Exploring Las Vegas...on the Lesser Known Side

Ah, Las Vegas, this crazy, bright, busy city known the world over and is a place where one can have fun 24/7. I'm planning a short trip there now and find myself looking back at the last couple of times I've been through the city and tips I learned that have proven very helpful...and fun.

On the Strip

Las Vegas Walking Tours was a great way to learn a lot more about the history of Las Vegas while exploring some behind-the-scenes areas and getting some great tips from the tour guide. On this walking tour, I was able to see some historic landmarks, including Union Station, where Vegas began, and the famous old cowboy neon. Seeing some of the history of Las Vegas and the neat features like Container Park was great. To me, though, the most valuable part of the tour was the "insider tips" that I gained on the tour (i.e., where to get the most inexpensive water on the Las Vegas Strip).

For me, though, the best thing I've learned and shared with other travelers was the bus line that runs the length of the Las Vegas Strip, the Deuce Bus. This 24-hour bus line runs from Fremont Street to the South Strip Terminal with several stops along the way and is just a fraction of the cost of taking a taxi or a ride share to get around. Prices vary on passes, as do the length of time, going from a single ride all the way to a three-day pass. 

Venetian Gondolas were also a big draw for me, most of us who have been in or past the Venetian know that you can catch a gondola ride inside or outside the resort, but what many don't know is that you can catch the Gondoliers as they march in, singing, to the boats. Twice a day, the gondoliers sing in unison as they march along the indoor canal at the beginning and end of each day, at 9:45 am and 4:20 pm. This is definitely something to check out!

Dining Discoveries

Taking a little detour off the strip, there are two restaurants that food lovers absolutely must visit. 

My first recommendation is a creperie that is just south of the I-215 called Crepe Expectations. You can get sweet or savory crepes along with coffee, spirits, and more. The best part, not only is the food amazing, but the prices are great! It is a popular spot, and no wonder since they landed a spot on the Food Network Show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There is a spacious indoor dining area as well as a relaxing outdoor patio. This is a must-stop!

Just a little way up from Crepe Expectations in the same shopping mall, there is a bakery and cafe called Le Paris Brest Cafe. This cute little bakery has fantastic creations and delicious coffee. The croissants are beautiful and flaky, the desserts are decadent, and the coffee creations are fabulous. All I can say is once you've filled up on crepes, come here and get your coffee and some dessert to take home. You'll be glad you did, and plotting your return.

An Upcoming Exploration

For my upcoming trip, I'm looking forward to exploring new discoveries...for me. Watching a travel show (which is dangerous for my wallet), I learned about the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. I cannot wait to see what beauty I'll see in the summer exhibit. From my research, to visit the gardens there is no cost, so big win! 

The other place I recently learned about was the Arte Museum. The exhibits look outstanding, and with a little $5 upgrade to my ticket to the museum, I will also experience the Arte Cafe, where guests are given "a feast of live garnish expressed with media art on an attractive drink and dessert menu.

From past experiences to my upcoming explorations, I cannot wait to see what other new items I'll uncover that may also be the lesser-known side of Las Vegas.