves one gasping with sheer wonder.  Grandeur and luxury mark hotels and casinos like the Four Queens, Fremont Casino, Four Seasons, MGM Grand, Las Vegas Club, Plaza Hotel & Casino and the Fitzgerald.
 

Fun and entertainment is not what Las Vegas is all about.  The city is host to a number of cultural events, some annual like the Helldorado Days; monthly celebrations in the Arts District exhibiting the works of local musicians and artisans, and even a weekly event like “Preview Thursday” which provides a curtain raiser into gallery exhibitions and displays opening in the district.  
Add to this the adrenalin pumping sporting events like NASCAR motor racing, UFC martial arts contests and the world championship boxing bouts and the resulting combination is heady.  Spine tingling chills and thrills are on offer at the Adventuredome, another hotspot for tourists.
Popular tourist destinations around Las Vegas are the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and of course the Mojave Desert itself, which is best enjoyed by renting a vehicle and driving off into the cool desert night.  The city is also resident to a number of parks and reserves; famous among these are the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park or the Las Vegas Zoo, the Floyd Lamb State Park and the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.


To shake off its association as only a casino and gambling city, Las Vegas has in recent years put into place facilities and amusement destinations for families with children.  The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel is a must for children, where over 4000 tropical fish are on display in an acrylic tank.

Cuisine

The city is a veritable food paradise, a Mecca of global gourmet.  For years, the casinos were the only reason the customers came in droves and as drinks are supplied free, food was an afterthought.  The scene has changed drastically over the last decade with a sea change in the dining scene.  Las Vegas today has caught the world’s fancy as a great dining destination as well, with renowned chefs from around the world who have set up shop and created restaurants that are remarkable for their creativity and architecture as much as the cuisine.  This revolution came about in 1992 when the highly regarded Austrian Chef, Wolfgang Puck, took a big gamble and opened his first eating venture.  It proved to be a master stroke for Chef Puck now is the proud owner of many restaurants and eateries in Las Vegas, each with a distinct identity of its own.  More celebrity chefs arrived from around the world and each of them has tasted success like the pioneer chef himself.  Local ones have joined the bandwagon and the eating scene is a merry mix of American, Continental, Asian, Mediterranean and Latin cuisines.
When you mention cuisine, can mention of wines be far behind!  Home to an increasing number of sommeliers famous worldwide, Las Vegas’ cellars play host to more than 4000 wine varieties.

Unforgettable experience

Little wonder then, that the never ending party lifestyle, fine dining, luxury accommodation, stunning resorts and picturesque surroundings offering a heady mix of culture and entertainment make Las Vegas a must visit for every globe trotter.

But as seasoned Las Vegas visitors sum it, “You come here, live life and then leave.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”.