Live Entertainment, Food & Drink, Comedy Shows, Shopping, and National Treasures Abound Aside From the Action in the Casinos

Jeff Walker, Travel Writer

While Las Vegas, often referred to as just Vegas and 'Sin City' is synonymous with casinos and gambling, the metropolitan area is renowned for its shopping, fine dining, sports, nightlife, and entertainment. Attracting over 40 million visitors a year Las Vegas bills itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World, playing host to countless conventions, sports activities, and an endless array of top tier entertainers performing in the most luxurious resorts in the world.

Approximately 2,030 ft above sea level and surrounded by epic mountain ranges, the city sits nicely on the floor of the Mojave Desert. And with warm to hot sunny days prevailing over 300 days a year, the neighboring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination for visitors not seeking the glitz and glamour of Vegas. A mere $20 to explore. https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon

Despite the scenery, the primary driver and main attraction to Las Vegas remains the casinos, conventions, and entertainment. Surprisingly, most visitors seldom realize Vegas is made up of two specific areas. There is downtown Las Vegas, and there is the more trafficked Las Vegas Strip, a four mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard home to many of the largest hotel casino and resort properties in the world. Without question, the Strip is where all the action and nightlife takes place.

Although there are more than 100 casinos accounted for in Las Vegas valley, nearly half (45 total) are lined up on the Strip, with the Sahara, Wynn, and Encore at its northern tier, and Mandalay Bay, and MGM Grand located on the southern end. Along that famed thoroughfare are several of the biggest and brightest resorts in the world, including the Bellagio, the Golden Nugget, Planet Hollywood, Trump International, and Caesar's Palace, thus Vegas yielding to its second nickname as 'the neon city'.

While the Strip caters to a wide variety of visitors, downtown Las Vegas still carries a cultural allure, with high-rise buildings, mainstream businesses strewn along Fremont Street, which happens to be the epicenter for Fremont Street Experience. 

Depending on you comfort level, i.e. if you can handle a ginormous dose of the bizarre than an evening visit to Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas proper will leave you with an impression you won't soon forget. Covering seven city blocks and covered by a 1500 ft. long by 90 ft. wide giant canopy of continuous video screens, it's a nightly party that runs into the wee hours of the morning, and apparently nothing is off limits.

Fremont Street Experience plays host to a giant pedestrian mall, several yesteryear casinos, countless bars, and dining. Aside from the massive video display there's SlotZilla, a zipline that runs the entire length of the experience, carrying riders 114 ft. above the crowds, as well as four separate stages with live bands playing a variety of music.

That's the tame side of Fremont Street Experience. The 'wild & crazy' side pertains to the street performers including those exotically dressed and those under-dressed. There's dancing gorillas, Chippendale models, buxom beauties with nothing on but G-strings and pasties. In case you're wondering, photo opportunities are not free, and tipping is encouraged.

Apart from Times Square, Lower Broadway in Nashville (aka Honky Tonk Hwy), Bourbon St. in New Orleans, and Hollywood & Vine, there is no livelier thoroughfare in America than Fremont Street in old Las Vegas. Unless you just enjoy a whole bunch of absurd than spending one night at FSE is more than enough. Let's just say it's like taking the train to 'crazy town' to witness a 'freak show'. Get your freak on at https://vegasexperience.com/?utmsource=google&utmmedium=organic&utm_campaign=GMB 

Almost every name resort casino in Vegas has its own shopping mecca attached. Imagine your local mall on triple steroids, and that what you get in these shopping wonderlands. From familiar fast food to one of a kind restaurants, and from chain stores to themed Vegas shops, there is a plethora of food, drink, and shopping to be had up down the strip. You could literally spend a whole day walking in and out of resort casinos, lost in a maze of wonderment.

Although you're surrounded by casinos and gambling (more often preferred to as gaming today) at every turn, it's possible to visit Vegas without losing the farm. If you don't normally gamble when you're home, than the neon allure combined with the bells and whistles should have little effect on you.

However if you should decide to play several games of chance than set two specific limits. First off, decide how much money you're willing to gamble, and furthermore set a time limit. There's nothing worse than spending three or four hours at a slot machine and discovering you're down $500, or worse you've spent a good bit of your kid's college fund. If you win a decent or fair amount, call it a day, because the odds are against you if you decide to let it roll.

Of course if you're among the financially gifted and losing thousands of dollars doesn't change your bank balance, than have at it. The casinos welcome you with open arms and that's how they remain open. If you're a high roller, the drinks will keep coming. Enough said about gambling. Use your head and be smart. They aren't called games of chance for no reason.

