Ri Ra Irish Pub at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place

1. Ri Ra

Mandalay Bay departs from the tropics with Ri Ra, an Irish pub that opened in 2011. This chain of Irish pubs uses materials salvaged from pubs in Ireland, creating an authentic backdrop for the Irish food and drink.

2. McMullan’s Irish Pub

Near the Orleans Hotel Casino, just west of the Strip, McMullan’s is filled with authentic memorabilia from its owners’ impressive history. In addition to a bar with a large selection of whiskey and beer, a full restaurant menu offers both Irish and American foods.

3. Nine Fine Irishmen

Located at the New York-New York, Nine Fine Irishmen has an impressive history about the origin of the restaurant’s name. Hungry (and thirsty) patrons will probably be more interested in the traditional Irish pub fare and beverages. Visit around St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll find one of the Strip’s best St. Paddy’s Day parties.

4. Hennessey’s Tavern

The bar scene in Downtown’s Fremont East District could not be complete without an Irish pub, thus Hennessey’s Tavern. Almost every evening has some sort of special event, so check the website to scope out what’s coming up.

5. J.C. Wooloughan

At the J.W. Marriott, off the Strip in Summerlin, J.C. Wooloughan is so thoroughly Irish that the pub was constructed in Ireland and shipped to the United States. You’ll find authentic fare, Irish whiskey and beers, and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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Photo Courtesy of Ri Ra Irish Pub

Hiking

Want to see striking sandstone rock formations, hidden springs, and desert wildlife? Take a desert hike at Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, or around Lake Mead. Winter is one of the best times to explore the desert around Las Vegas. During summer, you’ll want to get an early start to beat the heat. Maps of hiking trails are available in each of these areas at either the entrance stations or the visitor center.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, just outside Red Rock Canyon, offers visitors hiking as well as historic buildings and a picnic area set in what was once an orchard. The oldest historic buildings at Spring Mountain Ranch date back to the 1860s. Hike to the top of nearby hills and you’ll get a great view of the main ranch house, a building once owned by Howard Hughes.

Trail at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Biking

Bootleg Canyon, just outside Boulder City, attracts mountain bike riders from all over the world to take on the challenging trails rated “Epic” by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Thirty-five miles of desert trails traverse the canyon. Bicycle rentals are available in Boulder City at places like All Mountain Cyclery, close to Bootleg Canyon, and BC Adventure Bicycles near Boulder City’s Historic District.

For a calmer ride on mostly even ground, try the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail on the other side of Boulder City, heading toward Hoover Dam. A railroad had to be built to Hoover Dam when it was under construction, and this trail follow the train tracks that were set down for the trains that took supplies to the face of the dam.

On the far west side of Las Vegas, many bicycling enthusiasts “do the loop” at Red Rock Canyon, the 13-mile one-way scenic drive through the canyon. This is a feat for the very fit—the road is a winding, hilly stretch of asphalt that skirts the base of Red Rock’s cliffs. Most people drive up West Charleston to get to Red Rock, and two bike rentals shops are just a few miles outside the Canyon: Pro Cyclery, which rents road bikes, and Las Vegas Cyclery, which rents mountain bikes.

Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City

Canoeing

Using a tour company is probably the best way to sign up for a canoeing trip on Lake Mead or below Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Experienced guides can take you into remote and hidden areas in both places.

The vast expanses of Lake Mead offer a huge area to explore. Low waters have changed Lake Mead, exposing areas previously deep underwater and giving people a view unseen in decades.

The area just below Hoover Dam on the Colorado is spectacularly beautiful, with towering cliffs that make you feel very small. A knowledgeable tour guide can take you to the warm springs that are hidden at the bases of the cliffs. This area is often accessed by launching at Willow Springs (which is in Arizona), just on the other side of Hoover Dam.

Whatever your choice of adventures around Las Vegas, be prepared for a desert environment. Bring plenty of water, don’t forget some sunscreen, and be sure to let someone know where you’re going.

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Photo of Spring Mountain State Park courtesy of Terrisa Meeks; photo of Bootleg Canyon courtesy of Interbike; photo of canoeing on Colorado River courtesy of Andrew Fresh

1.  Oscar’s at the Plaza Hotel

The former mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, has given his name to a new steakhouse at the freshly remodeled Plaza Hotel. This is a restaurant with a subtitle: “Beef, Booze, and Broads.” The restaurant’s glass dome overlooks Fremont Street, offering patrons a great view of Downtown Vegas—along with the steaks, drinks, and ladies of the tag line.

