When you think about Las Vegas what is your first image – the Strip, lavish hotels, casinos, showgirls, Wayne Newton, Elvis impersonators? That’s the Sin City of Chamber of Commerce fame, but believe it or not, there’s another Las Vegas, and it’s one tourists never see.
That’s the city I visited last week.
To set the stage, some of my very favorite relatives have been in LV for over twenty years, and in a city of transients that translates into a whole lot of history. So instead of hitting the slot machines or going to shows (unless my bro-in-law gets us free tickets) we went to Costco (my sister’s pantry could withstand a siege), hiked in Red Rock (I encountered a rattlesnake) and savored more than a touch of gluttony. Here’s a hint you won’t find in Fodor’s - there are a couple of Mexican food places on Main Street that on first glance might appear a bit …iffy. But wow! The food is homemade and so delectable it makes my mouth water. But woman can’t live by tacos alone. So, for variety we hit a Soul Food Festival, and of course you can’t go to LV without doing bar food (full breakfast with grits for $2.99). Yum! Yum!
And let’s not forget the shopping opportunities. We don’t do the Gucci store at the Bellagio or Valentino at Cesar’s Appian Way. No way! We head straight to the Flea Market that has everything from rhinestone encrusted G-strings to weapons of mass destruction. And the best kept secret in LV is the purse lady. I’m such a good customer that I get a hug when I show up – with my credit card. I do love my purses.
So, in a nutshell Las Vegas is like a chameleon. It has many faces and disguises. On the one hand you have high rollers and celebrities, and on the flipside are the soccer moms, carpools and neighborhoods that could be found anywhere USA (except with desert landscaping and swimming pools). Just a hint – if you plan to visit LV ask about the local hangouts. They’re a lot of fun.
Maybe I should write a book – Las Vegas on Coupons and Comps. That should be a bestseller – right?
Now on to a shameless plug – the book I have out this month (The Man She Married) is really a hoot. It’s all about guys and the BARCO lounger/sports syndrome. Does that sound familiar? LOL
Have a great weekend.
Ann DeFee
The Man She Married, HAR, February 2009
Top Gun Dad, HAR, October 2009
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