By in large Vegas is not inexpensive. There are deals if you seek them out, but if you're hoping to do Vegas on a budget it takes a bit of savvy. Dining and seeing shows are not cheap, unless you're using your head. If your hotel or resort has a kitchen then stock up items for breakfast and snack foods.

Eating out, then pick and choose. Vegas is littered with upscale restaurants catering to every type of menu. Whether you prefer American, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, or any other regional or ethnic style of food, you'll find it in Las Vegas. Upscale steakhouses run the gamut, and can be found in every resort casino on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Aside from slot machines, which appear the moment you step inside the airport, the most numerous businesses in Vegas belong to either shops and restaurants, with retail outlets easily outpacing eateries.

If you're a fan of big name celebrity chefs, especially those with television shows, several have their names branded throughout Vegas. From Wolfgang Puck to Giada De Laurentis, from Guy Fieri (Chicken Guy coming soon) to Gordon Ramsey, and from Emeril Legasse to Bobby Flay, these heavy hitters serve up innovative cuisines with flair, and with flair comes a little higher tab.

Ramsey has a couple of upscale burger joints located in both the Flamingo and Planet Hollywood. You can expect to pay between $25 to $50 for his all beef delights. At Puck's The Cut at the Venetian you can expect to pay upwards of $100 for a steak, so bring your gold card. Giada's at The Cromwell serves up Italian food for around $100. Again, keep your gold or platinum card handy. Besides you don't want to carry cash around Las Vegas.

Easily one of the best meals I had in Vegas was at Black Tap Burger, located inside The Venetian Hotel & Casino. Created by Vegas veteran Chris Barish, Black Tap offers up eight signature burgers alongside hot chicken sandwiches, and over a dozen beers on tap, with several from local brewers, including Electric Blonde from Las Vegas Brewing Co. and Las Vegas Craft Lager from Big Dog's Brewing. 

Non alcohol lovers might be drawn into the classic milkshakes or branded Crazy Milkshakes, such as the Sweet 'n Salty, an outrageous blend of chocolate and peanut butter, topped with a sugar daddy, pretzel rods, chocolate covered pretzel. Creamy and yummy!

But back to the burgers. All priced around the $23 and come with fries, or sweet potato fries for $2 more. I had the Old Fashioned, a full half pound of prime beef blanketed under cremini mushrooms, swiss, caramelized onions, and a slather of horseradish. Freakin' awesome. My entire party all had burgers, and they loved them. We sat on the open air patio with a view of the Strip, overlooking the Venetian’s famous canals. Unforgettable moment. Like they say in Vegas, I call them like I see them. On a different night I ate at Bobby Flay's Burger Joint, and it wasn't near as memorable a burger as I had at Black Tap Burger. For an over the top experience check out https://blacktap.com/restaurant-menu/las-vegas/

Gone are the days of $2 all you can eat buffets. While buffets exist, they are far and few between and cost more like $30 on the cheap side. Expect to pay twice that if you want to feast on an unlimited brunch at the resorts. The bottom line is, if you perceive it to be a value to you, than indulge yourself.

Shopping by in large is located inside the resorts, with the Bellagio and Caesars Palace catering to those who don't look at the price tag. We're talking Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Versace to name a few. There are two specific shopping areas I found that draw middle income people.

The Linq Promenade provides several businesses including the Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Shop, Pier 30 (swimwear, sandals, etc), Sky Shop, Harley Davidson, Socks & Bottoms (novelty socks & underwear), Giftology, and The Hat Loft. 

The Linq is close to High Roller, a 550-foot tall giant Ferris wheel, now the second largest Ferris wheel in the world. At night the wheel is illuminated by a 2K LED system which can display a single solid color, different colored sections, multiple colors moving around the rim, and custom displays for special events and holidays. The wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution and features 28 spacious cabins to accommodate 1100 guests.

Not that it rains that much, but if you're looking for a more controlled environment (indoors, AC), I recommend the Miracle Mile Shops conveniently interconnected between the Elara Hilton Grand Resort and the neighboring Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The Miracle Mile is a miraculous mix of vendors catering to every life style and to those hoping to take home an affordable Las Vegas memento (t-shirts, hats, magnets, knickknacks, & more).

You're going to find some that are in your local mall. The Miracle Mile has Journey's, Guess, H&M, Pandora, Victoria's Secret, Lucky Brand, Sephora, and The Loft. They do have a tad more upscale shops including Swarovski, Steve Madden, Tip Top Hats, and Vercini (sophisticated menswear). 