2. The Barrymore at the Royal Resort

The Royal is tucked away not far from Downtown, just off the Strip, and up the street from the Convention Center. It’s new restaurant, The Barrymore, is quickly gaining a reputation for good food (steaks, burgers, lobster mac & cheese) and fun vibe.

The Barrymore's Patio

 3. Addiction at Rumor Boutique

Located across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Rumor’s restaurant, Addiction, offers an innovative menu and a sleek, modern design. Signature dishes are a Cuban Reuben, sea bass satay, and Kurobutakarmal pork.

 4. Hugo’s Cellar at the Four Queens

Hugo’s has been in Las Vegas for decades, and it remains a favorite with locals for the romantic ambiance and a classic hotel gourmet room menu that includes escargot, prime rib, and lobster.

Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens

 5. Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the Silverton

The Silverton’s steakhouse, Twin Creeks, wins high marks for big, delicious steaks and reasonable prices. And after dinner, you can check out the Silverton’s aquarium.

Twin Creeks Steakhouse at the Silverton Las Vegas

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Photos courtesy of Oscar’s, The Barrymore, Four Queens, and Silverton

1. Visit the Arts District.
Downtown Las Vegas has its very own Arts District. Galleries, bistros, and funky shops have taken root in a formerly industrial area. During First Friday, the streets are closed and a big block party brings out a crowd. You can wander through the area at any time, however, to check out the growing art scene in Las Vegas.

Cornerstone Gallery in the Las Vegas Arts District During a First Friday Event

2. Learn about the Atomic Age at the Atomic Testing Museum.
Something as momentous as the atomic bomb certainly deserves its own museum, and Las Vegas is an appropriate location for it. When above-ground detonations were the norm, the mushroom clouds became tourist attractions since Las Vegas was so close to the testing range.

3. Explore the Springs Preserve.
This is the site where Las Vegas got its name, and the Springs Preserve honors the history of Las Vegas—from long before it was Las Vegas. Visit the Origen Museum or the recently relocated Nevada State Museum, walk the trails, and enjoy this oasis in the middle of Las Vegas.

The Springs Preserve

4. See a Big Horn Sheep at Hemenway Park.
Hemenway Park was once on the outskirts of town, but town has grown up around it. The Big Horns who hang out there are perfectly happen to eat the grass and watch the tourists. As accustomed as they are to people, remember that these are still wild animals, and those horns on their head are there for a reason.

Big Horn Sheep in Hemenway Park in Boulder City

5. Ride a train at the Railroad Museum.
The Southern Nevada Railroad Museum takes visitors across the tracks that were put down in 1931, in vintage railroad cars. History buffs and railroad enthusiasts alike will enjoy this trip back in time.

6. Play a game at the Pinball Hall of Fame.
Return to a time before computerized games and play the vintage pinball machines. Remember to bring lots of quarters.

7. Shoot a machine gun at the Gun Store.
If you’ve got the urge to shoot something, this is the place to go.  A variety of weapons are available, and instructors are on hand to help you.

8. Visit the ruins of St. Thomas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
St. Thomas was once a bustling town on the edge of the Colorado River. Then Hoover Dam was constructed, and Lake Mead’s waters swallowed the town. Today, St. Thomas is back above ground for you to explore.

Ruins of St. Thomas, a town once covered by Lake Mead

9. See rescued artifacts at the Lost City Museum.
At the same St. Thomas was disappearing under Lake Mead, Indian artifacts were in danger of the same fate. Those rescued artifacts are on display at the Lost City Museum in Overton, a small farming community close to the Valley of Fire State Park.

10. Go back in time at the Clark County Museum.
Now that museum curator Mark Patton Hall has become a regular on the television show “Pawn Stars,” more people are making the drive to the Clark County Museum. History isn’t just on display behind glass here. A street of rescued historic Las Vegas homes—even a vintage trailer—line a shady street, and a train depot and train are frozen together in a snapshot of days gone by.

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Photo of Springs Preserve courtesy of Ken Lund. All other photos courtesy of Terrisa Meeks, the post’s author.

