Las Vegas Things to Do

Though not regularly considered a place to frolic in winterland wonders, Las Vegas is not one to miss out on the opportunity to entertain its guests. And if you think about it, what could be more dramatic than ice skating in a sand desert? The ice crunching beneath you, the wind in your face and the twinkling of the Strip off in the distance – impressive, no?

To those who think that the age of chivalry is over, think again. For the 18th year, a medieval wonderland will reveal itself in Las Vegas at Silver Bowl Park this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 7th – 9th at the Age of Chivalry – Las Vegas Renaissance Fair.

Like most urban towns, walking amongst the thousands and thousands of busy visitors and eager patrons of Las Vegas is an experience that can sometimes leave one feeling a little left out, losing that sense of intimacy you hope to achieve with your surroundings on any getaway. Luckily, in Nevada, there are several ways to escape all that and once again, find yourself in a state of tranquility, including jumping on a hot air balloon. For one of the most breathtaking sunrises you will see, enjoy the unobstructed 360-degree view of Las Vegas and its majestic surrounding canyons.

Got a fast car? How fast? Mine’s pretty fast, but that’s just because I tinker with it constantly. I’m like the rest of the wanna-be gear-heads – always thinking about the next step, but let’s be honest, I’m just a weekend player. There are whole teams of engineers and countless millions behind the design and fabrication of today’s modern mega-racers. So what’s a guy like me to do? Save and buy a Ferrari?

Negative. Enter Exotics Racing School in Las Vegas. Shell out some coins and head down to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A qualified driving instructor will school you on the ins and outs of your selected car of choice, the rules of the road (no bumping) and set you down behind the wheel of what is the culmination of today’s modern driving movement. Sound hot? I can’t believe it. I called my friends when I found out about this one.

What better way to explore Nevada’s famous Red Rock Canyon than under the wing of an experienced local guide? It stands to reason that the uninitiated would do well to seek assistance when unlocking the wonders (and avoiding the dangers) of the Mohave Valley, and those who do are justly rewarded.

As anyone who’s ever hopped on board the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland knows, a good guide can make or break a tour. This is especially true of Hoover Dam; if you ever taken a bus tour of the dam or the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, you’ve probably been entertained by your bus driver or tour guide. These guides are engaging and often hilarious, and I always wonder if driving a bus is the day job that allows them to dabble in a second career as stand-up comedians.

Like Yosemite and Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon can get a little crowded. I’m not saying it should be closed off or anything, but there are times when you want to just appreciate the sheer magnitude and beauty of the rock and sky without having your reverie interrupted by somebody’s loud kids or a bickering couple or that smug, purple roadrunner blasting through your campsite. At least the coyote is quiet.

The Valley of Fire is an easily accessible road trip from Las Vegas. Known for its spectacular rock formations (it gets its name from its red sandstone spires), it’s a photographer’s fantasy come true.