Sports fans might enjoy browsing at Tri-Star Sports Memorabilia or the all new Raider Image (team store). One of my favorite retail shops by far in the Miracle Mile is Crazy Shirts, a mens and ladies casual apparel store embracing an island vibe with the uniqueness of Vegas. Crazy Shirts is very 'chill'.

You'll discover a bunch of fast food joints in the Miracle Mile as you do at home. There's a Chipotle, Subway, SBarro, and everyone's favorite Chick-Fila. Score big and drink up at Blondies Sports Bar & Grill. Open 7am - 11pm daily, Blondies serve up your favorites throughout the day via cheerleading servers. Cocktails, mocktails, and more. Never miss the game with their 40 TVs carrying the latest sports program. Plus daily food and drink specials.

If you're sleeping in and plan to do brunch, then Flights Restaurant & Bar is you ticket to ride (pun intended). Eight signature dishes to help jump start your day, including French Toast and Pancake Flights, as well as NY Steak & Eggs. All hearty servings meant to be shared. Prepare your senses for takeoff at Flights. Pair sumptuous meals with one of a kind cocktails. Also $20 for non-stop mimosas from 7-11am daily.

Folks from the northeast will savor real NY thin crust pizza at Carnegie Pizza, or a hearty deli style sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. Carnegie serve incredible edibles, as well as calzones. All great values. You could spend two or three times as much out in town, and not be any more filled than by the dining options in Miracle Mile Shops. Check out the Ahh -Mazing deals at Miracle Mile Shops by visiting  https://www.miraclemileshopslv.com/

As far as accommodations, it's whatever your wallet allows. There are budget hotels located 15 to 20 minutes outside of downtown and the Strip, but you'll have to find your way into the action, which could cost you $50 to $80 a day, or more if you have your own vehicle and you have to park. My suggestion, plan accordingly.

Without question, the resorts will run more. Of course it depends on the resort and how big a room you need. In Vegas 'size matters'. Let's assume you're not booking the penthouse suite, than the average room rate is about $300 per night in peak season, and around $200 during the off season. The Cosmopolitan, Aria, Bellagio and Resorts World typically come in on the higher end.

Supply and demand dictate price. You can save by staying a block or two off the strip or in an older resort. Ironically, you can book several of the resorts for less last minute or by scheduling months or a year ahead of time on any of the various online value conscious booking sites, often saving as much as 50 to 75 percent on the normal rate.

The conventional thinking is the resort hotels want to fill the rooms, with hopes you'll spend money in their casino. So, if dining and entertainment rank higher on your to do list, seek deals online and save your hard earned dollar for things you really want to do.

For my money vacation clubs are a great way to enjoy luxury accommodations, where you're catered to and often enjoy all the amenities of home. These aren't your grandparents time shares. Wyndham, Marriott, and countless others offer vacation clubs. I'm a Hilton Grand Vacation Club member and stayed at the Elara property midway along the Vegas Strip, connected to the Miracle Mile Shops and the Planet Hollywood Casino.

Opened in 2009 the Elara has 1200 units, and has been remodeled several times over its 15 year run, making it one of the nicest resort properties in all of Vegas, and it's within walking distance of most of the adjacent resorts and their entertainment theatres. You're less than 10 minutes from the nightly water fountain show at the Bellagio, less than 15 minutes from Caesars or Park MGM. If you don't mind walking, allow enough time and save on a taxi or Uber, and put that $25 or $30 towards a drink, dinner, or a souvenir from a show.

Okay Jeff, what about the shows. I saved the best for last. While I didn't have time to check out a vast amount of shows, I did see four, with one ending its run. Legends and current stars continue to play Vegas. Whether you prefer rock, pop, R&B, or country, Vegas has you covered.

Seasoned veterans such as Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, Garth Brooks, Janet Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, U2, and The Eagles perform in Vegas on a regular occasion. Many perform at the all new and highly touted Sphere, easily the most unique concert venue in America. Gen Xers might be thrilled to see the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere this summer. 

For my money the best show is DONNY, at Harrah's Showroom, starring former 1970's teen idol Donny Osmond. He was voted 'Best Entertainer in Vegas' for all of 2024. His show is nothing short of amazing, and Donny is bridging old and new Las Vegas with his high energy performance, featuring song and dance numbers revisiting his six decades in the entertainment industry. A consummate performer and a must see show. Viva Las Vegas! https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/shows/donny-osmond

I did catch 2018 America Idol winner Shin Lim, a magician who's known for his close-up magic and card tricks. Lim performs at Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. For those who enjoy slight of hand, it's an incredibly worthy show. 

Magician David Copperfield is still performing his act in Vegas. His show is currently scheduled at the David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. He has multiple show times scheduled each day, including 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Alakazam!