Thinking of spending February 14 in Vegas? You just might get carried away and decide to:

Get Married

Vegas has a lot of wedding chapels, and it’s easy to get a marriage license.  Whether you prefer something more elegant (think: Bellagio Wedding Chapel) or kitschy (pull up to a chapel with a drive-thru window), Vegas has a chapel for you. If you’re thinking of getting hitched, keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days for Vegas wedding chapels and the marriage license bureau.

What's a Vegas wedding without Elvis?

Go Shopping

What says, “I love you” more than a shopping spree? If the object of your desire enjoys retail expressions of affection, Vegas has plenty of options for you. The Strip has a profusion of upscale shopping destinations. For a first-class splurge, try CityCenter’s luxury shopping mall, Crystals, where you’ll find provocative lingerie at Kiki de Montparnasse and jewelry from Harry Winstonor Tiffany.

Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

Get Pampered at a Spa

A massage, a facial, a steam room… whatever your choice of spa treatment, you’ll find something in a Las Vegas spa that will relax you. Many spas offer couples treatments, so you can enjoy those “ahhh” moments in the company of your sweetie.

Relaxation room at Vdara Spa in Las Vegas

See a Sexy Show

Plenty of shows on the Strip will increase the sexiness quotient of your evening. Even Cirque du Soleil has an adults-only show, Zumanity. You may also want to get tickets for Crazy Horse Paris, Peepshow, or Crazy Girls. Remember, you’re in Vegas, so “romantic” really means “sexy.”

The Crazy Girls show has its own statue in Las Vegas

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Photos courtesy of kalin9999, Jim G, Sarah Nichols, and daBinsi

Twist at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Twist at the Mandarin Oriental. Located on 23rd floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Twist is the creation of Pierre Gagnaire, and it’s his only restaurant in the U.S. A great view of the Strip, an elegant setting, and unconventional French food equal pure romance.

Aureole at Mandalay Bay. Chef Charlie Palmer’s food is often described as “progressive American,” and the enchanting setting at Aureole includes wine angels and swans.

The Barrymore at the Royal Resort. The Barrymore is gaining a reputation as one of Las Vegas’s best-kept secrets. A vintage ambiance that combines Old Vegas and Old Hollywood will make you feel like a movie star.

Michael Mina at Bellagio. Just off the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Michael Mina’s distinctive American cuisine will leave you savoring each bite. A sleek décor sets a sophisticated mood.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas. How can the top of a half-sized Eiffel Tower not be romantic?  If you’re not going to Paris, this restaurant, with its views of the Bellagio Fountains and its classic French food, may be a good alternative.

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Photo courtesy of Twist at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is a small resort just outside of Las Vegas–it’s only about an hour’s drive from the Strip. They offer equipment rentals, eleven trails, and a bar and café. Two resorts are on Mount Charleston in neighboring Kyle Canyon, if you don’t feel like driving all the way back into town.

Brian Head, Utah, is a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, northeast of Las Vegas. A short detour off Interstate 15 will take you through beautiful Southern Utah scenery before you reach the Brian Head Resort area and its 65 ski trails. Equipment rentals are offered, and for an overnight stay, you’ll find plenty of lodging,

Big Bear, California, just outside Los Angeles, offers two resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. One lift ticket gets you access to both. Over 55 runs and 26 lifts are available. You’ll find all the standard ski area options: rentals, lessons, lodging, and restaurants.

You can also fly out of Las Vegas for a short trip to other Western United States locations—like Tahoe or Salt Lake City—to get closer to deeper snow bases and resorts with more runs.

The best part is that along with your time on the slopes, you can enjoy sunny Las Vegas. Golf, anyone?

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Photo courtesy of Travis Rigel Lukas Hornung at Flickr

Mandalay Bay Spa

Looking for rest and relaxation after a long day of shopping, gambling, and sight-seeing in Las Vegas? Visit the hotel spa. Get a massage, have a facial, enjoy aromatherapy, or luxuriate in special baths. For some of best hotel spas on the Strip, look into booking some time at:

1. Mandarin Oriental Spa: An award-winning spa designed with 1930s Shanghai as inspiration, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental also offers incredible views of the Strip.

