Ten Hidden Gems in Las Vegas
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Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Contact:
- 702-879-6110
- visit website
Location:
- HCR 38, Box 70
- Las Vegas,NV89124
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Map
Description:
Facilities in this USDI Fish and Wildlife National Refuge includes; wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature study, viewing historical sites, scenic viewing, camping, picnicking, walking and geology. From Las Vegas take either U.S. Highway 95 or U.S. Highway 93 north.
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Spring Mountain National Recreation Area
Contact:
- 702-873-8800
- visit website
Location:
- State Rt. 156/157/158
- Las Vegas,NV89124
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Map
Description:
Less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area is an island of mountains in the middle of the desert. Mt. Charleston, which is how the local collectively refer to the entire area, is actually the name of the highest peak in the Spring Mountain Range. At a little under 12,000 feet, it's also the third highest peak in Nevada.
Two major canyons welcome visitors: Kyle Canyon, where you'll find a village (no grocery store) and two lodges. Lee Canyon is home to homes and snow play areas, including a ski and snowboarding lodge.
Hiking trails can be found in both canyons, and a hike to the peak of Mt. Charleston will take you into designated wilderness. You're likely to see more birds than any other type of wildlife, but look for deer and lots of squirrels. Elk herds also live here, although they are rarely seen. This is a very dry mountain, so if you're hiking, bring water. Water sources are few on Mt. Charleston.
State Highway 158 connects Kyle Canyon to Lee Canyon, making it easy to turn a trip to Mt. Charleston into a scenic loop. Look for picnic areas, campgrounds, and viewing turnouts throughout the entire area. A small visitor center can be found on Kyle Canyon Road, or SR 157.
Officially a part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, SMNR is home to the bristlecone pine (Pinus longavea), which are some of the world's longest-living plants--the oldest are thousands of years old.
Temperatures here are often 20 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas, and during winter the area is covered in snow. This is the only place close to Vegas where you can ski in winter, and the mountain roads are clogged with locals after the first snowfall--something the residents of Las Vegas don't get to see often.
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Mt. Charleston Hotel
Contact:
- +1 702 872 5500
- visit website
Location:
- 2 Kyle Canyon Rd
- Mt. Charleston,NV89124
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Map
Description:
Built in the early 1980s, the New Mt. Charleston Hotel, Event and Conference Center went through a multi-million dollar renovation. This charming log-built hotel, nestled in Kyle Canyon, is atmospherically a world away from the buzz of Las Vegas-a 35-minute drive from downtown. The newly renovated guest rooms feature electric fireplaces, feather beds and views of the encompassing Spring mountains. The Mt. Charleston opened a year-round outdoor ice-skating rink, complete with ice skate rentals, a hot chocolate stand and fire pit to keep skaters warm in the winter. Dining is available in the hotel's bistro which features gourmet coffee, homemade pastries and light breakfast and lunch offerings, as well as a new and large outdoor patio opening up to the duck pond. It also features a steakhouse, offering full-service dining, and a lounge with overstuffed couches, plasma television and numerous fireplaces along with its specialty award-winning drink menu.
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Bitter Springs Trail Backcountry Byway
Contact:
- 702-515-5000
- visit website
Location:
- I15 Valley of Fire Exit to Marked Dirt Road
- Las Vegas,NV89130-2301
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Map
Description:
The byway begins at the Valley of Fire State Park and is 28 miles long. From the Valley of State Park the route runs along the foothills of the Muddy Mountains, through several dry washes, past abandoned mining operations and terminates on North Shore Drive in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Verdant desert streams, evidence of borax mining operations and geological formations rare for this region of Nevada delight byway travelers. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
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Steve Wyrick Magic Show at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- Las Vegas,NV89109
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Map
Description:
Prepare to witness some of the most mind-blowing magic you will see anywhere in the world at the Steve Wyrick Real Magic Show in Las Vegas. See a Lear Jet 35 and AS 350 helicopter appear out of nowhere and a pure steel chopper disappear right before your eyes.
Located in the Steve Wyrick Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Wyrick incorporates his signature, larger-than-life illusions into this theatrical experience, but it is his personal touches that make the show truly unique!
Choose from Reserved Seats or upgrade to the Premium Seat Option, which includes a VIP Lanyard, Book of Magic Tricks and a $10 discount coupon for the Magic Shop. -
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Gambler's Book Club
Contact:
- 800/522-1777
- visit website
Location:
- 5473 S. Eastern
- Just off Charleston Blvd
- Las Vegas,NV89119
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Map
Description:
Here you can buy a book on any system ever devised to beat casino odds. Owner Edna Luckman carries more than 4,000 gambling-related titles, including many out-of-print books, computer software, and videotapes. She describes her store as a place where "gamblers, writers, researchers, statisticians, and computer specialists can meet and exchange information." On request, knowledgeable clerks provide on-the-spot expert advice on handicapping the ponies and other aspects of sports betting. The store's motto is "knowledge is protection." Open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
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Swiss Cafe and Patio Garden
Contact:
- 702 454 2270
Location:
- 3175 East Tropicana Boulevard
- Las Vegas,NV89109
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Map
Description:
This charming eatery has received raves as "One of Las Vegas' Top 40 Restaurants" by Zagat Survey plus many accolades from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The delightful menu features dishes from three regions in Switzerland: French, German and Italian. Your appetizer choice might be the Roast Duck Salad with Raspberry Walnut Dressing. The Bavarian Rib Chop stuffed with crab dressing is excellent. Swiss Schnitzel with Cognac Sauce goes. An nice selection of imported and domestic wines is available. CLOSED.
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Century Las Vegas Drive-Ins
Contact:
- +1 702 646 3565
Location:
- 4150 West Carey Avenue
- Las Vegas,NV89030
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Map
Description:
This Las Vegas drive-in is quite popular, as it is the only one remaining in the area. With six screens showing the best of Hollywood films, this place can accommodate up to 950 cars. For film timings, ticket prices and further information just call.