There's no shortage of comedy in Vegas. You can catch Piff the Magic Dragon at the Flamingo, or Mac King's Comedy Magic at Excalibur. For the ladies, there's Menopause the Musical at Harrah's. Want more, there's the LA Comedy Club (inside Strat Hotel), Delirious, and the Comedy Cellar at Rio Hotel & Casino.

Veteran Hollywood types Jimmy Kimmel and Brad Garrett have comedy clubs in Vegas, where seasoned and up and coming stand-up comics perform on a nightly basis. Adults might enjoy a frightfully sexy evening with the undead of Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood. Laughter runs amok in Vegas!

Additionally, my group all went to see Cirque Du Soleil's 'O', a captivating aerial and aquatic journey, with performances exploring a fantastical world, each revealing a new facet of a dream like expedition. Cirque Du Soleil continues to be one of the main attractions in Las Vegas. https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/o

Some parting shots. Las Vegas does have a few larger arenas. If you're in Vegas at the appropriate time and enjoy professional hockey, the Golden Knights skate at 20K seat T-Mobile Arena. Top tier bands and artists swing through Vegas, as do the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships), for those who love mixed martial arts. https://www.t-mobilearena.com/events

Furthermore Allegiant Stadium plays host to the LA Raiders professional football team and the collegiate UNLV Rebels when they aren't hosting large scale concert tours such as Beyonce. Plan your visit at https://www.allegiantstadium.com/events

If you're flying into Las Vegas, I would avoid a rental car until you absolutely need it. Finding a place to park, getting charged to park at a resort. A rental is a hassle you don't need to deal with. Again, if you're staying on the strip and don't mind getting in your daily steps, several of the resorts and show theatres can be reached in 15 or 20 minutes tops. Side note, the airport is within 10 minutes of the strip.

The four mile automated Las Vegas Monorail mass transit system located adjacent to the Strip connects several large casinos, and brings passengers within a few blocks of old Las Vegas. The cars are clean, arrive about every 5 to 10 minutes and are easily accessible from most of the resorts. You can purchase a one day ticket (24 hrs,), or enjoy a 4-Day Unlimited Pass Is Only $37.

The monorail is one of the quickest ways to move from resort to resort, especially if you're going out to see a show. Operates daily beginning at 7am until 2am Tues - Thurs, operating until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. For more visit https://www.lvmonorail.com/

For whatever reason, there are some that will never travel to Las Vegas, surmising it's a den of iniquity. True, the laws are lax in Sin City. However, if you're a fan of sports, comedy, magic, and big name entertainment than Vegas has a lot to offer besides gaming.

One final note. If like myself you're not a fan of nicotine and stale tobacco wafting through the air, there are alternatives should you opt to spend time in casinos. While some offer designated non-smoking areas, Park MGM stands out as the only major casino resort on the Strip that prohibits smoking indoors. The policy extends to the entire resort, including NoMad Las Vegas. Be smart, gamble wisely, if that's even a thing!

Just like the old casinos have been done away with, so too is the phrase 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. If you play your cards right (pun intended), you can bring home a ton of incredible memories during your visit to sunny Las Vegas, and experience a taste of Hollywood, New York (NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty), and Paris (Eiffel Tower) all along the same boulevard. Las Vegas is a rare gem, but for the adventurous it has lots to offer. 

Two websites dedicated to all things Las Vegas will provide you with more than you'll need to explore the city. For hot deals visit https://www.visitlasvegas.com/ or https://www.vegas.com/

Venturing just outside the city limits and beyond!

Want to check out the Hoover Dam? It's just 40 minutes outside downtown Las Vegas. No need to schedule an Uber or jump in your car. Rather, book the Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour and enjoy a clean and modern bus ride (bathroom onboard) to the dam. Bus departs around 8am and returns at 2pm. Your package includes a trip down under to the power plant and lunch on the way back. As a bonus, your tour guides are would be comedians, so not only to you get history on Hoover Dam, you revel in a decent amount of jocularity during the ride. Check out  https://comedybustours.com/  for more. 

If a trip to the Grand Canyon has been on your bucket list for some time, than consider extending your Las Vegas vacation, and book a couple of days surrounding the canyon. Of course if you want to keep your hotel in Vegas and see one of the most epic views of the canyon, it's just about two hours by car to get to Grand Canyon West.

So leave early, soak in the west view and pay a little extra for the skywalk (a glass bridge overlooking the canyon) and enjoy lunch before heading back. There's not much civilization along the road trip, so maybe split a barbecue plate ($25) at the location or bring some snacks to munch on before heading back. You can do it all in one day.