2. Spa Mio at M Located at M Resort, off the Strip, Spa Mio offers a full range of spa treatments in an intimate setting. For customers with limited time, 25-minute versions of massages, facials, scrubs, and other treatments are also offered.

3. Mandalay Bay: Not only is Mandalay Bay the site of three actual hotels—THEhotel and The Four Seasons are also on the the property—each hotel also has a spa, including the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons spa, THEhotel’s Bathhouse, and Mandalay Bay’s spa. You have to be a guest at Mandalay Bay or THEhotel to enjoy their spas, but non-guests can book time at the Four Seasons spa.

4. Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian. This location of the world-class spa is one of the largest day spas in the world, and it offers an impressive array of treatments to match its humongous size.

5. Bellagio Spa: The luxurious massages, facials, and body treatments are reserved for guests of the hotel, and are so popular that they take reservations three months in advance. Packages include a customized treatment designed just for you.

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Photo courtesy of dcwriterdawn at Flickr

Are you thinking about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas? If so, make reservations now. Hotels still have rooms available, but be prepared to pay very high rates for December 31. Rooms that face the Strip have a great view of the midnight fireworks, but they come at a premium. However, getting to watch this once-a-year spectacular from your warm, comfortable hotel room is probably worth the extra cash, provided it fits in your budget.

After you’ve secured a room, the next step is to decide what you’d like for New Year’s Eve  in Las Vegas.

Visitors who don’t mind the near-freezing temperatures may want to bundle up and join the gigantic block party on the Strip.  Las Vegas Boulevard is closed to vehicles at about 6 p.m., and a crowd of happy revelers fill the street. You’ll notice most of them are carrying really large drinks, which helps the happiness level (and occasionally fuels some rowdiness, thus the large police presence).

On the Strip, you’ll get to see a parade of free entertainment: people in costumes, freshly married couples, news anchors struggling to file their reports, and a variety of music and other street-side acts—like the 2012 Big Air Jump, a 11:59 p.m. motorcycle jump over a 747 airplane.

At the New York-New York, the Bridge Bash is almost at street level, but it’s still a private party. For $150 per person, you’ll get an open bar, live music, and a terrific spot to see the fireworks.

All Las Vegas nightclubs are offering special New Year’s Eve tickets.  For the best view of the Strip’s fireworks, as well as an exclusive club experience, the Foundation Room’s NYE Gala at Mandalay Bay is $100 per ticket, and the club’s balcony view of the Strip is considered one of the best places to see the fireworks.

Just off the Strip, the uber-hip Palms offers three clubs with killer views: Moon, Ghostbar, and the Playboy Club. New Year’s Eve tickets start at $137, and go up depending on the club and package you want. A VIP ticket with access to all clubs (including Rain, on the casino level) is $400.00.

Downtown Las Vegas has its own party. The Fremont Street Experience will host Tribute Palooza, featuring cover bands like Fan Halen and Led Zepagain. Admission is $20-$30, with a discount for Las Vegas residents.  Instead of a pyrotechnic display at midnight, Viva Vision bursts into a non-explosive LED fireworks show.

Along the Strip, the big event of the evening is the fireworks display set off from the hotels’ rooftops at midnight. Just before midnight, people start pouring out of the hotels, into the street, to look up at the colorful, carefully synchronized explosions designed by Fireworks by Grucci of New York. Eight hotel casinos will set off fireworks this year: MGM Grand, Tropicana Las Vegas, Aria – City Center, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Venetian, and the Stratosphere.

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Photo courtesy of Michael Asuncion

• Naturally, you can go to the top of the Eiffel Tower or the Stratosphere, both of which will give you a view from several stories up.

•  Ghostbar at the Palms gets a lot of attention because of its outdoor patio, but the views from Alize, the Playboy Club, and Moon are also spectacular.

• Mix Restaurant: French food + 64th floor of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay = breathtaking.

• Voodoo at the Rio is both a bar and a restaurant, and each establishment offers great views of Las Vegas from this just-off-the-Strip location.

• The Mandarin Bar is located on the 23rd floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter, and it gives customers incredible views and an exclusive location.

• The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay was once a members-only club, but has relaxed its policies so that some areas are now open to the general public (cover charges apply). The view of the Strip from its location at the top of Mandalay Bay is among the best in Las Vegas.

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Photos courtesy of Allen McGregor and Frank Bonilla