However, if you want to enjoy several views of the canyon, travel further down highway 40 and or historic Route 66 (approx 3 hours from Vegas) and get off the road in Williams, Arizona. No resorts in Williams, however there is no shortage of rooms, with several mid price range hotels available. 

If you're looking for a clean and affordable stay than I suggest the Hampton Inn exit 163) at 101 Rodeo Rd. You'll enjoy clean contemporary rooms and a decent breakfast from 6-10am. Best to do this hotel and your Grand Canyon visits during the week, because weekend hotel rates are considerably higher. 

Small town Williams is considered the 'Gateway to the Canyon', sort of a middle point between Grand Canyon West and access to the rim of the canyon as well as too the Meteor Crater, a must see for space enthusiasts. Both less than 90 minutes away. Just an added thought if you haven't seen the Grand Canyon. You can always fly out of Las Vegas later in the evening to allow for drive time back or schedule a flight out of Flagstaff or Phoenix as well.

Although it's rare, especially in late April, after enjoying temperature in the 70's just days prior, Williams experienced a late spring light snow storm which threw off my visit to the crater, so my group spent the entire day in Williams, which a native described as the wild west version of Mayberry. Williams, Arizona is a delightful hamlet that mirrors a Norman Rockwell painting.

The main street is also Route 66, and along this six square block stretch you'll discover some of the most quaint shops in all of rural America. Most of them cater to a bygone era, selling native American crafts, Route 66 and Coca-Cola collectibles, Grand Canyon souvenirs, alongside everything Arizona.

Easily the downtown shop that has the most is Colors of the West located at 201 W Rte 66. Together with their sister store Copper Canyon Trading across the street they up 12K sq. ft. of shopping which includes over 300 styles of t-shirts, 70 flavors of salt water taffy, and 100 plus flavors of hot sauces, several you need to sign a waiver to taste. Take home a little piece of Williams at http://www.coppercanyontrading.com/

Williams really pays tribute to one of the most iconic roads in America, with Cruise'n on Route 66 and Addicted to Route 66 selling a variety of souvenirs, vintage rock n' roll collectibles, signs, clothing, and yesteryear candy. All the shops on the main drag revisit a simpler time.

Should you be a craft beer lover like myself, than I recommend popping in Historic Barrel House, an western style industrial looking brewpub drawing craft beers from 16 taps. Of course they have several IPAs, but I enjoy a cold brew with character, so I recommend the Piehole Porter with a hint of cherry vanilla. The answer is yes, they do have beers in can that you can purchase and take with you. Check them out at

If you want to enjoy a hearty meal than drop in Pine Country Restaurant, known worldwide for their pie selections. They open at 7am and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner until 9pm. Old school country fried steak & eggs, biscuits & gravy, and avocado toast alongside roast beef dinners, NY Strip Steak, Babyback Ribs, burgers, chicken, salads, pasta and more. All like grandma used to make.

But don't leave without trying a fruit or cream pie. They are heavenly. Take my word, even if you're not staying in Williams, but are travelling on Hwy 40, plan to exit and chow down at Pine Country. Your stomach and your wallet will thank you. Ladies might enjoy their adjacent gift shop where they carry fashion purses and leather handbags. It has a 'wow factor'. Dine and shop at https://www.pinecountryrestaurant.com/

Don't want to drive to the Grand Canyon, than consider the Grand Canyon Railway, an old fashioned train that departs Williams mid morning for a two hour fun-filled adventure to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You'll travel along the same tracks early adventurers did, spending three hours in the park before returning. Plenty of cowboys shenanigans to and from the canyon. https://www.thetrain.com/the-train/schedule-route/

This railway even has its own luxurious and picturesque set in a western motif. Great way to enjoy Williams and take a break from driving. Shop for deals on your stay and canyon tour for around $525 (two nights) plus tax, with deals including dinner as well, check them out at https://www.thetrain.com/lodging/the-grand-canyon-railway-hotel/

Now from Williams by car it's another 90 minutes to get to the Grand Canyon National Park (south rim) where it's only around $35 for a carload ($20 on foot) to enter the park. Passes good for up to a weekly pass. Big savings over the cost of the western rim, and quite frankly it provides more grandiose views of the entire canyon. I'd say let the size of your wallet and group decide, but overall the park is a much better value. Enter here first at https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm 

If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas and your visit extends to a week or more than take time to take it all in. You're in the desert, you have the mountains, and at least two bucket list items, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Aside from that schedule shows ahead of time. Look for any and all deals online, and save your hard earned money for a few things you really want to experience, and of course several souvenirs from your trip. Enjoy!